Greetings

1. Xewani

   Hello / Greetings

   Usage

   The general Xitsonga greeting, fine for strangers and elders. The usual reply is "Xewani" again

   Grammar Note

   Do not use Zulu "Sawubona" or Sotho "Dumela". The letter "x" is "sh", not a click

2. Avuxeni

   Good morning / Hello

   Usage

   A morning greeting that is also understood as a general hello. The reply is "Avuxeni"

   Grammar Note

   A one-word greeting, not Zulu "Sawubona". Support in the sources is thin (a dictionary headword list and short example sentences), so a native check is advisable

3. Inkomu

   Thank you

   Usage

   The everyday word of thanks, usable in shops, on the street and with strangers

   Grammar Note

   Not Zulu "Ngiyabonga". For a warmer thanks use "Ndza khensa". Note that bare "khensa" also means cancer

4. Ndza khensa

   I thank you / Thank you very much

   Usage

   More formal than "Inkomu"; for thanking someone who helped you or an elder

   Grammar Note

   "ndza" is first-person "ndzi" fused with the present marker "a". The verb "khensa" has a homograph meaning cancer, so always keep "Ndza" in front

5. Salani kahle

   Goodbye (said to those who stay)

   Usage

   Said by the person leaving to the people staying. Literally "stay well"

   Grammar Note

   "-ni" marks a plural or polite imperative. Say "Salani kahle" to those who stay and "Fambani kahle" to the one leaving. Never Zulu "Hamba kahle"

6. Fambani kahle

   Goodbye (said to the one leaving) / Safe journey

   Usage

   Said by the person staying to someone who is leaving

   Grammar Note

   "famba" means to go or walk. "Hambani kahle" is Zulu; in Xitsonga "hamba" is an aspect marker, so it is not used. The sentence is composed from dictionary-verified words and was not found verbatim in the sources

7. Ndzi ta vuya

   I will come back

   Usage

   Said when parting to tell someone you will return

   Grammar Note

   The future is "ndzi ta" plus the verb, all written as separate words. The sentence is composed from dictionary-verified words and was not found verbatim in the sources

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