\VAHli ..: GI.

UM
A NO

VOCABULAHY
UCSB LIBRARY
SWAHILI GEAMMAE
AND

VOCABULAEY

DRAWN UP BY

MRS. F. BURT

LONDON
SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE
NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE, W.C.
1910
WIU.IA'.T ri.mVKS AND SONS, I.'VITK.n,
LOS1XJX AXP ItKCC'LKS.
 PREFACE
THIS little work an attempt to adapt the Berlitz
is

method of learning modern European languages to the

needs of the student of Swahili its aim is to enable the
;

learner to acquire a working knowledge of the language

without laborious research or great feats of memory.
Grammatical rules occupy a subordinate place they are :

introduced incidentally and are not to be regarded as a

separate subject of study the ear, rather than {he eye, is
:

the organ to be pressed into the service. Words are

arranged in subject-groups in order that, by the natural
association of ideas, the student may help himself to learn
Swahili much as a child picks up mother tongue. The
its

exercises should, if possible, be reiterated and amplified

with the aid of a native teacher, until the ear is thoroughly
accustomed to the sounds and the mind trained to follow
the constructions. This method, if carefully pursued,
should soon lead to technical accuracy.
The standard of Swahili adopted is that set by the
Eev. W. E. Taylor, M.A., to whose valuable works the
writeris greatly indebted. He has kindly furnished the
Syllabary and Part I. of the work.
A. E. B.

BOUBNE END PABSONAOE,

BOXMOOR,
1910,

A 2
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
FAOB
INTRODUCTION AND ARTICLE ON PHONETICS ... ... 7

PART II.

TWENTY-ONE STUDIES IN THE FAMILIAR LANGUAGE OF DAILY

LIFE, CONSISTING OP :

(a) VOCABULARY ... ... ... ... ... 24

(6) EXERCISES FOR READING AND TRANSLATING (i) SWAHILI
(ii) ENGLISH ... ... ... ... ... 24
(c) GERMANE GRAMMATICAL NOTES ... ... ... 24
(fZ) GRADED STUDIES IN SWAHILI GRAMMAR ... ... 24
KEY TO THE EXERCISES ... ... ... . ... ... 132
TABLE OF MONEY, WEIGHTS, AND MEASURES ... ... 152
SPECIMENS OF SWAHILI LETTER-WRITING ... ... 154
SWAHILI CALENDAR ... ... ... ... ... 157
TABLE OF SYNONYMS ... ... ... ... ... 158
TABLE OF HOMONYMS ... ... ... ... 159

PART III

VOCABULARY SWAHILI-ENGLISH ... ... 1G2

 PART I

INTRODUCTION
SWAHILI is a member of the Bantu family of African
languages found in the region, and to the south, of the
Equator, and all partaking of certain remarkable features
peculiar to this family alone, of which the most striking
is, that all objects in the known universe are divided into
classes, which not only mark the nouns, but also all the
adjectives, pronouns, and verbs connected with them.
This is effected by means of the classifier prefix which
differs according to the class of the noun, and whether it
is singular or plural. Besides this, the Nominative or
Subjective Prefixes and the Objective Infixes, are thrown
together with tense particles into one word with the verb
stem ;so that one word may form a complete and
luminous sentence.
The conveniences of this system will be seen from a
study of the Rev. W. E. Taylor's Groundwork sheet.
Swahili has the additional advantages above others
of these languages, first that it has been enriched and
diversified by the influence of Arabic, Hindustani, and to
a slighter extent, of Persian and Portuguese and also by a
written poetical and religious literature extending over
a long period.
The Swahili language is broadly divided into three
main Dialect-Groups :

THE SOUTHERN ;

THE NORTHERN;
THE CENTRAL.
(a) The Southern includes Ki-Unguja, the Zanzibar!,
in which the labours of Bishop Steere and the U.M.C.A.
have been directed to producing the existing version of
the Bible: Ki-P'emba, spoken on P'emba, the Emerald
Isle, from which cornes a moiety of the clove supply:
 SWAHTLI GRAMMAR

Ki-Mrima, ou the Southern Mrima or "Mainland,"

opposite and to the south of Zanzibar.
(6) The Northern comprises Ki-Amu, the speech of
Lamu or Amu
and its neighbourhood ; Ki-Pafe, the Pate
dialect Ki-Gunya, the brogue of the Northern Islanders
;

called Wa-Gunya or, by the Arabs, Bajuni Ki-<i-kuu is :

the Mainland variety of this brogue (ITi-kuu, connected

with nfi-k'uu, = Main-land.)
(c) The Central. The only member of importance in
this group, is the Mombasa or Ki-Mvi/a, but this speech
is taken as the standard for some distance along the coast
N. and S. of Mombasa Island, and in and among the
districts on the confines of the other groups.

TABLES SHOWING THE INTER-KELATIONS OF THE CENTRAL

WITH THE SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN GROUPS OF
SWAHILI DIALECTS.

To le studied as occasion requires.

TABLE shows how nearly the Central Group is related

I.
to the Southern,and in what respects the Northern
Group stands in contrast to the former two.
(a) Literal Changes
Southern. menu.
Cerebral T (in some Cerebral T
Mrima B)
J
SH(in
P'emba FY)
Z
w
M (prefix)
VI (prefix)
YTJ (prefix)

(to) Grammatical Changes

 INTRODUCTION

(o) Verbal Changes

-je, how ? (suffix) -je, how ? (suffix) iye 1 how ? (not a

suffix)
hivi, thus, etc. hivi, thus, etc. hiyau, thus, etc.

TABLE II. shows on the other hand some of the affinities

the Central Group possesses with the Northern
dialects.

Southern. Central. Northern.

CH Dental T Dental T
NJ Dental N> Dental NZ>
ninakupen'/ani (and nawapen<Za, I love you nawapen^/a, 1 love you
several other more (plur. obj.) (plur. obj.)
" "
or less barbarous
Zr. forms), I love
you (plur. obj.)

TABLE III. A third Table is capable of being constructed

of points wherein each group differs from the others.
One chief word may be cited as an example
Southern. Central. Northern.

ninakuja, I am coming naja, I am coming niyao, I am coming

TABLE IV. Central differs, where Northern and Southern

agree, to the advantage of the Mombasa Group.
Southern. Central. Northern.

Ar. ih (kuzani), Ar. th (ku</iaui), Ar. th (kuzani),

dh (ramazani), dh (-dAani), (Ih (-zani),
dh zambi),
( dh (dhambi), dh (zambi),
frequently are pro- are pronounced as sometimes pro-
nounced like Z in Arabic nounced like Z
Ar. th (selaea) is Ar. th (thalatha) is Ar. th (thelatha or
pronounced S, some- always pronounced Bel-) is pronounced
times. TH (except in -su- S (occasionally).
bu<u.)
-ake (poss. pron.) '
-akwe (poss. pron.) -ake (poss. pron.)

Accordingly, in S. and N. Swahili,. wake, female (pi.), is

1

indistinguishable from wake, his (pi. of I), the inconvenience of

which may be imagined.
10 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

The above Tables demonstrate the truth of the assertion

that Mombasa is linguistically the Central dialect, as
well as geographically. They also show that, generally
speaking, in form the Mombasa dialect resembles rather
the Southern dialect group than the Northern. Again it
is nearer the Northern in the important quality of rich-
ness of vocabulary, compression, and flexibility, and to
the Southern in the greater distinctness and variety of the
prefixes. The Tables will prepare the student to deal
with the other groups of the language as occasion arises.
 PHONETICS
THE Swahili sounds are capable of being represented by
means of twenty-four of the letters of the Koman Alpha-
bet, singly or in combination, supplemented by the use
of three diacritical marks, and, where necessary, by the
use of an inverted comma (') to represent the Arabic 'ain.
Q and x are not used in writing Swahili. C is not used
alone. Its soft sound is represented by s and its hard
sound by k.

INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PHONETICAL EXERCISES.

We begin with the simpler sounds and pass gradually
to the more difficult, taking each as it comes, each to be
practised with the native teacher.

VOWELS.
Of single sounds first take the Vowels, which should
"be practised by themselves for at least one whole day,
and should be rehearsed before other work daily for the
first three weeks, in order to get ear and voice weaned
from the English ring. This is most important. After
that, one should go over them certainly once weekly for
three months, and even then they should be occasionally
run over with the teacher, so that any relapse into a false
pronunciation or accent should be corrected directly it is
observed. Such relapse, though to be guarded against,
will seldom occur, if the vowels are once for all well fixed
"
in the " language centres of the brain, by dint of
assiduous practice at the beginning of the long task of
perfecting oneself in this language.
In Swahili the vowels are represented by the
ordinary five letters, a, e, i, o, u. Swahili vowel sounds
12 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

are distinguished by their purity, and are never in-

distinctly slurred, nor do they in the Mombasa dialect
form " diphthongs," as in English speech. Instance the
English final syllables ey, ay, y, which are at least usually
pronounced exactly alike. Nor are the Swahili vowels
affected to the same degree as the English by the presence
of certain consonants. Hence their pure and unerring
pronunciation is a matter of the greatest importance, and
in our study must take precedence of everything else.
In the vowels, and with succeeding sounds studied,
one should exercise oneself as follows Let the teacher :

say each vowel, etc. ten times over, then follow him with
your best possible imitation once, when he should im-
" "
mediately chime in with the correct sound once again,
in order that you may correct by the ear any error. (A
friend will no doubt be at hand to explain his duty to
the teacher.) This process should be gone through once
" sandwich " one utter-
again, after which he need only
ance of your own with two of his after ten or twenty of
;

such sandwiched repetitions, you may be considered to

have done enough for the occasion, and can go on with
something else.

NOTE. The learner beginning these exercises will

probably be quite unconscious of the distinctions marked,
which are nevertheless keenly felt by the sensitive ears
of the natives.
A pronounced somewhat as in English far.
E as the pure sound in eh (very short, more
!

forward); perhaps nearer still, is the e in

French.
I as ee in feet.
as o in lo. also another sound
(0 represents
somewhat as oe inpronounced shortly and
toe,
without the second half of the English sound.)
II as oo in food.
NOTE. English faults are such as these :

An r sound after a Swahili a ;

An impure ee sound instead of the Swahili e ;

An " oo " at the close of the o as Nooo

; (=No).
 PHONETICS IJJ

Exercise 1. The vowels to be gone through singly as

already directed. Then, taking them in order, double
each vowel thus a a, e e, i i, o o, u u, and see
:

that each member of the pair is promnmced distinctly (as

by the teacher) with the accent or stress on the former of
the two (a a, etc.). Then triple the vowels and as before
lay the stress on the last but one of the groups, a a a,
etc.

NOTE. This, the last syllable but one, is the natural

place for the accent in a Sicaliili word : the object of the
latter variations is to secure the purity of the unaccented
syllables. Do not drop the voice on the last syllable.
Exercise Again go through the vowels singly as
2.
before. Thentry in order the following combinations.
If between the two vowels you hear a w or a y sound, see
you imitate the teacher; for instance, if he pronounce
i a " iya," or o a " owa." For between certain vowels
occurring together, such a consonantal sound often arises,
though theoretically it is not required.
a e e a a i i a
a o o a a u u a
e i i e i o o i

o e e o i u u i
u e e u o u u o.

Exercise 3. Repeat Exercise 2, and then go through

the following as a test exercise, saying the contrasted pairs
together with the teacher as before.

Pair 1. a o, a u.
Pair 2. [
o u, o 0.
Pair 3. e i, e e.

These present resemblances in sound, which it is

exceedingly easy for the English learner to confuse ; and
as several of them are of very common occurrence in the
language, it is well to guard against an habitual mis-
pronunciation so very easily picked up from the outset,
and to test in this way the effect of the previous exercises
"
in " clarifying the voice.
34 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Exercise 4. The following actual Swahili words con-

sist entirely of vowels.
au, ai ! (oh I of admiration), oa, ua, aoa, aua, aoe, aue,
aoae, uuao, uuae, auuae, uuuao, auae, auuao, aiuae.
The meanings of these words are quite unnecessary to
be learnt at the present stage, and if given would only
confuse.
NOTE. Just as o has two sounds, one open and
"forward" in the mouth, and the other close and "high"
"
of " toe and " lo "
(as in the examples given above !

respectively), so the other vowels have each an open and

a close sound. However, as these distinctions are not so
important in their practical use as they are in some neigh-
bouring languages, and as the close and the open sounds
of the vowels are unvarying in the words in which they
occur, it has been thought sufficient at this stage to

remark, that of all the five, the sound which is the most
important linguistically is the o in its contrasts, and it is
that one which should be mastered to begin with.
Exercise 5. Practise pronouncing with the teacher
" catch in the voice "
this series of five vowels with a
before each :
'a 'e 'i 'o 'u
"
The represents what is called in Arabic a hamza."
(')
It enters into certain interjectional sounds common in
the language.
'a 'a strongly spoken, with stress oa the first 'a,
" "
means No !

'a 'a yet stronger, the stress as before on the

'a is
last 'abut one, and means " Not at all " !

" "
'ee, gently sustained, a woman's word for Yes !

CONSONANTS.
We will comment on those only that seem to require
notice.
W has two sounds :

1. The ordinary English sound, when it follows on

another consonant.
2. The letter, when it stands alone before the vowel,
 PHONETICS 15

has something of a v sound, which is however more w

than v.

NOTE. This letter is liable to mispronunciation by

some East Africans, not Swahilis, as if it were the

ordinary w in English.
T" has its English sound. It is not written between
i and a.

Exercise 6. Pronounce with the teacher the following

words, neglecting for the present their meaning :

Wa, wayawaya, uwayewaye, wewe,

ya, yao, yawa,
yeye, wao, wawao, yaua, yawaua, iwauayo, wawayawaya,
wawayawayao, wao wauawe wao, iwe wewe wauawa.
" "
(H) In Swahililand poor letter h is far from

having lost its importance indeed, Swahili" without its

h sounds, would be like the play of " Hamlet without the
Prince of Denmark !

(1) The letter in Swahili is usually pronounced exactly

" catch in
at that point of the larynx where the the
throat'' above-mentioned takes place though this may
be neglected by the beginner.
[(2) The letter, when it represents the Arabic (h) ^
in proper names and in certain other words derived from
the Arabic, similarly corresponds in its formation to the
sound <* ('), and can be practised after the more im-

portant sounds among the Arabic consonants. (See Inset.)]

