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SafariKZN Useful Phrases

Home » Safari Glossary & Useful Phrases » Useful Phrases

Useful Phrases

It is always appreciated when some local phrases are used but if you are not sure which language the person speaks then stick to English.

Zulu Phrases

Word	Description
Sawubona	Hello
Sanibonani	Hello pl.
Hamba kahle	Goodbye (person is leaving = go well)
Hambani kahle	Goodbye pl.
Sala kahle	Goodbye (person is staying = stay well)
Salani kahle	Goodbye pl.
ukuhamba	to go, leave
ukushiya	leave behind
mange	now
kulungile	ok
yebo	yes
ukujabula	to be glad, be happy
Unjani?	How are you?
ngiyabonga	Thank you
inkhosi	king
inkosi	chief
uNkulunkulu	God
ukudla	food
ubisi	milk
isinkwa	bread
amanzi	water
isilwane	animal
inyamaazane	antelope
ibhubesi	lion
indlovu	elephant
ingwe	leopard
inyathi	buffalo
inyoni	bird
ubhejane	white rhino
umkhombe	black rhino
inyoka	snake
ukhozi	eagle

Greetings are based on acknowledging the presence of the other person using the verb ukubona (to see) and enquiring after health and well-being using the verb ukuphila (to be well)

Saying goodbye is based on leaving or staying using the verbs ukuhamba (to leave) and ukusala (to stay)

Afrikaans Phrases

Word	Description
Goeie Dag	Good Day
Totsiens	Goodbye
Asseblief	Please
Dankie	Thank you
Ja	Yes
Nee	No

Safari Wise

Did you know: the Zulu culture emphasizes the philosophy of “ubuntu”. This means that all people should be treated with respect and dignity, because a person becomes a person through other people.

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