Feelings

1. Ndinofara

   I'm happy

   Usage

   A lasting sense of happiness — good for describing how the trip is going

   Grammar Note

   "Ndi-" (I) + "no-" (habitual/present) + "fara" (to be glad).

2. Ndafara

   I'm glad

   Usage

   Happiness in the moment; "Ndafara kukuziva" — pleased to meet you — makes it an introduction line

   Grammar Note

   "Ndi-" plus the perfect "-a-" plus "fara"; "ndi-" and "a-" fuse into "nda-".

3. Zvinosetsa

   That's funny

   Usage

   A reaction to someone's joke that keeps the conversation going

   Grammar Note

   "Zvi-" (class 8, standing for the situation) + "no-" + "setsa" (to make laugh) — the subject is the situation, not a person.

4. Ndinofarira

   I like it

   Usage

   The safest way to praise a dish or a place; usable with anyone

   Grammar Note

   The applicative suffix "-ira" on "fara" (to be glad) yields "to be glad about" — to like.

5. Ndinokuda

   I love you

   Usage

   Works for family and friends as well as romance; too heavy for a first meeting

   Grammar Note

   "Ndi-" + "no-" + the object marker "ku-" (you) + "da" (to want, to love).

6. Ndinokushuva

   I miss you

   Usage

   Natural when parting or promising to return; works for places as well as people

   Grammar Note

   "Ndi-" + "no-" + "ku-" (you) + "shuva" (to long for).

7. Ndasununguka

   I'm relieved

   Usage

   For when a worry lifts; it also carries the sense of being at ease

   Grammar Note

   "Nda-" (perfect "I") plus "sununguka" (to be freed).

8. Ndakasuruvara

   I'm sad

   Usage

   For feeling down, or as a reaction to bad news

   Grammar Note

   "Nda-" plus the past marker "ka-" plus "suruvara" (to grieve) — being in a saddened state.

9. Ndaora mwoyo

   I'm disheartened

   Usage

   Literally "my heart has rotted" — it lets you say a tour or a room fell short without escalating

   Grammar Note

   "Nda-" + "ora" (to rot) + "mwoyo" (heart) — a fixed body-based idiom.

10. Ndinosuwa

    I'm lonely

    Usage

    An opener when travelling alone and wanting company; it also covers homesickness

    Grammar Note

    "Ndi-" + "no-" + "suwa" (to feel lonely, to long for).

11. Ndakatsamwa

    I'm angry

    Usage

    A strong signal — it will be read as serious, so keep it for genuine complaints

    Grammar Note

    "Nda-" plus the past marker "ka-" plus "tsamwa" (to become angry).

12. Ndashatirwa

    I'm annoyed

    Usage

    Milder than "ndakatsamwa" — the feeling of being kept waiting

    Grammar Note

    "Nda-" plus "shatirwa" (to be vexed), carrying the passive suffix "-irwa".

13. Ndinotya

    I'm afraid

    Usage

    You can name what frightens you: "Ndinotya nyoka" — I'm afraid of snakes. Use it when you feel unsafe

    Grammar Note

    "Ndi-" + "no-" + "tya" (to fear).

14. Ndakavhunduka

    I'm startled

    Usage

    For a sudden shock, pleasant or otherwise

    Grammar Note

    "Nda-" plus the past marker "ka-" plus "vhunduka" (to be startled).

15. Ndanetseka

    I'm worried

    Usage

    For voicing concern about luggage or your health; it also carries an implicit request for help

    Grammar Note

    "Nda-" plus "netseka" (to be troubled); the causative "kunetsa" means to trouble someone.

16. Ndinonyara

    I'm shy / embarrassed

    Usage

    For blushing at a compliment, or explaining that you dislike speaking in front of people

    Grammar Note

    "Ndi-" + "no-" + "nyara" (to feel shame or shyness).

17. Ndakaneta

    I'm tired

    Usage

    After a long journey; a polite way to ask for a break

    Grammar Note

    "Nda-" plus the past marker "ka-" plus "neta" (to grow tired).

18. Ndine hope

    I'm sleepy

    Usage

    Literally "I have sleep"; distinct from "ndakaneta" — this is drowsiness rather than tiredness

    Grammar Note

    "Ndi-" plus "-ne" (to have) plus "hope" (sleep, class 9), joining as "ndine".

19. Ndiripo

    I'm well

    Usage

    The natural answer to "Makadii?" — how are you. It literally means "I am here", i.e. all is well

    Grammar Note

    "Ndi-" + "ri" (to be) + the locative suffix "-po".

20. Ndiri kurwara

    I'm ill

    Usage

    The base phrase for feeling unwell; use the body cards to show where it hurts

    Grammar Note

    "Ndi-" + "ri" (to be) + the infinitive "ku-" + "rwara" (to be ill) — the Shona progressive.

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