Imperative

Zulu Lesson 16 (Imperative and Places)

Duration: 30 mins

Lessons Zulu Lessons
Linguistic Zulu Vocabulary
Culture Zulu Phrases
Structure Zulu Grammar

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 rightJikela kwesokudla
Turn leftJikela kwesokunxele
Go straightHamba 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
BankIbhange
BeachIbhishi
DesertUgwadule
EarthUmhlaba
ForestIhlathi
GardenIngadi
Hospitalisibhedlela
IslandIsiqhingi
LakeIchibi
MoonInyanga
MountainIntaba
RiverUmfula
SeaUlwandle
SkyIsibhakabhaka
StarsIzinkanyezi
SunIlanga
I can see the starsNgiyazibona izinkanyezi
I want to go to the beachNgifuna ukuya ebhishi
The moon is full tonightInyanga igcwele kulobu busuku
This is a beautiful gardenYingadi 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
Bedumbhede
Bedroomikamelo
CarpetUkhaphethi
CeilingUsilingi
ChairIsitulo
ComputerI-computer
Deskitafula
DoorUmnyango
Furnitureimpahla yasendlini
Houseindlu
Kitchenikhishi
Refrigeratorisiqandisi
RoofUphahla
Roomigumbi
StoveIsitofu
TableItafula
Televisionumabonakude
Toiletindlu yangasese
WallUdonga
Windowiwindi

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 computerNgidinga ukusebenzisa i-computer
I need to use the toiletNgidinga ukusebenzisa indlu yangasese
I'm watching televisionNgibukele umabonakude
This room is very bigLeli gumbi likhulu kakhulu
Holiday WishesUjabulele 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.

Lessons Zulu Lessons
Linguistic Zulu Vocabulary
Culture Zulu Phrases
Structure Zulu Grammar