chiShona: everyday phrases

Mhoro

Hello (to a friend)

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Mhoroi

Hello (respectful, or to several people)

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Kwaziwai

Greetings (respectful)

The reply is Ehoi.

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Kwaziwa

Greetings (to a friend)

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Ehoi

Yes, hello (reply to a call or greeting)

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Hesi

Hi (casual)

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Mangwanani

Good morning (to a friend)

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Mangwananii

Good morning (respectful)

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Mamuka sei?

How did you wake up?

A respectful morning question.

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Ndamuka kana mamukawo

I woke well, if you woke well too

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Marara here?

Did you sleep well?

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Tarara kana mararawo

We slept well, if you did too (reply)

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Masikati

Good afternoon (to a friend)

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Masikatii

Good afternoon (respectful)

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Maswera here?

Have you spent the day well?

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Ndaswera kana maswerawo

I've spent it well, if you have too (reply)

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Manheru

Good evening (to a friend)

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Manherui

Good evening (respectful)

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Maswera sei?

How was your day?

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Makadii?

How are you? (respectful)

Use with elders and strangers.

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Wakadii?

How are you? (to a friend)

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Ndiripo

I'm fine

Literally 'I am here'.

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Ndiripo kana makadiiwo

I'm fine, if you are fine too

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Zuva rakanaka

Good day

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Urare zvakanaka

Good night (to one person)

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Murare zvakanaka

Good night (respectful, or to several)

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Chisarai

Goodbye (to those staying)

Literally 'stay behind'.

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Fambai zvakanaka

Go well (to someone leaving)

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Ava mangwana

See you tomorrow

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Tichaonana

See you again

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndisvikewo

May I come in? (on arriving at a home)

Literally 'may I arrive?'.

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Titambire

Welcome, we receive you

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Ndatenda

Thank you

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Maita basa

Thank you (for something done)

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Waita hako

Thank you (to a friend)

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Mazvita

Thank you

Also written Mazviita.

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Ndapota

Please

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Pamusoroi

Excuse me

The final -i adds politeness.

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Ruregerero

Pardon me, forgive me

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Ndine urombo

I'm sorry

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Hazvina mhosva

It doesn't matter

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Zvakanaka kwazvo

Very good!

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Ndinonzi Anesu

My name is Anesu

Literally 'I am called Anesu'.

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

Munonzi ani?

What is your name? (respectful)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Unonzi ani?

What is your name? (to a friend or child)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Munobva kupi?

Where are you from?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndinobva kuHarare

I come from Harare

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndinogara kuBulawayo

I live in Bulawayo

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndiri mudzidzisi

I am a teacher

Source: common usage, needs native check

Hongu

Yes

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: ChiShona Sounds

Kwete

No

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Hameno

I don't know

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Handina kunzwa

I didn't understand

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Asi ini?

Do you mean me?

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Handizvo here?

Isn't that right?

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Ndizvozvo

That's right

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Munotaura Chirungu here?

Do you speak English?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndinotaura chiShona zvishoma

I speak a little Shona

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndafara kukuzivai

Pleased to meet you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kuri kunaya here?

Is it raining?

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Hongu, kuri kunaya

Yes, it's raining

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Kuri kupisa nhasi

It's hot today

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Kuri kutonhora

It's cold

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Kuri kusviba

It's getting dark

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Ndinoda kuenda

I want to go

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Chii ichi?

What is this?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Uya pano

Come here

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mira

Wait, stop

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndaneta

I'm tired

Source: common usage, needs native check

Muri kuenda kupi?

Where are you going?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndiri kuenda kuMutare

I'm going to Mutare

Source: common usage, needs native check

Bhazi rinoenda kuHarare riripi?

Where is the bus to Harare?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Chimbuzi chiripi?

Where is the toilet?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndarasika

I'm lost

Source: common usage, needs native check

Musika uripi?

Where is the market?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Tendeukira kurudyi

Turn right

Rudyi is the 'eating hand', the right hand.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Tendeukira kuruboshwe

Turn left

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kure here?

Is it far?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Hakusi kure

It isn't far

Source: common usage, needs native check

Imarii?

How much is it?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Inodhura

It's expensive

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndinoda ichi

I want this one

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndichatenga

I'll buy it

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndine nzara

I'm hungry

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Cuisine

Ndine nyota

I'm thirsty

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Cuisine

Ndiri kuda chikafu

I want food

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Cuisine

Ndiri kuda mvura

I want water

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Cuisine

Ndinoda mupunga nehove

I want rice and fish

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Cuisine

Geza maoko

Wash your hands

Hands are washed before the meal; food is eaten with the right hand.

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Cuisine

Chikafu chiri kunaka

The food is delicious

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Cuisine

Maita basa, ndaguta

Thank you, I'm full

Leaving a little food on the plate shows you have eaten enough.

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Cuisine

Ndakadya sadza nenyama

I ate sadza and meat

Sadza is the stiff maize porridge eaten at most meals.

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Cuisine

Mangwanani ndakanwa bota

In the morning I drank porridge

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Cuisine

posi

one

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

piri

two

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

tatu

three

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

ina

four

Also china.

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

shanu

five

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

nhanhatu

six

Also tanhatu.

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

nomwe

seven

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

sere

eight

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

pfumbamwe

nine

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

gumi

ten

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

gumi neimwe

eleven

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

makumi maviri

twenty

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

zana

one hundred

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

chiuru

one thousand

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

Nhasi

Today

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Mangwana

Tomorrow

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Nezuro

Yesterday

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: ChiShona Sounds

Iye zvino

Now

Source: common usage, needs native check

kudya kwemangwanani

breakfast

Literally 'morning eating'.

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Cuisine

kudya kwemasikati

lunch

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Cuisine

kudya kwemanheru

supper

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Cuisine

Muvhuro

Monday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Chipiri

Tuesday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Chitatu

Wednesday

Source: common usage, needs native check

China

Thursday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Chishanu

Friday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mugovera

Saturday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Svondo

Sunday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ava ndimhuri yangu

This is my family

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

Baba vangu

My father

Vangu (plural 'my') shows respect for a parent.

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

Amai vangu

My mother

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

Mukadzi wangu

My wife

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

Murume wangu

My husband

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

Tine vana vaviri

We have two children

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

Mwanakomana wedu

Our son

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

Mwanasikana wedu

Our daughter

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Family in Shona

Mwanangu

My child

Source: UW-Madison LCTL Resources: Shona Greetings

Ndinokuda

I love you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndinokusuwa

I miss you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mudiwa wangu

My love

Source: common usage, needs native check

Munoita basa rei?

What work do you do?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndinoshanda kuchipatara

I work at a hospital

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndiri kuverenga

I am reading

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1

Ndinoda kudzidza chiShona

I want to learn Shona

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndiri kurwara

I'm ill

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndinoda chiremba

I need a doctor

Source: common usage, needs native check

Chipatara chiripi?

Where is the hospital?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndibatsirei!

Help me!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mbavha!

Thief!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Shevedzai mapurisa

Call the police

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nematambudziko

My condolences

Said to the bereaved.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mwari vakunyaradzei

May God comfort you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mwari vakuropafadzei

God bless you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ngatinamatei

Let us pray

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ameni

Amen

Source: common usage, needs native check

Gore idzva rakanaka

Happy New Year

Source: common usage, needs native check

Makorokoto!

Congratulations!

The traditional answer is Tose, 'all of us'.

Source: Hazel Carter, Shona Language Course, Book I, Lesson 1