Greetings

1. Mhoro

   Mho-ro

   Hello

   Usage

   The common Shona greeting, widely used in Zimbabwe

   Grammar Note

   When greeting multiple people, use "Mhoroi"

2. Mazvita

   Ma-zvi-ta

   Thank you

   Usage

   The most common Shona expression of gratitude

   Grammar Note

   "Mazvita zvakanaka" means "thank you very much" — a more polite form

3. Sarai zvakanaka

   Sa-rai zva-ka-na-ka

   Goodbye / Stay well

   Usage

   A polite Shona farewell meaning "stay well"

   Grammar Note

   The casual English "Bye" is also very common in Zimbabwe

4. Hongu / Kwete

   Ho-ngu / Kwe-te

   Yes / No

   Usage

   Basic Shona words for yes and no

   Grammar Note

   "Hongu" is also used as a back-channel response to show understanding or agreement

5. Makadii?

   Ma-ka-di-i?

   How are you?

   Usage

   The Shona way to ask how someone is doing

   Grammar Note

   Reply "Tiri well" (we're well) or "Ndiripowo" (I'm here/fine) — English mixing is common

6. Mhoro, ndiripo

   Mho-ro, ndi-ri-po

   Hello, I am here / I am fine

   Usage

   A natural response to "Mhoro" meaning you are present and well

   Grammar Note

   "ndiripo" combines "ndi" (I am) + "ripo" (present/here). A standard reply to greetings

7. Fambai zvakanaka

   Fa-mbai zva-ka-na-ka

   Go well / Goodbye (said to someone leaving)

   Usage

   Said to someone who is leaving. Means "go well / travel safely"

   Grammar Note

   "famba" means "to go/travel" in Shona. "-ai" is the plural imperative suffix

8. Ndinofara kukuona

   Ndi-no-fa-ra ku-ku-o-na

   I am happy to see you

   Usage

   A warm greeting when meeting someone you know again

   Grammar Note

   "fara" means "to be happy". In "kukuona": first "ku-" is the infinitive prefix, second "ku-" is "you" (object)

9. Zuva rakanaka!

   Zu-va ra-ka-na-ka!

   Have a good day!

   Usage

   A friendly farewell wishing someone a good day

   Grammar Note

   "zuva" means both "sun" and "day" in Shona. "rakanaka" is the perfect of "naka" agreeing with the ra-class noun

10. Ndinokukumbira ruregerero

    Ndi-no-ku-ku-mbi-ra ru-re-ge-re-ro

    I beg your pardon / Excuse me

    Usage

    Used to politely get someone's attention or to offer a mild apology

    Grammar Note

    "ruregerero" is a ru-class noun meaning "forgiveness/pardon". "ndinokukumbira" is a polite request form

11. Imba yekugezera iri kupi?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    Practical phrase for asking the location of a bathroom or toilet inside a building

    Grammar Note

    "Kupi?" is the Shona interrogative for "where?" "Imba yekugezera" means bathroom (room for washing). "Chimbuzi" is another common word for toilet.

12. Handitauri chiShona

    I can't speak chiShona

    Usage

    Used to indicate you cannot speak chiShona. Often used as a preface to request help in English

    Grammar Note

    "Handitauri" means "I don't speak." The verb "taura" (to speak) takes the negative prefix "handi-" for first-person. chiShona is a Bantu language widely spoken in Zimbabwe.

13. Rara zvakanaka

    Good night

    Usage

    Said before going to bed, e.g. at a guesthouse or homestay; literally "sleep well"

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