mbote
Hello in Lingala is mbote.
mbote is a standard, neutral greeting used when arriving or meeting someone.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Which one should you use?
While mbote can be used for both a single person and a group, you can add na bino to the end to specifically clarify that you are greeting a group of people.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a group of people, you can use the phrase mbote na bino, which means 'hello to you all'.
Did you know?
- The phrase mbote na bino uses the pronoun bino, which is used for both the plural 'you' and as a formal way to address a single person of high status.
- The word mbote is closely related to the concept of 'peace' or 'goodness' in the Bantu language family, making the greeting a wish for well-being rather than just a notification of arrival.
- In urban centers like Kinshasa, mbote is often blended with French greetings like bonjour in a single conversation, reflecting the bilingual nature of the city.
Examples in context
- Mbote!Hello!
- Mbote na bino.Hello to you all.
- Mbote, sango nini?Hello, how is the news?
- Mbote na yo.Hello to you.
Example conversation
Guy and Patientine meet on the street.
- GuyMbote, Patientine!Hello, Patientine!
- PatientineMbote, Guy!Hello, Guy!
- GuySango nini?What is the news?
- PatientineSango te, melesse.No news, everything is fine.
