Lesotho has two official languages, English and Sesotho (meaning the language of the ‘Basotho’ or residents of Lesotho). Indeed English is spoken in most major cities and towns so that visitors will not get stranded easily unable to communicate with locals. There are numerous schools dotted across the country and when in need of assistance, it is easiest to visit these to find someone who speaks English.

Useful phrases and words in sesotho:

Greetings - Singular: Khotso (which means 'Peace') or Lumela (pronouned dumela);

Greetings - Plural: Khotsong (which means 'Peace') or Lumelang (pronouned dumelang);

How are you?: O phela joang? 

Welcome - singular: Kena ka khotso (Enter in peace);

Welcome - plural: Kenang ka Khotso;

Where are you from?: O tsoa kae? 

Excuse me: Ntsoarele;

Thank you: Ke a Leboha;

Help: Nthuse;

Yes: Ee;

No: Tjhee;

Please (question): Ke kopa;

What time is it?: Ke nako mang?;

What is your name?: Lebitso la hao ke mang?;

My name is ...: Lebitso la ka ke ....;

How much is this?: Ke bokae?

Why?: Hobaneng?;

How?: Joang?;

Where?: Hokae?;

Goodbye: Sala hantle (to those remaining when you leave) or tsamaya hantle (to those departing when you stay);