Sizobonana ngomuso
The English phrase 'see you later' is translated into Zulu as Sizobonana ngomuso.
Sizobonana ngomuso is used to say 'see you tomorrow' when you are certain you will see the person on the very next day. For a more general 'see you later' where a specific time is not implied, the shorter form Sizobonana is more common. Additionally, in informal Zulu conversation, people often use the borrowed English word 'Bye' to mean 'Goodbye' or 'See you later'.
Meaning: goodbye (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Sizobonana is a future tense form of the reciprocal verb bonana (to see each other), using the prefix Si- which means 'we'.
Which one should you use?
While Sizobonana ngomuso specifically means 'see you tomorrow', the shorter form Sizobonana means 'we will see each other' and is used for a general 'see you later'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb part Sizobonana is a future tense form of the reciprocal verb bonana (to see each other), with the prefix Si- meaning 'we'.
Did you know?
- The root verb bona means 'to see', but in Zulu, it is also used as a way to say 'I understand' or 'I see your point' during a conversation.
- While Sizobonana is a literal 'see you', some Zulu speakers may use the phrase Hamba kahle meaning 'go well' to end an interaction more naturally.
- The root of the word for 'see', bon-, is found in many other Bantu languages across Southern Africa, making the core of this farewell recognizable to many people in the region.
Example conversation
Sipho and Zanele are leaving work for the day.
- SiphoNgiyashiya manje, Zanele.I am leaving now, Zanele.
- ZaneleHamba kahle, Sipho.Go well, Sipho.
- SiphoNgiyabonga, sizobonana ngomuso.Thank you, we will see each other tomorrow.
- ZaneleYebo, sizobonana ngomuso.Yes, we will see each other tomorrow.
