Polite Expressions in Luganda

Mwattu

Please

Weebale

Thank you

Weebale nnyo

Thank you very much

Tweebaza

We thank you

Nsonyiwa

Forgive me / I am sorry

Bbaliya

Pardon / Forgive

Awo

Thank you (reply to a compliment/greeting)

Eky'obukwangaazi

You are welcome

Kaakati

Excuse me (to get attention)

Mpaayo ekkubo

Excuse me (make way)

Ssebo

Sir

Nnyabo

Madam / Lady

Owekitiibwa

Honorable

Taata

Father (respectful to older man)

Maama

Mother (respectful to older woman)

Jjajja

Grandparent / Elder

Mukama wange

My boss / My lord

Musomesa

Teacher

Musawo

Doctor / Medic

Bassebo ne bannyabo

Ladies and gentlemen

Nsaba

I request / May I

Nkusaba

I beg you

Mpozzi nnyingire?

May I enter?

Nsobola

I can / May I

Twagala nkukkirize

We want your permission

Osobola okumpa?

Can you give me?

Nnyambako

Help me slightly / Assist me

Okiraba otya?

How do you see it? (Seeking approval)

Ka nkusabe...

Let me ask of you...

Wampa

Excuse me (casual / informal)

Kinkoze bubi

It makes me feel bad / It hurts me (Apologetic)

Nga kitalo

What a pity

Pole

Sorry (sympathy for pain/trouble)

Poleni

Sorry (to many people)

Sisaangidde

I didn't mean it

Te Wali Buzibu

There is no problem / It's fine

Kisonyiwe

Forgive it / Leave it

Ekyo kibi

That is bad / I am sorry to hear

Ndi mumativu

I am satisfied / content

Tukutegedde

We have understood you (Acknowledging nicely)

Kituufu

True / Exactly

Ntegeera

I understand

Mpulira

I hear you

Kirungi

It's good / Fine

Kyokka

However / But then (Polite disagreement intro)

Ka tukikole

Let us do it

Wandiise bulungi

You have said well (Well said)

Yongera

Continue / Please go on

Musanyufu

Glad / Happy (to do something)

Sisobola

I cannot (Polite refusal)

Karibu

Welcome / Come in (Swahili influence but common)

Emmere ewooma

The food is delicious

Nnyongera

Add me more (Please)

Nzikuse

I am full

Ekyokunywa?

A drink?

Weebale kufumba

Thank you for cooking (Compliment to cook)

Tuyambe ku caayi

Let's share tea (Let's have tea)

Mugenda wa?

Where are you heading? (Friendly)

Wulira eddembe

Feel at peace / Make yourself at home

Olyotya?

How do you eat? (Friendly dining banter)

Katonda akubeere

May God bless you / be with you

Okoze nnyo

You have done a lot

Wampangise

You have given me to breaking the limits (Overwhelming thanks)

Mutima gwo mulungi

Your heart is good

Sisaanidde

I don't deserve this (Humble thanks)

Nzikiriza okunsiima

Allow me to appreciate

Mbulwa ekyokwogera

I lack words to say

Webale kwagala

Thank you for loving me / kindness

Mpiseemu

I have benefited from you

Ekyo kyekisa

That is mercy/kindness

Mbasibula

I bid you farewell

Tubasibula bulungi

We bid you a well farewell

Genda n'emirembe

Go in peace

Asiimwe

May he/she be praised

Nsaba obulamu obulungi

I pray for good life / health

Wangi?

Pardon? (When you don't hear someone calling you)

Mpaayo

Give me (politely)

Ndi wano

I am here (at your service)

Nzikiriza nkuyambe

Allow me to help you

Saagala kukwata budde bwo

I don't want to waste your time

Nsaba kibuuzo

I request a question (May I ask a question?)

Si birowoozo byange

Not my thoughts (I was mistaken)

Mpozi

By the way / Perhaps

Mbagaliza obulungi

I wish you well (plural)

Obudde bubeere bulungi

May the weather/time be fine

Ekisa kyo

Your kindness

Kibadde kirungi

It has been good

Tewali nsonga

There is no issue / Don't worry

Amagezi amalungi

Good advice / wisdom

Ndi muweereza wo

I am your servant

Kyokka nze

As for me (humbly offering opinion)

Mpita

Call me

Nkwesize

I trust you

Nywegera

Smile / Be cheerful

Webonyeza ku kifo ekyo

Take a seat (polite)

Katonda akuwe omukisa

May God give you a blessing

Tumala okuteesa

Let's conclude the discussion (politely ending talks)

Bwebiba bityo

If it pleases (If it is so)

Kubeera kitangaala gye muli

Let there be light/transparency with you

Kinsomesa nnyo

It teaches me a lot (humble reception of advice)