WecheGuide

How to greet an elder in Kikuyu

In Kikuyu (Gikuyu), greeting an elder is not a formality to rush through on the way to the real conversation. It is the conversation’s first act of respect, and an elder will notice whether you took your time over it. The good news is that a short sequence of words covers almost every greeting, from a phone call with a grandmother to meeting a partner’s parents for the first time.

Start with Wîmwega

Wîmwega is the greeting Weche teaches first in Kikuyu. It is a greeting and a blessing at once, a question about whether the person is well, so it expects an answer rather than an echo. Say it first, as the younger person, and wait for the reply before you say anything else.

The whole exchange

After the greeting comes a question about their news, then thanks for whatever they share, and finally a blessing as you leave or hang up. Each word below comes with its pronunciation and a note on when it is said.

  • Wîmwega /wee-MWEH-ga/ hello (are you well?)

    A greeting and a blessing at once. Answer "Ĩĩ, ndĩ mwega".

  • Ũhoro waku? /oo-HO-ro WA-koo/ how are you? (your news?)

    After the greeting, asking after her life.

  • Nĩ wega /nee WEH-ga/ thank you

    For her blessings, her advice, her food.

  • Tigwo na wega /TEE-gwo na WEH-ga/ stay well (goodbye)

    Said by the one leaving, or hanging up.

Elders in your partner’s family

With in-laws, respect is carried by the words you use to address them. Your partner’s parents are called with the respectful words for mother and father, and there is a word for an in-law in general that signals you know your place in the family.

  • Mũthoni /moo-THO-nee/ in-law

    The respectful word for an in-law. Plural "athoni".

  • Maitũ /MAI-too/ mother (our mother)

    A respectful way to address your partner's mother.

  • Baba /BA-ba/ father

    For your partner's father, said with respect.

A few habits that help

Greet the oldest person in the room first. Do not interrupt a greeting that is still going on. If you are unsure of a word, ask; asking is itself a form of respect, and most elders are delighted to teach.

Browse more Kikuyu words, each with its meaning, pronunciation and the story behind it.