ke a leboga
In Sepedi, "thank you" is expressed as ke a leboga.
ke a leboga is used to express gratitude. You can extend the phrase by adding the reason for your thanks, such as Ke a leboga ka go re thusa to say "I am thankful for your help" or Ke a leboga ka go tlhokomela to say "I am grateful for your care."
Meaning: an expression of gratitude (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ke a leboga literally means "I thank (you)". It is composed of ke (I), a (a particle used to indicate a continuous or present action) and leboga (to thank).
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the subject from "I" to "we", replace the pronoun ke with re, resulting in re a leboga (we thank you).
Did you know?
- The verb leboga is related to the idea of being indebted or owing something, reflecting a cultural view of gratitude as a social bond that acknowledges a favor received.
- A slight bow or placing a hand on the chest while saying ke a leboga communicates a level of sincerity that the words alone cannot convey.
- Because Sepedi is part of the Sotho-Tswana group, a speaker of Setswana can typically understand ke a leboga even if they do not speak Sepedi.
Examples in context
- Ke a leboga kudu.Thank you very much.
- Ke a leboga ka tšhelete.Thank you for the money.
Example conversation
Lerato gives Katlego a gift.
- KatlegoKe a leboga, Lerato.Thank you, Lerato.
- LeratoGa go na problema, Katlego.No problem, Katlego.
- KatlegoO nkgodišitše kudu.You have made me very happy.
- LeratoKe thabela gore o a e rata.I am glad that you like it.
