Urare zvakanaka
The English phrase "good night" is translated into Shona as Urare zvakanaka.
This phrase is used specifically as a farewell when people are parting ways for the night or going to bed.
Meaning: a farewell (phrase)
How does it change in a sentence?
To address more than one person or to show respect to an elder, change the singular Urare to the plural/respectful Murare, resulting in Murare zvakanaka.
Did you know?
- In Shona culture, instead of just saying Urare zvakanaka, it is common to add Nekusimuka which means 'until waking up'.
- In Shona culture, the concept of 'night' is often tied to the physical act of reclining. The verb urara used in Urare zvakanaka can mean both 'to sleep' and 'to lie down'.
- The word zvakanaka is so versatile that it can be used to mean 'okay', 'fine', or 'it is well' in almost any context of agreement.
Examples in context
- Urare zvakanaka.Sleep well.
- Urare zvakanaka, mhamha.Good night, mother.
- Ndiri kuenda kunorara, urare zvakanaka.I am going to sleep, sleep well.
Example conversation
Tatenda and Ruvimbo are saying goodbye before bed.
- TatendaNguva yekurara yasvika.It is time to sleep.
- RuvimboHongai, urare zvakanaka Tatenda.Yes, good night Tatenda.
- TatendaUrare zvakanaka naizve, Ruvimbo.Good night as well, Ruvimbo.
- RuvimboTinoonana mangwana.We will see each other tomorrow.
