Ndiphilile
To say "I am fine" in Xhosa, use Ndiphilile.
This phrase is used specifically to report your physical or general well-being when responding to a greeting such as Unjani? (How are you?).
What does it mean word for word?
The word Ndiphilile is composed of the prefix ndi- meaning "I", the verb stem -phil- meaning "live" or "be healthy" and the suffix -ile which indicates a completed state or perfective aspect.
Which one should you use?
The version Ndiphilile nje is an informal way to say "I am just fine".
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix -ile is used to indicate a state that has been reached and is currently being maintained.
Did you know?
- The word Ndiphilile sounds very similar to words in Zulu, such as Ngiphile, because both languages belong to the Nguni group and share a common ancestral root for 'life'.
- In many Xhosa-speaking communities, when someone asks how you are, simply saying Ndiphilile might be seen as too abrupt if you do not also follow it with a polite inquiry about the other person.
- While Ndiphilile means 'I am fine', the verb stem -phil- is used in the word impilo, which means both 'health' and 'life'.
Examples in context
- Ndiyaphila, bhutiI am fine, my brother
- Ndiphilile, ndiyabulela.I am fine, thank you.
- Ndiphilile nje, enkosi.I'm just fine, thanks.
- Ndiphilile kakhulu namhlanje.I am very well today.
- Ndiphilile, unjani wena?I am fine, how are you?
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street.
- ThandoMolo Lwazi, unjani?Hello Lwazi, how are you?
- LwaziNdiphilile, Thando. Wena unjani?I am fine, Thando. How are you?
- ThandoNam ndiphilile, enkosi.I am also fine, thank you.
- LwaziKulungile, sisonke!Alright, we are together!
