Adjectives

1. Hombe

   Big

   Usage

   For asking for another size; use it with a gesture

   Grammar Note

   Most Shona quality words are stative verbs beginning with ku-. True adjectives such as "hombe" and "diki" take a prefix agreeing with the noun class.

2. Diki

   Small

   Usage

   For describing clothing or room size

3. Kurema

   Heavy

   Usage

   For excess baggage, or asking someone to lift something

4. Kureruka

   Light (weight)

   Usage

   About weight only — in many languages this is a different word from “bright”

5. Kudhura

   Expensive

   Usage

   The opening move in a haggle; pair it with a face

6. Kuchipa

   Cheap

   Usage

   For asking whether a cheaper option exists

7. Kupisa

   Hot (thing)

   Usage

   About food, drink, or water — not the same word as hot weather

   Grammar Note

   "Kupisa" is for a hot object; hot weather is phrased as "kuri kupisa."

8. Kutonhora

   Cold (thing)

   Usage

   About drinks and food — not the same word as cold weather

9. Itsva

   New

   Usage

   For checking whether something is unused

10. Tsaru

    Old (thing)

    Usage

    For objects only; used of people it is rude in many languages

    Grammar Note

    "Tsaru" is for worn-out objects; for people use "mukuru," the respectful word for an elder.

11. Mudiki

    Young

    Usage

    About a person’s age; a small-talk word

12. Mukuru

    Old (person)

    Usage

    The dedicated word for people; pick the respectful one

    Grammar Note

    "Mukuru" carries respect for age.

13. Kuchena

    Clean

    Usage

    For a clean room or clean water

14. Kusviba

    Dirty

    Usage

    Useful when asking to change rooms

15. Kunaka

    Good

    Usage

    The all-purpose word for agreement and approval

16. Kuipa

    Bad

    Usage

    For saying that your health or an item’s quality is poor

17. Padyo

    Near

    Usage

    For checking whether somewhere is within walking distance

18. Kure

    Far

    Usage

    Tells you whether you need transport

19. Kukasira

    Early

    Usage

    About clock time; in many languages a different word from “fast”

    Grammar Note

    "Kukasira" is early in time; fast in speed is "kumhanya."

20. Kunonoka

    Late

    Usage

    About clock time; in many languages a different word from “slow”

    Grammar Note

    "Kunonoka" is being late; slow in speed is "zvishoma nezvishoma."

21. Zvizhinji

    Many

    Usage

    About quantity or how crowded somewhere is

22. Zvishoma

    Few

    Usage

    Also useful for asking for a smaller portion

23. Kuri kupisa

    Hot (weather)

    Usage

    About the weather — a different word from a hot object

24. Kuri kutonhora

    Cold (weather)

    Usage

    About the weather — a different word from a cold object

25. Kutapira

    Delicious

    Usage

    The most common compliment at a meal

26. Kunoshamisa!

    Amazing

    Usage

    Used to express surprise or admiration

Browse all TravelPhrases languages