molo
[mǒ̤ːlo]
In Xhosa, the English phrase "hi" is expressed as molo.
Molo is a friendly, informal greeting.
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
Which one should you use?
Molo is used specifically for one person, whereas molweni is used for multiple people or to show formal respect.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Gqeberha region, the phrase Molweni bo is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use molweni instead of molo when greeting more than one person or when addressing someone with formal respect.
When do people say it?
Unjani? means "How Are You?"
Did you know?
- While molo is a standard greeting, Xhosa is famous for its click consonants, and the pronunciation of many related words involves distinct 'click' sounds made with the tongue.
- The greeting molo is part of the Nguni group of languages, making it a distant relative to Zulu. A speaker of Zulu can often recognize molo and understand the intent even if they aren't fluent in Xhosa.
- In Xhosa culture, a greeting like molo is often accompanied by a slight bow or a respectful nod of the head to show recognition.
Examples in context
- Molo, igama lam nguPekka. Ngubani igama lakho?Hi, my name is Pekka. What is your name?This sentence shows how to use molo to introduce yourself and ask for someone's name.Tatoeba #1765239 by wwkudu, translation #1014525 by CN
- Molo, unjani?Hi, how are you?
Example conversation
Siyabonga meets Zoleka on the street.
- SiyabongaMolo, Zoleka.Hi, Zoleka.
- ZolekaMolo, Siyabonga.Hi, Siyabonga.
- SiyabongaUnjani namhlanje?How are you today?
- ZolekaNdiphilile, enkosi.I am well, thanks.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry molo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
