Zulu Language Handbook and Vocabulary

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering introductory Zulu terms, expressions, family relations, and grammar notes.

Namhlanje

Today

Izolo

Yesterday

Kusasa

Tomorrow

Wenzeni

What did you do

Izolo ngihambile ngaya esikoleni

Yesterday I went to school

Namhlanje ngizohamba mgiyobona umngani wami

I'm going to visit a friend today (noted in transcript as: im going to visit a fiend today)

Prefix e-

A prefix that is always placed before the place when talking about places

Ngi

I

U

Prefix used when talking about someone else (e.g., u-jonasi)

Ubhuti

Brother

Mzala

Cousin

Sisi

Sister

uAuntie

Auntie

Ncane

Younger (used by inserting the sibling)

Omdala / Umdala

Old

ubaba omdala

An example of referring to aunties and uncles by saying older or younger mom/dad

Kuyanetha

It's raining

Chommie

Friend

oe

friend - A colloquial term or expression used in KZN (pronounced like 'ohh')

lalela

Listen

Woza lapha!

Come here!

shesha

Fast!