wena
/weːná/
The Zulu word for 'you' is wena.
wena is a singular independent pronoun. It is used to specify the subject or to add emphasis, such as when you want to say 'you yourself' or 'you specifically'.
Meaning: subject pronoun: the person being addressed (pron)
Which one should you use?
While wena is used when addressing one person, the pronoun nina is used when addressing a group of people (you plural).
How does it change in a sentence?
In standard Zulu sentences, wena is often omitted because the subject concord u- is attached to the verb to indicate 'you'.
How do you pronounce it?
/weːná/
Did you know?
- While wena refers to one person, if you are speaking to a single person of high status or an elder, you might use the plural nina to show respect. This is a common way to employ 'honorific plural' logic in many Bantu languages.
- If you were to use wena in a heated argument, it might sound more confrontational than usual. Using the independent pronoun instead of the verb concord can single a person out in a way that feels like an accusation.
- In traditional Zulu etiquette, avoiding the direct use of wena when speaking to royalty or chiefs was historically a sign of submission and honor.
Examples in context
- Ngabe le ndishi uzenzele wena?Did you make this dish yourself?This sentence shows how to use wena to ask if someone made a dish themselves.Tatoeba #9210350 by Monde, translation #9210351 by Monde
- Wena ukhulumisa okwesilima.You are talking like a fool.This sentence demonstrates using wena to specify the subject of a statement.Tatoeba #9208671 by Monde, translation #9208672 by Monde
- Wena unjani?How are you?
Example conversation
Nomusa and Bandile are talking on the phone.
- NomusaSawubona Bandile, wena ukhona yini?Hello Bandile, are you there?
- BandileYebo Nomusa, ngikhona.Yes Nomusa, I am here.
- NomusaNgifuna ukukhuluma nawe.I want to speak with you.
- BandileKulungile, ngilalele.Okay, I am listening.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “you” translations and entries wena, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
