Makua/Makhuwa/Macua is a Bantu language spoken in Nampula province, northern Mozambique, Tanzania and Comoros.
If you're just starting to learn Makua, I've compiled a list of commonly used words with their English translations to make mastering the language a breeze. I hope this resource will be helpful in your language journey!
GREETINGS IN MAKUA
| ENGLISH | MAKUA |
|---|---|
| Good evening | Habari chochochilo |
| Good morning | Habari chochisu |
| Good afternoon | Habari chotana |
| How are you? | Nerachani chochisasi? |
| How are you today? | Nerachani lelo? |
| I am fine. | Kirisalama |
| Have a good day. | Haleke nihuku njema |
| I am doing great. | Kinoenderea vizuri |
| Hi/Hello | Haleke nihuku njema |
| Nice to meet you. | Kinoshukuru uonani |
| See you soon. | Tuonaneke karibuni |
| See you later. | Nionaneke badae |
LOVE WORDS IN MAKUA
| ENGLISH | MAKUA |
|---|---|
| I love you. | Kinotunani |
| I miss you. | kinototani |
| Love you so much | Kinotutani sana |
| I want to see you. | Kinotanani uonani |
| I love you with all my heart. | Kinotutani chinene |
| I love you too | Kinotutani pia |
| I like you. | Kinotunani |
| You are beautiful. | Ahorerayare |
| My love. | Arokwake kinowatuna |
| You look beautiful. | Unaonekana mrembo |
| My beautiful wife. | Atwakaarembo |
| I miss you so much, darling. | Kinototani amwetyika |
| I need you. | Kinowatuna |
| You will miss me. | kakapwanyire |
| Goodbye, my love. | Kwaheri amwetyika |
| See you tomorrow. | Niwonana mero |
| I will marry you. | Kinoowani |
| I want some space. | Nkivaheke muda |
| I need your love. | Nkinotanana nipendo ninyo |
| You are mine. | Inyuva awake |
DIRECTIONS IN MAKUA
| ENGLISH | MAKUA |
|---|---|
| Where are you? | Nrivai? |
| Where did you go? | Mwakendeuwi? |
| Where do you live? | Nokaravai? |
| Where are you going? | Norauwi? |
| Where were you? | Mwakende uwi? |
COMMON QUESTIONS IN A CONVERSATION IN MAKUA
| ENGLISH | MAKUA |
|---|---|
| How much? | Yera shingapi? |
| How are you feeling? | Noisy ishani? |
| How have you been? | Nerachani? |
| What is your name? | China ninyu apani? |
| What are you doing? | Nopanga ituyani? |
| What are you cooking/eating? | Noapiya ituyani? |
| Are you okay, dear? | Ndisalama apendwa? |
| When are you coming? | Noyakani? |
| How was your night/day? | Uhinwa walichani? |
| How are you doing? | Noendelea chani? |
| How is your family? | Familia yenu endelea chani? |
| How was your day? | Niha ninyu chani? |
| What is wrong? | Yetuira ibaya? |
| What do you mean? | Unomanisha? |
| How's the weather over there? | Ilichani haliya chura/hewa? |
| Have you gone to church? | Karuhere kanisani? |
| What is this? | Ili isiyani? |
| What's going on? | Isiyani inaendelea? |
| Are you listening? | Kinowirela? |
| Have you heard? | Kinowiwa? |
| Can I go home? | Kinoweza kakarwa wani? |
| Can I ask something? | Kinokooa itu? |
| How is everything? | Mambo yalichani? |
| What’s your phone number? | Namba yenu yesimu ilivai ? |
EVERYDAY CONVERSATIONS IN MAKUA
| ENGLISH | MAKUA |
|---|---|
| Happy birthday | Iheriyo uyariya |
| Thank you. | Asante |
| I am sorry. | Kinowombani samahani |
| You are welcome. | Karibu totoni |
| Me too! | Miamo chichamo |
| God bless you. | Nluku obarikini |
| May God protect you | Nluku olindeni |
| Please help me. | Tafadhali nkisaidie |
| She is happy. | Ofurahiyayo |
| I don't know. | Kakichuwele |
| I will come tomorrow. | Kinowa mero |
| Come here! | Mwekevaa |
| Feel at home. | Mwipanyeke nriwani |
| Be blessed. | Mbarikiweke |
| I am coming soon | Kinowa karibuni |
| Leave me alone. | Nkihie |
| It is okay. | Sawa |
| I am going home. | Kinoruwa wani |
| I don't want. | Kakintune |
| Love is a beautiful thing. | Upendo nintu iyompone |
| Let me try. | Kihie kijaribu |
| Welcome home. | Karibuni uwani |
| I reached home safely. | Kiyopia uwani salama |
| God is good. | Nluku ni mwema |
| I don't understand. | Kakinoelewa |
| We are happy to see you. | Kiefurahi uwanani |
| I have it. | Kinarinetu |
| Rest in peace. | Etuweke kwa amani |
| I don't have money. | Kakirina heru |
| I am done. | Kiyomaliha |
| I am going to the shop. | Kinorwa dukani |
| Happy new year. | Heri yo mwaka mpya |
| Bad manners. | Itabia mbaya yeyo |
| Stop using your phone. | Nhie utumia simu aka |
| I need a favour, please. | Tafadhali nkisaidie nsaada |
| Haven’t seen you for ages. | Kakihonani muda mrefu |
| Great to see you again. | Kiyofurahi waonatotoni |
| I really appreciate it. | Kinoshukuru chinene |
| You made my day. | Umeifanya siku yangu |
| No problem. | Kanimo tatito |
| We're hiring. | kinowajiri |
What next?
Keep going! Learning a language takes consistent practice, but it doesn't have to be difficult. A useful tip is to learn five Makua words every day from the Makua dictionary to improve your skills.
Join the Lughayangu Community!
