Slang

1. Ndeipi?

   What's up?

   Usage

   A casual youth greeting for friends your age; with elders or in formal settings use "Makadii?"

2. Ndiri bhoo

   I'm good

   Usage

   The standard answer to "Ndeipi?"; "bhoo" (from English "boy") means fine or all right. For friends your age — with elders say "Ndiripo"

3. Zvirikufaya

   Things are going well

   Usage

   Youth slang built on "faya" (from English "fire"), meaning things are going great. For friends your age, not elders or formal settings

4. Shamwari

   Friend

   Usage

   One of the best-known Shona words. It works as a form of address, is safe with anyone, and instantly warms up a conversation

   Grammar Note

   A class 9 noun; the plural is identical. The clipped form "sha" is for friends your own age only.

5. Sha

   Mate / bro

   Usage

   Short for "shamwari"; only for close friends your own age, never for elders or strangers

6. Mukoma

   Older brother (polite address)

   Usage

   Literally "elder brother"; a polite way to address a man somewhat older than you whose name you do not know — shop staff, taxi drivers

7. Sisi

   Sister (polite address)

   Usage

   A warm, respectful way to address a woman whose name you do not know, in shops and restaurants; for an older woman use "Ambuya"

8. Mudhara

   Old man / boss (friendly)

   Usage

   A familiar, informal address for an older man. Safer once you know the person; with a stranger or in a formal setting "Sekuru" is better. Not used for women

9. Sekuru

   Sekuru (respectful, older man)

   Usage

   Grandfather, and a respectful address for any elderly man, related or not. Shona society takes deference to elders seriously, so this is the safe default

10. Ambuya

    Ambuya (respectful, older woman)

    Usage

    Grandmother, and a respectful address for any elderly woman, related or not. It warms things up instantly at a market or eatery, but is never used for a young woman

11. Tsano

    Brother-in-law (friendly address)

    Usage

    Literally a brother-in-law, but used jokingly between men of similar age as a friendly address. Not used to women or to elders

12. Handiti?

    Right? / isn't it?

    Usage

    A tag that checks the other person agrees; it warms up a conversation. Fine with anyone in speech, but not in writing

13. Aiwa!

    No way!

    Usage

    Literally "no"; said on its own with force it becomes an exclamation of disbelief. Safe with anyone, though a sharp tone reads as a firm refusal

14. Maiwe!

    Oh my!

    Usage

    Literally "mother!" — an exclamation of surprise, pain or dismay. Safe with anyone

15. Hokoyo!

    Watch out!

    Usage

    A short shout of warning, safe with anyone. Aimed at a person as a threat it sounds aggressive, so keep it for actual hazards

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