isiZulu is spoken by around 15M+ people in South Africa. Here are common everyday words and phrases to get you started - then practise the pronunciation live with a native isiZulu tutor.
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English
Flip through the everyday phrases below, then say them out loud with a native tutor.
Greetings
| isiZulu | English |
|---|---|
| Sawubona | Hello (to one person) |
| Sanibonani | Hello (to a group) |
| Unjani? | How are you? |
| Ngiyaphila | I am fine |
| Ninjani? | How are you all? |
Everyday courtesy
| isiZulu | English |
|---|---|
| Ngiyabonga | Thank you |
| Ngiyabonga kakhulu | Thank you very much |
| Uxolo | Sorry / Excuse me |
| Ngicela | Please (I request) |
Useful basics
| isiZulu | English |
|---|---|
| Yebo | Yes |
| Cha | No |
| Igama lami ngu ___ | My name is ___ |
| Ngubani igama lakho? | What is your name? |
| Ngiyakuthanda | I love you |
| Sala kahle | Goodbye (to one staying) |
| Hamba kahle | Goodbye (to one leaving) |
Numbers 1-5
| isiZulu | English |
|---|---|
| Kunye | 1 |
| Kubili | 2 |
| Kuthathu | 3 |
| Kune | 4 |
| Kuhlanu | 5 |
Test yourself
Quick flashcards, multiple choice and typing practice built from the words above.
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Greetings
Everyday courtesy
Useful basics
Numbers 1-5
Start speaking isiZulu today
Reading phrases is a great start - but the fastest way to learn isiZulu is to speak it. Book a 30-minute trial with a native-speaker tutor and practise these phrases out loud.
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