Greetings mean a lot to Malawians. Those who have had a chance of being here for a while have surely noticed how people greet each other. Even if you meet a Malawian person for the first time you’ll be sure that she or he is going to greet you with a big smile. This is one of the precious part of Malawian culture. We would like to share some of the key Chichewa vocabulary that might be interesting and useful next time you come to Malawi.
Muli Bwanji? How are you?
Ndili bwino kaya inu? I’m fine and you?
Zikomo Thank you
Tionana See you
Tsiku labwino Have a good day
Mwadzuka bwanji? Good morning! (the same as ‘How are you?’ but in the morning time)
Ndadzuka bwino kaya inu? I’m fine and you? (in the morning time)
Mwaswera bwino? Good afternoon! (the same as ‘How are you?’ but in the afternoon)
Ndaswera bwino kaya inu? I’m fine and you? (in the afternoon)
Usiku wabwino Good night
Dzina lanu ndani? What’s your name?
Dzina langa ndi Patrick My name is Patrick
Don’t be afraid of the pronunciations, they have just to be pronounced as you read them and they allow you to establich relations with Malawians easily. Other “Chichewa pills” posts will be published soon!