Language/Shona/Vocabulary/Animals
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In this Lesson, we will learn about animal names in Shona.
Animals in Shona[edit | edit source]
First, how do we say animal in Shona?
The answer is mhuka which is used for both the singular form (animal) and plural form (animals). Notice that it is written with an h after the m-, this means it is aspirated.
Do not confused it for muka, that is an entirely different word meaning "wake up".
| Animal in Shona | English Translation | |
|---|---|---|
| Imbwa | Dog | |
| Gava | Fox | |
| Bungubwe / Mhungubwe | Jackal | |
| Bhumi | Wolf | |
| Bumhi / Mhumhi | Wild dog | Notice the use of B- as opposed to Bh- |
| Bere | Hyena | |
| Khoyoti | Cayote | |
| Mangoi / Mangowe | Cat | You may also hear people say 'katsi', which is borrowed from English.
Additionally, for mangoi you may see mangoyi, mangoye and mangove as spellings these are correct also. |
| Shumba | Lion | |
| Mbada / Khamba | Leopard | |
| Ẋambangwe / Khambangwe | Panther | |
| Ingwe | Tiger | |
| Dindingwe | Cheetah | |
| Twana / Twani | Caracal | |
| Nyarugwe | Jaguar | Jagwa is also used. |
| Nzou / Zhou | Elephant | You may also see Nzovu, Nzowu or Zhovu, Zhowu as spellings these are also correct. |
| Mbizi | Zebra | |
| Bhiza | Horse | |
| Twiza / Furiramudenga | Giraffe | Fun fact: the name Furiramudenga literally means "the animal that gossips in the skies" |
| Chipembere | Rhinoceros | |
| Hungwe | Fish eagle | |
| Hove | Fish | |
| Shiri | Bird | |
| Bata | Duck | |
| Njiva | Dove | |
| Ngarikuni | Turkey | |
| Huku | Chicken | |
| Nguruve | Pig | |
| Nyoka | Snake | |
| Mvuu | Hippopotamus | |
| Pengwini | Penguin | |
| Gudo | Baboon | |
| Soko | Monkey | |
| Sokwe | Chimpanzee | |
| Nyani | Ape | |
| Dausi | Peacock | |
| Garwe | Crocodile | |
| Ngwena | Alligator | |
| Hondobwe | Ram | |
| Gwai / Hwai | Sheep | |
| Mhofu | Eland | |
| Mombe | Cow | |
| Rize / Nyavada / Nyaridi | Scorpion | |
| Haka | Pangolin |
Mystical Animals[edit | edit source]
| Shona | English | |
|---|---|---|
| Joka / Zhoka | Dragon | This is more a serpentine dragon, long bodied dragons. |
| Rishesha / Risvcesha | Pheonix | Derives from sand; this is because of that debated verse in the Bible in Job where either a firebird or sand is said to be mentioned. |
| Nyangamwe | Unircorn |
Videos[edit | edit source]
Learn Farm Animals names in Shona | With animal sounds - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]