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.
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