molo, unjani?
The English phrase "hello, how are you?" is translated into Xhosa as molo, unjani?
This phrase is a common greeting used to start a conversation and ask about someone's well-being. Another way to ask "How are you?" is Unjani na?
What does it mean word for word?
The word molo is the standard greeting for "hello" in the singular. The word unjani? is a combination of the subject concord for 'you' (singular) and the interrogative 'how'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form molo, unjani? is used specifically when addressing a single person. If you are greeting more than one person, use the plural forms molweni, ninjani? instead.
When do people say it?
A common and polite way to respond to unjani? is ndiphilile, enkosi (I am well, thank you).
Did you know?
- When responding to unjani?, saying 'ndiphilile' literally translates to 'I am alive', which carries a much deeper connotation of vitality than the English 'I am well'.
- The plural form molweni is not just a grammatical change for 'many people', but is also used as a way to show heightened respect to an elder even if you are only addressing one person.
- While 'molo' is the standard greeting, Xhosa speakers often emphasize respect by adding 'ntwanana' for a child or 'bhuti' for a brother after the greeting.
Examples in context
- Molo, unjani?Hello, how are you?
