🇿🇼 Everyday Shona: 20 Must-Know Phrases to Survive in Zimbabwe
Picture this: you’ve just landed in Harare.
You greet the cab driver with a nervous “Hello,” but he replies with a cheerful, “Mhoro, wakadini zvako?”
You freeze. You don’t know what to say.
Moments like that remind you: language is more than words; it’s connection.
It’s how Zimbabweans express warmth, respect, and identity.
Whether you’re a traveler trying to blend in, a Zimbabwean abroad reconnecting with your roots, or a total beginner just curious about Shona, this guide gives you 20 practical phrases you can start using right now.
By the end, you’ll not only sound more confident, you’ll understand what it means to truly belong in Zimbabwe. 🇿🇼
Why Learning Everyday Shona Matters
If you ever plan to visit Zimbabwe, have Shona-speaking friends, or reconnect with your roots, learning a few key phrases goes a long way.
In Zimbabwe, greetings and politeness matter more than you think. People appreciate effort, even if your accent isn’t perfect. A simple “Maswera sei?” can open hearts faster than a handshake.
And for diaspora Zimbabweans? Speaking Shona connects you to your grandparents, your heritage, and your identity; no translation needed.
How to Pronounce Shona Words Naturally
Shona is a Bantu language: smooth, rhythmic, and syllable-based.
A few quick tips:
Every vowel is pronounced clearly (no silent letters).
“R” is lightly rolled, like in Spanish.
Tone matters; the same word can change meaning depending on pitch.
Say it slowly, with respect and confidence. Zimbabweans will often smile and correct you kindly.
20 Must-Know Phrases to Survive in Zimbabwe
| English Phrase | Shona Translation | Pronunciation | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Hello | Mhoro | m-ho-ro | General greeting |
| 2. How are you? | Wakadini zvako? | wah-kah-dee-nee zvah-ko | Informal (to a friend) |
| 3. I’m fine, thank you | Ndiri bho | ndee-ree bho | Common casual reply |
| 4. What’s your name? | Unonzi ani? | oo-non-zee ah-nee | Meeting someone new |
| 5. My name is... | Ndiri... | ndee-ree... | Introduce yourself |
| 6. Thank you | Ndatenda | nda-ten-da | For gratitude |
| 7. Please | Ndapota | nda-po-ta | When requesting something |
| 8. Yes | Ehe | eh-heh | Agreeing |
| 9. No | Aiwa | eye-wah | Disagreeing or saying no |
| 10. Excuse me / Sorry | Pamusoroi | pah-moo-so-roy | For politeness or apologies |
| 11. Goodbye | Sara zvakanaka | sah-rah zvah-kah-nah-kah | When you’re leaving |
| 12. How much is this? | Zvinodhura zvakadii? | zvi-no-dhoo-rah zvah-kah-dee | Shopping or bargaining |
| 13. Where is the toilet? | Chimbuzi chiripi? | cheem-boo-zee chee-ree-pee | Traveling |
| 14. I’m lost | Ndarasika | nda-rah-see-kah | Asking for help |
| 15. I don’t understand | Handisi kunzwisisa | han-dee-see koon-zwee-see-sah | Clarifying confusion |
| 16. Can you help me? | Munogona kundibatsira here? | moo-no-go-nah koon-dee-bat-seer-ah heh-reh | Seeking assistance |
| 17. I’m hungry | Ndine nzara | ndee-neh n-zah-rah | Expressing hunger |
| 18. That’s delicious! | Zvakanaka zvikuru! | zvah-kah-nah-kah zvi-koo-roo | Complimenting food |
| 19. Where are you from? | Unobva kupi? | oo-no-bvah koo-pee | Casual conversation |
| 20. Let’s go! | Ngatimboenda! | nga-teem-boh-en-dah | Friendly call to action |
Bonus: Cultural Tips When Using These Phrases
âś… Greet first, always.
In Shona culture, not greeting someone before talking is seen as rude, even if you’re in a rush.
âś… Show humility.
Use ndapota (please) often; it reflects hunhu (respectful character).
âś… Smile when speaking.
Tone and warmth are part of communication. Zimbabweans listen not just to your words, but your spirit.
âś… Use handshakes.
A soft handshake (sometimes with a light clap) shows respect and friendliness.
Quick Practice Challenge
Try this:
🗣️ “Mhoro! Wakadini zvako?”
💬 “Ndiri bho! Iwe?”
Now say it to a friend or mirror.
Next, learn to say your name and ask someone else’s:
“Ndiri (your name). Unonzi ani?”
By repeating short phrases daily, your fluency grows faster than you think.
💡 Pro tip: Use NKENNE’s Shona lessons to hear native pronunciation and get instant feedback; no guesswork.
FAQs
Q1: Is Shona hard to learn?
Not really! Shona has simple grammar and consistent pronunciation. Once you learn basic phrases, confidence grows quickly.
Q2: Where is Shona spoken?
Mostly in Zimbabwe, but also among communities in Mozambique, South Africa, and the UK diaspora.
Q3: How many people speak Shona?
Over 10 million native speakers, making it one of Southern Africa’s major languages.
Q4: Can I use these phrases in Harare or Bulawayo?
Yes, especially in Harare and central Zimbabwe. In Bulawayo (mostly Ndebele-speaking), people still understand Shona basics.
Q5: How can I keep improving my Shona daily?
Practice small conversations, follow Shona creators, and learn interactively on the NKENNE App, where every lesson connects language to culture.
Closing Message
Learning Shona isn’t just about survival; it’s about belonging.
Every “Mhoro” you say brings you closer to the people, rhythm, and heart of Zimbabwe.
Start small, speak boldly, and let your words carry the spirit of hunhu.
Join NKENNE today to keep learning, listening, and living Shona, one phrase at a time. 🇿🇼✨