In some inclusive communities, Spanish is mixed with Mixtec, creating hybrid forms that maintain the original spirit. For example, in some areas of San Juan Mixtepec (Oaxaca), you can hear “Kuvi sa’a,” which means “welcome home.” In Santiago Juxtlahuaca, the greeting can be “Kuxi tachi,” which literally translates to “it’s good that you came.” In Guerrero Mixtec, the expression “Ña kuvi” is used informally among friends, something like “nice to see you.” This diversity shows that Mixtec is not a uniform language, but a set of living linguistic identities that reflect the history, geography, and culture of each community.
An important distinction is that Mixtec differentiates between initial greetings and formal welcomes. When someone arrives for the first time or enters a house, a welcome expression is used, such as “Kuxi kuvi ña’a.” But when it comes to a daily greeting, other phrases are used, for example:
Mixtec phrase | Translation | Common use --- | --- | --- “Tachi ña’a?” | How are you? | Informal or friendly greeting “Kuvi tachi?” | All good? |
However, some common forms include:
Region / Mixtec variant | How to say “welcome” | Approximate Spanish translation | Guided pronunciation --- | --- | --- | --- Highland Mixtec (Oaxaca) | “Kuxi kuvi ña’a” | You are welcome | [Kushi kuvi ñ’a’a] Coastal Mixtec | “Kuni kuvi” | Welcome / It’s good that you’ve arrived | [Kuni kuvi] Tlaxiaco Mixtec | “Kuvii ña ndavi” | Welcome you are | [Kuvii ña ndavi] Guerrero Mixtec | “Nda kuvi ña’a” | Welcome, brother / friend | [Nda kuvi ñ’a’a] Lowland Mountain Mixtec | “Kuvii ña sa’a” | You are welcome home | [Kuvii ña sa’a]
These phrases can vary depending on the formality of the greeting and the context. However, Mixtec communities in Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Puebla have maintained their language as a symbol of identity and pride. Every time someone says “Kuxi kuvi ñ’a’a,” they are reaffirming their ancestral heritage, their bond with the land, and their sense of belonging. Mixtec remains alive because those who speak it teach it, sing it, and use it in their daily lives. Therefore, learning a word like “welcome” in Mixtec is not just a linguistic gesture: it is a recognition of the diversity and cultural resistance of the indigenous peoples of Mexico.
Modern written forms and adaptations Today, with the advancement of technology and intercultural education, Mixtec is also used in digital media, community radio, and social networks. In these spaces, the ways of saying “welcome” have been adapted to modern spelling while preserving traditional phonetics. It is said that the person who arrives at a home brings new energy, and that is why they are received with joy and gratitude. During ceremonies or meetings, the welcome greeting is accompanied by words of blessing, wishing the visitor good fortune, health, and harmony. In some towns, it is customary for the host to say: “Kuxi kuvi ñ’a’a ndee. Ña kuvi sa’a,” which means “Welcome you are, may you be at peace.” This greeting summarizes the Mixtec philosophy of balance and reciprocity, where every word has power and every human encounter is a sacred act.
Final thoughts Saying “welcome” in Mixtec is much more than translating a word: it is opening a door to the history, spirituality, and identity of one of the most ancient peoples of Mexico. Phrases like “Kuxi kuvi ñ’a’a” or “Kuvi sa’a” express affection, respect, and connection—values that continue to guide the lives of thousands of speakers of tu’un savi, the “language of the rain.” Every time we pronounce a word in Mixtec, we are honoring the wisdom of the ancestors and contributing to this language continuing to resonate strongly in the present. That is why learning and using these expressions not only enriches our vocabulary but also our understanding of the world and the cultural diversity that defines Mexico.
Cultural importance of the greeting in Mixtec identity The act of welcoming someone has a deep cultural weight in Mixtec peoples. Some variants that are read on networks or in educational materials are:
“Kuxi kuvi ñ’a’a” (welcome, friend) “Kuvi sa’a ndee” (welcome home) “Kuvii ña tachi” (nice to see you) “Kuvii ndee tu’un savi” (welcome to the language of the rain)
These adaptations help keep the language alive among young people and promote its use in modern environments without losing its essence.
The deep meaning of “welcome” in Mixtec culture For the Mixtec people, welcoming someone is not just an expression of courtesy. In some places, a shorter form is used, while in others it is accompanied by affectionate expressions, such as “kuvi ñ’a’a ndee” (“welcome, my friend”).
Structure and meaning of words Mixtec is a tonal and agglutinative language, which means that the tone of voice changes the meaning and that words are formed by joining roots with suffixes or prefixes. Let's look at an example of the phrase “Kuxi kuvi ñ’a’a”:
Kuxi → means “to come” or “to arrive.” Kuvi → expresses the sense of “good” or “pleasant.” Ñ’a’a → translates as “person,” “brother,” or “people,” depending on the context.
Thus, the complete expression could be interpreted as “It is good that you have come” or “It is good that you have arrived, brother,” conveying a much deeper warmth than the simple translation of “welcome.” In Mixtec, every syllable and tone conveys emotion, respect, and social relationships.
“Welcome” as a symbol of cultural resistance The use of expressions like “welcome” in Mixtec represents much more than a translation: it is an act of cultural preservation. For centuries, indigenous languages have faced processes of discrimination and displacement due to the predominance of Spanish. In their worldview, receiving someone implies recognizing their energy and their presence within the community environment. Saying “welcome” in Mixtec is a sign of respect that is not limited to words: it is accompanied by gestures, smiles, looks, and often symbolic offerings such as traditional food or drink.
The phonetics of Mixtec: keys to pronouncing “welcome” correctly Mixtec is a tonal language, which means that the tone with which a syllable is pronounced changes its meaning. That is why a word with the wrong intonation can have a completely different meaning. When pronouncing expressions like “Kuxi kuvi ñ’a’a,” one must take into account:
The ascending or descending tone: “Kuxi” is usually pronounced with a falling tone. “Kuvi” with a level tone. “Ñ’a’a” with a slight final rise. The rhythm and musicality: Mixtec has a melodic intonation, similar to singing. Words flow with natural pauses that mark respect and courtesy. Nasal and guttural sounds: The “ñ” sound and nasal vowels are very common. Syllables are usually short, but rhythmic. Learning the correct pronunciation is key to conveying the true meaning of the greeting and avoiding confusion.
How to respond when you are told “welcome” in Mixtec If someone greets you with a phrase like “Kuxi kuvi ñ’a’a,” there are several ways to respond with respect and gratitude.
