muve neusiku hwakanaka
The English phrase 'goodnight' is expressed in Shona as muve neusiku hwakanaka.
This phrase is used to wish someone a pleasant night before they go to sleep or leave.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'have a night that is good'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form muve neusiku hwakanaka uses the plural or polite imperative muve, which is appropriate when addressing more than one person or one person formally. For a singular or informal setting, use uve neusiku hwakanaka instead. In the phrase neusiku hwakanaka, the word hwakanaka is the adjective 'good' agreeing with the noun 'night' (usiku) in the class 17/18 noun group.
Did you know?
- The adjective kanaka in hwakanaka is derived from a root that relates not only to being 'good' but also to being beautiful or aesthetically pleasing.
- When addressing an elder, using the singular uve neusiku hwakanaka can actually be perceived as disrespectful, even if grammatically correct.
- In many Zimbabwean households, the phrase is often followed by a specific blessing or a wish for protection during the dark hours.
Examples in context
- Muve neusiku hwakanaka, vana.Have a good night, children.
- Muve neusiku hwakanaka, shamwari yangu.Have a good night, my friend.
- Ndinoda kuti muve neusiku hwakanaka.I want you to have a good night.
Example conversation
Farai and Chipo are saying goodnight before bed.
- FaraiNdiri kunonoka, ndozvionera iye zvino.I am late, I am going to bed now.
- ChipoZvakanaka, Farai.That is fine, Farai.
- FaraiMuve neusiku hwakanaka, Chipo.Goodnight, Chipo.
- ChipoNemimwewo, muve neusiku hwakanaka.Likewise, goodnight.
