Home » Words beginning with Z » How to pronounce Zimbabwe

How to pronounce Zimbabwe

How to Pronounce "Zimbabwe"

Definition: How to say "Zimbabwe" and use it in a sentence

Phonetic Spelling:

Zimbabwe is pronounced as zi-mbab-wey. The first syllable 'zi' rhymes with 'see', the second syllable 'mbab' is pronounced like 'mob', and the last syllable 'wey' sounds like 'way'.

How to say "Zimbabwe" correctly

Understanding the meanings of Zimbabwe.

  • A landlocked country in southern Africa known for its diverse wildlife, national parks, and vibrant culture
  • A country in southern Africa formerly known as Rhodesia, gained independence from Britain in 1980
  • A country in southern Africa with Harare as its capital city
  • A nation in Africa with a troubled history of political and economic challenges
  • A country in southern Africa with a rich history of ancient civilizations and colonial influences

Practice saying Zimbabwe correctly with these examples:

  • Zimbabwe is home to the majestic Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the world.
  • The people of Zimbabwe are known for their warm hospitality and rich cultural traditions.
  • The economy of Zimbabwe has faced significant challenges in recent years, including hyperinflation.
  • Tourists flock to Zimbabwe to experience its stunning landscapes and incredible wildlife.
  • Zimbabwe is a country that has made strides in education and healthcare despite facing numerous obstacles.

Related words to Zimbabwe:

Zamboni, Zinnia, Zimbabwean, Zilch, Zigzag, Zephyr, Zucchini, Zany, Zest, Zap,

Synonyms for Zimbabwe

Rhodesia, Great Zimbabwe, Zim, The Republic of Zimbabwe, The Republic of Rhodesia, The Republic of Zimbabwe, The Republic of Rhodesia, The Republic of Zimbabwe, The Republic of Rhodesia, The Republic of Zimbabwe,

Antonyms for Zimbabwe

Zambia, South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia,

Review Zimbabwe
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }}
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }}
{{ options.labels.newReviewButton }}
{{ userData.canReview.message }}

How you can improve your pronunciation

Here are a couple of techniques that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Zimbabwe‘:

  • Try to Break down ‘Zimbabwe’ into each vowel, speak it out loud and exaggerate each sound until you can consistently say it without making a mistake.
  • Record ‘Zimbabwe‘ in full sentences and then listen back. You’ll be able to find all of your mistakes quite easily.
  • Find tutorials on Google on how to pronounce ‘Zimbabwe‘ accurately.
  • Focus on just one accent: mixing multiple accents could confuse people, and not just beginners, so select just one accent (US or UK), perhaps American and master that.


More ideas to boost your pronunciation skills, we recommend adopt these methods:

Practicing contraction and abbreviation in speech is normal in the U.S. and is seen as a natural part of informal dialogue. For example, altering “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is widely accepted. Explore terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for further information.

Improving your intonation is crucial for English fluency. The ways you use stress, rhythm, and pitch in English are key in conveying your message and feelings. Many resources and videos on Youtube can aid you in understanding these aspects to pronounce ‘Zimbabwe’.

Engage with multiple Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer no-cost resources that tackle essential language skills. Pronounce.tv is another excellent source for enhancing your pronunciation.

Copying native speakers can significantly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they say ‘Zimbabwe’ and try to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it second nature.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your routine. Getting to know and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you better pronounce challenging words.

Frequently practice English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more comfortable you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, improving your overall ability to communicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you provide a phonetic pronunciation of the word ‘Zimbabwe’?

The word “Zimbabwe” is pronounced as /zɪmˈbɑːbweɪ/. This pronunciation breaks down as follows: the first syllable is “zim” with a short “i” sound like in “him”, the second syllable is “ba” with a short “a” sound like in “cat”, and the third syllable is “bwe” with a long “e” sound like in “bee”. The stress is on the second syllable, “ba”.

What is the English accent in Zimbabwe?

The English accent in Zimbabwe is mainly non-rhotic, meaning that the “r” sound at the end of words and before consonants is not pronounced. This accent is consistent with other varieties of English spoken in the southern hemisphere. One notable difference between the older Rhodesian English accent and other southern hemisphere English accents is the presence of a high-pitched nasality or twang, as exemplified by speakers like Ian Smith. This unique feature sets the Zimbabwean English accent apart from other English accents in the region.

How do you pronounce the country Zimbabwe?

