dumela
/dumɛla/singular
The English phrase "hello" is translated into Tswana as dumela. Wiktionary also lists dumelang.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Tswana | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| dumela | /dumɛla/ | singular |
| dumelang | plural |
Dumela is a standard, polite way to initiate a conversation in Tswana.
Which one should you use?
Use dumela when greeting one person, and use dumelang when greeting more than one person.
How do you pronounce it?
/dumɛla/
Did you know?
- The root of dumela is linked to the verb 'to agree' or 'to accept'. Greeting someone in Tswana is essentially an act of acknowledging and accepting their presence.
- The plural dumelang is not only used for groups but also as a mark of high respect when addressing a single person of superior status or age.
- Tswana belongs to the Bantu language family, meaning it shares a structural kinship with Swahili and Zulu, despite being spoken primarily in Botswana and South Africa.
Examples in context
- Dumela, rra.Hello, sir.
- Dumela, mma.Hello, ma'am.
- Dumela, o tsogile jang?Hello, how are you?
Example conversation
Lesedi greets Phenyo on the street.
- LesediDumela, Phenyo.Hello, Phenyo.
- PhenyoDumela, Lesedi. O tsogile jang?Hello, Lesedi. How are you?
- LesediKe tsogile sentle, rra.I am well, sir.
- PhenyoKe itumela go go bona.I am happy to see you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries dumela, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