"
(3)The " belonging to the aspirated con-
aspirate
sonants draws its breath not from the chest, as does the
ordinary h (1), but from the breath that has been already
passed through the windpipe and stored up in the mouth ;
and this will also be treated of in its place.
Exercise 7. Ha, he, hi, ho, hu.
Haya, hawa, haya hayawi, hao waua, hawa hawaui,
huyu awiwa, huyu hawiwi, huyu awawia, huyu hawawii,
hawa wawiwa, hawa hawawiwi, huu wawaa, huu hauwai,
yaya haya, wao hao, ii hii, wawayawaya wewe, yeye
hawaiwai, wawa hawa. (Haa' is a very strong
!

negative.)
 16 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

(M) Another very common and most important

consonant pronounced with the lips lightly pressed
together, while the larynx produces sound which passes
through the nose.
(1) When the" lips are kept together this sound is
called " Sonant m as it forms a syllable of itself without
requiring a vowel, and is therefore not strictly speaking
a consonant at all (consonant meaning, a letter " only to
be sounded with the help of a vowel "). This is a very
frequent form of m and, where necessary to distinguish, it
is to be written m'.
A variety of the " sonant m " is that
" Blended " with 6 it will be treated of in its
(2) ;

place.
(3) m, a consonant proper, is produced by the
Open
lips opening, not as in English at the centre of the upper
lip, which is slightly raised, but rather
by gradually
drawing down the whole of the lower lip from the
corners, the voice or sound from the larynx being sus-
tained evenly and gently from the beginning of bringing
"
the lips into position and not " snapped as in English.

Exercise 8. Ma, me, mi, mo, mu, m'. 1

When this exercise shall have been thoroughly
digested and assimilated, say in about a fortnight from
the time of commencing it, the pronunciation of these
syllables should be made once or twice in the ordinary
English way, and the extraordinary contrast that really
exists between that and the African pronunciation will
become apparent.
Ham', hamu, hamo, ham'muui, m'memuua, haumi,
mama, mimi, mee mee, hayawi mema, hawi mwema,
maua haya, mwawaua hawa, muwe, wawe, amuoa, hamuoi,
hao muwauao, mamae, mamayo, hamuumi, aumia, hauini,
haumii, aumie, ham' Waanm, hm'.
(B) Pronounced with the same movement of the
lips asTO (3), but the sound is not allowed to escape

through the nose, only upon the opening of the lips,

1 "
This is really a contraction for mu," the vowel suppressed being
alwavs .
 PHONETICS 17

the sound slightly preceding within (with somewhat

of the effect of an organ with the swell stop). It
therefore differs from the English 6 in the same way as
the m.
The full exercise for this letter will be brought in
with the consonant p, with which it is closely connected.
It will be sufficient here to practise

Exercise 9. Ba, bi, bu.

(N) (1) The Swahili n is more palatal than the
English, and has a deeper and evener sound.
(2) The Arabic n (nun) is on the contrary more
dental on the teeth and lighter than the English.
The latter need not be practised at present.
Notice the position of the tongue in pronouncing" the
n, the fore-edge or point laid evenly across the palate
behind the eye teeth on either side (bicuspids).
" sonant n " " gonant m
(3) The (see on ") is a
frequent sound in Swahili, forming a distinct independent
vowelless syllable, the breath and voice being conducted
freely through the nose, while the channel through the
mouth is stopped.
NOTE. As the vowel u is always suppressed after
"
the " sonant m proper, although grammatically required,
so the vowel i is often required to be understood after
the " sonant n."
" Blended n" which differs from " sonant n " in
(4) "
the same way as " blended m "
does from " sonant m not
a
forming syllable by itself, will be discussed in its proper
place. We need only practise varieties (1) and (3) at
this point.
1
Exercise 10. Na, ne, ni, no, nu, n'.

Nina, n'na, n'nani ? n'nini ? amenona, n'nene, mvi him

n'nauona, nna iiini? wewe u nani? m' nani na nani?
anionae n'naui? nawaona, ham'nioni, n'na nini mimi na
wewe ? amuonae humuua, humuua amuonae, huua m'no,
'
huua m'no-m'no, 'n hn' 'n'n' ! ! !

1
Practise these syllables in the same way as M' was, and with the
same conditions. The vowel suppressed after a sonant n is i.
SWAHILI GRAMMAR B
18 SWAHILI GEAMMAR

(D) D holds the same relation to n as I to m

it is pronounced from the same point as n and with the
tongue in the same position. It therefore differs from
English d in being pronounced further back on the
palate from the teeth. The voice must be uttered from
the throat exactly at the time the tongue is brought into
position, and not, as in English d, just after that instant.
1
Exercise 11. Da, de, di, do, du.
Dada, dede Dodo, Dada, auenae nae n' nani ? anenae ni
mwanayo, ni Dede, mdudu huyu wamuona ? ni include wa
nini ? Ya Dodo ni ya mamae ? rndinru him umeao ni wa
baba, midomo yao ni minene m'no, da da, wana hawa
wanidona-dona.
Dental d will be further noticed later, and the
" blends " of both.

(L) (1) The native I formed on the palate and front

teeth, by the blade and point of the tongue (the English
I
being formed chiefly by the point of the tongue behind
the front teeth), the tongue being convex and not concave
as in English I.
(2) The Arabic I on the other hand,
though pronounced
with the convex tongue, is more dental than the English,
but need not be practised.

Exercise 12. La, le, li, lo, lu.

NOTE. In two or three words a double "1" occurs,

and these are all of Arabic derivation, and in which the
first I of the // can often be traced to an original n they
are Allahu, God ; ilia, and its derivatives, except, but ; illi,
in order that ; killa or kulla, every.

Lala, lele-mama, lulu, ulili, lilo hilo, alilo nalo, lialiwi

n nani aliye lala? lini ? n lini? na alale, lalani lualaloni.
Hana mali, aliyo nayo ni ya Mola (a name for God).
(R) (1) A
souncl formed by trilliny the rim of the
concave but well extended front of the tongue. Being
trilled it stands in contrast to the English sound, but is
entirely d ifferent from the French and German sounds.
1
Practise these sounds in the same way as those above.
 PHONETICS 19

(2) The Arabic r is much more strongly trilled than

the Swahili, but need not be practised in these exercises.
Hwahili r and I are often confounded by some natives,
especially by Zanzibar is.

Exercise 13. Ra, re, ri, ro, ru.

Bara, bahari, Kabai, heri, mara habari, mabaharia
waharibu, marere ni inororo, minara ni miema. Kabai
na Ribe, ni heri Eabai, ni heri Ribe ? Rabi (a name for
God).
We are now again to take up the nasal or n sounds.
These are very frequent indeed in the language in
the mechanism of which n plays a distinguished part,
as will be more plain further on when we come to th
numerous aspirates and blends which that letter forms
with other consonants. The two consonants we are now
to discuss, although each is represented, owing 1o the
exigencies of the Roman alphabet, by two letters apiece,
are quite simple sounds, and not compounded of n and
the other consonant which follows it. This fact must bo
grasped to begin with, so that the eye is not allowed to
mislead the ear, as would almost certainly occur if the
warning is not attended to from the first to regard them
as, not compounds, but simple sounds.

NY. Pronounced with the back of the tongue against

the palate, the point being all the while kept well
down a nasal sound corresponding to the Spanish 5,
;

and not at all to be confrnmded with " ni."

Exercise 14. Nya, nye, nyi, nyo, nyu.
Yanya, nyanya, uyuni, nyama, nyouyoa, unyo, nyii (cry
of hysena^), nyali, nyunia yenu nyoani, m'nyoe, huyu
nyanya hanyoi, m'nyonyoe uyuni huyu, nyuni anyonyo-
lewa, nyanya hanyolewi, yaninyea, munyu ni wa nyanyae.
" " "
(NG-') is nasalised n, as in Eng. singer," ringer ; to
be contrasted with ng in finger. Exercise 15. Practise
pronouncing the former as if written si-ng'er, ri-ng'er ;
then reverse, thus, ng'er-si, ng'er-ri. NOTE: Further
exercises below, in connection with the blend ng (the
sound in finger).
20 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

VOICE AND BREATH CONSONANTS. In every language

most of the consonants are divisible into these two classes.
Exercise 16. (a) Utter a loudly whispered hiss, thus,
sss. (6) Do this again, only during the hiss, and in the
middle of it, practise bringing your voice suddenly into
play, and in a moment you will find that the consonant
has altered, and you have changed unawares from the sss
"
to a continuous " ezz sound thus ssszzz. The difference
;

therefore between s and z depends upon the voice

accompanying the sound or not s accordingly is called a
;

breath consonant, and z a voice consonant, (c) Now do

the same with fff (efff). On bringing the voice to bear
you find yourself beginning to say vw (evvv). (d) Reverse
the above, stopping the voice accompaniment in the
middle of saying the zzz (ezzz) and vw (ewv), and you will
"
have again the " breath sounds sss, fff. Further corre-
spondences can be traced in the Syllabary, after that we
have stopped to examine, first, a few pairs of simple
consonants and, secondly, consonants in combination
;

with N, and the strange effect it has upon them.

(CH and J.) These are produced very simply with
the back of the tongue against the palate, making a soft
velvety sound, which some vainly try to imitate by saying
them as if ty, dy. Exercise 17. ja, je, ji, JO, ju cha, ;

che, chu ; jana, juzi, chema, jema, chuma, jua, chua.

(K and G.j Somewhat resemble the pair ch and j in
their character and method of production. NOTE Beware
:

of uttering ch or k with the English stress, or you may

seem to aspirate them, and so possibly say something
quite different from what you intended. (See the table of
HOMONYMS.) Exercise 18. Ka, ke, ki, ko, ku ga, ge, gi,
;

go, gu. Jee, Unguja, waja ? siji sijui.

;

(D, T.) From previous practice (p. 18) this pair will
come easily, the t corresponding to the d, as s to the z.
Exercise 19. Ta, te, etc. ; dada, tata ; dede, tete ; dodo,
toto dudu, tutue, mtoni.
;

(D, T.) A pair contrasted with the preceding in that

the utterance is from a point forward of the English
sound, the tip of the tongue being laid close against the
back ot the upper front teeth (cp. Ar. dal and te).
 PHONETICS 21

Exercise 20. Da, Je, etc. ; /a, te, etc., tata. ; <e/e ; dia, dua.
Contrasts : tua m/o wako mtoni ; mti him utfue na rini.
Namtuma ku/tima ; natumia aftimacho.
COMPOUNDS OF N; BLENDS AND ASPIRATES. The rule
isthat with voice consonants,
"
N
forms " blends," but with
breath consonants, " aspirates thus Blends, mb, mv, nj,
; :

ng, nz. Aspirates, ch', p', k', t', t'. In the blends ng, mb,
we have the hard (English) sounds of g, b, and similarly
the soft sounds of ch and j in ch' and nj become hard as
" "
English ch and j ; while d in nd has a strange cerebral
sound like a rolled r. N
before v becomes rav before s ;

and f it is simply absorbed and disappears. Note that

the aspirates are pronounced with the supply of breath
already in the mouth, and not from the chest.
Exercise 21. mba, nda, nga, nza as single
(a) Practise
syllables, e.g. not as emba, but as mba. (6) Go through
if
the whole five vowels with mb, as mba, mbe, mbi, etc.
(c) And with nz, ng, nj, nd, nd. (d) Practise similarly
t'a, t'e, t'i, t'o ;
and go through the vowels also with
p', ch', and k'.
t', (e) Practise the Homonyms (see end. of
book) with your teacher. (/ ) Go through the Syllabary,
and get your teacher to fit each syllable as far as possible
"
with a meaning, or find it in a " living word. 1
1
That interjection "Mng'wpc" described in African
difficult
Aphorisms, 396, will form aii excellent vocal gymnastic; and so
will the " click assentive," used by womeii, and produced by drawing
down the back of the tongue from the soft palate at the same time
that, with a rapid jerk, the chin is thrown into the air the lips,
meanwhile, being kept well closed.
22 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

SWAH1LI SYLLABARY
a
 SYLLABARY 23

ng'a
 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

PART II

There is no article proper in Swahili, neither definite, in-

definite, nor partitive.
The Swahili Verb has no special interrogative Form. The
difference between statement and question is made
solely by the voice.

STUDY I

-Greetings
Jambo ? How are you ? familiar 1
nduguyo, your brother (or sister).
Good day \saluta- !
jee =
? or (generally precedes a
!

Jatnbo Well. Good day tion.

! !
) question),
Hu jambo ? Are you well ? How bwana (v.), sir, gentleman, master,
do you do ? Are you better? lord.
Si jambo. I am well [thank you]. bibi (v.),
madam, lady, mistress,
I am better. bwanawangu, my master, dear sir.
U hali (iii.) gani? Are you bibiyangu, my mistress, dear
feeling well ? madam,
Ni hali njema. I am quite well mimi, I, me.
[thank you]. wewe, thou, thee.
Yu hali gani? How is he? la yeye, he, him, she, her.
he quite well ? na, and, with,
Yu hali njema. He is quite well gani? what? which?
[thank you]. nami, and I, with me.
Ha jambo? Is he (or she) well nawe, and thou, with thee.
or better ? How is he ? nae, and he (or she), with him
Ha jambo. He (or she) is well or (or her).
better. naam, yes (classical).
Sabalkheri ! Good morning !
ndiyo, yes (general).
Msaalkheri ! Good evening !
la, no (classical),
Kwa heri! Good-bye! Go in siyo, no (general),
happiness. sana, very, quite, indeed, a great
Kwa herini (plur.). Go (ye) in deal, too much.
happiness. mwana (i.), child, son, daughter,
Ahasan/a Thank you You have
! !
mwanayo, your child.
done well This is good news ! ! Marahaba Thank you, ! it is well,
ndugu (iii.), brother, sister. -ema, good.

NOTE. In the Exercises square brackets [ ] denote that the

word they enclose is to be left untranslated.
NOTE. Roman Numerals placed after a noun indicate the class it
telongs to. Arabic Numerals preceding a word refer to a footnote.
 STUDY I 25

Bead and Translate

Bwana na bibi. Wewe na

Mimi na bwana wangu.
mwanayo. Mimi na wewe na yeye. Bibiyangu na ndu-
guyo. Jambo.l
Jambo sana. Sabalkheri Bwana, !

2 2
jambo? Jambo. Uhaligani? Ni hali njema. Jee,
3
nawe, u liali njema? Ni hali njema sana. Hujambo?
3 Si
jambo. Ahasanta Bibi, jambo! Jambo! Nawe
!

liu jambo? Mimi si jambo ahasanla. Jee, 4 nduguyo,

a
ha jambo? Ha jambo bibi. Na 4 mwanayo, yu liali
iiaui? 2
Yu liali njema sana. Ahasanta! Msaalkheri,
5
bwana. 5
Bibi,
6
kwa heri. Kwa heri.

