ngicela
ngicela is the Zulu way to say please.
In Zulu, you express the English concept of please by using the verb ngicela at the beginning of a sentence to make a polite request.
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word ngicela literally means I request or I am requesting.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ngicela is a first-person singular verb, which is why it translates to I request rather than a generic, non-verbal please.
Did you know?
- The root verb cela can also be used to describe the act of 'asking for a hand in marriage' through a formal process called ilobolo.
- While ngicela is the polite way to ask for something, Zulu culture places a heavy emphasis on ukuhlonipha or respect, which often involves avoiding direct eye contact when making a request to an elder.
- Zulu is an agglutinative language, meaning it glues meanings together. The ngi- in ngicela is a prefix that identifies the subject as 'I', making the phrase a complete sentence on its own.
Examples in context
- Ngicela ukubuzaPlease let me ask (formally).
- Ngiyacela ufunde kahlePlease study well (informally).
- Ngicela amanzi.Please, I would like some water.
- Ngicela usisize.Please help us.
- Ngicela ukuhamba.Please, I want to leave.
Example conversation
Sipho and Thandeka are at a restaurant.
- SiphoNgicela imenu, Thandeka.Please give me the menu, Thandeka.
- ThandekaNayi imenu.Here is the menu.
- SiphoNgicela ukubheka iziphuzo.I would like to look at the drinks, please.
- ThandekaKulungile, Sipho.Alright, Sipho.
