unjani?
The English phrase "how are you?" is translated into Zulu as unjani?
unjani? is a common greeting used to ask about someone's health or general well-being. It functions both as a standard social greeting and as a genuine inquiry into a person's state.
What does it mean word for word?
The suffix -njani? means "how?" and is used to ask about a person's state or condition.
Which one should you use?
unjani? is used when speaking to one person, whereas nijani? is used when addressing a group.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address more than one person, the prefix changes from u- to ni- to form nijani?
When do people say it?
A common response to unjani? is ngiyaphila, which literally means "I am living/thriving".
Did you know?
- While unjani? asks about well-being, it is often preceded by the greeting sawubona, which literally means 'I see you'. This reflects a cultural emphasis on acknowledging the other person's presence and humanity before inquiring about their state.
- In very formal settings, you might use the plural nijani? even when speaking to a single person. This is a sign of deep respect, similar to the 'T-V distinction' or royal 'we' in European languages.
- Because Zulu is a tonal language, the way you pitch the syllables in unjani? can change the emotional weight of the question, making it sound either like a casual 'what's up' or a deeply concerned 'how are you'.
Examples in context
- Sawubona, unjani?Hello, how are you?
Example conversation
Bandile meets Thandeka on a street in a neighborhood.
- BandileSawubona Thandeka, unjani?Hello Thandeka, how are you?
- ThandekaNgiyaphila, unjani wena?I am well, how are you?
- BandileNgiyaphila nami, ngiyabonga.I am also well, thank you.
- ThandekaKulungile, hamba kahle.Alright, go well.
