Schedule & Booking

1. Nguva ingani ino?

   Ngu-va i-nga-ni i-no?

   What time is it now?

   Usage

   The basic phrase for asking what time it is

   Grammar Note

   "Nguva" means time, hour, or opportunity. In Zimbabwe, "What time is it?" in English is also widely understood. Zimbabwe uses CAT (Central Africa Time, UTC+2)

2. X inotanga riini?

   X i-no-ta-nga ri-i-ni?

   When does X start?

   Usage

   Used to ask when a tour, event, or service begins

   Grammar Note

   "Tanga" means to start or begin. "Riini" asks when. "Inotanga panguva ipi?" (at what time does it start?) is a more specific time question

3. Ndinofanira kuenda mangwanani

   Ndi-no-fa-ni-ra ku-e-nda ma-ngwa-na-ni

   I must leave in the morning

   Usage

   Used to indicate that you have an early morning departure

   Grammar Note

   "Ndinofanira" expresses obligation or necessity. Time of day: "mangwanani" (morning), "masikati" (midday), "manheru" (evening), "usiku" (night)

4. Yakanonoka

   Ya-ka-no-no-ka

   It is late / delayed

   Usage

   Used when transportation or an appointment is running late

   Grammar Note

   "Nonoka" means to be late or delayed. "Yakanonoka" is the perfect form. "Zimbabwe time" (running late) is a phrase even Zimbabweans use to acknowledge flexible punctuality

5. Ndinoda kubhuka.

   Ndi-no-da ku-bhu-ka.

   I want to make a reservation / booking

   Usage

   Used to make a reservation for a tour, accommodation, or transport

   Grammar Note

   "Bhuka" is borrowed from English "book" (to reserve). Advance reservations are often required for popular Zimbabwe attractions like Victoria Falls and safari lodges

6. X inovharwa rini?

   X i-no-vha-rwa ri-ni?

   When does X close?

   Usage

   Used to ask the closing time of a shop, attraction, or facility

   Grammar Note

   "Vhara" means to close or shut ("inovharwa" = it is closed). Opposite is "vhura" (to open). "Inovharwa nguva ipi?" (at what time does it close?) is more specific

7. Ndinogara zuva rimwe

   Ndi-no-ga-ra zu-va ri-mwe

   I am staying one more day

   Usage

   Used to extend your accommodation by one more day

   Grammar Note

   "Gara" is versatile: to sit, live, stay, or remain. "Rimwe" means one more/additional. "Mazuva maviri" (two more days) extends the pattern

8. Ndinoda schedule yenyu

   Ndi-no-da sche-du-le ye-nyu

   I want your schedule / timetable

   Usage

   Used to ask for a schedule or timetable from a tour operator or facility

   Grammar Note

   English is official in Zimbabwe, so "schedule" is used directly. "Nharireyomurimo" is the Shona for schedule/programme, but English terms dominate in practice

9. Ndanakidzwa nguva yangu yose

   Nda-na-ki-dzwa ngu-va ya-ngu yo-se

   I enjoyed my entire time here

   Usage

   Used at the end of a trip to express that you enjoyed the entire stay

   Grammar Note

   "Ndanakidzwa" is the perfect of "kunakidzwa" (to enjoy oneself). "Yose" means all/entire. This warm closing phrase makes for a heartfelt farewell in Zimbabwe

10. Ndatenda zvakanyanya

    Nda-te-nda zva-ka-nya-nya

    Thank you very much

    Usage

    A strong thank-you used at the end of a trip or after receiving excellent service

    Grammar Note

    "Ndatenda" is the most common Shona thank-you. "Zvakanyanya" intensifies it to "very much". "Ndatenda kwazvo" is another way to say "thank you very much"

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