chiShona is spoken by around 9M+ people in Zimbabwe. Here are common everyday words and phrases to get you started - then practise the pronunciation live with a native chiShona tutor.
Practise — tap the card to flip
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English
Flip through the everyday phrases below, then say them out loud with a native tutor.
Greetings
| chiShona | English |
|---|---|
| Mhoro | Hello (to one person) |
| Mhoroi | Hello (to a group) |
| Wakadii? | How are you? |
| Ndiripo | I am fine |
| Makadii? | How are you all? |
Everyday courtesy
| chiShona | English |
|---|---|
| Ndatenda / Maita basa | Thank you |
| Ndatenda zvikuru | Thank you very much |
| Ndineurombo | Sorry |
| Ndapota | Please |
Useful basics
| chiShona | English |
|---|---|
| Hongu | Yes |
| Kwete | No |
| Zita rangu ndinonzi ___ | My name is ___ |
| Unonzi ani? | What is your name? |
| Ndinokuda | I love you |
| Sara zvakanaka | Goodbye (to one staying) |
| Famba zvakanaka | Goodbye (to one leaving) |
Numbers 1-5
| chiShona | English |
|---|---|
| Poshi / Motsi | 1 |
| Piri | 2 |
| Tatu | 3 |
| China | 4 |
| Shanu | 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 chiShona today
Reading phrases is a great start - but the fastest way to learn chiShona is to speak it. Book a 30-minute trial with a native-speaker tutor and practise these phrases out loud.
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