Language/Xhosa/Vocabulary/Telling-Time

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Xhosa → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Numbers and Time → Telling Time

Introduction

In this lesson, we will delve into the topic of telling time in Xhosa. Knowing how to ask for and give the time of day is essential for everyday conversations and for planning your activities. We will cover the Xhosa vocabulary related to telling time, including the words for hours, minutes, and seconds. We will also explore how to ask questions about time and how to respond to those questions. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently tell time in Xhosa and engage in time-related conversations with native speakers.

Cultural Significance of Telling Time in Xhosa

Telling time in Xhosa is not just a practical skill, but it also carries cultural significance. Timekeeping has always played an important role in Xhosa society, as it is deeply connected to traditional customs and daily routines. For example, the Xhosa people follow a natural rhythm of time, with activities and events often dictated by the rising and setting of the sun. Time is also a crucial element in Xhosa ceremonies and rituals, where the timing of specific actions and events is carefully observed. By understanding how to tell time in Xhosa, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural context in which the language is spoken.

Structure of Telling Time in Xhosa

Telling time in Xhosa follows a simple structure. The basic format is "hour + minutes + am/pm". Xhosa uses a 12-hour clock system, similar to English. However, it is important to note that the Xhosa language does not have specific words for "hour" or "minute". Instead, the concept of time is expressed using different Xhosa words and phrases. Let's explore the vocabulary and expressions used in telling time in Xhosa.

Vocabulary for Telling Time

To begin, let's learn the Xhosa words for the numbers 1 to 12, as they are essential for telling time:

Xhosa	Pronunciation	English
kunye	koon-yeh	one
kubili	koo-bee-lee	two
kuthathu	koo-ta-too	three
kune	koo-neh	four
kuhlanu	koo-hlah-noo	five
kusixhenxe	koo-see-kheng-kheng	six
kuthandathu	koo-tan-da-too	seven
kune	koo-neh	eight
kuyi-9	koo-yee-nine	nine
kumi	koo-mee	ten
kuyi-11	koo-yee-leh-fane	eleven
kuyi-12	koo-yee-leh-mbini	twelve

These numbers will be used to express the hour in telling time. It is important to practice pronouncing these numbers correctly, as they will be the building blocks for forming time expressions.

Expressing Minutes

To express minutes in Xhosa, we use the word "eminithi," which translates to "minutes" in English. Here are some examples:

• "Kuyi-3 eminithi" - It is three minutes past the hour.
• "Kuyi-20 eminithi" - It is twenty minutes past the hour.
• "Kuyi-45 eminithi" - It is forty-five minutes past the hour.

Notice that the word "eminithi" is used after the number of minutes. This allows us to specify the exact number of minutes past the hour.

AM and PM in Xhosa

In Xhosa, we use the terms "emini" and "entsambama" to refer to AM and PM, respectively. These terms help indicate whether the time is in the morning or in the afternoon/evening. Here are some examples:

• "Kuyi-8 entsambama" - It is 8 o'clock in the evening.
• "Kuyi-10 emini" - It is 10 o'clock in the morning.

By using "emini" and "entsambama" appropriately, we can accurately convey whether the time is in the AM or PM.

Asking for the Time

Now that we have learned the vocabulary for telling time, let's explore how to ask for the time in Xhosa. Here are some useful phrases:

• "Yintoni ixesha?" - What time is it?
• "Uxolo, ungayikhombisi ixesha?" - Excuse me, can you show me the time?
• "Ndifuna ukwazi ixesha." - I want to know the time.

These phrases can be used in various contexts to inquire about the time of day. Remember to use the appropriate level of formality when asking for the time, depending on the situation and the person you are speaking to.

Responding to Time Questions

When someone asks you for the time in Xhosa, it is important to respond clearly and accurately. Here are some phrases you can use to give the time:

• "Kuyi-9 emini." - It is 9 o'clock in the morning.
• "Kuyi-3 entsambama." - It is 3 o'clock in the afternoon/evening.
• "Kuyi-10 eminithi." - It is 10 minutes past the hour.
• "Kuyi-20 eminithi." - It is 20 minutes past the hour.

By using these phrases, you can effectively communicate the time in Xhosa. Remember to combine the appropriate numbers and time expressions to form accurate responses.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have covered the vocabulary and phrases for telling time in Xhosa, let's practice with some exercises. Choose the correct time expression to complete each sentence:

1. Kunye eminithi. 2. Uxolo, ungayikhombisi ixesha? 3. Kusixhenxe emini. 4. Kuthathu entsambama. 5. Kuyi-8 eminithi.

Solutions: 1. It is one minute. 2. Excuse me, can you show me the time? 3. It is six o'clock in the morning. 4. It is three o'clock in the afternoon/evening. 5. It is 8 minutes past the hour.

Explanation: In the first sentence, "kunye eminithi" means "one minute." In the second sentence, "uxolo, ungayikhombisi ixesha?" means "excuse me, can you show me the time?" In the third sentence, "kusixhenxe emini" means "six o'clock in the morning." In the fourth sentence, "kuthathu entsambama" means "three o'clock in the afternoon/evening." In the fifth sentence, "kuyi-8 eminithi" means "8 minutes past the hour."

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have completed the lesson on telling time in Xhosa. You have learned the vocabulary and expressions necessary to ask for and give the time of day. Remember to practice pronouncing the Xhosa numbers and time expressions to build your confidence in telling time accurately. Telling time is an essential skill for everyday conversations and for understanding the cultural context of the Xhosa language. Keep practicing and exploring the rich cultural traditions associated with time in Xhosa.

Table of Contents - Xhosa Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Introduction to Xhosa

• Pronunciation and Alphabet
• Basic Sentence Structure

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Greetings and Introductions

• Formal and Informal Greetings
• Common Courtesy Phrases

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Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Classes
• Pronouns and Agreement

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Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-10
• Telling Time

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Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

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Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationship Status

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Questions and Negation

• Forming Questions
• Negation

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Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Eating and Drinking

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Xhosa Culture and Traditions

• Xhosa People and History
• Traditional Customs and Celebrations

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Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Phrases

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Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Agreement
• Adverbs

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Weather and Seasons

• Weather Vocabulary
• Seasons

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Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Prepositions
• Conjunctions

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Hobbies and Interests

• Sports and Activities
• Arts and Entertainment

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Xhosa Music and Literature

• Traditional Music and Instruments
• Xhosa Literature and Poetry

Sources

• Xhosa Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com
• Xhosa Words & Phrasebook | Wild Coast
• Xhosa - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

Other Lessons

• Numbers 1 10
• Education
• Travel Phrases
• Eating and Drinking
• Express Surprise
• Relationship Status
• Arts and Entertainment
• Weather
• Numbers
• Common Foods

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