molo
[mǒ̤ːlo]
The English phrase 'hey' is expressed in Xhosa as molo.
molo is the standard way to say hello in Xhosa. It is a polite and respectful greeting, and is preferred over using English loanwords like 'hey' in formal Xhosa settings.
Meaning: informal greeting (intj)
Which one should you use?
molo is used when addressing a single person, whereas the form molweni is used for a group.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use molweni instead of molo when greeting more than one person.
Did you know?
- The greeting process is deeply tied to the concept of 'Ubuntu', where acknowledging another person's presence through molo validates their humanity.
- The language of Xhosa uses 'click' sounds that are absent in English, and while molo does not contain a click, many other common greetings and social responses do.
- Greeting someone with molo in a rural setting often triggers a sequence of reciprocal inquiries that can last several minutes before the actual purpose of the visit is mentioned.
Examples in context
- Molo!Hello!
- Molo, unjani?Hello, how are you?
- Molo mama.Hello, mother.
- Molo mntwan'am.Hello, my child.
Example conversation
Thando and Lwazi meet at a cafe.
- ThandoMolo, Lwazi!Hey, Lwazi!
- LwaziMolo, Thando!Hey, Thando!
- ThandoUphilile na?Are you doing well?
- LwaziEwe, ndiphilile.Yes, I am well.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry molo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
