Culture & Etiquette

1. Kobo ya Basotho

   Basotho blanket

   Usage

   The traditional blanket that Basotho wear around the shoulders.

   Grammar Note

   Kobo (plural dikobo) means blanket and is also worn as a garment. Basotho is the plural of Mosotho.

2. Seanamarena

   Seanamarena (traditional blanket)

   Usage

   Name of the traditional blanket worn over clothing.

   Grammar Note

   The name of a traditional blanket.

3. Mokorotlo

   Mokorotlo (conical Basotho hat)

   Usage

   Conical hat woven from grass, a national symbol shown on the Lesotho flag.

   Grammar Note

   Mokorotlo is the traditional Basotho hat; katiba (hat) is the general word.

4. Mokorotlo ke katiba ya setso ya Basotho.

   The mokorotlo is the traditional hat of the Basotho.

   Usage

   To explain, or ask about, the hat.

   Grammar Note

   Composed sentence built with regular grammar. "Katiba" means hat.

5. Ke batla ho reka kobo ya Basotho.

   I want to buy a Basotho blanket.

   Usage

   When looking for a blanket in a craft shop or market.

   Grammar Note

   Composed sentence built with regular grammar..

6. Ke batla ho reka mokorotlo.

   I want to buy a mokorotlo.

   Usage

   When you want a traditional hat as a souvenir.

   Grammar Note

   Composed sentence built with regular grammar.

7. Na nka apara kobo ena?

   May I try on this blanket?

   Usage

   To try a blanket around your shoulders.

   Grammar Note

   Composed sentence built with regular grammar. Apara means to wear or put on.

8. Ke rata mmino wa setso.

   I like traditional music.

   Usage

   To show interest in local music.

   Grammar Note

   Composed sentence built with regular grammar..

9. Moetlo ona o bitswa jwang?

   What is this custom called?

   Usage

   To ask the name of a custom you have seen.

   Grammar Note

   Composed sentence built with regular grammar. moetlo (plural meetlo) means custom / tradition.

10. Ke batla ho ithuta ka setso sa Basotho.

    I want to learn about Basotho culture.

    Usage

    To ask a guide or local person to share their culture.

    Grammar Note

    Composed sentence built with regular grammar. setso (plural ditso) means culture.

11. Ke batla ho palama pere.

    I want to ride a horse.

    Usage

    When asking about pony trekking, popular in Lesotho.

    Grammar Note

    Composed sentence built with regular grammar..

12. Na ho na le musiamo wa setso mona?

    Is there a cultural museum here?

    Usage

    To find a place to learn local history and culture.

    Grammar Note

    Composed sentence built with regular grammar. musiamo (plural dimusiamo) means museum.

13. Setso sa Basotho se monate.

    Basotho culture is wonderful.

    Usage

    To give a compliment after learning about the culture.

    Grammar Note

    Composed sentence built with regular grammar. Monate means sweet, pleasant or nice.

14. Ke a leboha ka ho mpontsha setso sa lona.

    Thank you for showing me your culture.

    Usage

    To thank hosts for sharing their culture.

    Grammar Note

    Composed sentence built with regular grammar. "Lona" is the plural "you" and adds respect.

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