Greetings & Introductions

Zimbabweans place high value on polite greetings. Start every interaction with a warm hello.

• Mhoro – Hello

• Kwaziwayi - Welcome

• Ndeipi ! / Hesi - Hi (informal)

• Mangwanani - Good morning

• Masikati- Good afternoon

• Manheru- Good evening

• Maswera sei? – How are you this afternoon?

• Makadini- How are you? (to someone you haven’t met before or someone you don't see often

• Ndiripo – I’m fine (literal translation: I’m here)

• Zita rako ndiani?/ Unonzi ani? – What is your name?

• Zita rangu ndi…/Ndinonzi... – My name is…

Tip: Shona greetings often include a handshake or bringing of cupped palms together. At times also inquiries about family and health. Don’t rush; take your time with greetings—it’s a sign of respect.

• Poshi - 1

• Piri - 2

• Tatu - 3

• China - 4

• Shanu - 5

• Tanhatu - 6

• Nomwe - 7

• Sere - 8

• Pfumbamwe - 9

• Gumi - 10

A Swedish Visitor’s Guide to Learning Shona:

Essential Words & Phrases for Your Trip to Zimbabwe

Planning a trip from Sweden to Zimbabwe? Whether you’re coming for adventure, business, or to visit friends, learning a few words in Shona—the most widely spoken local language—will make your stay more enjoyable. Even simple greetings can spark smiles, open doors, and show respect for Zimbabwean culture.

Here’s a beginner’s guide to Shona with the essential words and phrases to get you started.

• Muvhuro – Monday

• Chipiri – Tuesday

• Chitatu – Wednesday

• China – Thursday

• Chishanu – Friday

• Mugovera – Saturday

• Svondo – Sunday...

• Ndiri kufara – I am happy

• Ndakaneta – I am tired

• Ndakashatirwa – I am angry

• ndakatsamwa- I am upset

• ndine nazara- I am hungry

• ndine nyota- I am thirsty

• Ndiri kuda kudya – I want to eat

• ndiri kurwara - I am sick

• sadza – Zimbabwe’s staple maize meal dish

• usavi- Relish eaten with sad

• muriwo - vegetables, usually eaten together with sadza

• nyama- meat

• huku – Chicken

• muriwo – Vegetables

• mvura – Water

• mukaka – Milk

• muti – Tree

• rwizi – River

• Tsvuku – Red

• Girinhi – Green

• Yero – Yellow

• Dema/ nhema – Black

• Chena – White

• Baba – Father

• Amai / Mai– Mother

• Mukomana – Boy

• Musikana – Girl

• Imba – House

• Chigaro – Chair

• Tafura – Table

Perfect for homestay visits or connecting with local families

Family & Home Vocabulary

• Sisi– Sister

• Mukoma-Brother

• Tete – Aunt

• Ndiro – Plate (for serving food)

• mugoti – wooden spoon (used for cooking sadza)

• banga – knife

• chipunhu – spoon

• gara – sit

• idya – eat

• mhanya – run

• rara – sleep

• enda- go

• imba-sing

• huya-come

• tamba – play/dance

• nyora-write

• geza – take a bath

• imwa – drink

• bika – cook

• Ndiri kuda… – I want...

• Handidi… – I don’t want…

• Ndapota – Please

• Ndatenda – Thank you

• Ndinokumbirawo- May I have...please!

  Example: Ndinokumbirawo mvura !– May I have some water please!

Food & Nature Words

• doro- beer

• bota – porridge

• gomo – mountain

• denga – sky/heavens

• mafuwa/makore – clouds/years

• mabhanan´ana – Tree

• mheni – lightning

• michero-fruits

Numbers

• gumi nerimwe - 11

• gumi nembiri - 12

• makumi maviri - 20

• makumi matatu - 30

• zana - 100

• mazana maviri - 200

• chiuru - 1000

• zviuru zviviri - 2000

Food is central to Zimbabwean hospitality. Knowing a few terms will make mealtimes richer.

Take Note:

Words for most colours in Shona have commonly become adaptations of English words for colours but with a Shona pronunciation – as can be seen with the words Girinhi and Yero here.

Colours

Days of the Week & Calendar

• zuva-a day-also the sun

• svondo/vhiki – a week

• masvondo maviri/mavhiki maviri – 2 weeks

• mwedzi – a month..also the moon

• mwedzi miviri – 2 months

• gore – a year

• makore mashanu – 5 years

Emotions & Feelings

• Ndine chikosoro - I have a cough

• Ndine chisuwo – I am longing (for something)

• Ndakadhakwa – I am drunk

• Ndine mudumbu- I have a tummy/stomach ache

• Ndine pamuviri/ Ndine nhumbu- I am pregnant

• Ndakazvitakura - I am pregnant

Tip: These words are great for simple interactions with children or when joining community activities.

• rara – sleep

• banha- kick

• mira - wait

• simuka- stand up/rise

• kanda-throw

• tamba – play/dance

• vhara – close

• vhura – open

• takura – carry

• rara – sleep

• nhonga- pick up

Simple Sentences for Wants & Needs

These are practical for daily life:

• Ndinofarira… – I like...

• Nadir kutsvagawo - I am looking for...

• Ndinokumbirawo kubvunza - May I ask....?

• Kamba yemapurisa iri kupi? - Which way is the police station?

Common Actions

Final Tip for Swedes in Zimbabwe

Swedish and Shona languages are worlds apart in terms of sound and rhythm. Don’t worry about mistakes—Zimbabweans will encourage and help you. The effort matters more than perfection!, especially in a country where almost everyone can speak and understand English. This extra step in learning Shona as a foreigner will not go unnoticed by Zimbabweans.

By starting with these greetings, numbers, colors, and simple phrases, you’ll have the basics to interact confidently during your time in Zimbabwe.

Why Learn Shona as a Swedish Visitor?

• Warm Connections: Zimbabweans deeply appreciate visitors who try to speak their language.

• Cultural Insight: Words reveal cultural values—family, community, respect.

• Travel Ease: From markets to buses, a few Shona phrases smooth your way.

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