ndiyacela
The Xhosa word for "please" is ndiyacela.
In Xhosa, ndiyacela is used to make a polite request. Unlike the English "please", which can function as a standalone interjection, ndiyacela is a full verb phrase. It is used to frame a request rather than being a single-word particle.
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The form ndiyacela is a combination of the prefix ndi- (I), the present tense marker -ya- (am) and the verb stem -cela (ask/request/beg).
Which one should you use?
While ndiyacela is the standard form, the shortened version ndicela is frequently used in place of ndiyacela in both natural speech and written text.
Did you know?
- The word ndiyacela can be used as a social lubricant to interrupt someone or initiate a conversation with a stranger, functioning like the English phrase 'excuse me'.
- The root of ndiyacela carries a meaning closer to 'begging' or 'supplicating' than the neutral English 'please'.
- In Xhosa culture, politeness is often expressed through the use of honorifics and tone rather than just adding a word like ndiyacela to a sentence.
Examples in context
- Ndiyacela undincede.Please help me.
- Ndiyacela ukhawule.Please hurry up.
Example conversation
Lwazi asks Olwethu to pass the salt at the table.
- LwaziNdiyacela undinike isawoti.Please pass me the salt.
- OlwethuNaku isawoti, Lwazi.Here is the salt, Lwazi.
- LwaziEnkosi kakhulu.Thank you very much.
- OlwethuWamkelekile.You are welcome.
