Dumêlang
The English phrase "hi" is translated into Sepedi as Dumêlang.
Dumêlang is used as a greeting to say hello. For a more casual way to ask "How are you?", you can use O kae?
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb go dumela, which means to greet or to say hello. Dumêlang literally means "greet you all".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While the phrase can serve as a friendly greeting, using the plural form Dumêlang is a common way to show respect to a group or to an elder in a formal setting.
Did you know?
- The verb go dumela is also used in the context of 'believing' or 'accepting' something as true, linking the act of greeting to the act of acceptance.
- Even when speaking to only one person, you might use the plural Dumêlang to acknowledge the person's ancestors or their family status.
- The word Dumêlang belongs to the Bantu language family, meaning it shares a structural ancestor with languages spoken from the coast of Gabon to the shores of South Africa.
Examples in context
- O kae? / Ke gona, wena?Hi, how are you? / I'm fine, and you?
Example conversation
Lerato and Kabelo meet at a cafe.
- LeratoDumêlang, Kabelo!Hi, Kabelo!
- KabeloDumêlang, Lerato.Hi, Lerato.
- LeratoO tsogo bjang?How are you doing?
- KabeloKe tsoga gabotse, thank you.I am doing well, thank you.