Translate

Good morning How are yon, Madam ? Very well,

!

thank you, Sir. Are you feeling well? Quite well,

thank you. How do you do, Sir? I am well, thank you.
Is my master well He is quite well. And my mistress,
?
is she well? She quite well. How is your brother?
is
He is quite well, thank you. How is your sister ? Thank
you, Sir, she is quite well. He and you and I. My
master. Dear Madam. Your brother. Good evening,
sir. Good evening, Madam. Yes ! No !
Good-bye.
" "
1
Lit. affair," matter," plur. mambo (v.), used idiomatically as a
greeting.
2
Ni, u, yu =
three pers. sing., pres. indie., strong verb " to be,"
conjugated with hali (state), refer to state of health (also tu, mu, tea,
in plur.).
*
Si, hu, 7ta= thrce pers. sing., neg., pres. indie., strong verb " to be,"
conjugated with/amfio, stand for, ''Is there nothing the matter with
" " There is
you ? nothing the matter with me," etc. (also hatu,
hamu, hawa, in plur.).
4
-Yo = yaJto, thy (poss. adj.).
s
A
noun may, by its structure, belong to one of the irrational
classes and form its plural accordingly (e.g. mabwana, mabibi), and
yet by its meaning belong to the living being or sentient class. In
this case it usually takes the concords of Cl. I. As Huyu Inoana
yuaja (this gentleman" is coming), wale mabibi hawaji (those ladies
are not coming). See Groundwork of Swahili Language," bv Kev.
W. E. Taylor, published by 8.P.C.K.
Lit.
" for
good."
26 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

SIMPLE TABLE
 STUDY I 27

OF CONCORDS

CLASS VI. CLASS VII.

28 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

STUDY II

Watumishi Servants

m't'u (i.), man, person, somebody. ku-ja, to come.

m'toto (i.), boy, child (boy or girl). ku-fanya, to do, to make.
'maji (v. pi.), water. kw-enda, to go.
moto (ii.), fire, heat. ku-pata, to get, to have, to bo
k'itu (iv.), substance,
thing, able,
something, anything, kn-lala, to sleep (primarily, to
n'/aa (iii.), hunger, famine, liedown, to go to bed).
pssa (iii.), pice, ku-nunua, to buy, to purchase,
zainu (iii.), turn, watch, ku-leta, to bring.
'mafata (v. pi.), oil, fat. ku-?aka. to want, to require,
/aa (iii.), lamp, ku-nyamaza, to be quiet, silent,
"
k'elele (iii.), noise, ku-weza, to be able, to can.''

k'engele (iii.), bell, ku-ru'/i, to come back, return,

kazi (iii.), work, task, employ- punish.
ment. ku-sahau, to foriM.
sabrmi (iii.), soap, ku-tengeza, to prepare, to arrange,
nguo (iii.), cloth, clothes, set in readiness,
chakula (iv.), food, bread, a meal, ba'fo, not yet.
ki/ambaa (iv.), duster, towel, rag. haifai, it won't do.
mwenzi (i.), companion, fellow, sasa, now.
equal, sasa hivi, just now, at once,
ku-tumika, to serve, to be in directly.
service. pia, also, too, as well, altogether.
ku-sikia, to hear, to feel, in, only, just,
ku-tezama, to look, to look at. fena, again, and as well, ...
ku-twaa, to take, besides, also, moreover,
ku-oga, to bathe, basi, enough, that will do then !

ku-nawa (mikono), to wash upesi, quick, quickly, fast.

(hands). kwa, by means of, for, from, by,
ku-fua, to wash (lit. beat) clothes. with, to.
ku-osha, to wash, to cleanse vizuri well, very well, good
i !

(things). vyemaj nicely, beautifully.

ku-la, to eat. haya ! Come along ! Now then !

ku-isna, iini.sh. All right ! Here !

kisha, ukisha, ( = when you have lini 1 when ? -a, of.

finished) then.

See "General Xotes on Nouns," note Study XXI.

1
2,
 STUDY II 29

Read and Translate

2 - 3
Mtoto, ndoo. Bibi, n'tfaleta sasa
Leto maji. Naam,
hivi. Haya, upesi! Wasikia? Nasikia, Bibi. Twatfaka
chakula sasa. Vyema, Bibi, 3 tuteleta upesi. Jee, Bibi.
4
Wasikia ndaa? Nyamaza, mtoto, fanya kazi <u. Haya,
5
Bibi, nimeleta chakula. Jee, mtoto, umeleta [ na] maji?
6
Mwenzangu 3
alileta, Bibi. Basi sasa waweza kwenda
6
k(u)oga. Kudi upesi. Ndiyo, Bibi. Mwenzangu ateka
3
maji ya moto na sabuni. Vyema, atfapata.
7
Mwafanya
k'elele sana, watoto TwaJaka (ku)lala. Bibi, nataka
!

pesa nipate kununua chakula. Haya basi, twaa pesa.

Enda upesi. Ahasania, Bibi !

Translate
Have you brought
[the] lamp, boy? Not yet, Ma'am,
my has gone to buy oil. 9 When will
8
fellow [servant]
he come back? He will come back directly, Ma'am.
Have you washed [your] clothes? Yes, Ma'am, I have
washed [them]. Did you wash (and) the duster? No,
Ma'am, 1 forgot [it]. Can you bring [some] water? Yes,
Ma'am, I can. My fellow [servant] has come now, Ma'am,
10
it is (m) his (yakive) turn to serve. Very well, let him
bring [the] food then, we want to eat. Ba quiet, boy,
you make too much noise, it won't do. Very well, Ma'am,
I will be quiet DOW. Bring [the] lamp quickly, we want
to look at something. That will do, you can go now.
2
.ZVdoo = imperative of kuja. Lete = imperative of kuleta. These
are the only two irregular imperatives in Swahili. All others retain
the final vowel of the stem, e.g. shika, hold samehe, forgive rud/,
! !

return titbu, repent

! !

3
The objective particle may be omitted in familiar language.
4
Tako (your) understood.
5
Conjunctions are used more freely in Swahili than in English.
" "
Contraction of mwenzi wangu (my fellow-companion). For
contracted suffixes see Study XVI.
7
Lit.
" water of heat," i.e. hot water or water just from the fire.
See Study XI. for variable preposition "of" or " from."
8
Kwenda, to go, kwisha, to finish, and all monosyllabic verbs
retain the ku of the infin. in certain tenses. Vide Study VI.
8
The interrogative, like other adverbs, follows the verb in
Swahili.
10
Adjectives usually follow their substantives.
30 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

w
 STUDY II 31

"
1 1
SWAHILI GRAMMAR
*<.<
 STUDY III

STUDY III

Walimu Teachers

mwalimu (i.), teacher, professor, ku-ona, to see, to find,

learned man, schoolmaster. ku-weka, to put, place, put-by,
mwanafunri (i.), scholar, pupil. ordain, appoint,
chuo (iv.), book. ku-jaribu, to try, to test, to
wino (no pi.) (vii.), ink. tempt,
kalamu (iii.), pen, pencil. ku-furahi, to be pleased, happy,
peseli, peniseli (iii.), pencil. glad.
harufu (iii.), letter (of alphabet), ku-uliza, to ask (a question),
scent, smell, odour. ku-jibu, to answer,
lugha (iii.), language, tongue. ku-fundisha, kofunza, to teach,
kiti (iv.), chair. ku-pa, to give.
meza (iii.), table. ku-k'ed, to sit down, to stay, to
neno (v.), word. dwell.
maana (v. pi.), meaning, reason, nini ? what ? (pron.).
because. gani ? what (adj.).
maana yakwe, its or their mean- matamko (v.), pronunciation,
ing. kw-anza, to begin,
leo, to-day. kwanza, first,
jana, yesterday. kw-isha, to finish,
nciia (iii.), way, road, street, kisha, then (when that is finished),
path. afterwards, also.
lafarfhali, please, if you please. ku-chelewa, to be late,
kujifunza, to learn. labuda, perhaps, that may be.
ku-soma, to read, to go to school, mbonal why?
to study. hawezi, he is sick,
ku-aniiika, to write. sana, thoroughly (or any adverb
ku-sema, to speak, to say, to talk. expressing completeness).
ku-<amka, to pronounce. karatasi, paper,
ku-ambia, to tell. masuali
ku-sikiza, to listen. masiala
mauzo (v.), questions.
ku-endeleza, to spell.
ku-jua, to know. maulizo
ku-elea, to be clear, to enlighten. majibu (v.), answer.
ku-shika, to hold, to catch, to msteri (ii.), a line.
seize, to take.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR
34 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

1
Bead and Translate

Jee, mwalimu amekuja? Bado, Bibi, yuaja sasa,

2
namuona n<iiani. Bwana, jambo ! Jambo
Mtoto Bibi !

lete viti. Bwana, k'efi. Abasan/a, Bibi, 3 nimek'efi. Sasa

naiaka kalamu na karatasi. Haya, Bwana, fafadhali shika
kalamu. Watfaka 4 niandike mimi ? Naam, Bibi, jaribu
kuancZika sasa. Jee umekwisha 5 andika ? Ndiyo, mwa-
4
limu, nimekwisha. Basi, sasa na/aka usome. Nisome
6
chuo gani ? Soma chuo cha kwanza. Soma maneno.
TJkisha, nambia 8 maana 9 yakwe. 10 Yakwelea ? Naam,
7

9
mwalimu, yanelea sana. Wajua maana yakwe ? Najuu.
Vyema Bibi, soma /ena. Ukisha, endeleza maneno. Soma
sana nipate kusikia. Tamka vyema maneno njifunzo
kusoma vizuri.

1
The English custom of suppressing titles in the conversation of
equals would appear abrupt and discourteous if attempted in Swahili.
2
"-ni" suffixed to nouns denotes locative case, and may be
variously translated by the prepositions by, at, to, within, on, of, from,
etc. See Table of Concords.
3
Most Swahili verbs of posture really signify the taking up of a
position, e.g. kuk'eti = to sit on the ground. Hence the perfect tcnst-
(nimek'e/i) = I have taken up a position (J am seated), and the
Present Tense (nak'efi) = I am in the act or habit of (sitting) and so,
in this case, has come to mean I dwell, or stay.
4
Here the Swahili construction analyzes more logically than the
"
English me to write."
5
After an auxiliary, the Infin. Jcu of the principal verb is

frequently omitted.
See note 7, Study II.
7
Contraction of nianibia. All objective particles preceding
imperatives, require the final a of the stem (either primary or
derivative) to change to e, except when the 1st pors. sing. obj.
particle precedes, in which case the final a is retained. E.g. Nipeleka,
Nipelekani, Nipelekea, but Mpeleke, Tupeleke, Wapelekee.
8
See "General Notes on Nouns," note 2, Study XXI.
9
Yakwe (not yao, although it refers to words). N.B. Possessive
adjectives, having reference to inanimate objects, never take a plural
form.
" Are "
10
Lit. they clear to you ? maana has no sing.
 STUDY in 35

Translate

n ill.
Why is Perhaps he is
[the] teacher late to-day ?
No ! He is
coming now. Good-morning, teacher, are
you feeling well ? Quite well, thank you. [Do] sit
down. 12 Give me a book, please, Bibi, and you take a
book and read. Now put the book 13 on [the] table and
listen. I will ask you questions. Very good And I !

will try to answer. That will do now, you have answered

well. I am very pleased. Do you want ink ? Yes (I
want) and a pencil (also). The pupil is trying to speak
the Swahili language (luglia ya Ki-swahili). He can
read [the] letters. When did he begin? I taught him
[the] first line yesterday.

The Pres. Indie, of kuweza, to be able, conjugated negatively,

11

stands for "I am sick," etc. To express the primary meaning

" I am not "
able," etc., the Neg. Fut. is frequently used sifaweza,"
etc.
12
See note 7 (p. 32).
13
See Note 2.
36 SWAHILI GRAMMAR
TABLE OF PERSONAL PRONOUNS WITH
SEPARABLE PHONOUNS (those that can
 STUDY III 37

PRONOMINAL PREFIXES AND INFIXES.

stand alone as independent words).

Class V.
38 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

STUDY IV
Nyumbani In the house

mlango (ii.), door, entrance. ku-sugua, to rub, polish, clean,

ufunguo (yii.), key. ku-safi, to clean, cleanse.
ukumbi (vii.), ball. ku-/afute, to look for, search,
roshani (iii.), balcony. ku-ita, to call.
</araja (v.), stairs, steps (of stone). ku-sihi, to beseech, pray (peremp-
(v.), window.
dirisha tory),
chumba (iv.), bedroom, room. ku-teka, to laugh, to mock at,
ghala (v.), store-room. smile.
sakafu (iii.), flat stone roof or ku-lia, to cry, weep,
pavement. ku-ngoja, to wait, to wait for.
dari (v.), house-top, roof, a! oh!
orofa (vii.), upper storey, n'de, out, outside,
sebule (iii.), private room, n'dani, in, inside.
ua (vii.), courtyard, <'ini, down, below,
baraza (v.), verandab. juu, up, upstairs, over, above,
kizingifi (iv.), door-step, against,
mkeka (ii.), mat. wapi ? where ?
zulia (v.)> carpet. kidogo (adv.), a little, rather.
Moo (iv.), mirror, wazi (indecl. adj. and adv.),
p'aka (iii.), cat. open, ajar, clear.
ku-angalia, to regard, to behold, siku (iii.), day, twenty-four hours,
to visit, to be careful, nsiku (vii.), night.
ku-panda, to go up, come up, m/ana (ii.), day-time, mid-day,
climb. kucha (ix.), dawn, sunrise,
ku-sb.uka, to come down, go down, kuiwa (ix.), sunset.
ku-funga, to sbut, close, miana kuiwa (or kuiwa), all day
ku-fungua, to undo, open. long,
ku-<oka, to go out, to come from, usiku kucha (or kucha), all night
leave (situation), come out. long.
ku-ngia, to go in, come in, come tele, much, many, plenty, a lot of.
on (of rains, etc.). p'anya (iii.)> rat.
ku-pea, ku-fyagia (z'bar), to haidhuru, never mind, it c!ce
sweep. not matter.
 STUDY IV 39

Bead and Translate

Fungua dirisha, iiafaka Naona wat'u

kutezama n'de.
/elo nf/iani, Ufunguo u wapi?
tufungo mlango upesi.
Uko juu. Enda darini kaangalie. Wat'u wamekwisha l

kwenda sasa, jee nifungue mlango? Ndiyo, 2 fungua,

kisha pea daraja na ua, na mabaraza pia. Narfaka mkeka
kuweka kizingitfini. Ngoja kidogo utepawa. 3 Yuko
wapi p'aka ? Paka anatoka sasa hivi. Anakwenda wapi ?
Labunda ana kwenda kuafu<a p'anya. Mwite, natfaka ale
chakula asikia ndaa usiku kucha alifanya k'elele. Jee,
;

mtoto umesugua kioo? Naam, bibi, nimesugua pia na

madirisha. Jee wewe ulikwenda wapi? Nalikuwa
sakafuni nikilia. Mbona ulilia ? 4 Maana nalitfaka kutoka
n'de, iakini naliitwa. Haidhimi !

