This 16th lesson teaches the Zulu imperative form. In addition you will find a vocabulary list about places and household objects. I will try to give examples using both vocabulary and grammar. That way it will be easy for you to see the words when they are separate and when they are in a sentence. Going through the whole page should take about 30 min. Make sure to read the pronunciation and hear the audio as well. If you have any question about this course, please email me directly at Zulu Classes.
Imperative
Knowing the imperative form in Zulu is a powerful skill. It can make it easy to ask someone to do something, and clarify what you want done.
Below is a list of 20 imperative forms and expressions that you might come across or use very often. The table contains 3 columns (English, Zulu, and Audio). Make sure you repeat each word after hearing it by either clicking on the audio button or by reading the pronunciation. That should help with memorization as well as improving your pronunciation.
The Imperative in Zulu
Imperative
Zulu
Audio
Go!
Hamba
Stop!
Yima!
Don't Go!
Ungahambi!
Stay!
Hlala!
Leave!
Hamba!
Come here!
Woza lapha!
Go there!
Hamba laphaya!
Enter (the room)!
Ngena!
Speak!
Khuluma!
Be quiet!
Thula!
Turn right
Jikela kwesokudla
Turn left
Jikela kwesokunxele
Go straight
Hamba uqonde
Wait!
Linda!
Let's go!
Asihambe!
Be careful!
Qaphela!
Sit down!
Hlala phansi!
Let me show you!
Ake ngikubonise!
Listen!
Lalela!
Write it down!
Kubhale phansi!
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact me using the Zulu contact form on the header above.
Vocabulary List about Places
Below is a list of 20 words about different places. Useful when talking about going somewhere.
Places in Zulu
Places
Zulu
Audio
Bank
Ibhange
Beach
Ibhishi
Desert
Ugwadule
Earth
Umhlaba
Forest
Ihlathi
Garden
Ingadi
Hospital
isibhedlela
Island
Isiqhingi
Lake
Ichibi
Moon
Inyanga
Mountain
Intaba
River
Umfula
Sea
Ulwandle
Sky
Isibhakabhaka
Stars
Izinkanyezi
Sun
Ilanga
I can see the stars
Ngiyazibona izinkanyezi
I want to go to the beach
Ngifuna ukuya ebhishi
The moon is full tonight
Inyanga igcwele kulobu busuku
This is a beautiful garden
Yingadi enhle lena
Vocabulary List about Household Terms
Below is a list of 26 words about different household terms, including rooms, kitchen appliances ... etc.
Places in Zulu
Household
Zulu
Audio
Bed
umbhede
Bedroom
ikamelo
Carpet
Ukhaphethi
Ceiling
Usilingi
Chair
Isitulo
Computer
I-computer
Desk
itafula
Door
Umnyango
Furniture
impahla yasendlini
House
indlu
Kitchen
ikhishi
Refrigerator
isiqandisi
Roof
Uphahla
Room
igumbi
Stove
Isitofu
Table
Itafula
Television
umabonakude
Toilet
indlu yangasese
Wall
Udonga
Window
iwindi
Daily Conversation in Zulu
Finally, here are some common expressions used to offer good wishes to someone. For a complete list of commonly used sentences, please visit our Zulu Phrases page. Enjoy!
Common Expressions in Zulu
English
Zulu
Audio
Can you close the door?
Ungakwazi ukuvala umnyango?
Can you open the window?
Ungakwazi ukuvula iwindi?
I need to use the computer
Ngidinga ukusebenzisa i-computer
I need to use the toilet
Ngidinga ukusebenzisa indlu yangasese
I'm watching television
Ngibukele umabonakude
This room is very big
Leli gumbi likhulu kakhulu
Holiday Wishes
Ujabulele Amaholidi
Good luck!
Sikufisela inhlanhla
Happy birthday!
Usuku lokuzalwa oluhle!
Happy new year!
Unyaka omusha omuhle!
Merry Christmas!
Ukhisimusi omuhle!
Congratulations!
Siyakubongela!
Enjoy! (before eating)
Ukujabulele ukudla!
Bless you (when sneezing)
Nxese
Best wishes!
Sikufisela okuhle!
Fun Facts
Language Quote: ❝Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.❞ ‒Rita Mae Brown
Congratulations! You finished your 16th lesson in Zulu about the imperative form, places and household items. Are you ready for the next lesson? We recommend Zulu Lesson 17. You can also simply click on one of the links below or go back to our Learn Zulu homepage.