“Every man heard them speak in his own language.” Acts 2:6

Taking the time and effort to learn basic words and phrases in Sesotho will show people that you truly care about them and their culture. During the trip, ask your interpreters or the nationals for help with pronunciation or the translation of other words.

Listen to the Sesotho Basic Sayings

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Sesotho Basic Sayings

Hello
Dumela (singular)
Dumelang (plural)

Hello (to a man)
Dumela ntate

Hello (to a woman)
Dumela mme

Hello (to a boy)
Dumela abuti

Hello (to a girl)
Dumela ausi

Peace (A respectful, friendly greeting)
Kgotso (singular)
Kgotsong (plural)

What is your name?
Lebitso la hao o mang?

My name is _____________.
Le bitso la ka ke _____________.

How are you?
O kae? (singular)
Le kae? (plural)

I’m fine, and you?
Ke teng, wena o kae? (singular)
Re teng, le kae? (plural)

Goodbye (to person staying)
Sala hantle (singular)
Salang hantle (plural)

Goodbye (to person leaving)
Tsamaya hantle (singular)
Tsamayang hantle (plural)

Pleased to meet you.
Ke thabela ho kopana le wena.

Please
Ka kopo

Thank you.
Ke a leboha.

Excuse me.
Ntshwarele.

Where do you live?
O dula kae?

I live in America.
Ke dula America.

What is that called?
E bitswang ntho eo?

What time is it?
Ke nako mang?

Where is the bathroom?
Ntlwana e kae?

I don’t speak Sesotho.
Ha ke bue Sesotho.

Please repeat that slower.
Ka kopo phetha butle.

Yes
E

No
Ae

I don’t know.
Ha ke tsebe.

I don’t understand.
Ha ke utlwisisi.

Can we play with you?
Na re ka bapala le wena?

What grade are you in?
O bala bokae?

How old are you?
O dilemo di kae?

Can you sing a song for us?
Na o ka bina pina ya sedumedi?

Can we talk with you?
Na re ka bua le wena?

Where do you work?
O sebetsa kae?

What are you doing?
O etsang?

Can I help you?
Na nka o thusa?

Can we help you with your housework?
Na re ka o thusa ka mosebetsi wa hae?

Jesus loves you.
Jesu o a o rata.

God bless you.
Modimo a o hlohonolofatse.

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