Useful Shona Words & Phrases for Visiting Zimbabwe
Shona is one of the most widely spoken langugaes spoken in Zimbabwe, along with Ndebele and English which is the official language when it comes to business. Shona is spoken by thousands of people in Zimbabwe and also nearby countries like Botswana, Mozambique and South Africa where Zimbabwean people have migrated to.
We have put together a guide to learning Shona with some useful words and phrases which is perfect if you are interested in picking up the basics of the language or you are going to visit Zimbabwe. By learning to speak just a few words of Shona you will be able to communicate more easily with Shona speakers and also improve your experience if you are going to travel in Zimbabwe.
Greetings & Basics
- Hello - Hesi
- It was good talking to you - Ndafara kutaura newe
- Sorry - Ndine urombo
- Thanks - Waita hako
Conversational
- How are you? - Wakadini?
- What is your name? - Zita rako ndiani?
- Do you speak English? - Unotaura Chirungu?
- How old are you? - Une makore mangani?
- I don't understand - Handisi kunzwisisa
Help, Getting Around & Travel
- Where do you live? - Unogara kupi?
- Can you help me? - Ungandibatsirawo here?
- Where is the airport? - Nhandare yendege iri kupi?
- How much is this? - Ichi imarii?
- What is this? - Ichi chii?
- What? - Chii?
- Who? - Ani?
- How? - Sei?
- Why? - Nei?
- Where? - Kupi?
Accommodation
- Do you have rooms available? - Mune dzimba dzisina vanhu here?
- How much it costs per night? - Imarii usiku humwechete?
Serengeti, Falls & Cape Town Adventure
- Multiple Destinations
- 4 weeks - 6 weeks / From: £ 3000+
Southern Africa Safari Experience
- Multiple Destinations
- 2 weeks - 3 weeks / From: £ 3000+
Southern African Adventurer
- Multiple Destinations
- 4 weeks - 6 weeks / From: £ 2000
Numbers
- 1 – Motsi
- 2 – Piri
- 3 – Tatu
- 4 – China
- 5 – Shanu
- 6 – Tanhatu
- 7 – Nomwe
- 8 – Sere
- 9 – Pfumbamwe
- 10 – Gumi
- 20 – Makumi maviri
- 30 – Makumi matatu
- 40 – Makumi mana
- 50 – Makumi mashanu
- 60 – Makumi matanhatu
- 70 – Makumi manomwe
- 80 – Makumi masere
- 90 – Makumi mapfumbamwe
- 100 – Zana
- 1,000 – Churu
Days of the Week
- Monday - Muvhuro
- Tuesday - Chipiri
- Wednesday - Chitatu
- Thursday - China
- Friday - Chishanu
- Saturday - Mugovera
- Sunday - Svondo
Emergencies
- I'm sick - Ndiri kurwara
- I need a doctor - Ndiri kuda chiremba
- Help me - Rubatsiro
- Call the ambulance - Daidza amburenzi
- Call the police - Daidza mapurisa
Booking Resources
Looking to book a trip to Zimbabwe? The following websites are recommended:
Related Pages
- If you would like to experience the best of the country in a safe way view our featured Zimbabwe tours.
- Volunteer in Zimbabwe
- Teach English in Zimbabwe
- Guide to Working in Zimbabwe
- Internships in Zimbabwe
Cape Town to Victoria Falls Adventure
- Multiple Destinations
- 2 weeks - 3 weeks / From: £ 2000
Botswana & Zimbabwe Safari
- Multiple Destinations
- 1 week - 2 weeks / From: £ 3000+
Southern Africa Encompassed
- Multiple Destinations
- 2 weeks - 3 weeks / From: £ 1000
