Basic Phrases of the Zulu Language

The Zulus are the largest group of people in South Africa. The modern Zulu population is evenly distributed in both urban and rural areas. Although KwaZulu-Natal is still their heartland, large numbers of Zulu have been attracted to the relative economic prosperity of the Gauteng province of South Africa.

The Zulu people are best known for their rich culture, beliefs, elaborate traditional wear and battles fought in the past.

Now, one of the most widely spoken language in South Africa, Zulu became one of South Africa's eleven official languages in 1994. The Zulu language is written using the Latin alphabet.

So, before you set off on the much yearned for South African Safari, here are a few words that will help you communicate in Zulu while you're there.

Greetings

Good morning, Good day, Good night	---	Sawubona
Good Night	---	Lala Kahle
See you later	---	Sizobonana
Good bye	---	Hamba kahle

Some Basics Phrases

Today	---	Namhlanje
Now	---	Manje
Tomorrow	---	Kusasa
Yesterday	---	Izolo
In The Morning	---	Ekuseni
In The Evening	---	kusihlwa
At Night	---	Ebusuku
Yes	---	Yebo
No	---	Cha
Big	---	Kukhulu
Small	---	Kuncane
Good	---	Kuhle
Bad	---	Kubi
Uxolo	---	Excuse me
Wamukelekile	---	You are welcome

Small Talk

How are you?	---	Unjani?
I'm fine, thanks	---	Ngikhona, ngiyabonga
And you?	---	Wena unjani?
Good	---	Ngisaphila
What's your name?	---	Ngubani igama lakho?
My name is ...	---	Igama lami ngu
Where are you from?	---	Uphumaphi?
I'm from (country/ place)	---	Ngiphuma (country)
What do you do for a living?	---	Usebenzani?

Food

I'm hungry	---	Ngilambile
Thirsty	---	Ngomile
Beer	---	Tshwal
Maize meal porridge	---	uPhutu
Lamb stew	---	Isit shulu
Kidney bean stew	---	UmZumbe
Cabbage	---	Iklabishi
Pumpkin	---	Ithanga
Fruit	---	Isithelo

Directions

Go straight	---	Qonda ngqo
Then turn left- Khona	---	manjalo jikela ngakwesobunxele
Right	---	Ngakwesokudla

Numbers

One	---	Kunye
Two	---	Isibili,
Three	---	Kuthathu
Four	---	Okune
Five	---	Isihlanu
Six	---	Isithupha
Seven	---	Isikhombisa
Eight	---	Isishiyagalombili
Nine	---	Isishiyagalolunye
Ten	---	Ishumi

Days of the Week

Monday	---	uMsombuluko
Tuesday	---	uLwesibili
Wednesday	---	uLwesithathu
Thursday	---	uLwesine
Friday	---	uLwesihlanu
Saturday	---	uMgqibelo
Sunday	---	Isonto

A Few Handy Words

Do you speak English?	---	Ukhuluma isiNgisi na?
Can you help me?	---	Ungangisiza na?
I'm lost	---	Ngilahlekile
Where is the bathroom?	---	Likuphi ikamelo lokugezela?
Where is the pharmacy?	---	Likuphi ikhemisi?
I feel sick	---	Ngiyagul
I need a doctor	---	Ngidinga udokotela
Call the police	---	Biza amaphoyisa

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