Survival Shona

Mhoro

Hello (informal)

Use: Used among friends, peers and children. Very common.

Region: Zezuru

Mangwanani

Good morning

Use: Morning greeting, used until midday.

Region: Zezuru

Makadii

How are you? (respectful)

Use: Most common greeting for adults and elders.

Ndatenda

Thank you

Use: General expression of gratitude.

Region: Zezuru

Ndapota

Please

Use: Polite request; often placed at the end of a sentence.

Region: Zezuru

Handichadi, ndatenda

No thank you

Use: Polite refusal when offered something.

Region: Zezuru

Ndinokumbira mvumo

Excuse me / I beg your pardon

Use: Used to get attention or apologise for a small interruption.

Region: Zezuru

Ngatiremekedzanei

Let us respect one another

Use: Cultural value phrase; often heard in formal or community settings.

Region: Zezuru

Maswera sei

How was your day?

Use: Afternoon / evening greeting.

Ndinofara kukuziva

Nice to meet you

Use: Used on first meeting someone.

Zviri papi?

Where is it?

Use: Asking for the location of a place.

Region: Zezuru

Ndiri kuenda kupi?

Where am I going / how do I get there?

Use: General request for directions.

Kure here?

Is it far?

Use: Asking about distance before travelling.

Ndingasvika sei?

How can I get there?

Use: Asking for the route or mode of transport.

Ndakarasika

I am lost

Use: Use when you need help finding your way. Locals are generally very helpful.

Region: Zezuru

Ndinoenda kuStay (hotero) yangu

I am going to my hotel / accommodation

Use: Useful for taxi drivers; replace with your actual destination.

Komboni iri kupi?

Where is the bus / minibus rank?

Use: Komboni = commuter omnibus rank. Essential for local transport.

Ndoda kudya

I want to eat

Use: Direct way to express hunger or desire for food.

Mune chikafu here?

Do you have food?

Use: Useful at roadside stalls and local markets.

Ndinofa nenzara

I'm very hungry

Use: Informal/humorous expression. Literally "I am dying of hunger".

Mune mvura here?

Do you have water?

Use: Useful at restaurants and during travel.

Ndinodiwo sadza

I would like sadza

Use: Sadza is the staple maize meal dish; a cultural must-try.

Zvakanaka

It is good / delicious

Use: Express appreciation for food or hospitality.

Ndirwere

I am sick / not well

Use: Use when you need medical assistance.

Ndinoda chipatara

I need a hospital

Use: Ask locals for the nearest hospital (chipatara).

Ndauya nokukasira

I came very quickly (hurry / emergency)

Use: Conveys urgency in an emergency situation.

Ndinoda mushonga

I need medicine

Use: Use at a pharmacy (chemist) or clinic.

Batsira!

Help!

Use: Emergency call for help.

Daidza maphurisa

Call the police

Use: Use in a security emergency.

Ndinoburikidza nemi

I am travelling with you (ask to travel together safely)

Use: Request to accompany someone when feeling unsafe or lost.

Zvinodhura marii?

How much does it cost?

Use: Essential at markets, shops and street vendors.

Region: Zezuru

Ndinoda kutenga

I want to buy

Use: Express intent to purchase.

Zviri pamusoro

It is too expensive

Use: Used to begin bargaining at markets.

Ungaburitse here?

Can you reduce (the price)?

Use: Bargaining at informal markets is common and expected.

Ndinoda receipt

I would like a receipt

Use: Receipt is commonly used as a loanword.

Ndinopa mari iyi

I am giving this money

Use: State the amount you are handing over to avoid confusion.

Nguva ndeyipi?

What time is it?

Use: Ask locals for the time.

Tinosangana rini?

When shall we meet?

Use: Scheduling a meeting or appointment.

Mangwana

Tomorrow

Use: Basic time word essential for planning travel.

Nhasi

Today

Use: Most frequently used time word.

Nezuro

Yesterday

Use: Referring to the previous day.

Zvino

Now / right now

Use: "Zvino zvino" emphasises immediacy.

Kurumidza

Hurry / quickly

Use: Said when time is short. Also heard as "kurumidza kurumidza".

Hongu

Yes

Use: Affirmative response.

Kwete

No

Use: Negative response.

Handizivi

I don't know

Use: Expressing lack of knowledge.

Ndinonzwisisa

I understand

Use: Confirming comprehension.

Handisi kunzwisisa

I don't understand

Use: Expressing confusion; locals will usually try to help.

Ehe

Yes (informal)

Use: Casual agreement; similar to "yeah" in English.

Zvakadii

That's fine / OK

Use: Accepting a situation or agreeing casually.

Ndoda kuita sei?

What should I do?

Use: Useful when unsure of local customs or procedures.