u le ku endleni?
u le ku endleni? is the Tsonga way to say "what are you doing?"
This phrase is a question used to ask someone about their current activity.
Did you know?
- If you are addressing a single elder, you should avoid the singular 'you' and instead use a plural or honorific form to avoid being perceived as rude.
- In Tsonga, the concept of 'doing' and 'making' is captured by the same root word endla. This means u le ku endleni? can be used whether someone is reading a book or building a house.
- Due to the colonial history of Mozambique, you might hear Tsonga speakers pepper this phrase with Portuguese-inspired sounds or loanwords, creating a unique linguistic blend.
Example conversation
Ntsiki finds Tshamuse in the kitchen.
- NtsikiTshamuse, u le ku endleni?Tshamuse, what are you doing?
- TshamuseNdzi londa swukati.I am cooking porridge.
- NtsikiXana ndzi nga ku assistanta?Can I help you?
- TshamuseIna, ndzi kombela mati.Yes, I would like some water.
