Vehicles

1. Mota

   Car

   Usage

   The basic word for a car; Zimbabwe drives on the left

   Grammar Note

   A class 9 noun; the plural is identical. "Motokari" is a fuller variant.

2. Kombi

   Kombi (minibus)

   Usage

   Zimbabwe's everyday transport: a shared van on a fixed route that leaves when full. A conductor ("hwindi") shouts the destination to draw passengers

   Grammar Note

   A loanword from the Volkswagen model name, now a common noun; class 9.

3. Mushikashika

   Mushikashika (informal taxi)

   Usage

   Unlicensed shared cars in Harare and other cities. They fill the gap when the buses run short, but they carry no insurance and get stopped by police — not a first choice for visitors

   Grammar Note

   From the reduplicated ideophone "shika-shika", darting about; class 3 (mu-).

4. Bhazi

   Bus

   Usage

   Covers both city buses and intercity coaches

   Grammar Note

   A class 5 loanword; the plural is "mabhazi".

5. ZUPCO

   ZUPCO bus

   Usage

   Zimbabwe's state-owned bus operator; fares are low and it covers the main city routes, but timetables are loose so allow extra time

6. Tekisi

   Taxi

   Usage

   A private hire car; agree the fare before you get in, as meters are rare

   Grammar Note

   A class 9 loanword; the plural is identical.

7. Chitima

   Train

   Usage

   The overnight service between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls is a famously atmospheric ride, though services are sparse

   Grammar Note

   A class 7 (chi-) noun; the plural is "zvitima", from English "steamer".

8. Mudhudhudhu

   Motorcycle

   Usage

   An onomatopoeic word from the sound of the engine; delivery riders use them constantly

   Grammar Note

   A class 3 (mu-) noun; the plural is "midhudhudhu".

9. Bhasikoro

   Bicycle

   Usage

   Still a main means of transport in rural areas; also the word when hiring one

   Grammar Note

   A class 5 loanword; the plural is "mabhasikoro".

10. Ndege

    Aeroplane

    Usage

    The Harare–Victoria Falls domestic flight is the handy one for visitors

    Grammar Note

    A class 9 noun; the plural is identical.

11. Chikepe

    Boat

    Usage

    Covers the Zambezi sunset cruises and the Kariba houseboats

    Grammar Note

    A class 7 (chi-) noun; the plural is "zvikepe".

12. Rori

    Truck / lorry

    Usage

    The highway to the South African border at Beitbridge is thick with trucks, so take care overtaking

    Grammar Note

    A class 9 loanword; the plural is identical.

13. Ngoro

    Ox cart / scotch cart

    Usage

    Still in daily use in rural areas, pulled by oxen or donkeys; watch for them on the roads

    Grammar Note

    A class 9 noun; the plural is identical.

14. Mota yemapurisa

    Police car

    Usage

    For reporting a theft or accident. Roadblocks are frequent on the highways, so keep your documents handy

    Grammar Note

    "Mota" (car, class 9) plus the possessive linker "ye-" plus "mapurisa" (police).

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