Xhosa Words & Phrasebook
Xhosa Phrasebook
You can download this handy printable 9-page Xhosa phrasebook here: www.wildcoast.co.za/files/XhosaPhrasebook.pdf
The booklet contains the following hints on pronunciation, commonly used phrases, and useful English to Xhosa word translations:
Also see the NEW: Xhosa Live Dictionary Best online Xhosa - English dictionary. Translates individual words from/to English or Xhosa.
Pronunciation guide
|
Vowels |
|
|
a |
like a in hard |
|
e |
like e in red |
|
i |
like ee in seen |
|
o |
like a in all |
|
u |
like oo in moon |
|
Consonants |
|
|
d, f, h, j, l, m, n |
Pronounced as in English |
|
s, sh, v, w, y, z |
Pronounced as in English |
|
dl |
Similar in sound to hl (see below) |
|
g |
always like g in go |
|
hl |
Place your tongue to the side of your mouth and expel the air (like Welsh ll sound) |
|
ts |
A hissing sound made by placing your tongue just above your teeth and ejecting air. |
|
tsh |
similar to dge in judge |
|
ty |
similar to dge in judge |
|
r |
pronounced like "ch" in Reich |
|
Common diphthongs |
|
|
Clicks |
|
|
c |
Place your tongue at the back of the teeth and suck in, like when expressing annoyance. |
|
q |
Place your tongue on the roof of the mouth and suck in, like imitating a clock's ticking. |
|
x |
Place your tongue on your upper right jaw and pull it down, as if urging on a horse. |
The 60km stretch of Wild Coast from Port St Johns to Coffee Bay is well suited to the more budget-conscious traveller looking for an authentic Wild Coast Experience. On this 5 day hiking trail you can chose between friendly village-based homestays, chilled-out backpackers, or a combination of both.
You'll pass some impressive natural phenomenans, along the undulating terrain through which this hike traverses.