unjani?
The English phrase "how are you?" is translated into Xhosa as unjani?
unjani? is a common greeting used to ask someone about their health or general well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The prefix u- in unjani? refers to the singular second person "you".
Which one should you use?
unjani? is used when addressing one person, whereas nijani? is used for multiple people.
How does it change in a sentence?
To ask "how are you?" to a group of people, use the plural form nijani? instead of unjani?
When do people say it?
A common response to unjani? is ndiphilile, which literally means "I am well/healthy".
Did you know?
- The plural form nijani? is not just for 'you all', but is also a polite way to address a single person of high importance.
- The response ndiphilile comes from the root word phila, which means 'to live'. Thus, saying you are well is linguistically the same as saying 'I am living'.
- Xhosa is a tonal language, meaning the pitch used when saying unjani? can subtly change the emotional nuance of the inquiry from curiosity to deep concern.
Examples in context
- Unjani, mfondini?How are you, my friend?
- Unjani?How are you?
- Molo, unjani?Hello, how are you?
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street.
- LwaziMolo Olwethu, unjani?Hello Olwethu, how are you?
- OlwethuNdiphilile Lwazi, unjani wena?I am well Lwazi, how are you?
- LwaziNam ndiphilile, enkosi.I am also well, thank you.
- OlwethuKuhle kakhulu.That is very good.
