Language/Shona/Vocabulary/Health
Hi Shona learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will discover health-related terms in Shona. Health is an essential aspect of life, and it is crucial to be able to communicate effectively with a health professional when we're not feeling well. Knowing how to describe our symptoms or understand the doctor's instructions is essential.
To improve your Shona vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
General health terms[edit | edit source]
When speaking about health in Shona, it is essential to know the basics. Here are some general health-related terms:
| Shona | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| muriwo | (mu-ri-wu) | vegetables |
| frutsi | (fɾuʦi) | fruits |
| pfumu | (pfu-mu) | meat |
| mvura | (mvu-ra) | water |
| kuswerera | (ku-swe-re-ra) | to sleep |
| kusimuka | (ku-si-mu-ka) | to wake up |
| kukwikwidza | (ku-kwi-kwi-dza) | to cough |
| kushumira | (ku-shu-mi-ra) | to sneeze |
| kugeza | (ku-ge-za) | to vomit |
| kubva kumoyo | (ku-bva ku-mo-yo) | to vomit |
| kufamba | (ku-fa-mba) | to walk |
- Person 1: Hazvipere zvangu. Ndanzwa kusimuka nokukwikwidza. (I'm not feeling well. I woke up with a cough.)
- Person 2: Shandisa pfambi rokupa mvura yedzviti uyo. (Use a cup to drink boiled water.)
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
When feeling unwell, it's important to be able to describe your symptoms accurately. Here are some common symptoms in Shona:
| Shona | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| shanje | (sha-nje) | fever |
| hurumende | (hu-ru-men-de) | headache |
| kufumba | (ku-fum-ba) | to have a cold |
| kuda kusvika | (ku-da ku-svi-ka) | to be exhausted |
| kudya tsotsi | (ku-dya tso-tsi) | to have diarrhea |
| kukohoa | (ku-ko-hoa) | to have a sore throat |
| kutenderera | (ku-ten-de-re-ra) | to feel nauseous |
| kuswerera | (ku-swe-re-ra) | to feel sleepy |
- Person 1: Ndakundwa nekurumwa. (I have a headache.)
- Person 2: Shandisa tsamba ramakoko rokurova. (Use a stick to massage your temples)
Medical professionals and facilities[edit | edit source]
When seeking medical attention or advice, it's crucial to be able to communicate with medical professionals. Here are some medical terms in Shona:
| Shona | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| nhamba yekutanga | (nhamba ye-ku-ta-nga) | emergency number |
| mutauro | (mu-tau-ro) | medicine |
| muchato | (mu-cha-to) | surgery |
| nunurai | (nu-nau-ri) | nurse |
| dokotera | (do-ko-te-ra) | doctor |
| zvirevo | (zvi-re-vo) | prescription |
| muchanyara | (mu-chan-ya-ra) | hospital |
- Person 1: Ndakuda kwauya dokotera. (I want to see a doctor.)
- Person 2: Muchanyara uri kupi? (Which hospital are you going to?)
Healthy lifestyle[edit | edit source]
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some Shona terms about a healthy lifestyle:
| Shona | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| kusimudza | (ku-si-mu-dza) | to exercise |
| kuvaka | (ku-va-ka) | to cook |
| kukanganisa | (ku-kan-ga-ni-sa) | to balance |
| kutenda | (ku-ten-da) | to give thanks |
| zonse zvinoda kuchinjikwa | (zon-se zvi-no-da ku-chin-ji-kwa) | Everything needs to be changed |
| kudza imwe | (ku-dza im-we) | to gain weight |
| kuvara | (ku-va-ra) | to lose weight |
- Person 1: Ndinoziva kuti zvinhu zvose zvinoda kuchinjikwa, asi haudoviiti kupi nekuti yenyuine. (I know everything needs to be changed, but where do you start?)
- Person 2: Unofanirwa kusimudza uye ukanganisa zvakanaka zvinowanikwa. (You should exercise and balance the things you eat.)
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Emergency
- Days of the week
- Education
- Days of the Week
- Geography
- Animals
- Feelings and Emotions
- Express Surprise
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Shona Vocabulary- Health
- Kufungisisa (thinking too much): a Shona idiom for non-psychotic ...
- English to Shona Meaning of health - utano