Being Kicked Out in Zulu

Hamba is go in Zulu. They like it in movies when things turn sour. Go! Says the owner of the house.

People come and go.  Some disappear without saying goodbye. Others do and say it in French, au revoir, we shall meet again.  There are also people who are asked to leave home, a relationship, a marriage or a job.

What also goes is time, which leads to decreased mobility, eyesight and health in general. You hear it at home when grandparents seem confused.  Parents will whisper:  Sesihambile isikhathi (time has taken its toll).  It also means being late for work or an event.

Ha-mba.  You say the first part like heart the next one like humbug.

Ba-ha-mbi-le. You say the first part like Cordoba Province in Spain, the second like heart the third part like umbilical cord and the last one like leg.

ZULU	ENGLISH
Abekho.  Ba-hambile.	They are not here.  They are gone.
Suka la. Hamba.	Get away from here.  Go.
Ngi-hamba ngebhasi.	I’m going by car.
Ngi-hamba ngebhanoyi.	I’m flying.
U-Themba u-hamba ngezinyawo.	Themba is walking.
Bazo-hamba kusasa.	They will leave tomorrow.
Sesi-hambile isikhathi ku gogo.	Grandmother is old.
Sesi-hambile isikhathi ku mkhulu.	Grandfather is old.
Sheshisa. Isikhathi si-hambile.	Hurry up. Time has flown (You are late).
Zi-hambile izingane. Ziye esikoleni.	Kids have gone to school.
U-hambile umama. Uye emsebenzini.	Mother has gone to work.
U-phi u-Samson?	Where’s Samson?
Wa-hamba.	He left.