Learn Shona for travelers
Speaking a bit of the language of the country you are travelling to is always a good idea. Locals will appreciate the effort and will respond positively. So far, I have learned a bit of isiXhosa (one of the 11 official languages in South Africa) and Chichewa (most spoken language in Malawi). Shona is the most spoken language in Zimbabwe, a country in Southern Africa. There are around 9 other languages besides Shona but everyone understands Shona.
So far I have only been to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe but most of my friends in South Africa are Zimbabweans that’s why I was super keen to learn Shona in order to be prepared when I finally travel more of Zimbabwe. I put together a list of basic words and phrases that will help you to learn Shona too. Also check out my video that I did with my Zimbabwean friend Sidney. It will help you with the pronunciation. You can find it at the bottom of this post.
Common Shona Phrases – Spoken like a local
Hi/ Hello
- Wakadii (used for one person of same age or younger than you)
- Makadii (used for more than one person or to respect older people)
Good morning!
- Wamuka sei! (used for one person of same age or younger than you)
- Mamuka sei! (used for more than one person or to respect older people)
Read next: My road trip in South Africa
Good night sleep nice!
- Urare zvakanaka! (used for one person of same age or younger than you)
- Murare zvakanaka! (used for more than one person or to respect older people)
- Urare bho! (slang – used for one person of same age or younger than you)
- Murare bho! (slang – used for more than one person or to respect older people)
How are you?
- Wakadii hako? (used for one person of same age or younger than you)
- Makadii henyu? (used for more than one person or to respect older people)
- Zvirisei? (slang – used within the younger generation: How are things?)
Read next: 15 Things you need to know before traveling to Mozambique
I am fine and you?
- Ndakasimba ko iwewe? (used for one person of same age or younger than you)
- Ndakasimba ko imimi? (used for more than one person or to respect older people)
- Ndiri bho ko iwewe? (slang – used within the younger generation : I am good. What about you!)
What is your name?
- Unonzi ani? (used for one person of same age or younger than you)
- Munonzi ani? (used for more than one person or to respect older people)
- Munonzi vana-ani? (used for more than one person)
My name is…..!
- Ndinonzi ….!
Thank you very much!
- Ndinotenda!
Read next: 20 Things to know before traveling Kenya
May I have a beer please!
- Ndipewo doro!
May I please have some food!
- Ndipewo chikafu! (used for one person of same age or younger than you)
- Ndipeiwo chikafu! (used for more than one person or to respect older people)
Yes!
- Hongu! (formal)
- Ehe! (slang)
No!
- Kwete! (formal)
- Aiwa! (slang)
I am sorry!
- Ndine hurombo!
Are you keen to travel Africa? Here you can design your own trip:
Goodbye!
- Toonana!
- Ndokubata! (slang – used within the younger generation)
Where is the toilet?
- Chimbuzi chiripi?
I love you!
- Ndinokuda! (used for one person of same age or younger than you)
- Ndinokudai! (used for more than one person or to respect older people)
I love you too!
- Ndinokuda neniwo! (used for one person of same age or younger than you)
Read next: My Ultimate Malawi /Africa Guide
Do you speak English?
- Unotaura chirungu here? (used for one person of same age or younger than you)
- Munotaura chirungu here? (used for more than one person or to respect older people)
Is there someone here who speaks English?
- Pane anotaura chirungu here?
How much is it?
- Imarii?
I need help!
- Ndinodawo rubatsiro!
I don´t know!
- Handizive!
Read next: From Windhoek Namibia to Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
White person/people
(Just for people to know once they hear the words)
- murungu (one white person)
- varungu (more than one white person)
Counting in shona
- 1 – poshi
- 2 – piri
- 3 – tatu
- 4 – ina
- 5 – shanu
Learn Shona – for the pronunciation check out my video with my Zimbabwean friend Sydney:
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Have you ever learned a bit of the local language before traveling to a country? Let me know in the comments!
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