Language/Lingala/Vocabulary/Basic-Greetings

Next Lesson — Introducing Yourself ▶️

Lingala → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Greetings and Introductions → Basic Greetings

Introduction

In this lesson, we will learn the basic greetings in Lingala. Greetings are an essential part of everyday conversations and can help you establish a positive connection with others. Whether you are traveling to the Democratic Republic of Congo or interacting with Lingala speakers in your community, knowing how to greet someone in their language shows respect and interest in their culture. In this lesson, we will cover common greetings such as saying hello, good morning, good afternoon, and good evening. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to greet others confidently in Lingala.

Greetings in Lingala

Saying Hello

The most basic greeting in Lingala is "Mbote" which means "hello" or "hi." This greeting can be used at any time of the day and in any situation. It is equivalent to the English greeting "hello."

Here are some examples of how to use "Mbote" in different contexts:

• Mbɔ́tɛ! - Hello!
• Mbɔ́tɛ na yɔ̌! - Hello to you!
• Mbɔ́tɛ míngi! - Hello everyone!
• Mbɔ́tɛ na yɔ̌, nasepélí? - Hello, how are you?
• Mbɔ́tɛ, nazalí na yɔ̌ mpé? - Hello, do I know you?

Good Morning

To greet someone in the morning, you can use the phrase "Losako ya mbula" which means "good morning." This greeting is commonly used until around 10 a.m.

Here are some examples of how to use "Losako ya mbula" in different contexts:

• Losáko ya mbula! - Good morning!
• Losáko ya mbula, na língi yɔ̌! - Good morning, I love you!
• Losáko ya mbula, bínó na bínó! - Good morning, everyone!
• Losáko ya mbula, na monoko! - Good morning, my friend!
• Losáko ya mbula, na míngi yango! - Good morning, it's very early!

Good Afternoon

To greet someone in the afternoon, you can use the phrase "Nzela ya nkolo" which means "good afternoon." This greeting is commonly used from around 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Here are some examples of how to use "Nzela ya nkolo" in different contexts:

• Nzela ya nkolo! - Good afternoon!
• Nzela ya nkolo, na nsima yɔ̌! - Good afternoon, I missed you!
• Nzela ya nkolo, bínó na bínó! - Good afternoon, everyone!
• Nzela ya nkolo, na motéma! - Good afternoon, my heart!
• Nzela ya nkolo, na míngi yango! - Good afternoon, it's very hot!

Good Evening

To greet someone in the evening, you can use the phrase "Losako ya mpɔ́si" which means "good evening." This greeting is commonly used from around 6 p.m. onwards.

Here are some examples of how to use "Losako ya mpɔ́si" in different contexts:

• Losáko ya mpɔ́si! - Good evening!
• Losáko ya mpɔ́si, na kende kotombola yo! - Good evening, I came to see you!
• Losáko ya mpɔ́si, bínó na bínó! - Good evening, everyone!
• Losáko ya mpɔ́si, na monoko nanga! - Good evening, my dear!
• Losáko ya mpɔ́si, na míngi yango! - Good evening, it's very late!

Cultural Insight

Greetings in Lingala are not only a way to show politeness and respect, but they also serve as an opportunity to establish a personal connection with others. It is common for Lingala speakers to inquire about each other's well-being and engage in small talk before moving on to the main topic of conversation. Taking the time to ask about someone's day or express genuine interest in their life is highly valued in Lingala culture. Additionally, greetings are often accompanied by a warm handshake or a friendly hug, depending on the level of familiarity between the individuals. These physical gestures further emphasize the importance of establishing a personal connection through greetings in Lingala culture.

Practice Exercises

Now, let's practice what we have learned. Choose the appropriate greeting for each situation:

1. You meet a friend in the morning.

  - Losako ya mbula!
  - Nzela ya nkolo!
  - Losako ya mpɔ́si!

2. You arrive at a party in the evening.

  - Nzela ya nkolo!
  - Losako ya mpɔ́si!
  - Mbote!

3. You see your neighbor in the afternoon.

  - Nzela ya nkolo!
  - Losako ya mpɔ́si!
  - Mbote!

4. You are introduced to someone new.

  - Nzela ya nkolo!
  - Losako ya mpɔ́si!
  - Mbote!

5. You see a group of people in the morning.

  - Losako ya mbula!
  - Nzela ya nkolo!
  - Losako ya mpɔ́si!

6. You meet someone for the first time.

  - Nzela ya nkolo!
  - Losako ya mpɔ́si!
  - Mbote!

Answers: 1. Losako ya mbula! 2. Losako ya mpɔ́si! 3. Nzela ya nkolo! 4. Mbote! 5. Losako ya mbula! 6. Nzela ya nkolo!

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have learned the basic greetings in Lingala. Greetings are an important part of any language and culture, and by mastering these greetings, you have taken the first step towards connecting with Lingala speakers on a deeper level. Practice using these greetings in your everyday interactions and continue to explore the rich culture and traditions of the Lingala-speaking communities. In the next lesson, we will learn how to introduce ourselves in Lingala, including how to say our names, where we are from, and what we do for a living.

Table of Contents - Lingala Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Singular and Plural Nouns
• Subject Pronouns
• Object Pronouns

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-10
• Telling Time

  ---

Verbs and Conjugation

• Regular Verbs
• Irregular Verbs
• Negation

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationships

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Descriptive Adjectives
• Comparative and Superlative
• Adverbs

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Eating Out

  ---

Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Prepositions
• Conjunctions

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Phrases

  ---

Lingala Culture and Traditions

• Festivals and Celebrations
• Traditional Music and Dance
• Traditional Foods
• Arts and Crafts

  ---

Professions and Hobbies

• Common Professions
• Hobbies and Interests

  ---

Questions and Interrogatives

• Yes/No Questions
• Wh- Questions

  ---

Daily Routines and Activities

• Morning Routine
• Work and School
• Evening Routine

  ---

Imperatives and Commands

• Forming Imperatives
• Using Commands in Context

Sources

• Useful phrases in Lingala
• Learn the 30 most important words in Lingala!
• Lingala Basic Phrases - Apps on Google Play

Other Lessons

• Introducing yourself
• Life, love and death
• God and Religion
• Complex numbers
• Eating Out
• Education
• Sickness and Health
• Wild animals
• Telling Time
• Morning Routine

Next Lesson — Introducing Yourself ▶️