South Africa Phrases and Words
LANGUAGES IN SOUTH AFRICA
There are 11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swati, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. Here are a few phrases and words in three of the languages.
English Phrases | In Zulu | In Xhosa | In Afrikaans |
| Good afternoon | Sakubona | Molo | Goeie middag |
| Good afternoon | Hamba kahle | Hamba kahuhle | Totsiens |
| Good bye | Sakubona | Molo | Goeienaand |
| Good evening | Sakubona | Molo | Goeie more |
| Good morning | Sakubona | Molo | Goeie more |
| I am sick | Ngiyafa | Ndiyagula | Ek is siek |
| Is this the right way to … | Ingaba ngumwaco ochanekile lo oya e | Ingaba yindlela echanekileyo la eya e … | Is dit die regte pad na … |
| My car has broken down | Imoto yami yonakele | Imoto yam yaphukile | My motorkar het gaan staan |
| My child is sick | Ingane yami iyafa | Umntwana wam uyagula | My kind is siek |
| My name is … | Igama lam ngu … | Igama lam ngu … | My naam is |
| My wife is sick | Umkami uyafa | Inkosikazi yam iyagula | My vrou is siek |
| No | Hayi | Hayi | Nee |
| No thank you | Hayi ngiyabonga | Hayi enkosi | Nee dankie |
| Show me the way to … | Ungangibonisa umgaco oya e … | Ungandikhombisa indlela eya e … | Kan u my die pad beduie na … |
| Thank you | Niyabonga | Enkosi | Dankie |
| This person is sick | Lo muntu uyafa | Lo mntu uyagula | Hierdie persoon is siek |
| What is your name? | Igama lakho ngubani? | Ungubani igama lakho? | Wat is jou naam? |
| Where is a garage? | Likuphi igaraji elikufilphi? | Iphi igaraji ekufuphi apha? | Waar is die naaste garage? |
| Yes | Yebo | Ewe | Ja |
| …the nearest doctor? | Ukuphi udokotela okufuphi? | Uphi ugqirha okufuphi apha? | Waar is die naaste dokter? |
| …the nearest hospital? | Sikuphi isibbhedlela? esikufufphi? | Siphi isibhedlele esikufuphi apha? | Waar is die naaste hospitaal? |
| …the nearest hotel? | Likuphi ihotele elikufuphi? | Iphi ihoteli ekufuphi apha? | Waar is die naaste hotel? |
| …the nearest telephone? | Ukuphi efoni okufuphi? | Iphi ifoni ekufuphi alpha? | Waar is die naaste telefoon? |
South Africa Travel Information
At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to South Africa.
Learn about the history and culture of South Africa, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about South Africa's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering South Africa for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our South Africa tours today!
Extend Your Stay
After your South Africa vacation, why not consider one of Goway's Europe tours or Egypt tours en route from South Africa or perhaps a stopover in Dubai on one of our United Arab Emirates tours.
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