kumkani wam
The English phrase "my king" is translated into Xhosa as kumkani wam.
kumkani wam is used to address or refer to one's own monarch.
Did you know?
- In many Xhosa-speaking contexts, calling someone kumkani wam can be used playfully or sarcastically among friends to mock someone acting bossy.
- Xhosa is a tonal language, meaning the pitch used when saying kumkani wam can change the perceived emotion or formality of the address.
- Using kumkani wam in a casual urban conversation is often perceived as being 'theatrical' or overly dramatic, like a line from a play.
Examples in context
- Ndiyakubulela, kumkani wam.I thank you, my king.
- Wenza nto entle, kumkani wam.You do a good thing, my king.
- Siyakugcina ngethemba, kumkani wam.We hold onto hope for you, my king.
Example conversation
Nomvula is introducing Siyabonga to a royal court.
- NomvulaNantsi indoda ekumkani wam.Here is the man for my king.
- SiyabongaNdiyavuya ukuhlangana naye.I am happy to meet him.
- NomvulaKumkani wam, nantsi iindaba.My king, here is the news.
- SiyabongaNdiyaziva, Nomvula.I hear you, Nomvula.
