Directions

1. X iri kupi?

   X i-ri ku-pi?

   Where is X?

   Usage

   The most basic way to ask where a specific place is

   Grammar Note

   "Kupi" is the Shona question word for location. "Iri" is the third-person present form of "kuva" (to be). Politely preface with "Ndiregererai" (excuse me) when asking strangers

2. Enda mberi

   E-nda mbe-ri

   Go straight

   Usage

   The basic instruction to go straight ahead

   Grammar Note

   Shona imperatives use the bare verb stem ending in "-a". "Enda" is the singular imperative of "kuenda" (to go). Plural/polite: "Endai mberi"

3. Peta kurudyi

   Pe-ta ku-ru-dyi

   Turn right

   Usage

   Used to direct someone to turn right

   Grammar Note

   Directions: "kurudyi" (right), "kuruboshwe" (left). "Peta" is the imperative of "kupeta" (to fold/turn). "Enda nekurudyi" (go to the right) is an alternative

4. Peta kuruboshwe

   Pe-ta ku-ru-bo-shwe

   Turn left

   Usage

   Used to direct someone to turn left

   Grammar Note

   "Ruboshwe" means the left side/hand in Shona. Remembering "ruoko rworudyi" (right hand) and "ruoko rwoboshwe" (left hand) helps with directions

5. Iri kure here?

   I-ri ku-re he-re?

   Is it far?

   Usage

   Used to ask whether a destination is far

   Grammar Note

   "Here" is the Shona question particle forming yes/no questions. Opposite of "kure" (far) is "pedyo" (near/close). "Iri pedyo here?" (Is it near?) is the opposite

6. Ndinonzwisisa

   Ndi-no-nzwi-si-sa

   I understand

   Usage

   Used to confirm you have understood the directions given

   Grammar Note

   "Nzwisisa" comes from "kunzwa" (to hear) + "-isisa" (thoroughly). "Handizivi" (I don't know/understand) is the useful negative counterpart

7. Ndiregerere, ndapotsereka

   Ndi-re-ge-re-re, nda-po-tse-re-ka

   Excuse me, I am lost

   Usage

   Used when you are lost and need help finding your way

   Grammar Note

   "Ndiregerere" is a polite apology/excuse expression. "Ndapotsereka" is the perfect form of "kupotsereka" (to get lost); "kupora" means "to heal" and must not be used here. Say this to a local and they will likely help you immediately

8. Ndiende sei kuchiteshi chemabhazi?

   Ndi-e-nde sei ku-chi-te-shi che-ma-bha-zi?

   How do I get to the bus stop?

   Usage

   Used to ask how to reach a bus stop or public transport

   Grammar Note

   "Chiteshi chemabhazi" means "bus stop" (chiteshi = station/stop, bhazi = bus). In Harare, "kombis" (minibuses) are the main public transport

9. Ndingaenda ndega here?

   Ndi-nga-e-nda nde-ga he-re?

   Can I go alone?

   Usage

   Used to check whether you can walk to a destination unaccompanied

   Grammar Note

   "Ndega" means alone or by oneself. In Harare, safety varies by area — asking locals about walking alone is practical safety advice for travelers

10. Ndatenda nekundiratidza nzira

    Nda-te-nda ne-ku-ndi-ra-ti-dza nzi-ra

    Thank you for showing me the way

    Usage

    Used to thank someone for giving directions

    Grammar Note

    "Ndatenda" is the standard Shona thank-you. "Ne-ku-ndi-ratidza" = "for showing me". Shona gratitude expressions often include the specific action being thanked

11. Kurudyi

    Right

    Usage

    Show "right" to a driver

12. Kuruboshwe

    Left

    Usage

    Show "left" to a driver

13. Mberi

    Straight ahead

    Usage

    Show that you want to keep going straight ahead

14. Dzokera shure

    Go back

    Usage

    Ask the driver to turn back

15. Mira!

    Stop

    Usage

    Ask the driver to stop here

16. Kuchamhembe

    North

    Usage

    Point out a compass direction on a map

17. Kumaodzanyemba

    South

    Usage

    Point out a compass direction on a map

18. Kumabvazuva

    East

    Usage

    Point out a compass direction on a map

19. Kumadokero

    West

    Usage

    Point out a compass direction on a map

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