Language/Shona/Grammar/Question-Words

Shona → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Asking Questions → Question Words

Asking questions is an essential part of language learning, and understanding question words is crucial in forming effective questions. In this lesson, we will cover the Shona question words and how to use them to form various types of questions.

Shona Question Words

In Shona, there are several question words we use to form questions. Here is a table with the most common Shona question words and their English translations:

Shona	Pronunciation	English Translation
Ndiani?	(n-DYAH-nee)	Who?
Chii?	(chee)	What?
Nini?	(NEE-nee)	When?
Sei?	(SAY-ee)	How?
Vaani?	(vah-ahn-nee)	Whose?
Vapi?	(vah-pee)	Where (to)?
Kuti?	(KOO-tee)	That/Why?
Iripi?	(EE-ree-pee)	Which?
Kunei?	(KOO-nay)	Where (at)?
Zvinoita sei?	(ZVEE-noy-tah SAY-ee)	How does it happen?

It's essential to learn these question words as they are fundamental building blocks when it comes to forming questions.

Forming Questions in Shona

To form questions in Shona, we usually use one of the question words from the list above at the beginning of the sentence. In most cases, the word order will change, and the verb will come before the subject. For example, to ask "What is your name?" in Shona, we would say "Zita rako ndiani?" (lit. "Name your who?"). Let's look at some more examples:

• "Kuti ndavakuziva here?" (lit. "That/I knew you how?") - How did I know you?
• "Ndi wani kuenda?" (lit. "I going where?") - Where am I going?
• "Sei muri kuita?" (lit. "How you doing?") - How are you doing?

In some cases, the word order may not change, but the sentence's intonation will change to reflect that it is a question.

• "Zvino toenda kupi?" (lit. "Now we go where?") - Where are we going now?

Note that placing the question word at the end of the sentence is not usual in Shona. Doing so will likely produce confusion or lead to a misunderstanding.

Using Question Words in Conversation

When asking questions in Shona, it's good to pay attention to your tone and intonation. Use the correct questioning tone to convey that you are asking a question or seeking clarification. Additionally, you may use the following phrases to initiate a conversation politely:

• "Ndiri kuda kuziva..." (lit. "I desire to know...") - I would like to know...
• "Ndinoda kutaura zvishoma..." (lit. "I want to talk briefly...") - I want to talk briefly...
• "Ngatinyararidzei mazuva edu..." (lit. "Let us clarify our days...") - Let’s clarify our schedules...

Using these phrases will help to make the transition into asking your question seamlessly.

When answering questions in Shona, you may use the following phrases:

• "Inenge yako HERE" (lit. "Here is yours...") - Here you go...
• "Vanhu vanoti SEI" (lit. "People say WHAT") - People say that...
• "Ndinovimba SEI... " (lit. "I hope/expect WHAT...") - I hope/expect that...

These phrases show that you are engaged in the conversation and are offering a response to the question asked.

Conclusion

In this lesson, we have covered the most common Shona question words and how to form different types of questions in the language. Keep practicing, and you will soon become comfortable with using these question words in conversations. In the next lesson, we will learn about indirect questions in Shona. 📚

As you continue your journey in learning Shona grammar, don't forget to explore other related topics such as connecting sentences in Shona, descriptive adjectives and adverbs, and the conditional mood in Shona. These lessons will help you further enhance your understanding and mastery of the Shona language. Happy learning! 😊

Table of Contents - Shona Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Shona

• The Shona Alphabet
• Basic Sentence Structure

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Common Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Classes
• Personal Pronouns

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-10
• Telling Time

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Describing Relationships

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Descriptive Adjectives
• Comparatives and Superlatives

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Ordering at a Restaurant

  ---

Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Common Prepositions
• Connecting Sentences

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

  ---

Shona Culture and Traditions

• Traditional Customs
• Festivals and Celebrations

  ---

Asking Questions

• Question Words
• Indirect Questions

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Shopping and Money

• Shopping Vocabulary
• Talking about Money

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Music and Dance

• Traditional Music
• Traditional Dance

Other Lessons

• Pronouns
• Descriptive Adjectives
• Give your Opinion
• Present Tense
• Gender
• Plurals
• Adjectives
• Past Tense
• Questions
• How to Use Be

Sources

• Shona-Textbook.pdf
• Shona Grammar | LEARN101.ORG
• Shona language - Wikipedia