So, you have arrived in South Africa.
You are ready for safaris, spectacular scenery, delicious food and perhaps a few conversations that leave you smiling politely while wondering what just happened.
South Africa has 11 official languages, which means locals often switch between languages and expressions with impressive ease. The good news is that English is widely spoken, but learning a few local phrases can make your trip more enjoyable and help you connect with people along the way.
To help you sound slightly less like a confused tourist and slightly more like an adventurous traveller, here are 10 useful South African phrases worth learning.
1. Sawubona
👋 Meaning: Hello (Zulu)
🔊 Pronunciation: Sah-woo-BOH-nah
One of the most common greetings in Zulu and a fantastic way to start a conversation.
💡 When to Use It:
Greeting someone at a hotel, restaurant, shop, or market.
2. Unjani?
😊 Meaning: How are you? (Zulu)
🔊 Pronunciation: Oon-JAH-nee
A friendly follow-up after saying hello.
💡 When to Use It:
When chatting with locals or making polite conversation.
3. Ngiyaphila
👍 Meaning: I am well (Zulu)
🔊 Pronunciation: Ngee-yah-PHEE-lah
This is a simple response if someone asks how you are.
💡 When to Use It:
After hearing “Unjani?”
Congratulations. You are now having a basic conversation.
4. Dankie
🙏 Meaning: Thank you (Afrikaans)
🔊 Pronunciation: DUN-key
Short, simple and extremely useful.
💡 When to Use It:
Pretty much everywhere.
People generally enjoy being thanked. It is one of humanity’s more successful inventions.
5. Ja
✅ Meaning: Yes (Afrikaans)
🔊 Pronunciation: Yah
You will hear this constantly throughout South Africa.
💡 When to Use It:
Whenever you agree with something, which hopefully happens occasionally.
6. Lekker
😎 Meaning: Great, nice, enjoyable, excellent
🔊 Pronunciation: LEK-ker
This may be South Africa’s most beloved word.
A meal can be lekker. A beach can be lekker. A holiday can be lekker.
Life itself can be lekker.
💡 When to Use It:
Whenever something makes you happy.
7. Howzit?
👋 Meaning: Hello / How are you?
🔊 Pronunciation: How-zit
One of South Africa’s most famous informal greetings.
Do not panic. Nobody expects a detailed medical update.
💡 When to Use It:
Greeting friends, guides, drivers, or fellow travellers.
8. Eish!
😂 Meaning: Oh dear! / Oh no! / Wow!
🔊 Pronunciation: Aysh
Possibly one of the most versatile expressions in South Africa.
It can express surprise, frustration, disbelief, sympathy, or mild annoyance.
💡 When to Use It:
When your suitcase weighs more than expected or when a baboon steals someone’s lunch.
9. Sharp Sharp
👍 Meaning: Okay, great, all good
🔊 Pronunciation: Sharp Sharp
Yes, you say it twice.
No, nobody knows why.
💡 When to Use It:
When agreeing with someone or confirming plans.
10. Hamba Kahle
👋 Meaning: Goodbye to someone who is leaving (Zulu)
🔊 Pronunciation: HAHM-bah KAH-hleh
A warm and friendly farewell phrase.
💡 When to Use It:
Saying goodbye to someone beginning a journey.
✨ Final Phrase Thoughts
South Africans are famously friendly, welcoming and often delighted when visitors make an effort to learn local expressions.
You do not need to memorise every phrase before arriving.
Simply learning a few greetings, thank yous and local expressions can go a surprisingly long way.
And if all else fails, smile, be polite and remember one very important word:
Lekker.
Because if your South African adventure is not lekker, you are probably doing something wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful phrases include greetings, asking for directions, ordering food, requesting assistance and polite expressions for everyday conversations.
Yes, English is one of South Africa’s official languages and is widely spoken, especially in cities, tourist areas and the hospitality industry.
No, but learning a few common local phrases can make conversations friendlier and show respect for the country’s diverse cultures.
Discover more South Africa travel tips:
- Using these essential South Africa travel hacks can help you plan efficiently and enjoy a smoother trip across the country.
- Exploring adventure activities in South Africa gives you ideas for safaris, hiking, shark cage diving, wildlife encounters and scenic outdoor adventures.
- Discovering top adventure activities in Johannesburg is a great way to enjoy cultural tours, wildlife parks, cycling routes, historical sites and nearby nature experiences.
