Xitsonga is spoken by around 7M+ people in South Africa · Mozambique. Here are common everyday words and phrases to get you started - then practise the pronunciation live with a native Xitsonga tutor.
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English
Flip through the everyday phrases below, then say them out loud with a native tutor.
Greetings
| Xitsonga | English |
|---|---|
| Avuxeni | Good morning / Hello |
| Inhlikanhi | Good afternoon |
| U njhani? | How are you? |
| Ndzi kahle | I am fine |
| Mi njhani? | How are you all? |
Everyday courtesy
| Xitsonga | English |
|---|---|
| Inkomu | Thank you |
| Inkomu swinene | Thank you very much |
| Ndzi kombela ndzivalelo | Sorry / Excuse me |
| Ndzi kombela | Please |
Useful basics
| Xitsonga | English |
|---|---|
| Ina | Yes |
| E-e | No |
| Vito ra mina i ___ | My name is ___ |
| U vitiwa mani? | What is your name? |
| Ndza ku rhandza | I love you |
| Sala kahle | Goodbye (to one staying) |
| Famba kahle | Goodbye (to one leaving) |
Numbers 1-5
| Xitsonga | English |
|---|---|
| Nwe | 1 |
| Mbirhi | 2 |
| Nharhu | 3 |
| Mune | 4 |
| Ntlhanu | 5 |
Start speaking Xitsonga today
Reading phrases is a great start - but the fastest way to learn Xitsonga is to speak it. Book a 30-minute trial with a native-speaker tutor and practise these phrases out loud.
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