enkosi kakhulu
The Xhosa phrase for "thank you very much" is enkosi kakhulu.
enkosi kakhulu is used to express a level of gratitude that is greater than a simple "thank you".
Meaning: greater gratitude than "thank you" (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is composed of enkosi (thanks) and kakhulu (much, greatly or very much).
How does it change in a sentence?
The word enkosi is the standard Xhosa term for "thanks" or "thank you", and the adverb kakhulu is used to intensify the expression of gratitude.
Did you know?
- The word enkosi is derived from the word for 'king' or 'chief'. Expressing gratitude in Xhosa literally involves acknowledging a position of high status or nobility.
- In formal Xhosa settings, thanking an elder often requires using the plural form of address to show maximum respect, even if only one person is being thanked.
- While enkosi is common, expressing deep gratitude in Xhosa culture often involves more than just words, sometimes requiring a physical gesture of humility to show respect.
Examples in context
- Enkosi kakhulu ngeleta yakho.Thank you very much for your letter.This sentence shows how to use enkosi kakhulu when thanking someone for a letter.Tatoeba #1765258 by wwkudu, translation #64421 by CM
- Enkosi kakhulu ngencedo yakho.Thank you very much for your help.
- Enkosi kakhulu ngalo mxholo.Thank you very much for this topic.
Example conversation
Nomvula gives Olwethu a gift for his birthday.
- OlwethuEnkosi kakhulu, Nomvula!Thank you very much, Nomvula!
- NomvulaWamkelekile, Olwethu.You are welcome, Olwethu.
- OlwethuNdiyayithanda kakhulu le nyoka.I love this gift very much.
- NomvulaNdiyavuya ukuba uyayithanda.I am glad that you like it.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
