Useful Xhosa phrases

A collection of useful phrases in Xhosa. Click on the English phrases to see them in many other languages.

Key to abbreviations: frm = formal, inf = informal, sg = singular (said to one person), pl = plural (said to more than one person).

English	isiXhosa (Xhosa)
Welcome	Siya namkela nonke
Hello	Molo (sg) Molweni (pl)
How are you? I'm fine, thanks. And you?	Unjani? (sg) Kunjani? (pl)
How are you? I'm fine, thanks. And you?	Ndiphilile
What's your name? My name is ...	Ngubani igama lakho?
What's your name? My name is ...
Where are you from? I'm from ...	Uvela phi?
Where are you from? I'm from ...	Ndivela e...
Pleased to meet you	Ndiyavuya ukukwazi
Good night	Rhonanai / Ulale kakuhle
Goodbye	Hamba kakuhle (go well) Sala kakuhle (stay well)
I don't understand	Andiva
Please speak more slowly	Khawucothise
Do you speak Xhosa? Yes	Uyakwazi ukuthetha isiXhosa?
Do you speak Xhosa? Yes	Ewe
Do you speak English?	Uyakwazi ukuthetha isiNgesi?
Excuse me	Uxolo! Ndixolele!
How much is this?	Yimalini?
Sorry	Ndicela uxolo
Thank you Response (You're welcome)	Ndiyabulela / Enkosi
Thank you Response (You're welcome)	Wamkelekile
Where's the toilet?	Liphi igumbi langasese?
Would you like to dance with me?	Ungathanda ukudansa?
I love you	Ndiya kuthanda
Leave me alone!	Ndiyeke!
Help!	Nceda!
Call the police!	Biza amapolisa!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year	Siniqwenelela Ikrisimesi Emnandi Nonyaka Omtsha Ozele Iintsikelelo
Happy Birthday	Ube nemini yokuzalwa emnandi

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