Greetings

1. Monile

   Hello

   Usage

   The basic greeting on meeting, usable at any time of day

   Grammar Note

   The l is sometimes written r (Monire); address elders as "Monile, dada" or "Monile, mama"

2. Monile, dada

   Hello, sir

   Usage

   A respectful greeting to a man

   Grammar Note

   "dada" is literally "father" and is also a respectful way to address an older man. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

3. Monile, mama

   Hello, madam

   Usage

   A respectful greeting to a woman

   Grammar Note

   "mama" is literally "mother" and is also a respectful way to address an older woman. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

4. Muli uli?

   How are you?

   Usage

   Asked right after the greeting to inquire how someone is

   Grammar Note

   "mu-li" is "you (polite) are"; the same "uli" ("how") appears in "Mwawuka uli?" and "Mwatandara uli?"

5. Nili makora, kwali imwe?

   I am fine, and you?

   Usage

   The reply to "Muli uli?", ending with the same question back

   Grammar Note

   "makora" means "well"; some sources spell it "makola"

6. Mwawuka uli?

   Good morning (How did you wake?)

   Usage

   The morning greeting, literally "how did you wake up"

   Grammar Note

   "mwa-" marks "you (polite) have just ..." (recent past) and "-wuka" is "wake or rise"

7. Mwatandara uli?

   Good afternoon (How has your day been?)

   Usage

   The greeting for midday and later, when meeting again in the day

   Grammar Note

   "-tandara" means "wait, spend time"; asked as the afternoon greeting, and answered with "Nili makora"

8. Nawonga chomene

   I thank you very much

   Usage

   A more formal thanks than "Yewo"; say "Tawonga chomene" for "we thank you"

   Grammar Note

   "-wonga" is "thank"; it also appears as "Nkhuwonga" ("I am thanking")

9. Zina lane ndine ___

   My name is ___

   Usage

   A self-introduction; put your name in the blank

   Grammar Note

   You can also introduce yourself with "ndine" alone, as in "Ndine Tom". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

10. Zina linu ninjani?

    What is your name?

    Usage

    To ask someone's name on first meeting

    Grammar Note

    To one familiar person use "zina lako" ("your name")

11. Mukufuma nkhu?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    To ask where someone is from or has come from

    Grammar Note

    "-fuma" means "come out of, come from". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

12. Nkhukondwa kukumana namwe

    Pleased to meet you

    Usage

    To someone you are meeting for the first time

    Grammar Note

    "namwe" is "na" (with) + "imwe" (you). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

13. Tiwonanenge

    Goodbye (see you again)

    Usage

    A parting phrase, literally "we shall see each other"

    Grammar Note

    "-ana" is reciprocal and "-enge" marks the near future; the short form is "Tiwonane"

14. Usiku uwemi

    Good night

    Usage

    Said in the evening on parting or before bed

    Grammar Note

    "uwemi" is "good" in the form that agrees with "usiku"

15. Mugone makora

    Sleep well

    Usage

    Said to someone going to bed, such as a host

    Grammar Note

    "-gona" is "lie down, sleep"; the ending -e gives a wish form

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