Ke itumetse
I am happy
Usage
For a moment of happiness, such as after a kindness or good news.
Grammar Note
Perfect form of itumela "rejoice". tn.wikipedia editors use Ke itumetse! in messages.
Go a tshegisa
That is funny
Usage
A reaction to a joke.
Grammar Note
The English side of Matumo gives tshegisa for "funny"; go a tshegisa is assembled by regular grammar. Composed from dictionary-verified words by regular grammar; native review recommended.
Ke a go rata
I love you
Usage
Works for family and friends as well as partners; too heavy for a first meeting.
Grammar Note
The particle a precedes the verb when an object concord (go "you") is attached. A song titled Ke a go Rata is on tn.wikipedia.
Ke a e rata
I like it
Usage
The safe way to praise a dish or a place.
Grammar Note
The object concord e refers to a class 9 noun; it changes with the class of the thing you mean. Composed from dictionary-verified words by regular grammar; native review recommended.
Ke a go tlhoka
I miss you
Usage
For telling someone you miss them when parting.
Grammar Note
Matumo gives tlhoka for "lack" and for "miss"; whether this is the usual set phrase for "I miss you" is not confirmed. Composed from dictionary-verified words by regular grammar; native review recommended.
Ke hutsafetse
I am sad
Usage
For feeling down; close to a condolence on hearing bad news.
Grammar Note
Perfect form of hutsafala "grieve", a Matumo headword. Distinct from Ke maswabi, which also works as "I am sorry". Composed from dictionary-verified words by regular grammar; native review recommended.
Ke swabisitswe
I am disappointed
Usage
Lets you say something fell short without escalating.
Grammar Note
Matumo gives swabisa "disappoint"; swabisitswe is its passive perfect, and tn.wikipedia has a swabisitswe "he was disappointed". Composed from dictionary-verified words by regular grammar; native review recommended.
Ke jewa ke bodutu
I am lonely
Usage
For travelling alone and wanting company; it can also express homesickness.
Grammar Note
Literally "eaten by loneliness". The English side of Matumo gives jewa ke bodutu for "feel lonely".
Ke galefile
I am angry
Usage
Says you are angry; a strong statement, so use it calmly.
Grammar Note
Matumo glosses galefile as "is in an angry state"; tn.wikipedia has forms such as ba ba galefileng "angry people".
Ke a boifa
I am afraid
Usage
To say you are afraid, for example near wildlife or in the dark.
Grammar Note
The English side of Matumo gives boifa for "afraid"; 37 hits in the Bible. Composed from dictionary-verified words by regular grammar; native review recommended.
Ke tshogile
I am startled
Usage
A quick reaction to a sudden fright.
Grammar Note
Matumo glosses tshoga "be startled; be frightened"; the sentence can mean either "startled" or "scared". Composed from dictionary-verified words by regular grammar; native review recommended.
Ke tshwenyegile
I am worried
Usage
To say you are anxious or worried.
Grammar Note
From tshwenya "trouble, worry"; 7 hits in the Bible and 63 on tn.wikipedia. Composed from dictionary-verified words by regular grammar; native review recommended.
Ke tlhajwa ke ditlhong
I am ashamed / embarrassed
Usage
For shame or embarrassment.
Grammar Note
Literally "pierced by shame". The English side of Matumo gives tlhajwa ke ditlhong for "ashamed".
Ke lapile
I am tired
Usage
To say you are tired; it does not mean hungry.
Grammar Note
The English side of Matumo gives ke lapile for "tired". "I am hungry" is Ke na le tlala.
More Setswana phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Basic Verbs
- Adjectives
- Question Words
- Greetings
- Food & Drinks
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Numbers
- Hotel
- Emergency
- Sightseeing
- Flirting
- Nightlife
- Massage & Spa
- Compliments
- Contacts & SNS
- Beach & Activities
- Places & Areas
- Useful Phrases
- Airport & Customs
- Weather & Climate
- Pharmacy & Health
- Directions
- Money & Exchange
- Health & Hospital
- Internet & WiFi
- Nature & Outdoors
- Religion & Temples
- Café & Drinks
- Schedule & Booking
- Culture & Etiquette
- Traveling with Kids
- Sports & Activities
- Public Transport
- Accommodation
- Banking & ATM
- Visa & Immigration
- Business & Work
- School & Education
- Cooking & Markets
- Music & Entertainment
- Art & Museums
- Festivals & Events
- Photography
- Laundry
- Post Office
- Language Learning
- Dating & Romance
- Volunteering
- Accessibility
- Sustainability & Eco
- Fruits
- Colors
- Dietary & Allergies
- Markets & Souvenirs
- Wine & Spirits
- Car Rental & Driving
- Time & Dates
- Hiking & Trekking
- Signs
- Body Parts
- Animals
- Vehicles
- Electronics
- Slang
- Local Dishes
- Local Drinks
- Indulgences