Question Words

1. Chii?

   What?

   Usage

   Works on its own; point at the thing as you say it

2. Kupi?

   Where?

   Usage

   Ask for a place; add a place or object name in front to make a sentence

3. Rini?

   When?

   Usage

   For departure times and opening hours

4. Ndiani?

   Who?

   Usage

   To ask who is in charge or whose something is

5. Nei?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason; in some languages it sounds blunt, so smile

6. Sei?

   How?

   Usage

   For how to get somewhere or how to use something

7. Zvingani?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks a count; hold up fingers to confirm the number

8. Imarii?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The core shopping question; ask them to show the figure on a calculator

9. Ndechipi?

   Which one?

   Usage

   When you need someone to pick from several options

10. Ichi chii?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at an unfamiliar item in a market or eatery

11. Chimbuzi chiripi?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used travel questions — memorise it whole

12. Inguvai?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Ask the time; having them show a clock face avoids number confusion

13. Munazvo here?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks about stock or vacancy; put it after the name of the thing

14. Munogona here?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Checks whether a request is possible; also opens a price negotiation

15. Kune muripo here?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    For luggage storage, Wi-Fi, or entry — check before you use it

16. Ndemahara here?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirm that a sample, a bottle of water, or a service costs nothing

17. Zvakanaka here?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Used to ask for permission; pair it with pointing

18. Hazvina kunaka here?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being refused

19. Wakanaka here?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing, unlike "Zvakanaka here?" which asks permission

20. Chokwadi here?

    Really?

    Usage

    Used to confirm something surprising

21. Unobva kupi?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener

22. Zita rako ndiani?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A good conversation opener

23. Une makore mangani?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking someone's age can feel intrusive depending on the person. Best used once you know someone better

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