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