Language/Shona/Vocabulary/Geography
Hi Shona learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn Shona vocabulary related to geography. Understanding geography is crucial to understanding the world we live in. It helps us learn about other countries and cultures, and appreciate the natural beauty of our planet. Let's get started!
With the completion of this lesson, consider investigating these related pages: Telling Time & How to say Good Bye?.
Basic Geography Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Let's start with some basic vocabulary that you will need to know when learning about geography.
| Shona | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| dziko | d͡zi.ko | country |
| nyika | ɲi.ka | land |
| denga | de.ŋɡa | sky |
| mweya | mwe.ja | wind |
| moyo | mo.jo | earth |
| panze | pan.ze | ground |
| gungwa | ɡu.ŋɡʷa | mountain |
| musi | mu.si | river |
Desert Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Deserts are beautiful but inhospitable places that have fascinated people throughout history. Here is some Shona vocabulary to help you understand more about these fascinating places.
| Shona | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| tshangani | t͡ʃa.ŋa.ni | sand |
| nyika yetsanga | ɲi.ka je.t͡sa.ŋa | desert |
| shoropodzwa | ʃo.ro.po.d͡zwa | dune |
| pfuti | ɸu.ti | oasis |
| mhondoro | m̩.hon.do.ro | mirage |
Dialogue:
- Person 1: Waenda kupi? (Where are you going?)
- Person 2: Ndaenda ku-Sahara (I am going to the Sahara)
- Person 1: Kuchingo kunobva huchiita here? (What do you do in such a hot place?)
- Person 2: Ndirikubva ndauya kuzvibvunza, asi ndicharamba ndirikudzosera (I came to explore, but I will remain cautious)
Ocean and Sea Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Oceans and seas cover over 70% of the Earth's surface and are essential for life on our planet. Here is some vocabulary to help you understand more about these vast bodies of water.
| Shona | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| mazimbabwe | ma.zim.bab.we | ocean |
| mweya wechuru | mwe.ja we.ʧu.ru | wave |
| nyangwe | ɲa.ŋwe | tide |
| musodzi | mu.so.dzi | island |
Dialogue:
- Person 1: Unoenda kuKariba here iyi se weekend? (Are you going to Kariba this weekend?)
- Person 2: Aiwa, taiti tiwane mapepi kuti tidambure iwe also nemurume wako (Yes, we planned to rent a boat to ride with you and your husband)
- Person 1: Handisi kuona zvakadaro pano, hatina tingadzorere hupenyu hwedu ikoko (I haven't seen such a thing here, we can't waste our lives there)
- Person 2: Asi horaita kuzopinda miromo yemoto kumba? (But how about taking a swim in the hot tub at home?)
Mountain Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Mountains are some of the most majestic and awe-inspiring natural features on Earth. Here is some Shona vocabulary to help you understand more about these amazing formations.
| Shona | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| gungwa | ɡu.ŋɡʷa | mountain |
| dzimbahwe | d͡zi.ᵐba.b͡we | summit |
| pfumbamwe | ɸu.m̩.ɸam.we | cliff |
| mvumba | m͡vu.mba | valley |
Dialogue:
- Person 1: Munotya ka kunana gungwa? (Aren't you scared of hiking?)
- Person 2: Handitombonzwawo krusade redukuri (I've never heard of anyone getting lost)
- Person 1: Asi mukasiya mafuta here? (But what if you run out of petrol?)
- Person 2: Handina kubikira kana kupfeka sando, ndoda pfungwa (I won't drive or wear sandals, I need to be cautious)
Weather Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Understanding the weather is important not just for its practical applications, but also for its impact on our daily lives. Here is some Shona vocabulary to help you understand more about the weather.
| Shona | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| zuva | zu.va | sun |
| mvura | m͡vu.ra | rain |
| rwizi | rwi.zi | fog |
| tsoka | t͡so.ka | cloud |
Dialogue:
- Person 1: Zvichakurwadza here kuita vanhu pano pano? (Does the heat bother you while doing outdoor activities here?)
- Person 2: Handi, ndiri kupikirira pamwe napfuti (No, I'm thinking of swimming with an oasis)
- Person 1: Asi havadi here ndimi ne-zuva iyi? (But won't you be uncomfortable with the sun?)
- Person 2: Handidi kunyatsoitira, handikuzivikanwe chete (I won't overdo it, I'm not used to it)
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Well done! You now know some basic Shona Geography vocabulary. As always, the more you practice, the more you'll remember. Don't forget to use Find native speakers and ask them any questions. You can also improve your Shona Vocabulary and other skills by visiting Polyglot Club, where you can find language exchange partners from all over the world.
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Now that you've completed this lesson, don't stop learning! Check out these related topics: Fruits and Vegetables & Health.
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Food
- Clothes
- Emergency
- Languages
- Days of the week
- Feelings and Emotions
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Fruits
- Health
Sources[edit | edit source]