Ube nemini emnandi
Ube nemini emnandi is the Xhosa phrase for "have a good day".
This is a polite phrase used to wish someone a pleasant day when parting.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of uba (may you be/have), ne (with), imini (day) and emnandi (pleasant/nice).
How does it change in a sentence?
Ube nemini emnandi is the singular form used when addressing one person. To wish more than one person a good day, change the prefix U- to Ni- to get Nibe nemini emnandi.
Did you know?
- The word emnandi is used to describe both a 'pleasant' day and 'delicious' food, suggesting a day should be something one 'tastes' or enjoys fully.
- The phrase Ube nemini emnandi is actually structured more like a prayer than a greeting. Because it uses the subjunctive mood, you are not just telling someone to 'have' a good day, but rather expressing a hope or a blessing that their day 'may be' pleasant.
- Xhosa is a tonal language, meaning the pitch used when saying imini can change the meaning of a sentence entirely, even if the spelling remains the same.
Examples in context
- Sizabonana, ube nemini emnandi.We will see each other, have a good day.
Example conversation
Nomvula and Lwazi are parting ways after a brief chat.
- NomvulaHamba kakuhle, Lwazi.Go well, Lwazi.
- LwaziEnkosi, Nomvula. Nawe ube nemini emnandi.Thank you, Nomvula. You have a good day too.
- NomvulaEnkosi kakhulu.Thank you very much.
- LwaziSala kakuhle.Stay well.
