What Language Do They Speak in Zimbabwe?
Facts last checked 9 October 2026.
Zimbabwe has 15 official languages: Shona, Chewa, Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Sotho, Tonga, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language.
Learn some Shona before you go
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Shona Phrasebook & Dictionary
The essentials for ordering food, asking directions and being polite.
Languages of Zimbabwe at a glance
| Official languages | Shona, Chewa, Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Sotho, Tonga, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language |
|---|---|
| Number of official languages | 15 |
| Countries on this site where Shona is official | 1 |
| People (demonym) | Zimbabwean |
| Capital | Harare |
| Internet domain | .zw |
Languages of neighbouring countries
| Botswana | Tswana, English |
|---|---|
| Mozambique | Portuguese |
| South Africa | Zulu, Afrikaans, English, Northern Sotho, Southern Ndebele, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa |
| Zambia | English |
Zimbabwe in context
- Zimbabwe covers 390,757 km², making it the 60th largest of the 196 countries on this site.
- Its population density of about 44 people per km² ranks 143rd of 196 (1st = most crowded).
- It shares a land border with 4 countries: Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia.
- Zimbabwe is landlocked, with no direct coastline.
- With 17,073,087 people, Zimbabwe holds about 19.2% of the population of Southern Africa.
- With 15 official languages, Zimbabwe has more than most countries on this site.
- Traffic drives on the left, and calendars start the week on Monday.
- Zimbabwe is a member state of the United Nations.
Compare Zimbabwe
Useful phrases for visitors to Zimbabwe
Everyday Shona phrases you will hear and use in Zimbabwe:
| English | Shona |
|---|---|
| Hello | Mhoro |
| Thank you | Maita basa |
| Please | Ndapota |
| Yes | Ehe |
| No | Aiwa |
Everyday Chewa phrases you will hear and use in Zimbabwe:
| English | Chewa |
|---|---|
| Hello | Moni |
| Thank you | Zikomo |
| Please | Chonde |
| Yes | Inde |
| No | Ayi |
Spellings can vary by region, and some languages use different forms for formal or informal speech. Even a simple greeting in the local language is usually appreciated.
Languages in Zimbabwe — FAQ
What language do they speak in Zimbabwe?
The official languages of Zimbabwe are Shona, Chewa, Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Sotho, Tonga, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zimbabwean Sign Language.
How many official languages does Zimbabwe have?
Zimbabwe has 15 official languages: Shona, Chewa, Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Ndau, Northern Ndebele, Sotho, Tonga, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zimbabwean Sign Language.
Is Shona spoken anywhere else?
Zimbabwe is the only country on this site where Shona is an official language.
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