Shona for Visitors & Newcomers: Speak with Heart in Zimbabwe

Whether you’re visiting Zimbabwe for business or connecting with Zimbabwean friends and acquaintances, learning a few words of Shona is a warm way to show respect and genuine interest in local culture. Engage and embrace this rich and colourful language. Learn the basics of Shona for beginners.

Whether you’re in Harare, Mutare, Bulawayo or Victoria falls, a simple “Mhoro!” (Hello!) or “Ndatenda!” (Thank you!) will bring smiles and help you connect across cultures.

Shona is one of Zimbabwe’s main languages and is spoken with pride, rhythm, and friendliness.
Here you’ll find easy, everyday phrases to help you greet people, express gratitude, ask for directions, or start a friendly conversation. These expressions and handy tips on the Shona language will allow you to get by while time, experience and studies do their part.

Learn Basic Shona: a living language shaped by culture, values, and social norms. Rather than full lessons, this page shares bite-sized insights that make communication feel more human, meaningful, and culturally aware. Designed for learners, travellers, and cross-cultural professionals, this page highlights phrases, expressions, and nuances that help bridge cultural understanding through everyday communication.

Learn Basic Shona