Translate

Come down, I pray you, at once. Your sister is

looking for you. Where is she ? She is in the private
room. Tell her to come (pres. subj.) into the hall. The
bedrooms want sweeping (pass, inf.) and [the] store-room
also. Is the door of the upper-storey open? No, it is
5
shut. Open [it]
then. The boy wants to come inside.
Very well, let him come inside and godown below (sub.
subj.). The teacher has laughed all day. Why did he
laugh ? Ask him. He says he saw a rat looking (part,
tense) in the mirror (loc.). Are there (icako) many
rats in the house ? Yes, there are very many.
1
The
use of the auxiliary verb kwisha (to finish), is a favourite
way expressing an emphatic perfect.
of It may be translated
"
already," but is more often omitted altogether in English. This
verb Itwislia has an idiomatic perfect, much used
nsha, I have finished. tunsha, we have finished.
unshu, mnsha,
ansha, unsha, insha, etc. wansha, insha, yansha, etc.
2
See note 3, Study II.
3
See note 5, Study I.
4
Maana = (primarily) meant MJ, cause, etc., but has come to serve as
a conjunction (because, that is wfey), and may stand at beginning or
end of clause.
5
Perf. Tense of Passive. See next Study.
SWAHILI GRAMMAR
 STUDY IV 41

r
"

5*
*
5i***

II Oa j-

*
3A J
Ilr
-;** a 5 SrS
 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

ye.

be

m'we,

or

iwani

Plur.

2nd

MOOD.

VE |
 STUDY V 43

NOTE. The verbal suffixes po, Tto, mo, may be suffixed to all
these persons and tenses, also interrogatively and negatively, as

Pers. Sing.
1. Nipo, I am here.
2. Umekuwafco, thou hast been there.
3. Yn/co, he or she is tJiere, he or she exists.
8. ufco ? is it (the mat, mkeka) there ?
3. haki^o, it (the mirror, kioo) is not here.

Plur.
1. tukiwamo, if we arein it, if we have to do with it.

2. m'takuwamo, ye will be in it.

3. vralikuwapo, they were here.

STUDY V
Mezani At the table

ya meza
*
nguo (iii.), table cloth. kunwa, to drink.

kijiko (iv.), spoon. ku<oa, to put out, give (out), take

uma (vii.), fork. out, to offer.
sahani (iii.), plate, dish. kuweka, to put, put away, keep,
2
kisahani (iv.), saucer. appoint, put off.
kikombe (iv.), cup. kupakua, to dish up.
bilauri (iii.), glass, tumbler. kupasha moto, to warm up.
sinia (v.), tray. kupoa moto, to get cold.
sanduku (v.), box, cupboard. kuate, to leave, leave off, to give
kawa (iii.), dish-cover (plaited). up.
chai (iii.), tea. kukunrfa, to fold.
kahawa (iii-) coffee. kukun</na, to unfold.
sukari sugar.
(iii.), kumiza, to swallow.
mkate (ii.), bread, loaf, cake. kufafuna, to chew, eat.
asali (iii.), honey, syrup. kuon'fa, to taste, try, to tempt.
3
fayari, ready, in readiness. kupiga, to beat, strike.
kuan</ika, to set in order (table). k'iu (iii.), thirst.
kuondoka, to go away, to get up, sawasawa, even, straight, pro-
to leave. perly.
kuondoa, to take away, remove. kabisa, altogether, entirely, quite.
1
See " of," Study XI.
2 "Ki" = common diminutive prefix. See note 5, Study XVIII.
" "
Piga is capable of various meanings according to the noun
3

it is coupled with kupiga msfari, to draw a line ; kupiga k'engele,

to ring a bell; kupiga ch'apa, to print; kupiga k'elele, to make a
noise kupiga t'eke, to kick kupiga fundo, to tie a knot kupiga
;
; ;

magot'i, to kneel kupiga pasi, to iron kupiga mbinja, to whistle ;

; ;

kupiga k'ura, to cast lots kupiga yowe, to shout out in fear, etc.
;
44 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Jama, boy's name. nani ? who ?

bari'/i (iii.), cold, cool. hivi,thus like this.
safi, clean. asububi, morning, this morning.
t'aka, t'akat'aka (iii.), dirt. hapa, here.
*
kwamba, that (conj.), whether as /amn, sweet, nice, sweetncsa.
if, if. kumwaya, to spill, to pour away,
lakini, but. kumwaika, to be spilt,
kweli (iii.), truth, true, indeed. katika, in, into, on, among, etc.

Nrfoni tukak'efi mezani, chai ifaletwa sasa hivi. Nguo

ya meza mbona ? Nasikia kwamba
si safi, Juma alimwaya
kahawa hapa asubuhi. Mwite Juma. Juma waitvva.
!

Naam bibi, n'nakuja, 4s xilinita? Ndiyo Ni n'nakwita.

kweli ulimwaya kahawa katika nguo meza leo ? ya
Si kweli bibi. Kahawa imemwaika, lakini si mimi !

5
N'nani basi ? Labuda ni p'aka, nalimuona chumbani.
P'aka aweza kumwaya kahawa? Aweza, akisikia kiu
na 6 kufaka kunwa. Haya basi, ondoka sasa. Mwambio
AH alete sukari na mkate na asali. Viko wapi visa-
hani? Vimo sandukuni, walisahau kuviweka mezani.
Vilete upesi, chai ifapoa moto. 7
Imekwisha kuwa baridi
kabisa; haifai, watoto, kuchelewa hivi. Sasa nafaka
vijiko na vikombe.

-/amu, tupn, tonga, and other adjectives are capable of an

4

adverbial use, in which case there is no concord.

" "
4a The unavoidable use of
the familiar pronoun " thee and " thou
to persons of all ranks and ages is as much to be regretted as the
exclusive use in English of the polite form " you."
|p _ copula "ni contracted.
s " "
6 "
Na " (and) cannot connect two finite verbs. In the Past Indie.,
" ka " introduces the
Subj., "and Imper., the subordinate tense with
" and and obviates the difficulty. In all other cases, the second
verb must be put in the Infinite, which then bears the force of the
" na "
tense and mood of the preceding verb. Neither will connect
two adjectives. If we wish to predicate two or more qualities of one
"
substantive, the second or last (whichever follows the na ") must bo
converted into an abstract noun. Ex. Mt'u huyu ni mwema net
upole.
See note 1, Study IV.
 STUDY V 45

Translate
8
Glasses and plates are wanted for the table, people
are coming for 9 mid-day meal here to-day. Shall I bring
spoons and forks too ? Yes, I want to set the table now
in readiness. Will they drink water ? Yes, they will
drink water 10 if it is clean. Take a tray and dish up the
food, then ring the bell to call the people. You have
n over the dishes. Tell
forgotten to put the dish-covers
the cook to warm up 12 yesterday's fowl. Try to fold the
cloth properly. Can you set the table nicely if the cloth
is not clean ? No it will not do.
! tasted the honey We
and we found [it] sweet. The child swallowed something
and he said, " It is sugar." If it 13 was sugar he would
have smiled, but now he is crying. Let us go away, he
will leave off. If a child cries he will not get (hapati)
cake (loaf of sweetness).

EXPLANATION OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STRONG VERB

To Be AND SIMPLE COPULA

1. The strong verb "to be" is that which affirms, not

the peculiar quality or identity of the thing or things,
person or persons, but the place, the circumstance, state,
or surroundings, in which it, or they, happen or are
desired to be, differing according to number and person,
tense and mood, as seen above.
" to be " or " is "
2. (a) The u-eak verb simple copula (ni =
" "
or are same for all classes) is confined to the present
tense of the Indicative, and differs only from the strong
verb in the third persons of that tense. It is used when
8
Verb must take concords of cl. iii. to which both nouns belong.
But see note 2, Study XII.
" meal of
mid-day," and so in all cases where one sub-
"
Trans.
stantive is used to qualify another.
10
Participial tense.
11
See note on Adverbial Prepositions, Study XX.
There is no possessive form in Swahili. See note 9.
''-'

13
The impersonal " it " when not referring to any afore-mentioned
"i "
noun, is translated by the pronominal (as in cl. iii.) and its
correlatives.
46 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

one wants to affirm of a thing or things, person or persons,

" "
that it or they " is or " are of a certain quality (not
involving the state or position in which it (or they)
happen to be) or to i
lentify two titles or nouns
Fulani ni mwema, so and so is good.
Wevi ni wangi, thieves are many.
AValimu wangu ni Ali na my teachers are Ali and
Abudulla, Abdallah.
The "
(6) Negative Simple Copula is si (he, she, or it) is
" are not "
not," (they) ;

Ex. Fulani si mwema, so and so is not good.

Wevi si wangi, thieves are not many.
Walimu wangu si Ali na my teachers are not Ali and
Abudulla, Abdallah.
Si kweli ? is it not true ?
Ni kweli, it is true.

PASSIVE VERBS

Passive stems are formed

1. By inserting w
before final vowel in verbs ending
in a, or ea
Ex. Kufungwa, to be shut.
Tutfaelewa, we shall be enlightened.

2. By adding wa to verbs ending in i or e.

Ex. Kurudiwa, to be punished.

Alisamehewa, ho was forgiven.
3. By inserting liw or lew between the final vowels of
the stem when it ends in to, oa, or ua.

Ex. Kuoa, to marry, to wed.

Kuolewa, to be married (eaid only of
the bride).

Kufua, to wash.
Kufuliwa, to be washed.

Kukimbia, to run away.

Kukimbiliwa, to be pursued.
 STUDY VI 47

Kutia, to put In, makes kutiwa and kutiliwa. Kuua,

to kill, makes kuuwawa.
4. Verbs ending in u, change the u iato i and add wa.
Ex. Kutubu, to repent, kutubiwa; kushukurn, to give
thanks; kuslmkuriwa, except kusahau, to forget, which
makes kusahauliwa.
Monosyllabic verbs are mostly irregular
Kula, to eat, kuliwa, to be eaten ; kupa, to give, ku-

pewa and kupawa ; kuja, to come, kujiwa ; kufa, to die,

kufiwa.
Passive subjunctive is formed as follows :

Nirudiwe, that I may be punished.

Kifuliwe, that it (cl. iv.) may be
washed.
Passive negative is formed thus :

Sifungwi, I am not bound.

Hasamehewi, he is not forgiven.

STUDY \l
Mekoni In the kitchen

m'pishi (i.), cook. munyu (ii.), salt,

m'iuzi (ii.), stew. pilipili (iii.), pepper,
k'uni (iii.), firewood. soko (v.), market.
1
kibiriti (iv.), box of matches. maivu (v.), ashes,
kisu (iv.), knife. mashizi (v.), soot, smuts, blacks,
sufuria (v.), saucepan. makaa (v.), coals, embers,
mwiko (ii.),spoon (large). wall (vii.), cooked rice,
mbuzi (iii.;,cocoa-nut grater. k'uku (iii.), fowl,
"
nazi (iii.), cocoa-nut. mboga (iii.), vegetable,
nyama (iii.), meat, flesh, game, kupika, to cook (boil or stew),
animal. kuk'anga, to fry.

A single "match (seldom used) = kijiti, a small piece of wood.

1

2 "
Mboga applied in a wider sense to any relish or sauce
is also

(meat, fish, etc.), that is eaten with the plain boiled rice or Indian
corn porridge. Kiteweo = another generic term for the same thing,
"
Boga (pi. maboga) a pumpkin, must not be confused with mboga."
 48 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

kuoka, to bake. kuyaika, to melt,

kutokosa, to boil (trans.). kuk'ata, to cut.
kutokota, to boil (intrans.). kuoza, to rot.
kuchemka, to boil kufinika, to cover,
kuloma, to toast, brand, burn, nkoko (vii.), crust on pot.
prick. chungu (iv.), small cooking-pot,
kuwaka, to burn (intr.), to burn nyungu (Hi.), cooking-pot.
up. rntnngi (ii.), water-pot,
kuwasha, to light, kindle. kandarinya (Hi.), kettle,
kuteketea, to catch fire. birika (v.), cistern, trough,
kuteketeza, to burn, consume (tr.). moshi (ii.), smoke.
kukuna, to grate, to scratch. maziwa (v.), milk.
ku?in<7a, to kill (animals). tangu, since,
kutia, to put in. makusudi (v.). purpose, on pur-
kukoroga, to stir. pose.
kuungua, be scalded, scorched.
to katika, in, into, from, etc.
kufembea, to walk about, take a baaJae,halafu(z'bar), afterwards,
walk. presently, later,
kufurika, to boil over, to overflow. knondoa, to take away.

Bead and Translate

Mpishi alisahau kuwasha moto. Mbona hukuwasha

wewe basi ? 3
Sikupata k'uni maana, mpifhi anakwenda
kununua sokoni. Haidhuru waweza kutfinda k'uku ukam-
weke tayari.
4
Yuko wapi k'uku ? Yuko uani yuatembea.
.Tee afatfukwa kwa chakula cha mtfana? Naam a<a/akwa.
Nipa kibiriti fafa^hali, moto hauwaki. Tia ruafuta kidogo,
uJawaka npesi. Sioni raafuta, labuda yamekwisha. La,
5
hayakuislia, yamo ghalani. Naliyaona jana. Jee wa-
tokosa nyama? La, naik'anga. Umepika na wali pia?
Sikupika. Nipa kisu nik'ate mboga. Mboga xiraeoza.
Haxikuoza, liujui k'itu wewe. Angalia, maziwa yafurika.
Ondoa snfuria motoni. Maziwa yamengia raashizi (see
note 9, Study XVI.). Haidhuru.

