Language/Shona/Vocabulary/Drinks

Hi Shona learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will explore the different beverages that exist in Shona culture. Drinks, like food, are an important part of a culture. It gives an insight into the cultural practices, beliefs and environment. Understanding the Shona drinks vocabulary will help you relate better to the culture and build a connection with the locals.

Shona Vocabulary - Drinks

You can use the Polyglot Club platform to meet native speakers and improve your Shona vocabulary. Find native speakers and ask them any questions! Also, you can visit the Vocabulary page to learn more Shona words.

Beverages

In Shona culture, there are different drinks for different occasions. Some are served hot, and some are cold. Let's explore some of the popular Shona drinks:

Tea

Tea is a popular beverage in Shona culture, usually served hot. It's often enjoyed in the morning or in the afternoon. The Shona word for tea is 'dite', pronounced as [dɪtɛ].

Shona	Pronunciation	English
dite	[dɪtɛ]	Tea

Dialogue:

• Person 1: Kune dite kana? ([Do you have] tea or not?)
• Person 2: Yangu into [haina] stokisi, asi dite harina tsika. (I have no sugar, but I have no tea leaves).

Coffee

Coffee is another popular beverage in Shona culture, also served hot. The Shona word for coffee is 'kofi', pronounced as [koːfi].

Shona	Pronunciation	English
kofi	[koːfi]	Coffee

Dialogue:

• Person 1: Tiripo akomana, bread musi waanenge usina butter, nekofi wako? ([We are here guys, bread without butter, and your coffee?])
• Person 2: Kofi yenyu yaiva yekudhara saka handimboverenga. (Your coffee was for the elderly, so I didn't buy it).

Beer

Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage in Shona culture, made from fermented grains like maize or sorghum. The Shona word for beer is 'chibuku', pronounced as [ʧibuku].

Shona	Pronunciation	English
chibuku	[ʧibuku]	Beer

Dialogue:

• Person 1: Chibuku chemukaka chinokonzeresa here? ([Does local beer make you tipsy?])
• Person 2: Inodei? inonwa zvaita sei? [Saka unondiona wandimhanya!]. (How come? How does it taste? So you see me then I go fast!)

Wine

Wine is another alcoholic beverage, made from fermented grapes, berries or other fruits. The Shona word for wine is 'mukumbi', pronounced as [mukumbi].

Shona	Pronunciation	English
mukumbi	[mukumbi]	Wine

Dialogue:

• Person 1: Mukumbi unoshandiswa kani? ([How is wine used?])
• Person 2: Mukumbi ushirwa kupfuura vakadzi vane munhu wavo vanoda hembe ndefu. (Wine is used during special occasions, such as when a woman marries a man who wears a long gown).

Summary

Drinks play an important role in Shona culture. From tea to beer to wine, understanding the vocabulary will help you relate to the culture better. Use native speaker to practice your skills and learn more.

Sources

• English to Shona Meaning of drink - drink
• English word drink in the Shona Dictionary
• English to Shona Meaning of beverage - chinwiwa

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