The country Zimbabwe is pronounced as zi-mah-bwey. To break it down into sounds, you can think of it as three syllables: ZIM + BAAB + WEE. The emphasis is on the second syllable, “baab,” which is pronounced with a long “a” sound. When saying the name, make sure to give each syllable equal emphasis and try to pronounce it with a slight accent on the second syllable. Practice saying it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently produce them.

Is there a specific intonation or stress on certain syllables when pronouncing ‘Zimbabwe’?

When pronouncing “Zimbabwe,” the stress typically falls on the second syllable, “ZIM-bab-we.” The first syllable is pronounced quickly and with less emphasis, while the second syllable is pronounced with a higher pitch and longer duration. It is important to note that the emphasis on syllables may vary depending on regional accents and dialects. Overall, the key is to maintain a clear and distinct pronunciation of each syllable to ensure the word is easily understood.

What are some common mispronunciations of the word ‘Zimbabwe’?

One common mispronunciation of the word ‘Zimbabwe’ is “Zim-bob-way,” where the emphasis is placed on the second syllable instead of the first. Another common mispronunciation is “Zim-bab-wah,” where the final syllable is pronounced with an ‘ah’ sound instead of an ‘ay’ sound. Additionally, some people may mistakenly pronounce it as “Zim-bob-wee,” with an incorrect emphasis on the final syllable. It is important to note that the correct pronunciation of ‘Zimbabwe’ is “Zim-bahb-way,” where the emphasis is on the first syllable and the final syllable is pronounced as “way.”

Are there regional variations in the pronunciation of ‘Zimbabwe’?

Yes, there are regional variations in the pronunciation of ‘Zimbabwe’. The pronunciation of ‘Zimbabwe’ can vary depending on the speaker’s native language, dialect, or accent. In general, the pronunciation of ‘Zimbabwe’ is typically broken down into three syllables: Zim-bab-we. However, the emphasis and intonation on each syllable may differ based on regional accents. For example, in some regions, the emphasis may be on the first syllable ‘Zim’, while in others, it may be on the second syllable ‘bab’. Additionally, the vowel sounds and consonant pronunciations may also vary, leading to different regional variations in the overall pronunciation of ‘Zimbabwe’.

What does Zimbabwe mean in English?

In English, the word “Zimbabwe” is believed to originate from the Karanga dialect of the Shona language. The term is thought to come from the phrase “dzimba-dza-mabwe,” which translates to “houses of stones.” In this context, “dzimba” represents the plural form of “imba,” meaning “house,” while “mabwe” signifies the plural of “ibwe,” which translates to “stone.” The name “Zimbabwe” reflects the rich history and cultural significance of the region, particularly around the ancient city of Great Zimbabwe in what is now the Masvingo province of modern-day Zimbabwe.

How do you pronounce the word Ghana?

The word “Ghana” is pronounced as “GAH-nuh.” The first syllable is stressed, with a short ‘a’ sound like in the word “cat,” and the second syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, like the ‘a’ in the word “sofa.” It is important to note that the emphasis is on the first syllable, and the ‘h’ is silent in the pronunciation of Ghana.

Are there any cultural or historical reasons that impact the pronunciation of ‘Zimbabwe’?

The pronunciation of ‘Zimbabwe’ is influenced by both cultural and historical factors. In the Shona language, which is one of the major languages spoken in Zimbabwe, the letter ‘z’ is pronounced as a voiced postalveolar fricative sound, similar to the ‘zh’ sound in the middle of the English word ‘measure’. This pronunciation reflects the indigenous roots of the country and the influence of the Shona people, who make up the majority of the population. Additionally, the historical context of colonization and linguistic influences from European languages like English have also played a role in shaping the pronunciation of ‘Zimbabwe’. Overall, the pronunciation of ‘Zimbabwe’ is a reflection of the country’s rich cultural heritage and complex history.

Do words in the Shona or Ndebele languages sound different when pronounced in English compared to ‘Zimbabwe’?

Yes, words in the Shona and Ndebele languages do sound different when pronounced in English compared to the name “Zimbabwe.” This is because each language has its own unique phonetic sounds and pronunciation rules that may not directly translate into English. Shona and Ndebele are Bantu languages spoken in Zimbabwe, and they have distinct phonetic characteristics that may not have direct equivalents in English. Additionally, the pronunciation of words in these languages may include specific tones or click sounds that are not present in English. As a result, when Shona or Ndebele words are pronounced in English, they may sound different due to the differences in phonetics and pronunciation rules between the languages.

Most Popular Words

Most Recent Words

Skip to content