isiZulu phrases
How to say hello in isiZulu
Hello in isiZulu is “Sawubona”. There are 8 ways to say it below, with when to use each.
Sawubona
Every way to say hello in isiZulu
Sawubona
Hello (to one person)
Literally 'I see you'. Used at any time of day; the reply is 'Yebo, sawubona'.
Source: Unisa Online Basic Course in Zulu, Theme 1: Greetings and Courtesies
Sanibonani
Hello (to more than one person)
Also used to greet one older person: the plural shows respect and includes their family.
Source: Unisa Online Basic Course in Zulu, Theme 1: Greetings and Courtesies
Sawubona, baba
Hello, sir
Baba ('father') is the respectful address for a man about your parents' age.
Source: Unisa Online Basic Course in Zulu, Theme 1: Greetings and Courtesies
Sawubona, mama
Hello, ma'am
Mama ('mother') for a woman about your parents' age.
Source: Unisa Online Basic Course in Zulu, Theme 1: Greetings and Courtesies
Sawubona, gogo
Hello, grandmother
For an older woman of your grandparents' age.
Source: Unisa Online Basic Course in Zulu, Theme 1: Greetings and Courtesies
Sawubona, sisi
Hello, sister
For a young woman about your own age.
Source: Unisa Online Basic Course in Zulu, Theme 7: Touring and Socializing
Sawubona, bhuti
Hello, brother
For a young man about your own age.
Source: Unisa Online Basic Course in Zulu, Theme 1: Greetings and Courtesies
Sawubona, mkhulu
Hello, grandfather
For an older man of your grandparents' age.
Source: Unisa Online Basic Course in Zulu, Theme 1: Greetings and Courtesies
Hello in other African languages
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Questions
How do you say hello in isiZulu?
“Sawubona”. Literally 'I see you'. Used at any time of day; the reply is 'Yebo, sawubona'. Other ways: “Sanibonani” (Hello (to more than one person)); “Sawubona, baba” (Hello, sir); “Sawubona, mama” (Hello, ma'am).
Where does this isiZulu come from?
Every one comes from a university language course, a dictionary, a government text or a native speaker's review, and its source is shown under it. Every one has been checked by our team.