mhoroi, wakadii?
The Shona phrase for "hi, how are you?" is mhoroi, wakadii?
This phrase is a common greeting used to say hello and ask about someone's well-being. Depending on the time of day, you might use other greetings such as Mangwanani for "Good morning", Masikati for "Good afternoon" or Mhoro to say "Hello" during the day. You can also ask zvakanaka here? to mean "are you fine?"
Which one should you use?
While mhoroi, wakadii? is a common way to combine a greeting and a question, you should use mhoroi, makadii? to be fully consistent when using formal or plural address. In contrast, Wakadini? is an informal way to say "What's up?"
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Northern region of Zimbabwe, the word Ndeipi is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase mhoroi, wakadii?, the form wakadii? uses the singular subject concord wa- to address one person.
Did you know?
- In Shona culture, failing to use the plural form makadii? when greeting an elder is considered a serious breach of etiquette rather than a simple grammar mistake.
- When responding to wakadii?, it is common to answer ndakasimba, which means 'I am strong' rather than just 'I am fine'.
- In many Shona-speaking communities, a greeting is not considered complete until both parties have asked about each other's health and their families.
Example conversation
Nyasha and Kudzai meet on the street.
- NyashaMhoroi, wakadii?Hi, how are you?
- KudzaiNdiripo, mhoroiwo.I am well, hello to you too.
- NyashaWakaona vana vose?Have you seen all the children?
- KudzaiHongu, ndava navo.Yes, I am with them.
