Advanced Zulu to English Dictionary: Grammar, Usage & Idioms

Beginner’s Zulu–English Dictionary: Common Vocabulary for Travelers

Traveling in South Africa or other Zulu-speaking regions is more rewarding when you can use a few local words. This beginner’s Zulu–English dictionary focuses on everyday vocabulary and useful phrases for travelers—greetings, directions, numbers, shopping, dining, emergencies, and polite expressions. Learn these basics to connect with locals, show respect, and navigate daily situations with confidence.

Greetings & Basic Politeness

• Sawubona — Hello (to one person)
• Sanibonani — Hello (to more than one person)
• Unjani? — How are you? (to one person)
• Ninjani? — How are you? (to more than one person)
• Ngikhona, ngiyabonga — I am fine, thank you
• Ngiyacela — Please / You’re welcome (context-dependent)
• Ngiyabonga — Thank you
• Uxolo — Excuse me / Sorry
• Hamba kahle — Go well / Goodbye (to one person)
• Salaam (used in some communities) — Peace / Goodbye

Essential Questions & Directions

• Ikuphi…? — Where is…?
• Kude noma kufuphi? — Is it far or near?
• Ngisize, ngilahlekile — Help, I am lost
• Ngicela ikhadi lendawo — May I have a map / local guide?
• Ngokushesha — Quickly / Hurry
• Ngaphi indlu yangasese? — Where is the restroom?
• Umgwaqo — Road / street
• Phakathi — Inside / in
• Ngaphandle — Outside / out

Numbers (1–10)

• 1 — Kunye
• 2 — Kubili
• 3 — Kuthathu
• 4 — Kune
• 5 — Isihlanu
• 6 — Isithupha
• 7 — Isikhombisa
• 8 — Isishiyagalombili
• 9 — Isishiyagalolunye
• 10 — Ishumi

At the Market & Shopping

• Lingakanani lokhu? — How much is this?
• Ngiyabiza — It is expensive
• Ngicela isaphulelo — Please give a discount
• Ngidinga lokhu — I need this
• Unganginika? — Can you give me…?
• Imali — Money
• Ikhadi lesikweletu — Credit card
• Isikhwama — Bag / purse

Eating & Drinking

• Ngicela ukudla — I would like food
• Ngicela okuphuzi — I would like something to drink
• Amanzi — Water
• Ubisi — Milk
• Inyama — Meat
• Imifino — Vegetables
• Ngiyalambile — I am hungry
• Ngomile — I am thirsty
• Nginesifiso sokudla kwasekhaya — I want traditional/local food

Transport & Accommodation

• Indlu yokulala — Hotel / place to sleep
• Ngidinga indawo yokuhlala — I need accommodation
• Indlela eya e… — The way to…
• Isitimela — Train
• Ibhasi — Bus
• Imoto eqashiwe — Rental car
• Ixabiso — Fare / price

Emergencies & Health

• Usizo! — Help! / Emergency!
• Ngilahlekile — I am lost
• Ngilimale — I am injured
• Ngidinga udokotela — I need a doctor
• Ucingo lwesimo esiphuthumayo — Emergency phone number
• Isibhedlela — Hospital
• Iphoyisa — Police

Polite Extras & Cultural Notes

• Use “Sawubona” and “Ngiyabonga” often—Zulu speakers appreciate basic greetings and gratitude.
• When addressing elders, use respectful tone and, if possible, add a title (e.g., Mama, Baba).
• Pointing with one finger can be considered rude; gesture with the whole hand.

Quick Phrasebook (Handy Pocket List)

• Hello — Sawubona
• Thank you — Ngiyabonga
• Please — Ngiyacela
• Yes — Yebo
• No — Cha
• Where is…? — Ikuphi…?
• How much? — Lingakanani?
• Help — Usizo!

This compact beginner’s dictionary covers practical words and expressions to help travelers navigate common situations in Zulu-speaking areas. Carry a pocket list or download a phrasebook app, practice pronunciation slowly, and locals will appreciate your efforts. Safe travels!