Basic Words

1. Yebo

   Yes

   Usage

   Simple affirmative. Nodding while you say it removes any doubt

2. Cha

   No

   Usage

   Simple negative. Also used to turn down offers and street vendors

3. Ngiyacela

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request. Combined with pointing it works almost anywhere

   Grammar Note

   "Ngiyacela" means "I request"; placing it before an imperative turns it into a polite ask.

4. Ngiyabonga

   Thank you

   Usage

   The single most useful word. Use it after paying or being given directions

5. Uxolo

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger’s attention, or when passing in front of someone

   Grammar Note

   "Uxolo" literally means "peace" and covers both excusing yourself and a light apology.

6. Ngiyaxolisa

   Sorry

   Usage

   A real apology: after bumping into someone or making a mistake

7. Kulungile

   It’s OK / I’m fine

   Usage

   Reassures someone who is worried, and softly declines an offer

8. Angiqondi

   I don’t understand

   Usage

   Say it when you miss what was said; it prompts them to rephrase

9. Ngiyaqonda

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed the explanation and the conversation can move on

10. Ngiqedile

    I’m finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals you have finished a meal, a form, or a payment

11. Ngicela ulinde

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it while you dig out your wallet or wait for a travel companion

12. Ake ulinde kancane

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For a few seconds only — at a counter or on the phone

13. Umuntu omdala oyedwa

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance gate when stating your party size

14. Angibhukhanga

    I don’t have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a hotel or restaurant unannounced

15. Ngibhukhile

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it at reception before giving your name; show the booking if you have it

16. Ngicela ungisize

    Please help me

    Usage

    Shout it in an emergency — it is meant to draw attention fast

17. Ngicela uphinde

    Once more, please

    Usage

    For asking someone to repeat; pairs naturally with “I don’t understand”

18. Ngicela ukhulume kancane

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem rather than the words; most people oblige

19. Ngikhuluma kancane

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Say it early; people then choose simpler words and slow down

20. Uyakhuluma isiNgisi?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    For complicated business — check whether you share a language first

21. Lokhu

    This one

    Usage

    For choosing something within reach — the workhorse word at stalls and markets

22. Lokho

    That one (near you)

    Usage

    For something near the person you are talking to. Zulu splits demonstratives into three distances

23. Lokhuya

    That one over there

    Usage

    The form for something away from both of you

24. Lapha

    Here

    Usage

    For showing where to stop or where to meet

25. Lapho

    There (near you)

    Usage

    For a place near the person you are talking to

26. Laphaya

    Over there

    Usage

    For a place further off — use it together with a pointing finger

27. Mina

    Me / I

    Usage

    The emphatic form — show it while pointing at yourself

28. Wena

    You

    Usage

    Point at the other person to mean "you" — handy for sorting out turns or shares

29. Ndawonye

    Together

    Usage

    For saying you are together, or that things should be handled as one

30. Okwengeziwe

    More

    Usage

    Point at it to ask for a refill or more of something

31. Kancane

    Just a little

    Usage

    For asking for a smaller amount, of food or of anything else

32. Uhhafu

    Half

    Usage

    Point at it to ask for half the amount

33. Konke

    All / everything

    Usage

    For taking the lot or ordering the whole thing

34. Kwanele

    That's enough

    Usage

    Show it to stop someone serving or pouring more

35. Umuntu oyedwa

    One person

    Usage

    For giving the head count at an eatery or on transport

36. Abantu ababili

    Two people

    Usage

    For a head count — the numeral takes the aba- form to agree with "abantu"

37. Abantu abathathu

    Three people

    Usage

    For a head count — noun-class agreement gives the abathathu form

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