Translate

Have you put salt and pepper in the stew ? Yep, a

little, but I did not put [any] in the vegetables. Do not
stir the milk with a knife, stir [it] with a spoon. Look,
*
Vide note 4, Study IV.
4
See note 5, Study I.
*
The preposition (in) is frequently duplicated, being expressed
both in the verb or verbal suffix and in the locative case of the noun.
 STUDY VI 49

you have burnt [your] clothes, did you not feel the heat V
No, I did not feelanything. Has the boy grated the
cocoa-nut ? Not yet, he will do [it] later. The cook has
taken the cocoa-nut grater. Are you cooking with coal ?
No, we cook with firewood. If we want to bake we cover
the saucepan with 6 Lot embers. Why has the boy not
taken away the ashes ? Perhaps he forgot. The water
is
boiling, will the kettle melt ? No, I know it will not
melt ; it was made on purpose to boil water. I see
smoke coming out (it comes out) of the window.
B
Trans. " embers of heat " and so in innumerable cases owing to
the paucity of adjectives, see Study VIII. For " of," see Study XI.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR
50 SWAHILI GBAMMAB
STUDY 51
52 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

1 a
ca
s a

-a
1 &" '
2 .
*S
*3

C
O
!2 1
-g

2
"" 3
*a*rf
,
-

*
O
X a
C
'J
II
* *&
d^ d' i
i S .

I
.S .A)

i:

"* H a a
e.2.2 'ta
~
'5 "33 5 13 "3 S, 5 ^l

a r
z& fe

I
fc ^.2^
|-2 |
 STUDY VII 53

STUDY VII
Mjini (ii.)
In the town
Kgome (iii.), fort. kuioroka, to run away.
gereza (iii.), prison. kutti, to obey.
forodha. (iii.), custom-house. koala hum, to release, to free.
ukuta (vii.), wall. kunya, to fall (as of rain).
lango (v.), gate. kutunza, to take care (of), to watch.
jiwe (v.), stone. kukosa, to miss, to fail, transgress.
uvumbi (vii.), small fine dust. kuk'nta, to meet, to come across,
vumbi (v.) litter, large dust. to meet with, to find,
t'ope (iii. pi.), mud. kukut'ana, to meet (recip.), as*
mvua (iii.), rain. semble.
upepo (vii.) wind. AfueZ&ali, It is better.
jua (v.), sun. kwa, at the house of (" chez ") to.
mpagazi (i.), porter, carrier. kwetu, at our house or home,
mbiu " chez
(iii.), proclamation (lit. nous," in our country,
buffalo horn). kwenu, at your house or home,
masikini (iii.), poor mau, beggar. in your country,
mtumwa (i.), slave. kwao, at their house or home, in
muungwana (i.), free born man, their country.
gentleman. gari (v.), carriage, waggon, trolly,
mwana mume (i.), male (boy or k'ando, aside, apart, on or by or to
man). one side,
mwana mke (i.), female (girl or fulani (iii.), so and so, such a one,
woman). some one.
mt'u mume (i.), man (adult). wala, neither, nor (or),
mt'u mke (i.), woman (adult). kesho, to-morrow,
mume (i.), husband, man. mwivi (i.), thief (pi. wevi).
mke (i.), wife. kesho kutwa, day after to-morrow.
ngoma (iii.), dance, drum,
1
kupita, to pass, cross over, sur-
pass, excel. p'ingu (iii.), fetter, charm,
kufuata, to follow. kivuli (iv.), uvuli (vii.), shade,
kufuatana, to go in company or shadow.
file, to accompany. mtoro (i.), runaway slave, truant,
similla ! sumile ! make way !
-kali, fierce, strong, cruel,
kaanguka, to fall, to fall down. hunt (pi. mahuru), free,
kuiba, to steal. -kuu, chief, main,
kuchoka, to be tired. zamani (iii.), time (also used ad-
;

kuamkua, to greet, to speak to. verbially ; formerly, some time

knpigana, to fight. ago).
Ni heri, It is better (fol. by subj.). kijana (iv.), young child, child.
kufika, to arrive, reach, lead to. kijana mwana mome, boy, lad.
kuvuma, to blow, roar. kijana kike, girl, lass.

Haya twende n'de tukatembee kidogo. Twende uvu-

lini basi, hapa jua ni kali. Mimi nafoika kwenda ngo-
meni, tupite kwa ndia gani? Sijui ndia mimi, lakini
Kupiga ngoma = to beat a drum ngoma = to dance.
1
;
kuteza
54 SWAHILI GBAMMAB

fulani ^linambia kwamba ndia k'uu yafika ngomeni.

Lango la mji lilikuwapo hapa zamani nasikia Labuda ni
kweli, sikuwapo. Sikizani, nasikia k'elele, wapagazi wapi-
gana Afud/taliusiende(orusende) kuangalia, wako wat'u
!

tele na uvumbi tele. Kisha mvua 2 yatfaka kunya, ni heri

turudi nyumbani. La Tusingie bado, mvua haiji, upepo
!

wavuma Twende
forod^ani basi tukaangalicinagari.
sana.
Sumile, sumile gari laja upesi, ondoka ndiani.
! Tunza !

liko jiwe hapa, linaanguka ukutani. Mwalimu yuko

yuasema na masikini jee tuniwamkue ? Naam, tum-
wamkue ni mt'u mwema. Vijana watufuata, wambie
wasije. Mtumwa akiforoka twamwita mtoro.
Translate

Only men are wanted, they are beating the drum to

call Hhem. The women are tired, they cannot go.
Perhaps they will follow afterwards? No, they have
missed the trolley, they will 4 stay at home now. Never
mind, they can go to-morrow morning. Will they not be
late? Yes, they will be rather late, but the men will
wait [for them]. People are assembling at our house, what
are they looking for? We are told that they are poor,
5
they want bread. It is better to give them (Jtuwapa)
bread, that they may not steal. If they steal they will
be put in prison. There is (ziko) much mud and dirt
here, let us pass to one side. Will you be able to reach
home the day after to-morrow? Yes, we shall be able
[to] if we do not meet [with] wind or rain. They issued
a proclamation (beat the buffalo horn) at the gate this
morning to say that slaves who obey their masters
G

7
(jbwana zao} will be set free.
"
1
The " i " in " ni is frequently elided.
2 "
Taka," used as an auxiliary, stands for " is going to" " in on the
point of."
See note 1, Study XIV. See note 3, Study III.
*
For " bread " in the wide sense use " chakula." European " bread "
is an unknown luxury to the simple native.
6 "
Bwana " and " bibi " take plurals in both cl. iii. and cl. v. See
note 1, Study VIII.
7
The technical expression is " kuafika huru," using the Quasi-
rassive for the Passive. See Study XVII.
 STUDY Vlt 55

H
H
56 HILL GRAMMAR

*
"si
egg
III
^^>^
!
M
^*
s
...2*
f^ CD CD

'5"1
^ .8,
2 af
"S *
i
"5
I a
a|l| >N
l"al

PI PH <N eo
STUDY VII 57
58 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

THE VERB "To HAVE,"

kuwa na, to have,
kutokuwa na, not to have.
The verb To Have is formed from the verb To Be by
" "
subjoining the word na (with) to the Strong Verb in
all persons and tenses, positive and negative.

Ex. Nina, or n'na, I have; sina, I have not; u/a-

kuwa na, thou wilt have ; wasiwe na, that they may not
have.
"
NOTE In the present tense only does the " na
I.
form one word with the verb stem.
NOTE II. Occasionally the verb To Have has to trans-
late the (English) verb To Be. Where we say, there is,
there are, the Swahilis say there has, there have [i.e. the
place, etc., has (in it such and such things)]. For
instance Hapa pana wat'u- tele, Here there are many
people, lit. This (place) has people plenty. Kuna upepo
mwingi leo ? Is there (does there exist) much wind to-
day? Hapana mkate. There is no bread (here). Hakuna
kuimba, There is no singing.
NOTE III. This verb has an idiomatic inversion of
subject and object.Whereas in English we say Salehe
"
has them (the keys\ in Swahili we get " zina Salehe
(funguo), they have Salehe! Vide Psalm xxxvi. 9;
Luke ii. 14.

STUDY VIII
M'tu na Rafikiye A man and his friend

Eafiki (iii.), friend. ndugu (iii.), mke (i.), sister,

jina name.
(v.), cousin.
habari (iii.), news, tidings. jamaa (iii.), family, society, re-
mgeni (i.), guest, visitor, stranger. lative.
baba (iii.), father. kinabibi, women folk, ladies,
mama (iii.), mother. kinabwana, men folk, gentlemen,
ndugu (iii.), mume (i.), brother, 'mjomba (i.), uncle (mother's
cousin. brother).
" "
1
Mjomba is also an up-country term for a Swahili.
 STUDY VIII 59

8hangazi (v.), aunt (father's kuzua, to invent.

sister). kunradto ) excuse me pardon ; !

mgonjwa (i.), sick person. niwia rad/w /do not be offended.

ugonjwa (vii.), sickness. inshalla, please God.
HoJi ? May I come in ? Is any Al hamrZu lillahi, Praise God,
one there ? thank God.
HoJi Come in
! !
-enyewe, -self, the owner.
Karibu ! Be
welcome- ! afia (iii.), health.
Siterehe ! Don't disturb yourself !
-ot'e, all, whole.
" " take
(lit. rest," your ease.") ha?a, even, till, until, so that, as
kukaribisha, to welcome. far as.
kukumbuka, to remember. au, or
kuonana, to see one another, to ela, ilia, but, except.
meet (recip.). -gonjwa, ill, sick.
kupen^a, to love, to like, to be sikuzote, always.
fond of. pasipo, where there is not, ex-
kutakia, to hate. cept, without.
kutakua, to carry, take. -je 1 how? what? (after verb).
kupeleka, to send, convey, con- -ni what ? (after verb).
1

duct, take. hapana burfi, no doubt, without

kuomba, to pray, to beg, to ask doubt, probably.
for. barua (iii.), letter, missive.
kaiosha, to be enough, to suffice. zairZi, more, besides, further,
kusalimu, to salute, send compli- especially.
ments. jawabu (v.), answer.
kupiga hof/i, to knock at the door. siku hizi, nowadays.
kubisha nodi, to knock at the Ati !
look, they say, see ! I
door. say!
kuzungumza, kosumulia, to talk, Ulaya, Europe.
to converse. bisikoti (iii.), biscuits.
kujiznngumza, to amuse oneself, nimileti (iii.)> lemonade.
by talking, etc.

Read and Translate

1
Kafiki wa baba anakuja kutuangalia, mkaribishe.
Nam'jua, si mgeni. Karibu, Bwana, pita ndani Sirfarehe, !

00
Paternal uncles and maternal aunts are reckoned so near of kin
as to be a kind of senior or junior parent according to the progenitor's
original position in his family.
Ex. Babangu mkubwa, my father's elder brother.
Babangu mdogo, my father's younger brother.
Mamangu mkubwa, my mother's elder sister.
Mamangu mdogo, my mother's younger sister.

Kafiki, like most other sentient nouns (whether referring to persons

1

or animals) in irrational classes, takes concords of both its own class

and cl. i. As a rule, possessive adjectives follow the irrational class,
and other adjectives cl. i. Ex. Eafiki yangu huyu mwema ng'ombe ;

zanga hawa wawili. The verb almost invariably follows cl. i.

60 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

bibi, usiondoke.
N'nakuja kuleta babari fa. Habari
gani ? Wat'u wot'e hawajambo ? Wotf'e hawajambo, aha-
sanfa. Habari ni ya afia t\i. Tena baba na mama waku-
salimu sana, wa/aka habari ya kwenu. Huku 2 hakujambo.
Twafaka babari ya buko 3 utokako. Kwetu imokunya
mvua sana, ha/a wot'e wafurahi.
wat'xi Maana mvua
yaleta vyakula Kweli, bwana, na tuombe kwamba
tele,
ifike hapa pia. Insballa itfakuja. Mtoto Lete bisiko/i !

na nimile/i kwa bwana mgeni. Hodi Hodi Karibu ! !

ndani. Kina bwana, k'etfini. Ham'jambo ? Hatujambo,

al hamdu lillahi. Wageni hawa wafoka Ulaya, wanaleta
barua kwa inwalimu. Mwite mtoto yule mwana mume
apeleke barua bii upesi. Ati mtoto, enda na barua kwa!

mwalimu Abudulla, a/akupa jawabu mwenyewe. Mwa-

limu azungumza na mjomba wakwe (his) na shangazi
lakwe.
Translate
Some one knocking at tbe"door, tell him to come in.
is
4 " he will enter without
It is enough to say welcome
doubt. 5
What is your name? You do not know me.
I am a stranger to you. Pardon me, I am come to beg
(some) rice, I am ill. If you are ill, you cannot eat rice.
6
It is better [for you] to drink milk. Take these pice and
buy (some) milk. Thank you, lady, I do not like milk, I
will buy a cup of coifee. There are (wako) many sick
persons in the town nowadays. Yes, but formerly there
(they) were more. Your brother has come, what does he
want ? He wants to meet with you. He will wait .until
to-morrow if you are not able to speak with him now.
7
Let him wait then, he is always coming. He says his
(zakwe) relatives hate him and (tena) they have invented
something (neno) against
8
him (yakwe).
2 "
Hakujambo," lit. "It (place or direction) has nothing the
"= We
matter are all well here.
"
3
Where you come from." For Relative Particles, see Study XI.
4
See note Study V.
13,
s " "
Trans. Your name is who ? For Possessive Adjectives sec
Study IX.
8
Vide note 4, Study III.
7
Here " na " with elided
prefix conjunction vowel.
8
See note on Adverbial Prepositions, Study XX.
 STUDY VIII 61

(/)
62
 STUDY IX 63

STUDY IX
Nguo na Mapambo Dress and Ornaments
kilemba (iv.), turban. kunyete, to be conceited.
k'anzu (iii.), tunic. kupima, to measure.
joho (v.), overcoat. kupimiwa, to be measured for.
kizibao (iv.), waistcoat, jacket, kupotea (inlrans. only), to be lost,
blouse. to go astray, to err.
kikoi (iv.), loin-cloth, kufaa, to suit, to be fit for, to
suruale (Hi.), trousers, become, to be proper or right,
koti (v.), coat, to " do."
rinda (v.), skirt. kupumuzika, to rest.
leso (iii.), large handkerchief, kuazima, to lend, to borrow.
mamijli (iii.), small handkerchief, kupasa, to be necessary, to be-
"
kofia (iii.), hat, cap, helmet, hove, to must."
mwavuli (ii.), umbrella, mfuko (ii.), pocket, bag.
fulana (iii.), vest. kiatu (iv.), boot, shoe, sandal.
msbipi (ii.), belt, girdle, fishing mshoni (i.), tailor.
line. kifango (iv.), button, stud.
ki/ambi (iv.), coloured cloth, bakora (iii.), walking-stick.
mtambo (ii.), machine, marashi (v. pi.), scent, perfume.
mkufu (ii.), chain, hariri (iii.), silk.
kuvaa, to wear. p'amba (iii.), cotton.
kuvika, to dress, clothe (tr.). kateni (iii.), linen.
kuvua, to take off, undress, sufi (iii.), wool.
kumiliki, to possess, to own. p'ete (iii.), ring.
kurarua, to tear, maridadi, finely dressed.
kuraruka, to be torn. jirani (iii.), neighbour.
kushona, to sew, to stitch, to mbali, far away, distant.
make, jioni (iii.), evening, in the
kushonewa, to be sewn for, to evening.
have made for one. dunia (iii.), the earth, the world.
kujipamba, to adorn oneself.

