omusajja omukadde
The English phrase "old man" is translated into Luganda as omusajja omukadde.
omusajja omukadde is used to refer to an elderly man.
Meaning: elderly man (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of omusajja, meaning "man" and omukadde, meaning "old" or "elderly".
How does it change in a sentence?
In Luganda, the adjective omukadde must agree with the noun omusajja through the use of the appropriate noun class prefix omu-.
When do people say it?
The term Jjaja can be used to mean grandfather or elder.
Did you know?
- The word omusajja originates from a Proto-South Cushitic root meaning 'mature young man', suggesting the concept of 'manhood' was historically linked to a specific stage of development.
- While omusajja omukadde is a description, the term Jjaja is often used for any elderly person as a sign of respect, regardless of whether they are actually your grandfather.
- While omusajja omukadde is a literal description, if you call someone 'old' using certain other adjectives, you might accidentally imply they are 'difficult' or 'stubborn' rather than just aged.
Examples in context
- Omusajja omukadde ali wano.The old man is here.
Example conversation
Mukasa and Nantongo are walking in the village.
- MukasaTula omusajja omukadde ono ebintu.Carry the things for this old man.
- NantongoNze nnawe tulyambye omusajja omukadde.You and I have helped the old man.
- MukasaYaye, akola nnere.Yes, he is working hard.
- NantongoTukole n'obuwani.Let us work with care.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries omusajja, CC BY-SA 4.0.
