Zvichienderana

Zvichienderana is a Shona expression meaning "it depends on" or "depends on," used to indicate that a result or decision is conditional on other factors. It is a common phrase in everyday speech and in writing to signal uncertainty or variability based on a referenced condition.

In usage, zvichienderana often introduces the factors that influence an outcome. It can stand alone as a response to questions about certainty, or it can preface a clause that specifies the condition. For example, Zvichienderana nemamiriro ezvinhu. (It depends on the circumstances.) Zvichienderana nekuti ndiani achauya. (It depends on who will come.) The construction highlights conditionality rather than asserting a definite statement.

Grammatically, zvichienderana is formed from the verb enderana (to be in relation or to correspond) with a nominalizing or cleft-like prefix that broadens the sense to “the things that relate,” yielding a generalized expression of dependence. It can be followed by nouns or clauses that name the factors involved, such as nemamiriro ezvinhu (on the circumstances) or nekuti … (whether/if …).

Translations in English capture the nuance of conditionality rather than a fixed predicate. In use, zvichienderana can convey politeness, hedging, or practicality in discussions about plans, outcomes, or commitments. It is versatile across informal dialogue and formal writing, especially in contexts where conditions may change or are not fully known.

See also: enderana, conditional phrasing in Shona, phrases of uncertainty.