Sightseeing

1. UDrakensberg ukuphi?

   U-Dra-ken-sberg u-ku-phi?

   Where is the Drakensberg?

   Usage

   Used to ask directions to the Drakensberg, a famous South African mountain range

   Grammar Note

   Zulu adds "u-" to proper nouns. "ukuphi" is the standard question for location meaning "where?".

2. Ngicela ithikiti elilodwa

   Ngi-ce-la i-thi-ki-ti e-li-lo-dwa

   One ticket please

   Usage

   Used at tourist attractions and park gates to buy a single entry ticket

   Grammar Note

   "elilodwa" means "one/single" and is inflected to agree with the noun class of "ithikiti".

3. Ngingathatha isithombe lapha?

   Ngi-nga-tha-tha i-si-thom-be la-pha?

   Can I take a photo here?

   Usage

   Used to ask permission to take photos at tourist sites or cultural venues

   Grammar Note

   "nginga-" is the potential form meaning "I can". "thatha isithombe" means "take a photo".

4. Kukude kangakanani?

   Ku-ku-de ka-nga-ka-na-ni?

   How far is it?

   Usage

   Used to ask the distance to a tourist destination

   Grammar Note

   "kude kangakanani" is the standard phrase for asking distance. "kude" is the adjective for "far".

5. Malini imali yokungena?

   Ma-li-ni i-ma-li yo-ku-nge-na?

   How much is the entrance fee?

   Usage

   Used to ask the entry fee at attractions, parks, and museums

   Grammar Note

   "imali yokungena" literally means "money for entering". "yo-" is the possessive connective.

6. Ngifuna umhlahlandlela

   Ngi-fu-na um-hla-hlan-dle-la

   I want a guide

   Usage

   Used to hire a guide at a tourist attraction or game reserve

   Grammar Note

   "umhlahlandlela" is a compound meaning "one who shows the path". From "uhlahla" (to guide) + "indlela" (path)

7. Ingabe ikhona imizi yamasiko lapha?

   In-ga-be i-kho-na i-mi-zi ya-ma-si-ko la-pha?

   Is there a cultural village nearby?

   Usage

   Used to find a Zulu cultural village for traditional experience tours

   Grammar Note

   "imizi" is plural of "umzi" (homestead/village). Zulu cultural villages offer dance, food, and history

8. Ngicela ungifotele ngihlezi

   Ngi-ce-la u-ngi-fo-te-le ngi-hle-zi

   Please take a photo of me while I am seated

   Usage

   Used to ask someone to take a photo of you at a tourist site

   Grammar Note

   "ungifotele" uses "fota" (to photograph) with applied suffix "-ele". "-ngi-" is the object infix "for me"

9. Ingabe ikhona isitolo esithengisa izikhumbuzo?

   In-ga-be i-kho-na i-si-to-lo e-si-then-gi-sa i-zi-khum-bu-zo?

   Is there a souvenir shop?

   Usage

   Used to ask if there is a souvenir shop at a tourist attraction

   Grammar Note

   "izikhumbuzo" is the plural of "isikhumbuzo" (a reminder, i.e. a keepsake) and refers to souvenirs. English "souvenir" is also understood

10. Imuseum ivuliwe nini?

    I-mu-se-um i-vu-li-we ni-ni?

    When is the museum open?

    Usage

    Used to ask opening hours of a museum or cultural institution

    Grammar Note

    "ivuliwe" is the passive perfect of "vula" (to open). Zulu passive uses "-w-" insertion and "-e" ending

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