Mbótama elámu
Mbótama elámu is the way to say merry Christmas in Lingala.
This phrase is used to express good wishes during the Christmas season.
Meaning: good wishes at Christmas time (phrase)
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, some speakers might use the phrase Mbótama elámu to congratulate someone on a new baby, as it literally means 'good birth'.
- Because the Congo has a tropical climate, 'Christmas' is often associated with the rainy season rather than the winter imagery found in English-speaking countries.
- In Lingala, the concept of 'goodness' expressed in 'elámu' is often linked to the idea of being 'well' or 'healthy', linking holiday wishes to physical well-being.
Examples in context
- Mbótama elámu na yo!Merry Christmas to you!
- Mbótama elámu na bino banso!Merry Christmas to you all!
Example conversation
A patient is being discharged from the hospital right before the holiday.
- PatientMerci mingi, Marie. Mbótama elámu!Thank you very much, Marie. Merry Christmas!
- MarieMerci! Mbótama elámu na yo mpe.Thank you! Merry Christmas to you too.
- PatientTokomonana mbele mpe.We will see each other later.
- MarieKende malámu, tongo etani.Go well, it is dawn.
