Polite Expressions
Courtesy & manners
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)
