Greetings

1. Ndaa

   Hello (greeting call)

   Usage

   A call used at a gate or doorway to announce your arrival

   Grammar Note

   Not the same as "Ndau", the respectful clapped greeting to elders and chiefs; the reply form is not given here

2. Ndi matsheloni

   Good morning

   Usage

   A morning greeting; add "Vho-" and a name after it to be more respectful

   Grammar Note

   "matsheloni" is the locative form for morning; midday and evening use the same pattern

3. Ndi masiari

   Good afternoon

   Usage

   A daytime and afternoon greeting, also used on the phone and at service desks

   Grammar Note

   "masiari" means the daytime

4. Ndi madekwana

   Good evening

   Usage

   An evening greeting

   Grammar Note

   Built on the same pattern as the morning and midday greetings; "madekwana" means evening. This is a composed sentence; native review is advised

5. No vuwa hani?

   How are you? (lit. how did you wake?)

   Usage

   A greeting that asks how the other person is

   Grammar Note

   Literally "how did you wake"; the plural "no" makes it respectful

6. Ndi a livhuwa

   Thank you

   Usage

   Expresses thanks, much like "Ndo livhuwa"

   Grammar Note

   When speaking for a group say "Ri a livhuwa" (we thank)

7. Ndi khou livhuwa vhukuma

   I thank you very much

   Usage

   Used to thank someone warmly, for example after a kindness

   Grammar Note

   "vhukuma" adds emphasis

8. Kha vha sale

   Goodbye (to those staying)

   Usage

   What the person leaving says to those who stay

   Grammar Note

   Literally "may you stay"; "sala" means to remain

9. Kha vha tshimbile zwavhuḓi

   Go well (to someone leaving)

   Usage

   What those staying say to someone who is leaving

   Grammar Note

   Literally "may you walk well". This is a composed sentence; native review is advised

10. Ri ḓo vhonana

    See you later

    Usage

    Said at parting to mean we will meet again

    Grammar Note

    The ending "-ana" on "vhona" (see) gives "see each other"

11. Ndi ḓo vhuya

    I will come back

    Usage

    Said when leaving a place to say you will return

    Grammar Note

    "ḓo" marks the future

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