ukuthula
/úɠutʰúːla/
Peace in Zulu is ukuthula.
ukuthula is a noun used to describe the state of being free from war.
Meaning: state of being free from war (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun is derived from the verb root -thula, which means to be quiet or silent.
How do you pronounce it?
/úɠutʰúːla/
Did you know?
- Zulu has a distinct way of expressing 'peace' through social harmony rather than just the absence of war. This often involves the concept of ubuntu, which emphasizes that peace is achieved through our connection to others.
- The word thula is often used as a command to children to be quiet. Because ukuthula shares this root, the word for peace literally translates to 'the act of being quiet'.
- In traditional Zulu greetings, wishing someone 'peace' is not always a standalone phrase. Instead, it is often woven into inquiries about the wellbeing of the person's family and home.
Examples in context
- Sifuna ukuthula.We want peace.
- Sifuna ukuthula emhlabeni.We want peace in the world.
- Ukuthula kusemandleni esizwe.Peace is in the hands of the nation.
Example conversation
Two neighbors are talking about the news on the radio.
- ThandekaMlungisi, kukhulunywa ngokuthi kukhona ukuthula manje.Mlungisi, it is being said that there is peace now.
- MlungisiYebo, Thandeka, lolu wusuku oluhle.Yes, Thandeka, this is a beautiful day.
- ThandekaSifuna ukuthula okungapheli.We want everlasting peace.
- MlungisiNgiyavuma, thina sonke sifuna lokho.I agree, we all want that.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ukuthula, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
