50 Commonly used Luganda words and their translations
As any other language, there are words that one would probably need to know (ASAP) for they are commonly used in the day to day daily dialogues. And when it comes to Luganda, the vocabulary is quite large but we can easily pick out the commonly used words out there and their translations.
Greetings
How are you? – Oli otya?
Weldone – Gyebaleko
You are welcome – Tukwanirizza
Hey/Hy – Nkulamusizza
How is everyone? – Abeeka bali batya?
What is your name? – Erinnya lyo ggwe ani?
Where do you stay? – Obeera wa?
Polite or humble phrases
Please come in – Bambi yingira
May I come in please? – Nsaba kuyingira
Excuse me please – Bambi nsonyiwamu
Sit down please – Bambi tuula wansi
How may I help you – Nkuyambe ntya
Can you help me please? – Nyambako bambi
Help me please – Bambi nnyamba.
May I take some please? – Ntoleko bambi
Could you please extend.. – Nsaba osembereyo
May I borrow your phone? – Njazikaako Ku ssimu yo
Formal addressing
Madam – Nnyabo
Sir – Ssebo
Boss – Mukama wange
Teacher – Musomesa
Nurse/Doctor – Musawo
Engineer – Yinginiya
Journalist – Munnamawulire
Social worker – Nnakyewa
Police man – Musirikale
Soldier – Mujaasi
Chairman – Ssentebe
Priest/Pastor/Sheikh – Mubuulizi/ Seeka
Relative addressing
Mother/ Mum – Maama
Father/ Dad – Taata
Aunt – Senga
Uncle – Kijja
Kizibwe – Cousin
Jajja – Granny
Brother – Muganda wange
Sister – Mwannyinaze
Friend – Mukwano gwange
Other Common Phrases
Good bye – Weeraba
See you later – Naakulaba edda
Ok – Kale
What is the time – Ssaawa mmeka
I love you – Nkwagala
I hate you – Sikaagala
How much is this? – Kino kya mmeka
This is expensive – Kino kya bbeeyi
My name is… – Erinnya nze…
I am thirsty – Ennyonta ennuma
I am hungry – Enjala ennuma
I am from showering – Nva kunaaba
When can I see you – Naakulaba ddi?
Can we be friends? – Tusobola okuba ab’emikwano?
This is town – Kino kibuga
You are beautiful – Oli mulungi
I like that – Ekyo nkyagala
Formal places
School – Essomero
Hospital – Eddwaliro
Police station – Poliisi
Court – Kkooti
Bank – Bbanka