zvakanaka
The Shona word for "good" is zvakanaka.
zvakanaka is an adjective used to describe things that are pleasant or enjoyable.
Meaning: pleasant, enjoyable (adj)
Did you know?
- While zvakanaka means 'good', the root -naka specifically refers to beauty and aesthetic pleasure, linking the concept of goodness to beauty.
- In Shona, zvakanaka is often used as a polite way to signal that you have finished your meal and are ready for the plate to be taken away.
- Shona uses a complex system of noun classes, meaning the word for 'good' changes its prefix depending on whether you are describing a person, a place or a thing.
Examples in context
- Mhuri yako yanaka.Your family is good.
- Zvinhu zvako zvakanaka.Your things are good.
- Muchato wako wakanaka.Your marriage is good.
- Zvako zvakaoma!Your things are awesome!
Example conversation
Tinashe and Ruvimbo are discussing a movie they just watched.
- TinasheRuvimbo, movie iyi yakange zvakanaka.Ruvimbo, this movie was good.
- RuvimboHongu, ndakazvifara chose.Yes, I really enjoyed it.
- TinasheTinozoita zvakare mberi.We will do it again in the future.
- RuvimboZvakanaka, ngatibvumirane.Good, let's agree on that.