Head and Translate

Kizibao changu chatfaka kushonwa, kipeleke kwa

mshoni katika ndia k'uu. Mshoni yule hashoni vyema.
Labuda akiazima mtambo afaweza. Nifamwambia. Kanzu
:
yako inararuka, yakupasa kuivua. Niafanyaje? siwezi
kuvaa kanzu ya baba. Twaa kanzu yangu, itakufaa.
Ahasantfa, rafiki yangu, i/anifaa sana. Kweli, pasipo
1 "
Kupasa," implying moral obligation, is only used impersonally
of sentient beings, " Yanipasa " (it behoves me), etc. But we can
" " " "
say napaswa (I am obliged) or yapasayo (things which are
necessary).
64 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

rafiki mt'u hawezi kukWi duniani. Mandili yangu inapo-

tQSL. La !
haikupofea, mtoto huyu anaiona asubuhi hapa
barazani. Nafurahi sana. Maana, mama 2 alinipa zamani.
Marinda ya watoto wanawake yafaka kufuliwa, waulize
kwamba wamekwisha 3 nunua sabuni. 4 Hawako sasa wa-
nawake, wamekwenda kuteinbea mjini Jee, wamekwenda
mbali? Sijai 5 walikokwenda, n'tfampeleka jirani huyu
awafafute.

Translate

The porters' turbans are 6 lost, they say that thieves

came [in the] evening and (they) stole them. If they find
those thieves they will beat them, and put them in (vika)
fetters. good to steal. Let us dress (her) this
It is not
little girl[with] a large handkerchief, it is enough. She
will not feel cold, the sun is strong [in the] daytime.
Where will she sleep [at] night? She will sleep with
7
my sisters (ndugu zangu wake), they will take care [of]
her. Our neighbour has been measured for [an] overcoat,
he will be very conceited. Where isyour umbrella? I
left it in the hall, please bring it. Forgive me, I forgot
to bring your silk belt and your bag. Your teacher came
to beg [for] my shoes yesterday, but I was not able to give
8
[them to] him. Never mind, he will stay at home and
rest.

2
The verb "kupa" only takes the indirect objective particle,
which must always be conjugated with it.
3
See note 5, Study HI.
4
Verbs frequently precede their subjects.
5 " Ko " = relative See Study XI.
particle of place.
6 " Are lost " =
state, hence use of perf. tense.
7
The possessive and demonstrative precede the qualifying and
numeral adjective both follow the noun. For concords, see note 1,
Study VIII.
8
See note 6, Study V.
 STUDY IX 65

POSSESSIVE ADJECTIVES
(SOMETIMES CALLED POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS)
The possessive adjective immediately follows the noun it

quali6es taking precedence of other adjectives.

''A-s wakwe, hit, her, or its
(
S. wangu, my (man) wako, thy (man)
I. | (man)
P. wangu,
my (men) wako, thy (men) wakwe, his, (men)
. . .

my (tree)
wangu, wako, thy (tree) wakwe, his (tree)
yangu, my (trees) yako, thy (trees) yakwe, his (trees)
yangu, my (house) yako, thy (house) yakwe, his (house)
zangu, my (houses) zako, thy (houses) zakwe, his (houses)
IV. I
S changu, my (thing)
- chako, thy (th ing) chakwe, his (thing)
\P. vyangu, my (things) vyako, thy (thi ngs) vyakwe, his (things)
S. langu, my (name) lako, thy (name) lakwe, his (name)
P. yanga, my (name*) yako, thy (names) yakwe, his (names)
langu, my (monster) lako, thy (monster) lakwc, his (monster)
v,(| yangu, my (monsters) yako, thy (monsters) lakwe, his (monsters)
wangu, my (string) wako, thy (string) wakwe, his (string)
vn.{* zangu, my (strings) zako, thy (strings) zakwc, his (strings)
1
VIII. S. pangu, my (place) pako, thy (place) pakwe, his (place)
1
IX. S. kwangu, my (dying or kwako, thy (dying k wakwe, his (dying or
direction) or direction) direction)
X. 1
P. m wangu, [in] my mwako, [in] thy mwakwe, [in] his
(places) {places) (places)

wetu, our (man) wenu, your (man) wao, their (man)

wetu, our (men) wenu, your (men) wao, tJieir (men)
wetu, our (tree) wenu, your (tree) wao, their (tree)
yetu, our (trees) yenu, your (trees) yao, their (trees)

m. yetu, our (house) yenu, your (house) yao, their (house)

zetu, our (houses) zenu, your (houses) zao, their (houses)

IV I 8 chetu, our (thing)

1V
' chenu, your (thing) chao, their (thing)
-\P. vyetu, our (things) vyenu, your (things) vyao, their (things)
v I
s letu, our (name)
- lenu, your (name) lao, their (name)
-(p. yetu, our (names) yenu, your (names) yao, their (names)

vi I s letu, our (monster)

- lenu, your (monster) lao, their(monster)
yetu, our (monsters) yenu, your (monsters) yao, their (monsters)

vii. wetn, our (string) wenu, your (string) wao, their (string)
1 1
zetu, our (strings) zenu, your (strings) zao, their (strings)
VIII. 8. petu, our (place)
1

penu, your (place) pao, tlieir (place)

IX. 1 S. kwetu, our (dying) or kwenu, your (dying) kwao, their (flying) or
[in] our (direction) or [in] your (Direc- [in] tlteir (direction)
tion)
mwetu, [in] our mwenu, [in] your mwao, [in] their
(places) (places) (places)
The agreement is with the thing possessed, not with the possessor.
1
None but these can follow the locative.
SWAHILI GRAMMAR E
66 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

STUDY X
Sokoni (v.) At the Market

mai (v.), eggs. kuokota, to pick up (of solid

ii(la k'uku) (v.), egg (hen's). bodies).
ndizi (iii.), banana. kuzoa, to gather up, to scoop up.
kiazi (iv.), sweet potato. kusalia, to remain, to be left,
chungwa (v.), orange (sec p. 130). kuzoea, to be used or accustomed
d&tn. (v.), young cocoa-nut. to.
ndimu (iii.), lime. kuteza, to play, to dance.
mumunye (v.), vegetable marrow. ktihisabu, kuhasibu, to count,
ujaka (vii.), spinach. calculate, reckon.
tango (v.), pumpkin. TJnguja, Zanzibar.
samaki (iii.), fish. Mzungu, European, White man.
ng'ombe (iii.), cattle, cow, bull. saramala (v.), carpenter.
mbuzi (iii.), goat. raJili (v.), pound (lb.)
k'ondoo (iii.) sheep. bei (iii.)j bargain, trade,
nnga (vii.), flour. ghali, dear, expensive,
kitunguu (iv.), onion. rahisi, cheap, easy,
t'ende (iii.), dates. pesa ngapi or nyingapi ? how
mtele (ii.), rice (uncooked). much ?
rtoibi (v.), washerman. kiasi gani ? what price ?

kuuza, to sell. kikapu (iv.), grass basket,

kulipa, to pay (for). kasuku (v.), parrot.
kugusa, to touch. hasara (iii.), loss.
kudanganya, to cheat, deceive. fai(/a (iii.), g^in* profit,
kupatikana, to be obtainable, to muddle,
fujo (v.), confusion,
be found, -ngi,much, many,
kusumbua, to annoy, tease, -ngapi 1 how much, how many ?
trouble, worry (tr.). -ngine, other.
kukasirika, to be angry. juzi,day before yesterday, a day
kushiudana, to dispute, contend, or two ago, the other day.
compete. haki (iii.), right, rightcoubiuss,
kushindana bei, to bargain, juslice, honesty,
kuhasiri, to lose in a bargain. funr/i (v.), artizan, expert.

Read and Translate

Wazungu wapenda eana machungwa, sikuzo/'e waja

sokoni knyanumia. Yauzwaje machungwa ya Unguja
siku hizi? Yauzwa ghali, ^oja pesa t'atu inoja pesa

Syllables, words, and phrases are frequently reduplicated with

1

"
varying significance here to give the distributive sense, Three pice
each." See Study XXI.
 STUDY X 67

t'atu ; maana hayapatikani mangi. Eafiki zetu wali/af uta

mbuzi kummmua, wasimwone. Wangolimfanyani mbuzi,
hawana 3 pakumweka? Kweli hawana pahali, wangeli-
mdnrfa kwa ckakula hapana budi. Mbuzi ana nyaraa
4
nyingi ya kufosha wat'u wangi, ukimntmua rahisi yuna
faida sana. Ati bwana wafaka ndizi ? Pesa ngapi ndizi
!

zako? Nne pesa bwana. A! siwezi kununua ndizi hizo,

zinaoza. Tupite kwa masikini yule, auza vit'u vingi
rnadafu, 2'ende, viazi, mainumunye, raatango ndimu, ha<a
vitunguu na mtele. Muulize auzaje, mtele, kiasi gani
ra/ili ? Usimguse ng'ombe yule, ni mkali sana.

Translate,

The
fish-market is not far away, will you go and visit
it? Yes, but I have not paid [for] this flour. That flour
is dear, let us go to another man. That man is 5 used to
cheat Europeans. You are (have) right, he is a thief.
The day before 3 esterday he disputed with me about (juu
ya) a parrot. He wanted much money (many pice), but
I knew that he (that parrot) was ill, and besides he could
not speak a word. So (basi) I picked up my basket and
left him. He was very angry, and now if I pass by he
always does something (neno) to annoy me. What is all
this confusion about (confusion this all, its meaning is
what ?) This poor woman has met with loss all her eggs
have fallen down, and she (nae} cannot gather them up.
Washermen and carpenters and all artizans are found at
the Market.

Pres. Subj. Neg. is much used to replace the Past Indie. Neg.
-

when an adversative sense is required, " but (they) did not," or " but
(they) were not."
3
Pahali understood, i.e. a place of ( (or for) to put him).
4
See note on Adjectives, Study VIII.
" "
5
I.e. has become accustomed = Perf. Tense.
 68 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

NUMERAL ADJECTIVES
Numerals take the class-concords of tboir nouns, Class III.
is here given for others see Study XVIII.
;

moja, one (house) nanc, eight kumi na t'&no, fifteen

mbili, two (houses)
1
tisia, kenda, nine kumi na sUa, 1 sixteen
t'atu, three kumi, ten
1
kumi na sabaa, seventeen
1

nnc,four kumi na moja, eleven kumi na nane, eighteen

t'a.no,fice kumi na mbili, twelve kumi na kenda or kumi
1
tissia, nineteen
eifoi,
1
sx kumi nci t'atu, thirteen
1
iskirini, twenty
eabaa, seven
1
kumi na nnc, fourteen ishirini na moja, twenty-one

SOME ADJECTIVES OF QUANTITY

mwingapi ? how much
2
S. mwingi, much or ? wofe, live whole (man)
3
great sofc, we
I', \vangi, many wangapi ? how many ? nyot'c, you <tll
(meii)
Vfot'c, titey

11. (
S. mwingi, much mwingapi? how much ? vfot'e, the whole (tree)
\ P. mingi, many mingapi ? how many ? yo^'e, all (trees)
S. nyingi, much nyingapi (ngapi) ? how yof'c, the whole (Jtouse)
III. much?
P. nyingi, many nyingapi ? how many ? zot'o, all (houses')

IV.
S. kingi, much kingapi ? how much ? cho<V, the ichole (thing)
P. vingi, mvny vingapi ? how many ? vyot'e, all (things)
S. j'ngi, much j ingapi ? how much ? lot'c, the ichole (name)
P. mangi, many mangapi ? how many ? yof'e, all (names)
S. jingi. much j ingapi ? how much ? lot'e, the whole (monster')
I', mingi, many mingapi ? how many ? yo<'e, all (monsters)
S. ungi (mwingi). ungapi (mwingapi) ? hoic \\ofc, the whole (string)
VII. much much *
P. nyingi, mrmy nyingapi ? how many ? zot'e, all (strings)
VIII. P. pangi, much pangapi ? how much ? pof'c, the whole (place)
IX. S. kungi, much kungapi ? how much ? koi'e, all (flying)
(kof'e ko'e, on all sides,
everywhere)
X. P. mwingi, many mungapi ? or mwingapi? mo'e, [m] all (places),
how many 1 all over inside, (all
about, in every direc-
tion)
Same in all classes.
1

The conjunction " pia

'
*
" " all " or " the whole of When preceding,
-of'e," making it, them, us," etc. it
" " " "
forms one word if combined with wo'e (3rd pers. plur.), the w is elided
;
'
piaot'e."
*
The aspirate here disappears after the sibilant, "a."
 STUDY XI 69

STUDY XI
DuJcani (v.) In a shop

biashara (iii.), trade. kukimbia, to run away (from),

mwenyi duka shopkeeper.
(i.), kupasua, to tear, split, chop,
bid/taa (iii.). merchandise, kugawanya, to divide, distribute,
dhahabu (iii.), gold. msumari (ii.), nail, tack,
fedka. (iii.), silver, money, marudufu (iii.), twill calico
pauni sovereign, pound,
(iii.), (thick).
reale, riali (iii.), dollar (2 Ks.). marikani (iii.), unbleached calico,
rupia (iii.), rupee (Is. 4<Z.). bafuta, (iii.), common nainsook,
roboo (iii.), a quarter (of a dollar uzi wire, thread, string.
(vii.),
= J rupee), alama mark, sign, spot.
(iii.),
nusu (iii.), half (nusurupia = </eni (v.), debt,

rupee), mwenyi deni (i.), creditor,

thumuni (iii.), an eighth (dollar), mrfeni (i.) debtor,
groat = 4 aunas. ni, by (of the agent),
ana (iii.), anna (Id.). mzee (i.), old man.
kasuroboo, three-quarters (of any mwongo (i.), liar,

thing), lit. less a quarter, uwongo falsehood,

(vii.), lie,
mizani (iii.), balance, scales, bure, useless, free, in vain, to no
mawe ya mizani, weights, purpose, gratis, for nothing,
shuhuli (iii.), business, occupation, namna (iii.), sort, kind, specimen,
aina (iii.), class, kind, species. -baya, bad.
kuwia, to be creditor to. -zuri, beautiful, nice, pretty,
kuwiwa ni, to be in debt to. mkono (ii.), hand or cubit
ku(?ai, to claim, to sue. (18 in.).
kuvunc/a, to break (" change.") shuka (iii.), four hands,
kuvmu/ika, to be broken, break- doti (iii.), eight hands,
able. gunia (v.), sack,
kutoza, to tax, to fine, to exact. chunia (iv.), iron,
kuMani, to think, to suppose, to shaba (iii.), brass,
presume, sifuri (iii.), copper,
kufikiri, kuiafakari, to consider, -chache, few, a little, some,
reflect. koti (v.), coat, jacket

Head and Translate

Mwenyi duka huyo ni mt'u asiye haki. AkivumZa rupia

a'wapa wat'u pesa mbaya. Ati x mzee, thumuni, siku !

hizi ina pesa nyingapi? Thumuni, mtoto, ni pesa kumi na

si/a au ana nne. Zamani nalipata pesa kumi na sabaa kwa
This, with mtumia, mama, taba, etc., must not be considered as
1

disrespectful a mode of addrees as the English equivalent would be.

