Beach & Activities

1. Uchikova uyu wakanaka zvikuru

   U-chi-ko-va u-yu wa-ka-na-ka zvi-ku-ru

   This riverbank / waterside is very beautiful

   Usage

   Used to admire beautiful waterside spots in Zimbabwe such as the Zambezi River or Lake Kariba

   Grammar Note

   Zimbabwe is landlocked but has stunning waterways. "uchikova" is a u-class noun; "uyu" and "wa-" agree with it.

2. Ndinogona kushambira apa?

   Ndi-no-go-na ku-sha-mbi-ra a-pa?

   Can I swim here?

   Usage

   Used to ask permission or check safety before swimming in a river or lake

   Grammar Note

   "kushambira" means "to swim". Always check for crocodiles and currents before swimming in the Zambezi.

3. Ndinogona kukodha chikepe pano?

   Ndi-no-go-na ku-ko-dha chi-ke-pe pa-no?

   Can I hire a boat here?

   Usage

   Used to rent a boat or canoe at Lake Kariba or the Zambezi River

   Grammar Note

   "chikepe" is a chi-class noun meaning "boat". Lake Kariba is Africa's largest man-made lake — popular for boating.

4. Chenjerai! Mvura ine simba.

   Chen-je-rai! Mvu-ra i-ne si-mba.

   Be careful! The water is strong / has strong current.

   Usage

   Used to warn others about strong water currents near rivers or falls

   Grammar Note

   "chenjerai" is the plural imperative of "kuchenjerera" (to be careful). "simba" means "strength/power".

5. Murindi wemvura ari kupi?

   Mu-ri-ndi we-mvu-ra a-ri ku-pi?

   Where is the water guard / lifeguard?

   Usage

   Used to locate a lifeguard or water safety officer at a river or lake

   Grammar Note

   "murindi" is a mu-class noun meaning "guard/watcher". "wemvura" is the possessive "of water" (we- + mvura).

6. Ndinoda kukodha zvishandiso zvekuvhima hove

   Ndi-no-da ku-ko-dha zvi-sha-ndi-so zve-ku-vhi-ma ho-ve

   I want to rent fishing equipment

   Usage

   Used to rent fishing gear at Lake Kariba or the Zambezi River

   Grammar Note

   "vhima hove" means "to hunt/catch fish" (to fish). Lake Kariba is famous for tiger fish and kapenta fishing

7. Kune dutu pagungwa

   Ku-ne du-tu pa-gu-ngwa

   There is a storm on the water

   Usage

   Used to warn about a storm or rough weather on the water

   Grammar Note

   "gungwa" means "large body of water/river/sea" in Shona. "pa-" is the locative prefix meaning "at/on"

8. Kune nzvimbo yekuchengetedza zvinhu here?

   Ku-ne nzvi-mbo ye-ku-che-nge-te-dza zvi-nhu he-re?

   Is there a place to store belongings?

   Usage

   Used to ask about locker or storage facilities at a waterfront area

   Grammar Note

   "chengetedza" means "to keep/guard/store". Useful for asking about secure storage at waterfront venues

9. Mureza uyu unoratidza mamiriro egungwa

   Mu-re-za u-yu u-no-ra-ti-dza ma-mi-ri-ro e-gu-ngwa

   This flag indicates the water conditions

   Usage

   Used to ask about or explain the meaning of safety flags at waterfront areas

   Grammar Note

   "mureza" is a mu-class noun meaning "flag/cloth". "ratidza" means "to show/indicate" (causative form)

10. Nguva yekuvhurwa kwemahombekombe ndeyi?

    Ngu-va ye-ku-vhu-rwa kwe-ma-ho-mbe-ko-mbe nde-yi?

    What time does this waterfront / resort open?

    Usage

    Used to ask opening hours at a Lake Kariba resort or riverside attraction

    Grammar Note

    "mahombekombe" means "riverbanks/waterfront" (ma-class). "ndeyi" is the question "what/which is it?"

Browse all TravelPhrases languages