wĩmwega
The English phrase "hello" is translated into Kikuyu as wĩmwega.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase wĩmwega literally means "you are good" or "you are well".
Which one should you use?
The form wĩmwega is used when you are addressing a single person. To address multiple people, you would use mwĩmwega.
How does it change in a sentence?
While wĩmwega addresses one person, the plural form twĩmwega means "we are good" and can be used as a greeting or a response.
When do people say it?
When someone greets you with wĩmwega, a common response is ĩĩ, ndĩ mwega, which means "Yes, I am well".
Did you know?
- In many Kikuyu communities, jumping straight to a request or a main topic after saying wĩmwega is often perceived as incredibly rude or dismissive.
- In rural areas, the greeting process following wĩmwega may specifically include inquiries about livestock, as animals are central to wealth and well-being in traditional culture.
- The word for 'good' within wĩmwega is the same word a Kikuyu speaker would use to describe a person of high moral integrity.
Examples in context
- Wĩmwega, mwanake.Hello, young man.
- Wĩmwega, nyiradi.Hello, lady.
- Wĩmwega, mami.Hello, mother.
Example conversation
Kamau meets Nyambura on a path in the village.
- KamauWĩmwega, Nyambura.Hello, Nyambura.
- NyamburaWĩmwega, Kamau.Hello, Kamau.
- KamauŨhoro waku?How are you?
- NyamburaNĩ wega.I am well.
