Language/Shona/Grammar/Connecting-Sentences

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◀️ Common Prepositions — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Modes of Transportation ▶️

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Shona → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Prepositions and Conjunctions → Connecting Sentences

Connecting sentences is an essential skill in any language as it enables us to express more complex ideas and thoughts. In Shona, there are various conjunctions that can be used to link sentences, clauses, or phrases. In this lesson, we will cover the commonly used conjunctions and how to use them correctly.

Conjunctions in Shona

In Shona, conjunctions are called "kuroorwa". They are used to connect words, phrases, clauses or sentences. They can be divided into two main types: coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions.

Coordinating conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions are used to connect two independent clauses, which are sentences that can stand alone. In Shona, the most common coordinating conjunctions are "ne" and "kana".

"Ne" means "and" and is used to connect two or more words, phrases, or sentences. It is the most commonly used conjunction in Shona.

Example:

Shona Pronunciation English
Ndine mukadzi ndɪne mukadzi I have a wife ne nɛ and ndine mwana ndɪne mʷan̩a I have a child
Ndine mukadzi ne mwana ndɪne mukadzi nɛ mʷan̩a I have a wife and a child

"Kana" means "or" and is used to present a choice between two options.

Example:

Shona Pronunciation English
Ndicharamba kufamba nditʃaramba kufamba I will not travel kana kan̩a or Ndicharamba kufamba mberi nditʃaramba kufamba mbɛri I will not travel forward
Ndicharamba kufamba kana kuenda mberi nditʃaramba kufamba kan̩a kʷɛnda mbɛri I will not travel or move forward

Subordinating conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are used to connect an independent clause with a dependent clause. A dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence but depends on the independent clause to form a complete thought. In Shona, the most common subordinating conjunctions are "kuti", "va", "kunge", and "chokuti".

"Kuti" means "that" and is used to introduce declarative or affirmative clauses.

Example:

Shona Pronunciation English
Ndaramba kufamba ndaramba kufamba I cannot travel kuti kuti that ndine mumwe ndinɛ mumwe I am another person
Ndaramba kufamba kuti ndine mumwe ndaramba kufamba kuti ndinɛ mumwɛ I cannot travel because I am another person

"Va" means "if" and is used to introduce conditional clauses.

Example:

Shona Pronunciation English
Ndicharamba kufamba nditʃaramba kufamba I will not travel va va if hauna mari hauna mari you don't have money
Ndicharamba kufamba va hauna mari nditʃaramba kufamba va hauna mari I will not travel if you don't have money

"Kunge" means "like/as" and is used to introduce a comparison clause.

Example:

Shona Pronunciation English
Anenge akatorwa matemba anɛŋɛ akatorwa matɛmba He looks like he was born yesterday kunge kuŋgɛ like akamusarudza akamusarudza he is confused
Anenge akatorwa matemba kunge akamusarudza anɛŋɛ akatorwa matɛmba kuŋgɛ akamusarudza He looks like he was born yesterday like he is confused

"Chokuti" means "because" and is used to introduce causal clauses.

Example:

Shona Pronunciation English
Ndine mari ndinɛ mari I have money chokuti tʃokutɪ because ndakarara ndakarara I slept
Ndikaramba kufamba chokuti ndine mari chokuti ndakarara ndikaramba kufamba tʃokutɪ ndinɛ mari tʃokutɪ ndakarara I am going to travel because I have money and I slept.

Prepositions in Shona

A preposition is a word that helps to link a noun, pronoun or noun phrase to other parts of a sentence. In Shona, prepositions are called "masimba". Some of the most commonly used prepositions in Shona are:

  • "Ku" – at, in or to a place.
  • "Pa" – at, on, or in a place.
  • "Mune" – in or among/inside.
  • "Muteru" – behind.
  • "Muviri" – inside.
  • "Muguta" – outside.
  • "Pidigu" – beside.

Example:

Shona Pronunciation English
Ndiri kuchikoro ndiri kutʃikoro I'm at School Ndiri paHarare ndiri paHarare I'm in Harare Mwana ane masikati mwan̩a anɛ masikati The child is inside Vana vakawanda vachida kurara mabanana muteru van̩a vakawaɲda vat͡ʃida kʊrara mabanana mutɛru Many children like to sleep behind.

Practice

Now that you know the basic conjunctions and prepositions in Shona, it is time to practice your skills. Below are some questions to help you review what you have learned:

1. What is the difference between coordinating and subordinating conjunctions? 2. Provide the Shona word for "or". 3. How is the conjunction "kuti" used in a sentence? 4. Provide the Shona word for "inside". 5. Write a sentence using the preposition "mune".

Answers:

1. Coordinating conjunctions are used to connect two independent clauses while subordinating conjunctions are used to connect a dependent clause with an independent clause.

2. "Kana".

3. "Kuti" is used to introduce declarative or affirmative clauses.

4. "Muviri".

5. "Mwana ane masikati munemamwe". ("The child with the toys is among/inside others.").

Congratulations! You have completed the lesson on connecting sentences in Shona. Keep practicing and applying what you have learned in your daily communication.

Table of Contents - Shona Course - 0 to A1


Introduction to Shona


Greetings and Introductions


Nouns and Pronouns


Numbers and Time


Verbs and Tenses


Family and Relationships


Adjectives and Adverbs


Food and Dining


Prepositions and Conjunctions


Travel and Transportation


Shona Culture and Traditions


Asking Questions


Shopping and Money


Music and Dance


Other Lessons


Sources


◀️ Common Prepositions — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Modes of Transportation ▶️

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