molo
[mǒ̤ːlo]singular
Hello in Xhosa is molo. Wiktionary also lists molweni.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Ways to say it
| Xhosa | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| molo | [mǒ̤ːlo] (narrow) | singular |
| molweni | [molʷéːni] (narrow) | plural |
The most common and versatile way to say hello in Xhosa is molo, which is suitable for both formal and informal situations. If you are greeting a group of people, you should use molweni. In a casual and friendly setting among friends, you might also hear the phrase Unjani?, which translates to "How are you?"
Which one should you use?
The distinction between molo and molweni is based solely on the number of people being addressed.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use molo when greeting one person and molweni when greeting more than one person.
Did you know?
- Xhosa is famous for its 'click' sounds, but the greeting molo actually contains no click consonants. This makes it one of the simplest and easiest words for English speakers to pronounce correctly.
- Xhosa greeting customs are heavily influenced by the concept of 'Ubuntu', the belief in a universal bond of belonging, which makes the act of saying molo a recognition of shared humanity.
- When saying molo to an elder, it is a sign of respect to slightly bow your head or avoid direct, intense eye contact during the initial greeting.
Examples in context
- Molweni. Igama lam nguJabu.Hello. My name is Jabu.This sentence shows how to use molweni to greet a group during an introduction.Tatoeba #9204483 by Monde, translation #9204345 by Monde
- Molo. Ndingathetha noMnumzana Johnson, nceda?Hello. May I speak to Mr Johnson, please?This sentence demonstrates how to use molo to greet someone before asking to speak to a third party.Tatoeba #1767733 by wwkudu, translation #30967 by gin
- Molo. NguJoe Carlton lo. Ndingathetha noMichael?Hello. This is Joe Carlton. May I speak to Michael?This sentence shows the use of molo when introducing yourself to someone.Tatoeba #1767736 by wwkudu, translation #30968 by CN
- Molo! Unjani?Hello! How are you?
- Unjani? Ndiyaphila, wena unjani?How are you? I am fine, and you?
Example conversation
Siyabonga meets Zoleka on the street.
- SiyabongaMolo, Zoleka.Hello, Zoleka.
- ZolekaMolo, Siyabonga.Hello, Siyabonga.
- SiyabongaUnjani namhlanje?How are you today?
- ZolekaNdiphilile, enkosi.I am well, thanks.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries molo, molweni, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