70 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

thumuni. Sif/tani kwamba ulipata pesa hizo zot'e kwa

2
thumuni, labuda umesahau. Fulani aniwia reale mbili
nami sina 3 cha kumlipa; Nalirnuona juzi, hamwambia
"Ngojakidogo." Kweli u masikini wewe,ni heri wende uka-
fanye kazi pahali upate fedAa. Fulani ha/angoja sana.
Kwamba nalikuwa na nueurupia ningelinunua marikano
kidogo kushonewa koti. Nusu-rupia haitoshi kwa koti,
u<a/aka zaidi labuda kwa roboo t'atu au reale kasuroboo
;

wafakupa kotfi ndogo sana. Muulize mwenyewe. Hodi

ndaui Hodi karibu
!
Tupe mikono mine ya maradufu
!

bwana, yafaa kwa kod ndiyo ? Yafaa sana, 4 mwanangn, ni

nguo njema, yafoka Ulaya. Na wewe mwenyewe hufaki
k'itu ?Nafaka misumari na magunia na uzi wa shaba.

Translate

It is a good thing to trade (to make trade is well), it

brings much profit. If you begin with one sovereign you
will get two before 5 many days. But you must reflect and
calculate a great deal when you buy your merchandise.
And, moreover, you must not (to) have false scales (scales
of falsehood), or people will sue you [and] (again) they
will run away from you [and] (they) will say, " He is a
bad man, do not let us buy from him (his direction)." A
good man cannot deceive his neighbours. You (pi.) are
in debt to that shopkeeper you bought of him four yards
(eight hands) of nainsook yesterday and (tr. neither) you
have not paid him. It is not your business, why do you
annoy us for nothing? We shall pay him to-morrow.
Gold and copper are not breakable. Iron is a good thing.
A debtor is not always a liar. Chop this firewood (pi.).
That kind of cloth will not do for a tunic, it is spotted
(ina alama-alama).
2
To
translate into English idiom the sentence must be inverted.
3
K'itu understood. For Old English use of preposition before
Infinitive see Luke vii. 24.
4
See Contracted Suffixes, Study XVI.
Translate, A few days hence," i.e. BaaJaya
5 "
.
 STUDY XI 71

SPECIMEN ADJECTIVES, ETC.

VARIABLE PREPOSITION "OF."

8. mwoma, good (man) m'baya, bad (man) wa, of (man)
P. werna, good (men) wabaya, bad (men) wa, of (men)

mwema, good (tree) mbaya, bad (tree) wa, of (tree) ,

P.
:S. miema, good (trees) mibaya, bad (trees) ya, of (trees)

S. njema, good (house) mbaya, bad (house) ya, of (house)

P. njema, good (houses) mbaya, bad (houses) za, of (Jwuses)

S. chcma, good (thing) kibaya, bad (thing) cha, of (thing)

P. vyema, good (things) vibaya, bad (things) vya, of (things)
S. jema, good (name) baya, bad (name) la, of (name)
P. mema, good (names) mabaya, bad (names) ya, of (names)

VI.
S. [jema], good (monster) baya, bad (monster) la, of (monster)
P. [miema], good (monsters) mibaya, bad (monsters) la, of (monsters)
S. wema, mwema, good ubaya, mbaya, bad wa, of (string)
VII. (string or condition) (string or condition)
P. njema, good (strings) mbaya, bad (strings) za, of (strings)

VIII. S. pema, good (place) pabaya, bad (place) pa, of (place)

IX. 8. kwema, good (dying or kubaya, bad (dying or kwa, of (death)

direction) direction)

X. P. mwema, </ood (places) mbaya, bad (places) mwa, (of places)

EELATIVE PKONOUNS
There is no separable Relative Pronoun in Swahili. The
variable relative particles given below, which run throiigh all
the classes, are bound up in the construction of the verb, just as
the personal particles are some tenses preferring them as suffixes,
some as infixes. The Verbs "To Be" and "To Have," which
have no verb-stem proper in the Present Tense, borrow the
particle of the Historical Past Tense to tack the relative on to,
so making aliye, he who is, aliye na, he who has. The Present
" " " "
Negative of To Have takes the common negative particle si
as a stem on which to fix the relative, and by adding "
liuwa" to
this we obtain the Present (and Past) Negative of the Verb
" To Be."
1
This always agrees with tho noun that precedes it.
 72 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

&a
s S
E g
-S-S
.e'i

i.i S*f- 2^
s> S? ^ e v /

5 is g| 51J
"*
<*, e s ,t:

3
a l|iililli?i<Mi3
^H^ S g S -?
_ *" ** >*
^HS^^
*? ^ 2
*.
O O
*7> hfc
***

O
^
^i.
"**

f^ ^*
^S ^ "*"t

.3 .2 i ^ - ~ o" 2 -* 3 S" -S S
^3 'S ^ '> S >- ^3 P 'N & -^ S S >^ T1

S fe
"* r

l|il^|i}i ill
>>S o >X >> F* c I Illli
QQf^QQaJQgf^qgA^CJI QQ
 STUDY XII 73

STUDY XII
Muwili (ii.)
The Body
KKwa (iv.), head. kuumia, to suffer (bodily hurt).
uso (vii.), face. Mngu God.
(i.),

jito (v.), eye. Mwenyiezi Mngu, Almighty God.

p'ua (iii.), nose. binadamu (i.), mwanaadamu,
sou
shikio (sikio) (v.), ear. of Adam, human being, mau.
nywele (vii. pi.), hair. bega (v.), shoulder,
mkono (ii.), hand, arm. maungo (v. pi.), back,
kidole (iv.), finger, toe. kiungo (iv.), joint, member,
chanda (iv.), linger. kitena (iv.), comb.
chanda cha gumba (iv.), thumb. Mdevu (iv.), chin.
guu (v.), leg, foot. ndevu (iii.), beard,
kanwa (v.), mouth. nguvu (iii.), strength,
ulimi (vii.) (pi. ndimi), tongue. akili (iii. pi.), sense, intelligence,
<avu (v.), cheek. upande (vii.), side,
mdomo (ii.), lip. mbavu (vii.), ribs, side.
jino (v.), tooth. -eusi, black.
moyo (ii.), heart. -ekundu, red.
saud (iii.), voice, tune. (Zamu (iii.), blood,
-eupe, white. tumbo (v.), stomach,
a kusholo, left. matumbo (v.), entrails,
-akuume, right. ngovi (iii.), skin,
kuumba, to create, to form, to mfupa (ii.), bone,
shape. mshipa vein, nerve, muscle,
(ii.),
kusimama, to stand (up), to stop ini (v.), liver,
(of a watch, etc.). ubongo (vii.), brain.
kulekeza, to point, put opposite to. ukucha (vii.), nail, claw,
kunyosha, to stretch. figo (v.) kidney,
kunyoa, to shave. shingo (iii.), neck,
kuiana, to comb. k'oo (iii.), throat, glottis,
kunuk'a, to smell (trans, and kaakaa (v.), tonsil,
neut.). kilimi (iv.), uvula.
kuonyesha, to show. kisigino (iv.), heel,
kufahamu, to understand, re- go/i (v.), knee,
member. kifua (iv.), chest,
kuuma, to hurt, to pain (neut.), p'umzi (iii. pi.), breath,
to bite (trans.). -gumu, hard, stiff,

kutuniza, to hurt (tr.), to cause laini, smooth,

pain, to injure. -ororo, soft.

Bead and Translate

Nywele zakwe ni nyeusi, meno yakwe ni meupe,

Damn ni kit'u chekundu. Maguu na mikono na ma-
bega na inidomo na ma to na masikio na magot'i
74 SWAHILI GRAMMAR
1 2
ttmayo mawili 3 mawili (in two's), ela kiwa na uso na
kanwa na tumbo na moyo tunavyo 2 vimoja 3 vimoja tuu
l

(singly). Una vyanda vingapi? N'na vyanda kunii.

Una vidole vingapi ? N'na vidole ishirini. Ulimi hauna
mfupa. Meno na kucha na mifupa ni vit'u vigumu lakini
ngovi na ulimi na mafavu na kilimi na makaakaa ni
vyororo. Mt'u mwenyi shingo ngumu hafai. Ngovi ya
muwili na maguu yafaka oshwa, lakini ni'tu hunawa
(icill wash) mikono na uso (his). Fulani guu lakvve
4
lamuuma.
Sikio halipiti kitfwa. Ubongo wa binadamu
G 5
ndio ulioakili, niuwili iidio
wenyi ulio na nguvu,
5
moyo na misbipa ndiyo iliyo na ^amu. Nywele za
wanawake zafaka ku/anwa k\va kitena.
Translate
Stretch out your hand [on] this side. Tell him to
show me his foot. It is the nose which smells odours
[and] it is the tongue which tastes [the] sweetness of
(yd) food. Fold [your] hands, children, and stand
properly. It is [my] uvula which troubles me, it needs to
be cut, I must go to the doctor (dakitari). God Almighty
created man and gave him intelligence and strength.
Men shave, women do not shave. He showed us the
2
liver, kidneys and ribs of the sheep which was sold in
the market yesterday. Breath comes from the chest.
The thieves injured [his] throat and back. Her skin
is smooth.
My right hand hurts me [but my] left has
nothing the matter with it (translate "it has not a word").
It is his heels which will suffer from (kwa) those shoes.
1
Objective pronouns with the Verb
" To Have " are expressed by
relative suffixes, instead of by the ordinary infix. Tunayo = we have
them (nouns in Cl. ii. aud v.).
2
When one adjective, verb, adverb, or preposition qualifies or
refers fo two or more substantives of different classes, it may either
agree with the last of these substantives or take the concords of
cl. iv. as here.
3
See note 1, Study X.
4
This neuter verb can only be used transitively of pain to the
object's own person. When inflicted by another " umiza" is used.
"
5
Since the relative particle with the verb " To Have is em-

ployed as an objective, the relative sense is obtained in this indirect

"
way it is it which is having," or "it is it which is with."
 STUDY XII 75

~ -? .SH-^ni --sl'l 1C -
t" ^ ^
r^j ,2 f^* r^, *** '^ *S *^
* ,^
"flS "S
-w * -5 1? .- S -5 'S ~ S .s "S ^ S p
76 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

1
o
~
.a

"o^
v .2 ~ g
**
'S^S
3
s ^'
*SS
o ^
""^ >JS "*!
G
i -i

C^"*v ^* f*\

rc

r?
3
t^_,
a
o_>

o >>
;
4
.E**
og
.5* us
.
02
.
OQ

t S ^
a

i
 STUDY XIII 77

STUDY XIII
Mtoni na Pwani On the river and by the shore

bahari (iii.), ocean, sea. knvua, to fish.

nrwana maji (i.), baharia (v.), kusafiri, to travel, to start, to sail.
sailor, seaman, kutweka, to hoist (sail, load).
mto (ii.), river, kutna, to furl (sail), to put down
wimbi (v.), wave, (load).
mashua (iii.), boat, kina (iv.), kilindi (iv.), depth,
kasia (v.), oar. deep sea.
shuari (iii.). calm, kamba cord, line (of coir).
(iii.),
tanga (v.), sail, ng'ambu the opposite shore.
(iii.),
nanga (iii.), anchor, kisiwa (iv.), island.
1

jahazi (v.), ship, craft, vessel, mwamba (ii.), rock.

mtumbwi (ii.), canoe, nzio (vii.), fish-trap.
chombo (iv.), utensil, vessel, boat, nt'i (iii.), land, earth.
dhow. Kisauni, Frere Town.
Jau (v.), dhow, Mswahili (i.), a Swahili.
abiria (v.), passenger, Mwarabu (i.), an Arab.
ched (iv.), ticket, passport, Muhindi (i.), an Indian.
nauli (iii.), fare. Maskati, Muscat.
shehena (v.), cargo, Amu, Lamu.
meli mail-steamer,
(iii.), r/Aaruba (iii.), storm.
mvuvi (i.), fisherman, nahodha captain, skipper.
(iii.),
ukambaa (vii.), rope (plaited), mlingot'i (ii.), mast.
kuvuta, to pull, draw (row), banriari (iii.), landing-place, har-
kuvuka, to cross over, bour.
kuzama, to sink, to be drowned, rZira (iii.), mariner's compass.
kttzamisha, to drown (trans.), sukani (iii.), rudder, helm.
kuogelea, to swim. karibu (na, ya), near, soon, close
kupakia, to ship cargo. by, nearly.
ku<npa, to throw, throw away. -kavu, dry.
ku/embea baharini, or majini, to nyavu (iii.), net.
go for a row. -a pili, the other, the second.
kupokea, to receive, -kubwa, big, great.
maji yajaa, tide is coming in. -dogo, little, small.
maji yapwa, tide is ebbing, -fupi, short.
kufa, to die. -refu, long.

