wĩ mwega
In Kikuyu, the English phrase "hi" is expressed as wĩ mwega.
The phrase is a friendly, informal greeting.
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase wĩ mwega literally translates to "you are good" or "you are well".
Which one should you use?
wĩ mwega is used for a single person, whereas mũ mwega is used for a group.
How does it change in a sentence?
When greeting more than one person, the phrase changes from the singular wĩ mwega to the plural mũ mwega.
When do people say it?
A common response to the greeting wĩ mwega is ĩĩ, ndĩ mwega (yes, I am good/well).
Did you know?
- While wĩ mwega is informal, greetings in Kikuyu traditionally involve an exchange of several inquiries about family and livestock before the main conversation begins.
- The root word mwega meaning 'good' is used not only for health or mood but also to describe the physical beauty or moral goodness of a person.
- The tone of voice used when saying wĩ mwega can shift the phrase from a casual 'hi' to a more concerned 'are you okay?' if the inflection rises at the end.
Examples in context
- Wĩ mwega, mwanake?Are you well, young man?
Example conversation
Kamau and Wambui meet on the street.
- KamauWĩ mwega, Wambui!Hi, Wambui!
- WambuiNĩ mwega, Kamau.I am well, Kamau.
- KamauŨrĩ mwarĩ wa mwana?Are you doing well?
- WambuiĨĩ, nĩ mwega mũno.Yes, I am very well.
