Useful Phrases

1. Ndini ndakagadzira app iyi

   I made this app

   Usage

   Used when introducing an app you created

   Grammar Note

   Shona uses verb prefixes to indicate subject and tense

2. App iyi ndeyemahara

   This app is free

   Usage

   Used to inform someone the app is free of charge

   Grammar Note

   "Ndeyemahara" = copula + "yemahara" ("of free/no cost"), i.e. "it is free". "Mahara" means free/without cost in Shona

3. Edza kuidhawurodha

   Please try downloading it

   Usage

   Used to encourage someone to download the app

   Grammar Note

   "Edza" means to try/attempt in Shona

4. Ndiri muJapan

   I'm Japanese

   Usage

   Basic phrase for introducing your nationality

   Grammar Note

   "Mu-" is a Shona noun class prefix for people from a place

5. Ndiri mufambi

   I'm a traveler

   Usage

   Used to identify yourself as a tourist/traveler

   Grammar Note

   "Mufambi" is the person noun from "kufamba" (to travel/walk), i.e. a traveler

6. Ndiri kufamba ndega

   I'm traveling alone

   Usage

   Used to say you are traveling by yourself

   Grammar Note

   "Ndega" means alone/by myself in Shona

7. Ndauya pano kekutanga

   It's my first time here

   Usage

   Common phrase when visiting a place for the first time

   Grammar Note

   "Kekutanga" means first/for the first time in Shona

8. Ndinogona kutora mufananidzo?

   May I take a photo?

   Usage

   Used when asking permission to take a photo

   Grammar Note

   "Ndinogona" means I can/am able to in Shona

9. Tinogona kutora mufananidzo pamwe chete?

   Shall we take a photo together?

   Usage

   Used to suggest taking a photo together

   Grammar Note

   "Pamwe chete" means together/jointly in Shona

10. Ndapota scanner QR code

    Please scan the QR code

    Usage

    Used when asking someone to scan a QR code

    Grammar Note

    "Ndapota" is the polite request word in Shona

11. Usandinyengedze

    Don't cheat me / Stop ripping me off

    Usage

    Used to protest being cheated or overcharged

    Grammar Note

    "Usa-" is the Shona prohibitive prefix. "Nyengedza" means to cheat/deceive

12. Usandidzvanyire pasi

    Don't underestimate me / Don't look down on me

    Usage

    Used when someone underestimates or disrespects you

    Grammar Note

    "Dzvanyira pasi" (press to the ground) is a Shona idiom for looking down on or underestimating someone

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