Thank You in Zulu

Bonga, is being thankful in Zulu.  It is bringing up kids to say thank you when someone gives them a glass of water or a gift.  Kids growing up in Africa dare not forget because an adult will fire the question.

‘What did you say?’

‘Forgive me ma. Thank you

It is also a popular boy’s name.  Bo-nga.  The first part is pronounced as in Molotov but take out -M- and put -b-. You say the second part as in singing, but with an -a-: bonga.   

Merci.  That is thank you in French. Knowing how to say thank you in many languages is a good travelling companion. 

ZULU	ENGLISH
Bonga.	Thank you.  A boy’s name, which means giving thanks to a baby boy, the mother’s promotion at work or the rain needed for crops.  Families have many reasons to be thankful for.
Bong’umusa.	A boy’s name meaning we thank the kindness, usually of god. Bonga is the short version of the name.
Bong’inkosi.	A boy’s name meaning we thank the lord.
Bong’isipho.	A boy’s name meaning we thank the gift.
Bongani.	Many people say thank you.
Si-ya-bonga.	A boy’s name meaning we say thank you.
Bonga-ni zingane.	Kids say thank you.
Ba-ya-bonga a-ba-kwa mkhwe-nyana.	The bridegroom’s family says thank you.
Ba-ya-bonga a-ba-kwa makoti.	The bride’s family says thank you.
Ba-ya-bonga e-Brazil.	They say thank you in Brazil.
Ba-ya-bonga e-Germany.	They say thank you in Germany.
Si-ya-bonga la-pha e-Dubai.	We say thank you here in Dubai.
Jean Claude, u-bo-ngi-le?	Jean Claude, did you say thank you?
Yebo baba.  Ngi-bo-ngi-le.	Yes father.  I said thank you.
Si-bo-nga lo-kudla.	We thank this food (prayers before eating).
Si-bo-nga u-ku-thula e-zweni.	We thank peace in the land.

By:  Nonqaba waka Msimang.