cwaka
The Xhosa word for "quiet" (with little sound) is cwaka.
cwaka is an adjective used to describe a state of being quiet or having little sound. In conversational settings, you might also encounter the informal term Husha to tell someone to "shush" or "hush".
Meaning: with little sound (adj)
Did you know?
- The word cwaka is often used as an ideophone, which is a word that evokes a sensory image. It does not just mean 'quiet', it mimics the heavy, absolute silence of a place.
- In a social context, saying a room has gone cwaka often implies that the atmosphere has become tense or awkward.
- In some Xhosa-speaking communities, being 'too quiet' in a group setting can sometimes be interpreted as being disinterested or even sullen, rather than just being peaceful.
Example conversation
Thando and Nomvula are entering a library.
- ThandoKuthe cwaka apha, Nomvula.It is quiet here, Nomvula.
- NomvulaEwe, Thando, kulo yilayibrari.Yes, Thando, this is a library.
- ThandoMasingathethi kakhulu.Let us not talk too much.
- NomvulaNdiyavuma, masifunde.I agree, let us read.
