Xhosa Phrases

The Xhosa phrases are helpful because they are used daily. Below we picked expressions that a new learner will find useful. We included the audio as well. This is a better way to learning. Learn only what you need. We start with greetings and introduction.

Hi: molo

What is your name?: ungubani igama lakho?

Nice to meet you: bekukuhle ukudibana nawe

How are you?: kunjani?

I'm good, thanks: ndiphilile enkosi

And you?: unjani wena?

Language and Age Phrases

More questions about language and age:

Do you speak (English/Xhosa)?: Uthetha(isingesi/Punjabi)?

Does she speak Chinese?: ngaba uthetha isiChina

A little bit: kancinane

How old are you?: mingaphi iminyaka yakho?

I'm 33 years old: Ndineminyaka engamashumi amathathu anesithathu ubudala

It was nice talking to you: Bekumnandi ukuncokola nawe

If you don't understand something, this will be your secret weapon:

What do you mean?: uthethukuthini?

I don't understand: Andiqondi

I don't know: Andazi

Sorry: uxolo

What is that called in Xhosa?: ibizwa ntoni ngesi Punjabi?

What does that word mean in English?: lithetha ukuthini eligama ngesingesi?

More personal information about origins and profession:

Where are you from?: uvelaphi?

I'm from the U.S: ndivela eU.S

I'm American: ndingumelika

Where do you live?: Uhlalaphi?

I live in the U.S: Ndihlala eU.S

What do you do for a living?: Uziphilisa ngantoni?

I'm a student: Ndiyafunda

Offering or asking for help and giving directions:

Can I help you?: ndingakunceda?

Can you help me?: ungandinceda?

Where is the airport?: liphi iziko lenqwelo moya?

Go straight: hamba ngqo

Then: uze

Turn left: ujike ngasekhohlo

Turn right: ujike ngasekunene

Holiday Wishes Phrases

Good wishes in Xhosa in holidays and occasions:

Happy birthday: halala ngemini yakho yokuzalwa

Happy new year: halala kulonyaka omtsha

Merry Christmas: krisimesi emnandi

Good luck: sikunqwenelela impumelelo

Congratulations: Halala!

Xhosa expressions commonly used when traveling or buying:

I have a reservation: ndigcinelwe indAwo

Do you have rooms available?: ngaba unalo igumbi elikhoyo?

I would like a non-smoking room: bendingathanda igumbi elingatshayelwayo kulo

How much it costs per night?: yimalini igumbi lokulala ubusuku obunye?

Waiter: weyita

How much is this?: Yimalini lento?

What is this?: Yintoni le?

Survival phrases considered to be important in emergencies:

Are you okay?: uphilile?

I need a doctor: ndifuna ugqirha

Help: nceda

Call the ambulance: biza inqwelo yezigulani

Call the police: biza amapolisa

I am sick: Ndiyagula

These Xhosa phrases can be used in a variety of conversations. If you have already visited our Xhosa Vocabulary and Xhosa Grammar, you might want to visit our Xhosa Flashcards to practice what you learned.