kwete
The Shona word for "no" is kwete.
kwete is a particle used to show disagreement or negation.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Did you know?
- Shona utilizes 'ideophones', words that evoke a sensory image, which can sometimes accompany kwete to describe the manner in which something is refused.
- In some Shona dialects, ai is used as a very informal or emphatic way to say 'no' in casual conversation.
- In many Shona-speaking contexts, simply saying kwete can sound jarringly blunt or even rude. To soften a refusal, speakers often prefix it with a polite filler or use a facial expression to signal disagreement.
Examples in context
- Kwete, handisi kuda chibage.No, I do not want corn.
- Kwete, hachisi chokuda kwangu.No, it is not what I want.
Example conversation
Kudzai asks Chipo if she is hungry during lunch.
- KudzaiChipo, unoda kudya here?Chipo, do you want to eat?
- ChipoKwete, handidi kudya iye zvino.No, I do not want to eat right now.
- KudzaiUnoda here mvura?Do you want water?
- ChipoEhe, ndinoda mvura.Yes, I want water.
