Learn how to speak Chichewa

Chichewa is the most spoken language in Malawi Africa. Check out my language guide and learn Chichewa for your trip.

Speaking a bit of the language of the country you are traveling to is always a good idea. Locals will appreciate the effort and will respond positively. So far, I have learned a bit of Xhosa (one of the 11 official languages in South Africa) and Shona (most spoken language in Zimbabwe).

What is the language of Malawi? This question isn´t easy to answer as in total there are about 16 listed languages in Malawi. Chichewa or Chewa is the most widely known language in Malawi. It is spoken mostly in the Central and Southern Regions of the country and can be understood by almost everyone. It is also spoken in parts of Zambia and Mozambique. English is spoken by almost every Malawian too. As some words and also numbers do not exist in the Chichewa language, the Malawians use the English words.

I put together a list of basic words and phrases that helped me while traveling Malawi. Also check out the video I did with my Malawian friend Genesis, that will help you with the pronunciation. You can find it at the bottom of this post.

 

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• Meet Eminem – the life story of a local from Malawi
• My TOP 5 Beaches at Lake Malawi
• My Ultimate Malawi Guide 1 – 3
• Meet Samson – story of a local from Malawi

 

Learn Chichewa – English to Chichewa

 

Hi/ Hello                                       

• Hi/ Hello       or
• Zikomo Zikomo (used for one person same age)

 

Good morning!                            

• Wadzuka bwanji! (used for one person)
• Mwadzuka bwanji! (used for more than one person or to respect older people)

 

Sleep nice!               

• Ugone bwino! (used for one person)
• Mugone bwino! (used for more than one person or to respect older people)

 

You might also enjoy reading my posts about South Africa: 

 

How are you?

• Ulibwanji? (used for one person)
• Mulibwanji? (used for more than one person or to respect older people)

 

I am fine and you?

• Ndilibwino, kaya iwe? (used for one person)
• Ndilibwino, kaya inu? (used for more than one person or to respect older people)

 

What is your name?

• Dzina lako ndani? (used for one person)
• Dzina lanu ndani? (used for more than one person or to respect older people)

 

My name is…

• Dzina langa ndi…

 

Don´t forget to pin my post:

 

Thank you very much! 

• Zikomo Kwambiri!

 

Please!

• Chonde

 

1 beer, please!

• Ndikufuna mowa umodzi chonde!

 

You might also enjoy reading my posts about Europe: 

Yes

• Eya

 

No

• Ayi

 

I am sorry!

• Pepa! (used for one person)
• Pepani! (used for more than one person or to respect older people)

 

Goodbye

• Basi tionana

 

Where is the toilet?

• Chimbudzi chilikuti?

 

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I love you!

• Ndimakukonda (used for one person)
• Ndimakukondani (used for more than one person or to respect older people)
• Ndimakukondani nonse (I love you all)

 

Do you speak English?

• Umayakhula chizungu? (used for one person)
• Mumayakhula chizungu? (used for more than one person or to respect older people)

 

 

You might also enjoy reading my posts about Kenya: 

 

Do you understand English?

(means they might understand but do not speak it)

• Umamva chizungu?  (used for one person)
• Mumamva chizungu? (used for more than one person or to respect older people)

 

Is there someone here who speaks English?

• Alipo pano amene amayakhula chizungu?

 

How much is it?

• Ndalama zingati?

 

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How to travel on a budget. Read my advice here!

 

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I need help!

• Ndikufuna chithandizo!

 

I don´t know!

• Sindikuziwa!

 

White person/people 

(just for people to know once they hear the words)

• Mzungu (one white person)
• Azungu (more than one white person)

 

I don´t have money – next time!

• Ndilibe Ndalama – Nthawi Ina!

 

My video will help you with the pronunciation of Chichewa:

Which language did you learn before going on a holiday? Let me know in the comments!

 

You might also enjoy reading about traveling with kids:

 

 

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