How to Say “Word” in Xhosa

By Angus Barry • Updated October 4, 2026

igama

[íɡ̊a̤᷈ːma]

The Xhosa word for "word" is igama.

The term igama refers to a unit of language, a noun used to denote a specific word.

Meaning: unit of language (noun)

Did you know?

Xhosa allows for the creation of extremely long words through agglutination, meaning a single igama can function as an entire English sentence.
While igama means 'word', it is also the standard term used when asking someone for their 'name' in Xhosa.
The word igama is not originally Xhosa but was borrowed from a Tuu language.

Examples in context

Nceda undixelele igama elinye.
Please tell me one word.

Example conversation

Nomvula is helping Olwethu study.

Nomvula

Leli igama elifanelekileyo?
Is this the correct word?
Olwethu

Ewe, Nomvula, likhona.
Yes, Nomvula, it is.
Nomvula

Ngaba ungalibhala phantsi?
Can you write it down?
Olwethu

Ndizakulibhala ngoku.
I will write it now.

Sources

Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry igama, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
Word origins: Wiktionary entries igama, CC BY-SA 4.0.

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About The Author

Angus Barry

Molo! Ngiyakuthanda! (Hello! I love you!) I am Angus, a South Africa enthusiast who adores teaching Zulu. When I am not exploring the intricacies of this beautiful Nguni language, I enjoy bird watching - spotting eagles and crows. I also have a certain fascination for buffalo, lions and tractors, which, believe it or not, can be quite a fascinating trifecta. I believe in learning through doing, hence my comprehensive guides combining both formal and informal Zulu. Through my work, I hope to not just educate, but also bridge cultures. Xhosa, Zulu's Nguni sibling, is my other great love, and I now write guides on saying things in Xhosa too. Hamba kahle! (Goodbye!)

Angus BarryHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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