Sara zvakanaka
The English phrase "goodbye" is translated into Shona as Sara zvakanaka.
Sara zvakanaka is used to say farewell to someone.
Meaning: farewell (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, Sara zvakanaka means "Stay well".
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are the one staying and the other person is leaving, you use Chisarai zvakanaka instead of Sara zvakanaka.
Did you know?
- In Shona culture, it is common to engage in a lengthy social exchange before saying Sara zvakanaka, as an abrupt farewell can be perceived as cold or dismissive.
- When saying Sara zvakanaka to an elder or a group, Shona speakers must use the plural or respectful form Sarai zvakanaka to avoid appearing rude.
- The verb kusara, meaning 'to stay', is the root of this phrase, which emphasizes the state of remaining in a place rather than the act of departing.
Examples in context
- Chipo, sara zvakanaka.Chipo, goodbye.
- Ndinotenda, sara zvakanaka.Thank you, goodbye.
Example conversation
Chipo is leaving Tinashe's house after a visit.
- ChipoNdinotenda nekubatsira kwako, Tinashe.Thank you for your help, Tinashe.
- TinasheHapana zvakaipa, Chipo.It was nothing, Chipo.
- ChipoSara zvakanaka.Stay well (goodbye).
- TinasheSara zvakanakawo.Stay well too.
