Chichewa is spoken by around 18M+ people in Malawi · Zambia. Here are common everyday words and phrases to get you started - then practise the pronunciation live with a native Chichewa tutor.
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English
Flip through the everyday phrases below, then say them out loud with a native tutor.
Greetings
| Chichewa | English |
|---|---|
| Moni | Hello |
| Muli bwanji? | How are you? |
| Ndili bwino | I am fine |
| Mwadzuka bwanji? | Good morning |
| Mwaswera bwanji? | Good afternoon |
Everyday courtesy
| Chichewa | English |
|---|---|
| Zikomo | Thank you / Excuse me |
| Zikomo kwambiri | Thank you very much |
| Pepani | Sorry |
| Chonde | Please |
Useful basics
| Chichewa | English |
|---|---|
| Inde | Yes |
| Ayi | No |
| Dzina langa ndine ___ | My name is ___ |
| Dzina lanu ndani? | What is your name? |
| Ndimakukonda | I love you |
| Tsalani bwino | Goodbye (to one staying) |
| Pitani bwino | Goodbye (to one leaving) |
Numbers 1-5
| Chichewa | English |
|---|---|
| Chimodzi | 1 |
| Ziwiri | 2 |
| Zitatu | 3 |
| Zinayi | 4 |
| Zisanu | 5 |
Test yourself
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Greetings
Everyday courtesy
Useful basics
Numbers 1-5
Start speaking Chichewa today
Reading phrases is a great start - but the fastest way to learn Chichewa is to speak it. Book a 30-minute trial with a native-speaker tutor and practise these phrases out loud.
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