hle
hle is the Sesotho way to say please.
hle is used as an interjection to soften a request or to make it more polite.
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
Did you know?
- The word hle is used even when the speaker is the one granting a favor, acting as a way to keep the social interaction humble and harmonious.
- When using hle to ask for something, many Sesotho speakers will also lower their gaze or avoid direct eye contact as a sign of respect to the person being asked.
- Unlike English, where 'please' is essential for politeness, Sesotho often conveys 'please' through the use of specific polite verb prefixes rather than relying solely on the word hle.
Examples in context
- Ke kopa glase ya metsi, ka kopo.May I have a glass of water, please?
- Hle, mpolelle nnete.Please, tell me the truth.
Example conversation
Lerato asks Teboho to pass her a glass of water.
- LeratoTeboho, hle, nthele metsi.Teboho, please, pour me some water.
- TebohoKe tla u nthela hona jwale.I will pour it for you right now.
- LeratoKe a leboha haholo.Thank you very much.
- TebohoHa se mathata.No problem.
