| |||
Main Menu:
Shona Phrases
The Shona phrases are helpful because they are used daily. Below we picked expressions that a new learner will find useful. We included the audio as well. This is a better way to learning. Learn only what you need. We start with greetings and introduction.
| Hi: hesi |
| What is your name?: zita rako ndiani? |
| Nice to meet you: ndafara kukuona |
| How are you?: wakadini? |
| I'm good, thanks: ndakasimba, waita hako |
| And you?: ko iwe? |
Language and Age Phrases
More questions about language and age:
| Do you speak (English/Shona)?: unotaura (chirungu/ chishona) here? |
| Does she speak Chinese?: anotaura chichinese here? |
| A little bit: zvishoma |
| How old are you?: une makore mangani? |
| I'm 33 years old: ndine makore makumi matatu nematatu |
| It was nice talking to you: ndafara kutaura newe |
If you don't understand something, this will be your secret weapon:
| What do you mean?: uri kurevei? |
| I don't understand: handisi kunzwisisa |
| I don't know: handizivi |
| Sorry: ndine urombo |
| What is that called in Shona?: icho chinonzii muchishona? |
| What does that word mean in English?: shoko iro rinorevei muchirungu? |
More personal information about origins and profession:
| Where are you from?: unobva kupi? |
| I'm from the U.S: ndinobva kuu.s |
| I'm American: ndiri wokuamerica |
| Where do you live?: unogara kupi? |
| I live in the U.S: ndinogara muu.s |
| What do you do for a living?: unoitei chinokuraramisa? |
| I'm a student: ndiri mudzidzi |
Offering or asking for help and giving directions:
| Can I help you?: ndingakubatsira here? |
| Can you help me?: ungandibatsirawo here? |
| Where is the airport?: nhandare yendege iri kupi? |
| Go straight: ramba wakananga mberi |
| Then: uye |
| Turn left: kona kuruboshwe |
| Turn right: kona kurudyi |
Holiday Wishes Phrases
Good wishes in Shona in holidays and occasions:
| Happy birthday: makorokoto ezuva rokuzvarwa |
| Happy new year: makorokoto egore idzva |
| Merry Christmas: ivai nekisimusi inofadza |
| Good luck: tinokushuvirai zvakanaka |
| Congratulations: makorokoto |
Shona expressions commonly used when traveling or buying:
| I have a reservation: ndabhuka |
| Do you have rooms available?: mune dzimba dzisina vanhu here? |
| I would like a non-smoking room: ndinoda imba musingaputwi fodya |
| How much it costs per night?: imarii usiku humwechete? |
| Waiter: hweta |
| How much is this?: ichi imarii? |
| What is this?: ichi chii? |
Survival phrases considered to be important in emergencies:
| Are you okay?: hauna kukuvara here? |
| I need a doctor: ndiri kuda chiremba |
| Help: rubatsiro |
| Call the ambulance: daidza amburenzi |
| Call the police: daidza mapurisa |
| I am sick: ndiri kurwara |
These Shona phrases can be used in a variety of conversations. If you have already visited our Shona Vocabulary and Shona Grammar, you might want to visit our Shona Flashcards to practice what you learned.
| |||
Did you know? Phrases are the combination of the use of vocabulary and grammar. Mastering the vocabulary and grammar can result in the ability to make useful Shona phrases. |