Greetings

1. Mwapoleni

   Hello

   Usage

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

   Grammar Note

   A polite plural greeting that is fine to use with one person; the reply can be the same "Mwapoleni"

2. Muli shani?

   How are you?

   Usage

   Follows a greeting to ask how someone is; the polite form

   Grammar Note

   Literally "how are you?"; with a friend use "Uli shani?". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

3. Ndeumfwa bwino, na imwe?

   I am fine, and you?

   Usage

   A reply to "How are you?" that asks the same back

   Grammar Note

   "-umfwa" means "feel / hear" and "bwino" means "well"; answering just "Bwino" is fine. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

4. Ndemutootela sana.

   Thank you very much.

   Usage

   For stronger thanks, e.g. after receiving help

   Grammar Note

   "sana" means "very much"; "nganshi" is a variant. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

5. Ishina lyandi nine ___.

   My name is ___.

   Usage

   Introduces yourself; put your own name in the blank

   Grammar Note

   Literally "my name, it is I ..."; "nine" is the emphatic "it is I"

6. Ishina lyenu ni nani?

   What is your name?

   Usage

   A polite way to ask a new acquaintance's name

   Grammar Note

   Literally "your name is who?". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

7. Mufumine kwi?

   Where are you from?

   Usage

   Asks where someone comes from

   Grammar Note

   "-fuma" means "come from"; reply by naming the place after "ku". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

8. Ndi ne nsansa ukumwishiba.

   Pleased to meet you.

   Usage

   Expresses pleasure on meeting someone for the first time

   Grammar Note

   Literally "I have joy to know you": "Ndi ne nsansa" ("I am happy") plus "ukwishiba" ("to know"). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

9. Shalapo.

   Goodbye.

   Usage

   Said by the person leaving to the person who stays

   Grammar Note

   "-shala" means "stay"; literally "stay there". To several people say "Shaleni". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

10. Mukwai

    Sir / Madam

    Usage

    A polite form of address for any man or woman; adding it makes you sound respectful

    Grammar Note

    Attached after a phrase, as in "Ee mukwai" ("yes, sir/madam") or "Twapapata mukwai" ("please")

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