What Does “Muface / Hama” Mean?
A male friend, peer, or brother — Zimbabwe's all-purpose word for your guy.
The full meaning
Muface (sometimes hama, meaning relative or brother) is how Zimbabwean men address close male friends. It carries warmth and familiarity — calling someone muface signals they are in your circle, trusted, and equal. Hama literally means family but is used freely between friends who feel like family.
Where “muface / hama” comes from
Shona slang deeply embedded in everyday Zimbabwean speech, used across Harare's streets, kombis, and WhatsApp groups. Like many Shona terms it blends naturally into English sentences in the code-switching style common in Zimbabwe.
How it’s actually used
Used as a direct address ('Wadii muface?') or to refer to someone ('My muface came through'). Hama carries slightly more warmth, implying a bond closer to brotherhood.
✔ For parents & teachers
Completely harmless. It is simply an affectionate term for a male friend, equivalent to 'bro' or 'mate' in other dialects.
Related slang
Last updated: 2026-07-25. Slang evolves fast, we review definitions regularly.