mira
To wait in Shona is to say mira.
The verb is used to express the act of delaying an action until a certain event occurs.
Meaning: delay until some event (verb)
Which one should you use?
While mira is the standard form, mirai is used specifically when you are addressing multiple people or when you wish to use a polite register.
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form changes from mira to mirai depending on whether you are addressing one person or multiple people, or if you need to employ a polite register.
Did you know?
- Because Shona is a tonal language, changing the pitch of the syllables in mira can completely alter the meaning or the urgency of the request.
- The word mira is also used as a command to stop moving. If a driver is told mira, they are expected to pull over and stop the vehicle immediately.
- To show proper respect to one older person, you must use the plural form mirai instead of the singular mira.
Examples in context
- Mira pano kusvikira mambakwedza.Wait here until dawn.
- Mira kusvika ndakapera basa.Wait until I finish my work.
