wamkelekile
singular
In Xhosa, the English phrase "welcome" is expressed as wamkelekile. Wiktionary also lists namkelekile.
Meaning: greeting given upon someone's arrival (intj)
Ways to say it
| Xhosa | Note |
|---|---|
| wamkelekile | singular |
| namkelekile | plural |
This phrase is a greeting used to acknowledge someone's arrival.
What does it mean word for word?
The word wamkelekile is a passive verb form that literally means "you are welcomed".
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form wamkelekile is used when you are welcoming one person. To address more than one person, use the plural form namkelekile.
Did you know?
- The pronunciation of the 'clicks' in related verbal roots of this word requires a specific placement of the tongue that is not found in most European languages.
- The root of wamkelekile comes from the verb ukwamkela, which also means to accept or receive a gift or an idea.
- While wamkelekile is used for arrival, Xhosa culture emphasizes the greeting molo as the primary social lubricant to establish presence before the formal welcome occurs.
Examples in context
- Wamkelekile.Welcome.This sentence shows the use of wamkelekile as a standalone greeting.Tatoeba #1754051 by wwkudu, translation #138919 by CM
- Wamkelekile kule ndlu.You are welcome in this house.
- Wamkelekile kule nkonzo.You are welcome to this service.
Example conversation
Siyabonga greets Zoleka as she enters his home.
- SiyabongaMolo Zoleka, wamkelekile!Hello Zoleka, welcome!
- ZolekaEnkosi kakhulu, Siyabonga.Thank you very much, Siyabonga.
- SiyabongaNgena ngaphakathi.Come inside.
- ZolekaNdiyavuya ukuba ndilapha.I am happy to be here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “welcome” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
