nĩ wega
/ne wɛɣa/
The English phrase thanks is said in Kikuyu as nĩ wega.
nĩ wega is the standard way to express appreciation or gratitude in Kikuyu.
Meaning: used to express appreciation or gratitude (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "it is good". The particle nĩ functions as a copula meaning "is" or "it is", and wega means "good" or "well".
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, nĩ acts as the copula "is" and wega expresses the quality of being good.
How do you pronounce it?
/ne wɛɣa/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, repeating nĩ wega, nĩ wega is used not just for thanks, but as a way to acknowledge a blessing or a positive turn of events.
- In Kikuyu culture, expressing gratitude is often accompanied by a slight nod or a respectful gesture, as the words are inseparable from the person's physical demeanor.
- While nĩ wega means 'thanks', the word wega is also used to describe a person's moral character or beauty, linking gratitude to the concept of inherent goodness.
Examples in context
- Nĩ wega ũndũ ũcio.Thanks for that.
Example conversation
Wambui gives Mwangi a glass of water.
- WambuiMwangi, nĩ hũ wa kĩmũnji.Mwangi, here is a glass of water.
- MwangiNĩ wega, Wambui.Thanks, Wambui.
- WambuiTĩĩ kĩndũ kĩna.It is nothing.
- MwangiNĩ wega mũno.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nĩ wega, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
