Zulu Phrases

Enjoy learning a little of the local lingo! If you have any difficulty with pronunciation, please don’t hesitate to ask us the next time that you visit the hotel!

Note: sg = singular (said to one person), pl – plural (said to more than one person)

Hello

• Sawubona (sg)
• Sanibonani (pl)

How are you?

• Unjani? (sg)
• Ninjani? (pl)

Reply to ‘How are you?’ 

• Ngikhona, ngiyabonga. Wena Unjani? (sg) – Meaning: I’m well, thank you, how are you?
• Sikhona, siyabonga. Nina ninjani? (pl) – Meaning: We are well, thank you, how are you?

What is your name?

• Ngubani igama lakho?

My name is …

• Igama lami ngu …

Pleased to meet you

• Ngiyajabula ukuwazi

Good night

• Lala kahle (sg)
• Lalani kahle (pl)

Goodbye

• Sala kahle (sg – to person staying)
• Salani kahle (pl – to people staying)
• Hamba kahle (sg – to person going)
• Hambani kahle (pl – to people going)

Yes

• Yebo

No

• Cha

I don’t know

• Angazi

Have a nice day

• Ube nosuku oluhle (sg)
• Nibe nosulu ulohle (pl)