Basic Words

1. Ee

   Yes

   Usage

   A plain affirmative answer. Nodding as you say it makes it clear

   Grammar Note

   Use this Tshivenḓa form, not Zulu "Yebo" or Sotho "E"

2. Hai

   No

   Usage

   A plain negative answer to a question

   Grammar Note

   "Aiwa" means "yes" in some neighbouring languages but is a "no" in Tshivenḓa, so "Hai" is the safer word

3. Ndo livhuwa

   Thank you

   Usage

   The basic way to say thanks, for example after a meal or some help

   Grammar Note

   "ndo" marks a completed action, so the phrase means "I have thanked". Do not use Zulu "Ngiyabonga"

4. Pfarelo

   Sorry / forgive me

   Usage

   Said to apologise lightly, for example after bumping into someone

   Grammar Note

   A noun meaning "forgiveness" used as an apology. For a fuller apology say "Ndi khou humbela pfarelo" (I ask for forgiveness)

5. Kha vha ntendele

   Excuse me (please allow me)

   Usage

   A polite way to get someone's attention or to ask leave to speak

   Grammar Note

   "Kha vha" is the respectful request form, used with elders and strangers

6. A thi pfesesi

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Said when you did not understand what was said

   Grammar Note

   "a thi" is the first person negative; the verb ending changes from "-a" to "-i"

7. Kha vha lindele

   Please wait

   Usage

   A polite request for someone to wait

   Grammar Note

   The request form of "lindela" (to wait) ends in "-e"

8. Kha vha nthuse

   Please help me

   Usage

   A polite request for help

   Grammar Note

   "n-" is the "me" marker; "thusa" (to help) becomes "nthuse". This is a composed sentence; native review is advised

9. Kha vha dovholole

   Please repeat that

   Usage

   Asks someone to say it again when you did not catch it

   Grammar Note

   The request form of "dovholola" (to repeat)

10. Ndi amba Tshivenḓa ṱhukhu

    I speak a little Tshivenḓa

    Usage

    Tells people you speak only a little Tshivenḓa

    Grammar Note

    Language names start with "Tshi-". "ṱhukhu" means "a little"; keep the mark under the "ṱ". This is a composed sentence; native review is advised

11. Afha

    Here

    Usage

    Used to point to the place where you are

    Grammar Note

    Marks a nearby place; "Afho" is a place a little away

12. Afho

    There

    Usage

    Used to point to a place a little away

    Grammar Note

    The counterpart of "Afha" (here) for a place farther away

13. Nṋe

    Me / I

    Usage

    The independent pronoun for "I / me"

    Grammar Note

    "ṋ" is "n" with a mark below it; it is a different sound from plain "n"

14. Iwe

    You (one person, familiar)

    Usage

    For one familiar person such as a friend or a child

    Grammar Note

    For elders and strangers use the respectful "inwi"

15. Inwi

    You (respectful / plural)

    Usage

    Respectful "you" for elders and strangers, and also plural "you"

    Grammar Note

    Respect is shown with the plural form; the verb subject marker is "vha"

16. Zwoṱhe

    All / everything

    Usage

    Used for "everything" or "all of it"

    Grammar Note

    This form goes with "zwi-" class things; for people use "vhoṱhe"

17. Zwo lingana

    That is enough

    Usage

    Said when you have enough or want no more

    Grammar Note

    "lingana" means to be equal or enough; "zwo" marks the completed state

18. Hafu

    Half

    Usage

    A short way to say "half"

    Grammar Note

    A loanword used in the pattern "hafu ya ..." (half of ...)

19. Muthu muthihi

    One person

    Usage

    Used to say "one person"

    Grammar Note

    Numbers change form with the noun class; "muthihi" agrees with "muthu"

20. Vhathu vhavhili

    Two people

    Usage

    Used to say "two people"

    Grammar Note

    "vhathu" is the plural of "muthu", and the number takes the "vha-" form too

21. Vhathu vhararu

    Three people

    Usage

    Used to say "three people"

    Grammar Note

    For people use the form "vhararu", not bare "raru"

22. Ndi mueni

    I am a visitor

    Usage

    Tells people you are a guest and not from the area

    Grammar Note

    "mueni" means guest, plural "vhaeni"; a gentle word that suits a tourist. This is a composed sentence; native review is advised

23. Ho luga

    It is fine / all right

    Usage

    Used to agree or to say there is no problem

    Grammar Note

    "luga" is a verb meaning to be right or in order

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