Isivakatjhi
Guest, visitor
Usage
A person who visits; a tourist or hotel guest
Grammar Note
The plural is "iimvakatjhi". "iimvakatjhi ezivela kwezinye iinarha" are foreign arrivals
Indawo yokulala
A place to sleep
Usage
Lodging; used when looking for somewhere to stay
Grammar Note
"yokulala" is "ukulala" (to sleep) with the linking "yo-"
Ngifuna indawo yokulala.
I need a place to sleep.
Usage
When looking for lodging or asking at reception
Grammar Note
Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended
Umbhede
Bed
Usage
A bed, when talking about bedding in a room
Grammar Note
The plural is "imibhede". "amatjhila wombhede" is bed linen
Ithawula
Towel
Usage
A towel, to ask for when there is none
Grammar Note
A loanword from English "towel"
Umsamelo
Pillow
Usage
A pillow, e.g. to ask for an extra one
Grammar Note
A different form from Zulu "umcamelo"
Iingubo
Blankets
Usage
Blankets, to ask for more on a cold night
Grammar Note
One blanket is "ingubo"
Amanzi atjhisako
Hot water
Usage
Hot water, e.g. when the shower runs cold
Grammar Note
"atjhisako" comes from "tjhisa" (to be hot). "ukutlhayela" (shortage) can be used to speak of a hot water shortage
Igezi
Electricity
Usage
Electricity, for power cuts or usage
Grammar Note
A different form from Zulu "ugesi". "igezi nayiphelako" is "when the electricity runs out"
Isidlo sekuseni
Breakfast
Usage
Breakfast, e.g. to ask whether it is included
Grammar Note
"ekuseni" is "in the morning". "ukudla kwekuseni" is another way to say it
More Southern Ndebele phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Basic Verbs
- Adjectives
- Question Words
- Greetings
- Food & Drinks
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Numbers
- Emergency
- Sightseeing
- Flirting
- Nightlife
- Massage & Spa
- Compliments
- Contacts & SNS
- Places & Areas
- Useful Phrases
- Airport & Customs
- Weather & Climate
- Pharmacy & Health
- Directions
- Money & Exchange
- Health & Hospital
- Internet & WiFi
- Nature & Outdoors
- Religion & Temples
- Café & Drinks
- Schedule & Booking
- Culture & Etiquette
- Traveling with Kids
- Sports & Activities
- Public Transport
- Accommodation
- Banking & ATM
- Visa & Immigration
- Business & Work
- School & Education
- Cooking & Markets
- Music & Entertainment
- Art & Museums
- Festivals & Events
- Photography
- Laundry
- Post Office
- Language Learning
- Dating & Romance
- Dating Apps
- Volunteering
- Accessibility
- Sustainability & Eco
- Fruits
- Colors
- Dietary & Allergies
- Markets & Souvenirs
- Wine & Spirits
- Car Rental & Driving
- Time & Dates
- Hiking & Trekking
- Yoga & Wellness
- Remote Work
- Fashion & Clothing
- Convenience Store
- Martial Arts
- Signs
- Body Parts
- Animals
- Vehicles
- Electronics
- Feelings
- Slang
- Local Dishes
- Local Drinks
- Indulgences