Unjani?
The Ndebele phrase for "how are you?" is Unjani?
This is a common greeting used to ask someone about their health or general well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
In the word Unjani?, the prefix u- refers to the singular "you" and the root -njani means "how".
Which one should you use?
Use Unjani? when addressing one person and Ninjani? when addressing more than one person.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase Kunjani wena? is primarily used in the Zimbabwean dialect to mean "How are you?"
When do people say it?
A common response to Unjani? is Ngisaphila, which means "I am still well.". If you are responding to a plural greeting like Ninjani?, you should use the plural response Siphila, meaning "We are well.".
Did you know?
- In Ndebele culture, greetings are not just polite but essential. Failing to ask Unjani? before starting a conversation is often seen as a sign of poor upbringing or hostility.
- The root -njani is shared with other Nguni languages like Zulu, meaning an English speaker who learns this phrase can be understood by millions of people across Southern Africa.
- The response Ngisaphila uses the prefix sa-, which indicates a continuing state. Literally, it means 'I am still alive' or 'I continue to live' rather than just 'I am well'.
Examples in context
- Unjani?How are you?
Example conversation
Thulani meets Sibusisiwe on the street.
- ThulaniSawubona Sibusisiwe, unjani?Hello Sibusisiwe, how are you?
- SibusisiweNgikhona, unjani wena Thulani?I am well, how are you Thulani?
- ThulaniNgikhona nami, ngiyabonga.I am also well, thank you.
- SibusisiweKulungile, ube nosuku oluhle.Alright, have a good day.
