mhoro
The Shona word for hello is mhoro.
While mhoro is a standard way to say hello, speakers often use specific greetings based on the time of day. For example, it is common to use mamuka sei to ask how someone woke up in the morning. Other common greetings include Maswera for the afternoon, Muri sei? to ask how someone is and Vamwe vakarwara here? to ask how the rest of the family is. You may also use the informal Kudii to start a conversation or ask how someone is doing.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
Which one should you use?
The form mhoro is used for one person and is typically reserved for friends, children or people of equal or lower status. In contrast, the form mhoroi is used to address more than one person or to show respect to an elder or superior.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form mhoroi serves as the plural or polite version of the greeting.
Did you know?
- The greeting mamuka sei literally asks how you woke up, reflecting a cultural emphasis on the transition from sleep to wakefulness as a key part of one's wellbeing.
- A greeting is not considered complete until the respondent has acknowledged the other person's family, often using phrases like vamwe vakarwara here.
- If you greet an elder with the singular mhoro instead of mhoroi, it can be perceived as a significant social slight or an insult.
Examples in context
- Mhoro, sekuru/mbuya/mudzimaiHello, uncle/aunt/madam.
- Mhoro!Hello!
- Mhoro shamwari yangu.Hello, my friend.
Example conversation
Two friends meet on the street.
- NyashaMhoro, Kudzai!Hello, Kudzai!
- KudzaiMhoro, Nyasha!Hello, Nyasha!
- NyashaUri sei nhasi?How are you today?
- KudzaiNdiripo, maita basa.I am fine, thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
