Learn Common Hehe phrases

Hehe is a Bantu language spoken in Iringa region of Tanzania by the Hehe people.

If you're a beginner in learning Hehe, I've compiled frequently used words along with their English translations to make it easier for you to grasp the language. I hope you find this resource of value on your language-learning journey!

GREETINGS IN HEHE

ENGLISH HEHE
Good morning Kamwene
Good afternoon Weuri
Good evening Weuri
How are you? Ukwendelela ndauli?
How are you today? Ukwendelela ndauli neng’ino?
Have a good day Wesage unofu
I am doing great Ngwenderela unofu
I am fine Ndimnofu hela
Have a good day Vela nasiku nofu
See you soon Kwione pembele
Hi/Hello Unogage

LOVE WORDS IN HEHE

ENGLISH HEHE
I love you. Ngukuwenda
I miss you Ng’osise
I love you so much Ngukuwenda hilo
You are beautiful Umnofu
I want to see you Twiwone
I love you with all my heart Ngukuwenda kwa dhati
I love you too Ngukuwenda pia
I like you Ngukuwenda
I need you Ngukuitaji
You will miss me Ung’osa
See you tomorrow Twiwona milau
I want some space Mele mda
You are mine Veve wivangu
My love Mdala wangu
I miss you so much, darling Ndikukosa mdala vangu
You look beautiful Veve ulimnofu

DIRECTIONS WORDS IN HEHE

ENGLISH HEHE
Where are you? likwiyaga?
Where did you go? Keuhele kwi?
Where are you going? Uso kwi?
Where do you live? Ukwikala kwiyaga?
Where were you? Ke ulikwii?

COMMON QUESTIONS IN HEHE WORDS

ENGLISH HEHE
How much? Galinga?
How are you feeling? Wiwa ndauli?
How have you been? Uve ndauli?
What is your name Ulitawa winani?
What’s wrong? Uve ndauli?
What are you cooking/ eating? Utelika kuki?
How are you doing? Ukwendelela ndauli?
What are you doing Wipiga kiki
Are you okay dear? Unogage?
When are you coming? Ukusa panili?
How was your night? Ikilo chagolo chekindauli?
What is wrong? Kiki che kitokea?
How was your day? Uwe ndauli namunyi?
How are you doing? Ukwendelera ndauli?
What do you mean? Wimanisha kiki?
Have you gone to church Uhele kukanisa?
What is this? Hiki kiki?
What's going on? Kikwendelela kiki?
Are you listening? Wipulikisa?
Have you heard? Upulika?
Can I go home? Ndiwesa kubita kukaye?
Can I ask something? Nguwuse lukani?
What’s your phone number? inamba ya simu indauli?

EVERYDAY CONVERSATIONS IN HEHE

ENGLISH HEHE
Thank you Asante/asanti/santé
I am sorry Nyongise
You are welcome Ngukukalibisha
Me too Na inene
God bless you Inguluvi ikutangage
May God protect you Mungu akuvikage panofu
She/he is happy Akakelie
Please help me Ndisuko unange
I don’t know Singuulewa
I will come tomorrow Ngusa milau
Come here Wuse ipa
Feel at home Wisikiage ulipakae
Be blessed Ubarikiwage
I am coming soon Nzusa
Leave me alone Ndeka
It is okay Sawela
Excuse me Nyengise
I am going home Zogwe kukaye
I don’t want Ndema
Let me try Leke ngele
Welcome home Karibu pakaye
I reached home safely Ndafisile linefu pakaye
God is good Nguluvi ingalusungu
I don’t understand Singuelewa
We are happy to see you Tukilie petu kuwene
I am done Nzizile
I am going to the shop Zongwe kwiduka
Stop using your phone Watumila simu yako
Rest in peace Supe unofu
No problem Pagaya litatizo / lidati

What next?

Keep going! Learning a language takes consistent practice, but it doesn't have to be difficult. A useful tip is to learn five Hehe words every day from the Hehe dictionary to improve your skills.

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