Greetings

1. Supa

   Hello (greeting a man)

   Usage

   The basic first greeting to a man

   Grammar Note

   "supa" greets a man. To a woman say "Takuenya". The reply is "Ipa". Add "oleng" after it to make it warmer

2. Takuenya

   Hello (greeting a woman)

   Usage

   The first greeting to a woman, used by a man to any woman, and between young women, or from a younger woman to an older one

   Grammar Note

   "takuenya" greets a woman. For a man use "Supa". The greeting word depends on the listener's sex, so match it to the person

3. Ipa

   Hello (reply to a greeting)

   Usage

   The set reply when someone greets you with "Supa"

   Grammar Note

   "ipa" is only the answer to "supa", mainly used by women; do not use it as your own opening greeting. Native review recommended

4. Supa oleng

   Hello (warm greeting)

   Usage

   A courteous greeting for shops and service counters

   Grammar Note

   "oleng" (very) is added to "supa" to make the greeting warmer. Used in shops and at service counters

5. Olesere

   Goodbye

   Usage

   Said when parting

   Grammar Note

   "olesere" is the word for parting. It is sometimes shortened to "sere", and it is also written as two words, "ole sere"

6. Karibu

   Welcome

   Usage

   Said to welcome someone who arrives at a shop or home

   Grammar Note

   "karibu" came in from Swahili and is used as it is in conversation. Borrowed word; native review recommended

Browse all TravelPhrases languages