Luganda is the language spoken by the Baganda people of Uganda. The Baganda are the largest ethnic group in this country, and as a result, this language is understood almost everywhere in Uganda.
Here is a guide to the most commonly used Luganda words and their translations.
- Wasuze otya nno – Good morning
- Osiibye otya nno – Good afternoon or good evening
- Oli otya – How are you?
- Bulungi – I’m well
- Gyembi – I am fine
- Nsonyiwa – I am sorry
- Ki kati? – Hi?
- Siiba bulungi – Have a nice day
- Sula bulungi – Good night
- Weeraba – Farewell (to one person)
- Mweraba – Farewell (to many people)
- Tunaalabagana – See you later
- Kale – You are welcome
- Owange – Excuse me
- Mwattu – Please
- Weebale – Thank you
- Weebale Nnyo – Thank you very much
- Nedda- No thanks
- Nkwagala – I love you
- Jangu wano – Come here
- Genda eri – Go away!
- Wangi? – Pardon
- Maama wange – Mother
- Taata wange – Father
- Mukyala wange – Wife
- Mwami wange – Husband
- Mwana wange – Child
- Mwara wange – Nephew/Niece
- Mutabani wange – Son
- Muwala wange – Daughter
- Muzzukulu wange – Grandchild
- Jjajja wange – Grandparent
- Ssezaala wange – Father in law
- Nnyazaala wange – Mother in law
- Mukwano – Friend
- Nyabo – Madam
- Ssebo – Sir
- Emu – One
- Bbiri – Two
- Ssatu – Three
- Nnya – Four
- Ttaano – Five
- Mukaaga – Six
- Musanvu – Seven
- Munaana – Eight
- Mwenda – Nine
- Duuka – Shop
- Wooteri – Restaurant
- Ekyenkya – Breakfast
- Ekyemisana – Lunch
- Ekyeggula – Dinner
- Caayi – Tea
- Kaawa – Coffee
- Nnyama – Meat
- Mbizzi – Pork
- Mata – Milk
- Menvu – Banana (ripe)
- Nniimu – Lemon
- Magi – Eggs
- Nnaanansi – Pineapple
- Mucungwa – Orange
- Bijanjaalo – Beans
- Kalati – Carrot
- Katungulu – Onion
- Matooke – Bananas (green)
- Muceere – Rice
- Lumonde – Potato
- Nnyaanya – Tomato
- Munnyo – Salt
- Sukaali – Sugar
- Mubisi – Juice
- Mulimi – Farmer
- Dereeva – Driver
- Kalaani – Clerk
- Musawo – Doctor
- Muyimbi – Musician
- Naasi – Nurse
- Muyizi – Student
- Musomesa – Teacher
- Sweta – Cardigan
- Ngoye – Clothing
- Kwambala – Dress
- Nkufiira – Hat
- Kooti – Jacket
- Saati – Shirt
- Mpale nnyimpi – Shorts
- Ngatto – Shoes
- Sikaati –Skirt
- Sitokisi – Socks
- Tisaati – T-shirt
- Kkanisa – Church
- Muzigiti – Mosque
- Kinyonyi – Bird
- Kapa – Cat
- Nkoko – Chicken
- Mbwa – Dog
- Mbizzi – Pig
- Ndiga – Sheep
- Kyenyanja – Fish
- Nte – Cow
- Mbuzi – Goat
All the best as you learn this beautiful African language!