pole
The English word 'sorry' is translated to Kamba as pole.
The word pole is used as an interjection to express sympathy or to apologize for a mistake or accident.
Meaning: expression of regret or sorrow (intj)
Which one should you use?
While pole can mean 'sorry' in the sense of expressing sympathy (like 'I'm sorry for your loss'), it is also the standard way to apologize for a minor social blunder.
Did you know?
- Kamba speakers may repeat the word as pole pole to mean 'slowly' or 'carefully', shifting the meaning from an emotion to a speed.
- In Kamba culture, pole is often used as a greeting to acknowledge someone's hard work or struggle, such as seeing someone carrying a heavy load.
- A person receiving a pole for a misfortune often replies with asante, which means 'thank you', acknowledging the sympathy rather than the cause of the sorrow.
Examples in context
- Pole sana.I am very sorry.
- Pole kwa kosa langu.Sorry for my mistake.
Example conversation
Mumbua tells Musyoka that she accidentally broke his cup.
- MumbuaPole, nîndakũmanîthya kîku.Sorry, I broke your cup.
- MusyokaTî kîndũ, Mumbua.It is nothing, Mumbua.
- MumbuaPole mũno, Musyoka.I am very sorry, Musyoka.
- MusyokaNî kwona, tî kîndũ.It's okay, it is nothing.
