ngiyabonga kakhulu
In Zulu, "thank you very much" is ngiyabonga kakhulu.
This phrase is used to express a level of gratitude that is greater than the standard "thank you".
Meaning: greater gratitude than "thank you" (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The prefix ngi- means "I", and the word kakhulu means "very much" or "a lot".
Which one should you use?
While ngiyabonga is the standard way to say "thank you", adding kakhulu intensifies the sentiment to mean "thank you very much".
Did you know?
- If you want to be extremely formal or polite when saying ngiyabonga kakhulu, you might avoid direct eye contact with an elder to show respect.
- The root -bonga can also mean 'to praise' or 'to give thanks' in a religious context, making ngiyabonga kakhulu a phrase that can shift from a simple 'thank you' to an act of worship depending on the setting.
- The intensifier kakhulu is formed by joining the particle ka with the adjective khulu, which means 'big' or 'great'.
Examples in context
- Ngiyabonga kakhulu ngosizo lwakho.Thank you very much for your help.
- Ngiyabonga kakhulu ngemali.Thank you very much for the money.
Example conversation
Mlungisi gives Nomusa a thoughtful gift.
- MlungisiNomusa, nansi isipho sakho.Nomusa, here is your gift.
- NomusaOh, ngiyabonga kakhulu, Mlungisi!Oh, thank you very much, Mlungisi!
- MlungisiNgiyajabula ukuthi uyayithanda.I am glad that you like it.
- NomusaIyinhle kakhulu, ngiyabonga.It is very beautiful, thank you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kakhulu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
