intle kakhulu
In Xhosa, the phrase "very nice" is said as intle kakhulu.
This phrase is used to describe something that is visually beautiful or attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective intle (beautiful/nice) and the adverb kakhulu (very/much/greatly).
Did you know?
- While intle kakhulu describes visual beauty, if you wanted to say a person is 'nice' in terms of their character, you would use a different root entirely.
- The word kakhulu contains the root -khulu, which is the same root found in the word 'big' or 'great' in many Bantu languages.
- The term kakhulu can be used as a standalone response to express a strong 'yes' or 'very much' in response to a question.
Examples in context
- Ingubo entsha yakhe intle kakhulu.His new blanket is very nice.
Example conversation
Andiswa and Siyabonga are looking at a painting.
- AndiswaJonga le peyinti, intle kakhulu!Look at this painting, it is very nice!
- SiyabongaEwe, indoda eyenza le nto inetalente.Yes, the man who made this has talent.
- AndiswaNdithanda imibala esetshenzisiwe.I love the colors that were used.
- SiyabongaKukunyanizeka, iyakhanga kakhulu.It is true, it is very attractive.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kakhulu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
