Gago
The English word 'yours' is translated to Tswana as Gago.
The term is used as 'sincerely (pron)'.
Meaning: sincerely (pron)
Which one should you use?
Ya gago is used in informal contexts, while Ya lona is the appropriate choice for formal contexts when addressing multiple people.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, particularly in South Africa, you may encounter the variant ya gako instead of ya gago.
Did you know?
- While Gago means 'yours', Tswana uses a complex system of noun classes that requires the possessive word to change based on the object being owned, not just the owner.
- Using the plural form Ya lona when addressing a single person is a common way to show deep respect or high social status, similar to the 'royal we' in English.
- The Tswana language belongs to the Bantu family, and the structure of Gago shares ancestral roots with possessive markers in languages like Zulu and Xhosa.
Examples in context
- Sefura se ke sa gago.This letter is yours.
- Mogala o ke wa gago.This phone is yours.
- Nalane e ke ya gago.This story is yours.
Example conversation
Masego is handing a book back to Tshepo.
- MasegoTshepo, bukana e.Tshepo, here is the book.
- TshepoKe ya gago?Is it yours?
- MasegoEe, e ya gago.Yes, it is yours.
- TshepoKe a leboga, Masego.Thank you, Masego.
