South Africa is one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, with 11 official languages and more than 10 non-official languages spoken, this fusion results in a number of ways one thing can be expressed.

This regularly astounds visitors so, in the spirit of Ubuntu, we have compiled a list of the most commonly used South African expressions to lend a helping hand.

Exclamations:
Ubuntu refers to a human quality which includes the essential human virtues of compassion and humanity. Often referred to as a way of life/living
Howzit is slang for “how is it?” which originates from “How are you?” inquiring about a person’s current well-being.
Izzit? translates to “is it?” which expresses interest, surprise or doubt: “is that so / is that a fact / well I never”.
Yebo / Ja means “yes” in isiZulu and Afrikaans.
Woza which is derived from isiZulu directly translates to “come” but its inferred meaning is “come on” or “hurry up”.
Lekker / Sweet is often a response and is used to indicate everything is “okay”, “fine” “there is no problem” and “all is in order”.
Check is an informal way of saying “look”.
Jol is alternative way of saying “party” or a “great time”.
Ag man! Conveys frustration and can be translated to “oh man” or “oh darn”.
Ag shame is an Africanism which conveys pity/sympathy or cuteness. This can translate to “oh, I’m sorry” or “oh cute”.
Sjoe an exclamation expressive of surprise, admiration, exhaustion.
Sies expressing disgust, disappointment or annoyance.
Yo! / Yoh! an expression of surprise.
Eina translates to “ouch” which is used to convey pain.
Eish an expression of Bantu origin which conveys surprise and can be translated to “wow”.
Gatvol translates to “fed-up” or “irritated” and originates from Afrikaans.
Sho’t left can be translated into “just around the corner” or “close by”.

People specific:
Wena translates to “you”.
Bro / Bra / Bru / Boet / China is a shortened form of “brother” which refers to a male friend or a biological relation.
Oke which is similar to Bro / Bru / Boet / China refers to male friend.
Bint / Chick / Filly refers to a “girl” or “woman”.
Baba can be translated to “dad” or “grandfather” and is used to refer to an older male figure or for someone whom you respect.
Mama can be translated to “mamma” or “grandmother” and is used to refer to an older female figure or for someone whom you respect.
Chief is a term of endearment for a male friend or male companion and can be translated to “buddy”, “pal”, “boss”, “ace”, “slick” or “champ”.
Skinner refers to the act of gossiping.

Food and drink-related:
Lus refers to having a “craving”.
Braai refers to a BBQ, an appliance on which a variety of meats are cooked.
Graze a term used to refer to “food” and “eating”.
Sosatie / kebab / espatada a South African dish of cubes of curried or spiced meat grilled on a skewer.
Slap chips is a slang phrase for deep-fried potato chips also known as French fries.
Molar a term for “drunk”