Subi is a minor Bantu language spoken in the Kagera region, Tanzania.
Learning a new language can be challenging, but mastering some common phrases can make a big difference in communicating effectively with native speakers.
In this article, we’ve listed common Subi phrases to help improve your Subi language skills.
GREETINGS IN SUBI
| ENGLISH |
SUBI |
| Good morning |
Ze nchakale |
| Good afternoon |
Ze ihangwe |
| Good evening |
Ze lwebhazo |
| How was your day? |
Otamokagendelele? |
| How are the kids? |
Bhana mbagendelela ota? |
| Have a good day |
Nogendelela ota lelo |
| I am doing great |
Wasibhota |
| I am fine |
Ndi kuzima |
| We are fine |
Bhona bhazima |
| Have a good day |
Ubhe na isiku ya kisi |
| I am doing well |
Nigendelela kuzima |
| We all woke up well |
Bhona twapambuka kuzima |
| See you soon |
Nda kubhona baadaye |
| How is your family? |
Familia bhona bhazima? |
| How is the patient doing? |
Mlwele na otamokagendelele? |
| How are your parents doing |
Bhazele bhazima? |
| Greet them all |
Bhangaluche bhona |
LOVE WORDS IN SUBI
| ENGLISH |
SUBI |
| I love you |
Nikwenda |
| I miss you |
Nikubhulwa |
| Love you so much |
Nikwenda mno |
| You are beautiful |
Iwe ni mrembo |
| I love you my fried |
Nikwenda munwani wange |
| I need you |
nikwenda |
| You will miss me |
wambulwa |
| See you tomorrow |
Tulai bhona nyencha |
| I love you, my wife |
Mkazi wange nikwenda |
| I love you, my husband |
Mseza wange nikwenda |
| Goodnight my love |
Mchilo mzima mkange |
| I always think of you my love |
Mda gwona nikuwaza mkange |
| Mother, I love you so much |
Maha nikwenda mno |
| Father, I love you so much |
Tata nikwenda mno |
| Your mine |
Iwe ni wange |
DIRECTIONS IN SUBI
| ENGLISH |
SUBI |
| Where are you? |
Ulikhahi? |
| Where did you go? |
Bhele wangenzile khahi? |
| Where are you going? |
Nogenda khahi? |
| Where do you live? |
Noikala khahi? |
| Where were you? |
Bhele ulihe? |
| On which side are you sitting? |
Wate kamile khahi? |
| Don’t pass there |
Utakuhingula ho |
| Pass right |
hingula |
| Pedestrian path |
Muhanda gwa bhahingula lwa maguru |
| Come straight |
Iza moja kwa moja |
COMMON QUESTIONS IN CONVERSATIONS IN SUBI
| ENGLISH |
SUBI |
| How much? |
Noguza ota? |
| Where do you live? |
No ikala khali? |
| How have you been? |
Wabhote? |
| What’s your name? |
Noitanwa oha? |
| What are you cooking? |
Note enki? |
| When are you coming? |
Noiza lyali? |
| How was your night? |
Ota mchilo gwawe? |
| How was your day? |
Otamo kasibhile? |
| How are you doing? |
Nkikukoya eviki? |
| What do you mean? |
Nogamba enki? |
| Have you gone to church? |
Wagenda hakanisani? |
| What is this? |
Evi nenki? |
| What's going on? |
Enki nkigendelela? |
| Are you listening? |
No hulikiza? |
| Have you heard? |
Wahulila? |
| Can I go home? |
Nenkagenda mka? |
| Can I ask something? |
Ne khakubhuza? |
| What’s your phone number? |
Namba yawe ye simu nenki? |
| How many children do you have? |
Oine bhana bhangahi? |
| Are you married? |
Waswilwe? |
| What’s your father’s name? |
Tata wawe naitanwa oha? |
| What’s your mother‘s name? |
Maha wawe naitanwa oha? |
| What time will you leave? |
Nogenda mda ki? |
| Do you know how to read? |
Nomanya kusoma? |
EVERYDAY CONVERSATIONS IN SUBI
| ENGLISH |
SUBI |
| Thank you |
Wakola |
| I am sorry |
nsamehe |
| You are welcome |
Nobhonechwa |
| Me too |
nainywa |
| God bless you |
Omukama akubariki |
| May God protect you |
Omukama akulinde |
| She/he is happy |
Yasima |
| Please help me |
Nikusabha onyambilize |
| I don’t know |
Ntinkumanya |
| I will come tomorrow |
Ndaiza bhwancha |
| Come here |
Iza aha |
| Feel at home |
Ihulile ulihamka |
| I am coming soon |
Ndaiza obhunyini |
| Leave me alone |
Ndeka |
| Excuse me |
Nsamehe |
| I am going home |
Ningenda mka |
| I don’t l want |
Ntikwenda |
| Let me try |
Leka njaribu |
| Welcome home |
Tuliho hamka |
| I reached home safely |
Khahika hamka kuzima |
| God is good |
Omukama arungilwe |
| I don’t understand |
Ntikumanya |
| I am happy to see you |
Nanulilwa kukubhona |
| I don’t have money |
Ntinyine mahela |
| I am done |
Namala |
| I am going to the shop |
Ningenda mwiduka |
| Stop using your phone |
Leka kutumila isimu yawe |
Join the Lughayangu Community!
You've come to the end of the story. Did you learn a thing or two? Subscribe and get similar stories directly in
your inbox every two weeks. We share curated and original content on African culture, languages, history and
people. It's time to tell our stories.
Africa is blessed with unique cultures, talents and resources. Join fellow Africans to appreciate and identify
our cultures, build a sense of pride and learn a ton about our history. You'll also receive an e-book with 30
engaging and interesting African riddles.
