Language/Shona/Grammar/Gender
Hi Shona learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn about the gender rules in Shona. We will look at how to identify the gender of nouns and how to use them correctly in sentences. Let's get started!
Gender in Shona
In Shona, nouns are either masculine or feminine. This means that when you use a noun in a sentence, you must also use the correct gender form of the verb or adjective. For example, if you are talking about a woman, you must use the feminine form of the verb or adjective.
The gender of a noun can usually be identified by its ending. Masculine nouns usually end in -a or -wa, while feminine nouns usually end in -i or -wi. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.
Masculine Nouns
Masculine nouns usually end in -a or -wa. Here are some examples:
| Shona | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| mukoma | moo-koh-mah | brother |
| mukadzi | moo-kah-dzee | wife |
| mupfumi | moo-pfoo-mee | smell |
| mupfungwa | moo-pfoo-ngwah | tree |
Feminine Nouns
Feminine nouns usually end in -i or -wi. Here are some examples:
| Shona | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| mai | mah-ee | mother |
| mukadzi | moo-kah-dzee | wife |
| mhuka | mhoo-kah | house |
| mupfumi | moo-pfoo-mee | smell |
Using Gender in Sentences
Once you have identified the gender of a noun, you must use the correct gender form of the verb or adjective. Here are some examples:
| Shona | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Mai vakadzi vanhu. | mah-ee vah-kah-dzee vahn-hoo | The woman is a person. |
| Mukoma anokudzwa. | moo-koh-mah ah-noh-koo-dzwah | The brother is being called. |
| Mhuka yacho inorwadza. | mhoo-kah yah-choh ee-noh-rwah-dzah | The house is beautiful. |
| Mupfungwa uyu unogara. | moo-pfoo-ngwah oo-yoo oo-noh-gah-rah | That tree is big. |
Quiz
Test your knowledge of Shona gender with this quiz:
- What is the gender of the word mukadzi?
- What is the gender of the word mupfungwa?
- How do you say The woman is a person in Shona?
- How do you say The house is beautiful in Shona?
Answers:
- Feminine
- Masculine
- Mai vakadzi vanhu.
- Mhuka yacho inorwadza.
Practice
To improve your Shona Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
➡ 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. 😎