The Jones family meet Mai May and her family

The Jones family are in Harare!
After a few days in Harare they come round to introduce themselves to their neighbours – or vavakidzani. Mr Jones is really trying very hard to speak Shona already.
Do you think he nailed it?

The Jones family meet Mai May and her family | Shona language pretend play

Hear these words in the video? Subtitles will lead the way. Read the words out loud with us:

Kazuwai ndingakubatsirai nei? – Hello how can I help you?
Vavakidzani vedu vatsva – our new neighbours
Mauya – welcome
Mhiri kwemakungwa – overseas
Rombo rakanaka – good luck
Makorokotoi – congratulations
Hushamwari hwakakosha – friendship is precious
Mungondi gogodzera – just knock at mine
Tinozvirumbidza – we praise it
Chikepe – boat
Mavhiki – weeks
kuuya kuzotandadzana neni – to come and hang out with me
dhorobha – town
chinhambo – a chance
makapedzisira kuuya ku Zimbabwe riini? – when did you last come to Zimbabwe?
makore gumi nemairi – 12 years
munenge mandibatsira – you will have helped me
munonzwisisa Shona here? – do you understand Shona?
Ndichiri kudzidzira – I’m still learning
kudzidza hakupere – learning never ends
asi chii nhai? – what the flip?
chokwadi mwanangu – that’s true my child
ruzevha – residential living reserves usually on the outskirts of bigger cities and towns
uchadzoka wakugona – you’ll be able to when you return
zvinhu zvizhinji – plenty of things
chimwondimwii – cornbread

If you like this post why not check out our other Shona language videos on this page?