Useful Phrases

1. Mina ngakhile le app

   I made this app

   Usage

   Used when introducing an app you created

   Grammar Note

   Zulu uses verb prefixes to indicate subject person and noun class

2. Le app yamahhala

   This app is free

   Usage

   Used to inform someone the app is free of charge

   Grammar Note

   "Yamahhala" = the linker "ya-" + "mahhala" (free). "Mahhala" is a Nguni (Zulu) word that was later borrowed into Afrikaans and South African English as "mahala"

3. Zama ukuyidownloada

   Please try downloading it

   Usage

   Used to encourage someone to download the app

   Grammar Note

   "Zama" means to try/attempt in Zulu

4. Ngingumuntu waseJapan

   I'm Japanese

   Usage

   Basic phrase for introducing your nationality

   Grammar Note

   "Wase-" combines a preposition and class marker meaning "from/of"

5. Ngiyisihambi

   I'm a traveler

   Usage

   Used to identify yourself as a tourist/traveler

   Grammar Note

   "Isihambi" means traveler/wanderer in Zulu

6. Ngihamba ngiyedwa

   I'm traveling alone

   Usage

   Used to say you are traveling by yourself

   Grammar Note

   "Ngiyedwa" means alone/by myself in Zulu

7. Ngiza lapha okokuqala

   It's my first time here

   Usage

   Common phrase when visiting a place for the first time

   Grammar Note

   "Okuqala" means first/beginning in Zulu

8. Ngingathatha isithombe?

   May I take a photo?

   Usage

   Used when asking permission to take a photo

   Grammar Note

   "-nga-" is an infix expressing potential/permission

9. Singathatha isithombe ndawonye?

   Shall we take a photo together?

   Usage

   Used to suggest taking a photo together

   Grammar Note

   "Ndawonye" means together/in one place

10. Sicela uskene i-QR code

    Please scan the QR code

    Usage

    Used when asking someone to scan a QR code

    Grammar Note

    "Sicela" is a polite request form meaning "we request/please"

11. Ungangikhohlisi

    Don't cheat me / Stop ripping me off

    Usage

    Used when being cheated or overcharged; a strong protest

    Grammar Note

    "Unga-" is the Zulu prohibitive prefix. "Khohlisa" means to deceive

12. Ungangideleli

    Don't underestimate me / Don't look down on me

    Usage

    Used when someone disrespects or underestimates you

    Grammar Note

    "Delela" means to disrespect/look down on in Zulu

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