iKrismesi emnandi
The English phrase merry Christmas is translated into Xhosa as iKrismesi emnandi.
This phrase is used to offer good wishes during the Christmas season.
Meaning: good wishes at Christmas time (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the noun iKrismesi and the adjective emnandi, which literally means sweet, pleasant or delicious.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Xhosa, the adjective emnandi follows the noun iKrismesi to form the complete phrase.
Did you know?
- Xhosa is a tonal language, meaning the pitch used to say emnandi can change the meaning of the word entirely, regardless of the spelling.
- The 'i' at the beginning of iKrismesi is a noun class prefix. In Xhosa, nouns are grouped into classes that determine how every other word in the sentence must change to match them.
- While iKrismesi emnandi is used in formal greetings, many Xhosa speakers in South Africa will simply use the English phrase 'Merry Christmas' due to the country's multilingual nature.
Examples in context
- IKrismesi emnandi kuwe!Merry Christmas to you!
- Ndifuna ukukubongela iKrismesi emnandi.I want to wish you a merry Christmas.
Example conversation
Siyabonga and Zoleka meet on the street during the holiday season.
- SiyabongaMolo Zoleka, iKrismesi emnandi!Hello Zoleka, merry Christmas!
- ZolekaEnkosi Siyabonga, nawe iKrismesi emnandi!Thank you Siyabonga, merry Christmas to you too!
- SiyabongaUza kudla nani nanamhlanje?Are you eating with them today?
- ZolekaEwe, siza kudla kunye.Yes, we are going to eat together.