Bead and Translate

Bahari ni k'ubwa, hapana k'itu kiifungacho. Yule

rnzee alikuwa baharia zamani, akasafiri hate, Maskati
na visiwa vya mbali. Mito ya nt'i hii si mikubwa.
1
Kisiwani, an up-country name for Mombasa.
78 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Mashua ya Mwarabu huyu ndiyo itupelekayo l

Kisauni
sikuzof'e. Vutani makasia, watoto, maji yapwa, tungelifika
ng'ambu, ela ham'kuvuta. Mimi ni mvuvi
2
ni/upae
nyavu. Upepo ni mwingi, ni heri tutue tanga. Majahazi
ya Waswahili hufika Malindi na Amu na Unguja ilia
3

hayafiki Ulaya. Mtumbwi hauna nanga wala sukani wzila

rfira. Atekaesafiri katika meli yampasa kutoa nauli.
Waliindi wako wapi leo ? Wanavuka bandarini kupakia
shehena katika rfau lao. Chombo kiliclio ondoka hapa
juzi kilipigwa ni d^aruba, maabiria wangi walizama
baharini 4 wasiweze kuogelea. Penyi wimbi na milango
i papo.

Translate

The fishermen 2 go (hwenda) every day to look for fish

in the trap if they find them they are pleased. A captain
;

whom our friends knew bound his child to the mast with
a rope that he 5 might not be drowned. The little
6
European at the (kule) Custom House
is the one (he it is)
who receives the tickets from those who journey by (in a)
dhow. Cross over [to] the other shore, the tide is
coming in. He who does not fish with a line, fishes with
a net. They left that poor man who was 7 nearly dying.
You are tired already [and] (wala) we are not in sight of
(have not seen) (dry) land yet. Hoist the sail [and] let
us go to deep water, we shall not find waves or rocks, it is
8
(there is a) calm. "When the sailors are wanted (Fut.)
you will not find them on the shore. Our boat is short
and [our] oars are long.
"
1
A few nouns ending naturally in " ni do not take the locative
termination p'wani, jioni, mizani (?), roshani.
2
The pronominal particle must agree with the pronoun antecedent
in number and person.
" " "
3
Hufika = can go or " often go," as opposed to " yafika "-
"

they are going. See Study XIV.

4
See note 2, Study X.
5
The verb " pata " is often used as an auxiliary. Asipate
kuzama - asizame.
6
See Study XIV.
7
See note on Adverbial Prepositions, Study XX.
Vide verb To Have," Study VII.
 STUDY XIII 79

MOKE ABOUT RELATIVES

There being no objective relative particle in Swahili,
the personal objective infix is used, and the relative made
to agree in number and person with this instead of with
the nominative

aiufungao, we whom he binds. wam'fungae, 1 whom they bind.

atcrtfungao, ye or they whom he wa&ufungae, thou whom they
binds. bind.
a/a'fungac/io, it (the thiwj) which wazifungazo, they (the houses)
he binds. which they bind.
uiwfungao, it (the tree) which I uh'fungafo, it (the word or
thing')
bind. which thou bindest.
aliowafaka, they whom he wanted. waliyempa, he to whom they gave.

When, therefore, the subject and object are alike in

number, the sentence may bear a double meaning

anifungae, he who binds me or I whom he binds.

om'fungae, he who binds him or 7w whom he binds.
wafwfungao, they who bind us or we whom they bind.
m'tcafungao, ye who bind them or they whom ye bind.

For the use of a relative with other than the four

tenses given on p. 75, and to avoid ambiguity generally,
there exists in Swahili a convenient relative stem on to
which the varying suffixes of nouns and pronouns can be
attached amba ; this immediately precedes the verb.
CLASS
mimi ambae sifungi, / who do not fast.
wewe ambae hukwenda, you who did not go.
S.
8. yeye ambae bajaitwa, he who has not yet been called.
P. swiswi ambao turigelipenda, we who would have liked.
P. nywinywi ambao m'likuwako, ye who were there.
IS.
P. wao ambao wakali kulima, they who are still cultivating.
no ambao haufcik'atwa, that same (free) which will not be
cut.
P.
IS. iyo ambayo iiak'atwa, these same (trees) which will be cut.
III. P. zizo ambazo ni mbaya, these same (houses') which are bad.
S. kicho ambacho chatusumbua, that same (thing) which

IV. annoys us.

P. vivyo ambavyo havikufaa, these same (things) which did
not suit.
80 SWAHILI GRAMMAR
S. lilo ambalo hali/aanguka, that fame (icord) winch will not
Jail.
P. yayo ambayo yangcJakwa, these same (words) vhich would
be wanted.

VII. S. uo ainbao si mbovu, that same (string') which is not rotten.

VIII. S. papo ambapo papcndeza, that same (place) which phases.

IX. S. kuko ambako walikimbia, that same (direction) ichither
they fed.
X. P. mumo ambarao tnlijififa, these same (places') wherein we hid
ourselves.

STUDY XIV
Shatitbani In the plantation or field

shamba (v.), vegetable garden, kukauka, to dry up, become dry.

bus/ani (iii.), flower garden, kunyauka, to wither, shrivel.
udongo (vii.), soil, earth, mould. kuteka, to draw water.
m/anga (ii.), s. sand, pi. light kulinda, to guard, keep watch.
earth. kutanda, to j)luck, gather.
m'ti (ii.), tree, plant, kufimba. to dig.

nyasi (vii. pi.), grass, kttfema, to cut down, to fell.

jani (v.), leaf. kuvuja, to leak.

ua (v.), flower (-lawarirfi, rose ) knjenga, to build.
kisima (iv.), well, kumea, to grow, thrive.
ndoo (iii.), backet, mwiba (ii.), (pi. miba), thorn.
tunda (v.), fruit, k'unde (iii.), beans.
jembe (v.), hoe. tuta (v.), raised bed for vege-
mwitu (ii.), forest, jungle, tables.
shoka (v.), axe. kwanini ? why ? what for ?
banda (v.), hut. mk'ulima (i.), agriculturist, hus-
kibanda (iv.), little hut. bandman, farmer.
mmea (ii.), crop, mbeyu (iii.), seed, grain.
siafu (ii.), soldier ants, t'embe a grain
(iii.), (Adj. a
/ungu (iii.), small ants. little, a few).
shina (v.), root. mpanzi (i.), sower.
-biti, green, fresh, raw, unripe, mavuno (v. pi.), harvest.
-bivu, ripe, mature, k'wekwe (iii.), weeds.
kulima, to hoe, to cultivate, to magugn (v. pi.), tangle, under-
clear ground. growth.
kung'oa, to root out, uproot. mwembe (ii.), mango tree.
kupanda, to sow, plant. embe mango.
(v.),
kuvuna, to reap, mbuyu (ii.), baobab tree.
kuzaa, kuvyaa, to bear, lo yield. mtomoko (ii.), custard-apple tree.
 STUDY XIV 81

mkwaju (ii.), tamarind tree. mnanasi (ii.), pineapple plant.

mpera (ii.), guava tree. -pana, broad.
mlimau (ii.), lemon tree. -embamba, narrow.
mgomba (ii.), plantain tree. kama, like, as, such as, (as it
mdimu (ii.), lime tree. was).
muhogo (ii.), casava. mndu (ii.), hatchet, handbill.

Bead and Translate

Ndugu zetu mlioweta wanakwenda kulima shambani.

J

2
Mdogo wao hajui hatfa kung'oa k'wekwe, 2 ndiyo maana ya
yule mktibwa kwenda, apate rufunza mdogo wakwe.
Kuna miti gani shambani mwenu ? Kuna miembe,
3 4 5

6
minazi, luipera, migomba, midimu, mikwaju na mibuyu
yot'e yazaa. Tena kuna mihogo na minanasi na k'unde
na matuta ya, viazi. Vizuri Sana ! Mna 7
vyof'e m'fakavyo
1
Ai is sometimes contracted into e ; e.g. wete for waite, kefa for
kaifa.
-
There are no degrees of comparison in Swahili. " Mdogo wao "
stands for "the younger (or youngest) of them," and "mdogo
wakwe" for "his younger (or youngest) brother (or cousin)." See
Study XVI.
3
When " shamba " takes the locative ending, a special plantation
"
or garden is referred to but in the expression " amekwenda shamba
;

" the "

country generally is understood.
When the locative is followed by the variable proposition -a (of)
or r-itlier of the pos?essive adjectives, different meanings can be
obtained, according as to whether the word is put in

cl. viii. shambani pa Mzungu, signifying at or ly the European's

plantation.
cl. ix. shambani kwa Mzungu, in the direction of, or to
the European's plan-
tation.
cl. x. shambani mwa Mzungu, (a) in or within the
E uropean's plantat ion .

cl. x. mashambani mwa Mzungu, (I) to or into the Euro-

pean's plantations.
5
All names of trees are in cl. ii. The names of their respective
fruits (in the singular) are found by omitting the class prefix. The-
ft-nits (themselves) are in cl. v. with "ma" plurals. Nazi, ndizi,
ndimu, are exceptions, being in cl. iii.
Mgomba is the only tree which differs in nomenclature from its
fruit.
7 " Mna
Elliptical for vit'u vyoi'e m'vitekavyo."

SWAHILI GRAMMAR F
82 SWAHILI GRAMMAR
basi 8
michungwa [<u] 9 Naam
isipokuwa Na !

michungwa maana matunda yakwe hayafai

hatuifaki,
kitu. Kwa nini ? Machungwa n'liyoyala hapa juzi
yalikuwa mafamu sana. Labuda, lakini miti yakwe
haikumea huku, yale mazuri yaliwayo yafoka Unguja.
Usiteke inaji kwa ndoo ivujayo.

Translate

Farmers who sow bad seed will not reap a good harvest.
The owner of (mwenyi) this garden always gives us
[some] beautiful flowers. There are not many fruits in
10
this country (there are) only mangoes and guavas and
pine-apples and bananas that is all But there are
!

others besides limes, cocoa-nuts, oranges, tamarinds,

custard -apples and lemons, you forgot these. Our
neighbours have not yet dug a well in their plantation,
they are still building a hut. Your path is broad, ours is
narrow. The jungle which was here has all been cut
down with a hatchet. The grass and the crops are all dried
n
up with the hot (fierce) sun, even the undergrowth and
leaves and thorns as well. Cut that root with [your] hoe.
It is not the sower alone who knows that this soil is bad.
These fruits are not fit for eating (pass inf.), they are
quite green. Only one is ripe.

8
The impersonal use of the Negative Participial Tense of the
"
verb " To Be for expressing except, urith the exception of, but, has
made the word practically a preposition.
9
See note 9, Study III.
la
Tu and pia generally stand at the end of a phrase or sentence.
11
Use "kwa," the instrumental preposition never "na" which
means together with.
STUDY XIV 83
84 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

w^
E" 1
'oo*
- 9

a
"A or
H <S -2
OB a
1
IP
S
rS es
I
,0
Hu"
variabl
. S s * s'e g>
s
3

03 C3
tc bo
a a
cScS
3 3

g> O

',:) oS
 STUDY XIV 85

b C
^ ti

HI
o f">S

.^^p
m '3 3 ?.
86 SVVAHILI GRAMMAR

STUDY XV
Safarini (iii.) On a Journey

kiongozi (iv.), guide, leader, kuwika, fo crow (of a cock).

mnyap'ara (i.), head man (of kupiga (bunduki, etc.), to shoot,
caravan). to fire.
msafiri (i.), traveller, kuinua, to lift.
mkubwa (i.), chief, big man. kukaza, to intensify.
mtumia (i.), elder, veteran kukaza mwendo, to quicken pace.
(porter). kusimamia, to supervise, oversee.
mkalimani (i.), interpreter, kusemea kuteta na, to scold*
asikari (iii.), policeman, soldier, reprimand.
janmdari (v.), corporal, nr/ia nyeupe, way is clear.
hema (iii.), tent, nJia imekufa, path is overgrown.
mzigo (ii.), load, burden, killa, kulla, every, each (invar.).
beramu (iii.), flag, banner, alfajiri (iii.), dawn, daybreak.
k'ome (iii.). small flag, mjinga (i.), simpleton, greenhorn,
k'ambi (iii.), camp. novice.
p'osho (iii.), rations, food-money, sirikali (iii.), the government.
k'ata (iii.), pad or head-cushion iaarisbi (iii.). mail-bearer, mail-
for loads, runner.
boma (v.), stockade, palisade, kitete, kiioma (iv.), gourd, water-
fence, bottle.
huruma (iii.), pity, compassion, nguvu (iii.), strength, force.
mercy. shimo (v.), hole, pit.
mbono (ii.), castor-oil plant, mshare (ii.), arrow.
kupiga i ago, to camp, uta (vii.), upindi (vii.), bow.
kung'oa k'ome, to start the day's mwendo (ii.), journey, distance,
march, gait.
kuvunda k'ambi, to break up ngao (iii.), shield.

camp. jimbi, jogoi (v.), cock.

kuterekeza, to halt and refresh. mzinga (ii.), cannon.
kufasiri. kugeuza, to translate, bunrfuki (iii.), gun, musket, rifle.

kuvumilia, to endure, to bear, to basfola (iii.), pistol.

put up with, mkuki (ii.), spear.
ku/angamka, to take courage, to rungu (iii.), club, knobkerry.
be encouraged, to be cheerful, mtaimbo (ii.), crowbar.
kuamka, to awake, to wake up. -zito, heavy.
kuamsha, to waken. m'no, very, exceedingly.
 STUDY XV 87

Bead and Translate

Wapagazi hawatfaki kutfukua mizigo, wasema ni mizito.
Wasipoifukua hawapati posho basi. Wainbie si mbali
tuenclako leo, wafakapofika wafapumuzika. Mnyap'ara
ni mkali m'no, liana hururaa, sikuzot'e hutota na wat'u.
Tena asubuhi kiongozi alikosa nc?ia, tukapo/ea mwituni.
Tulipokuwamo m'le tulionana na wasafiri wengiae ambao
killa mmoja ali/ukua beramu na buncZuki. Mkubwa wa
mji ule yuaja kuzunguraza na mkalimani wetu ambae
pekee awez* kufasiri maneno yakwe. Huyu mzee apenrfa
kusikia habari ya p'wani. Atfaka tukae hapa siku nyingi,
tupige rago kab sa na kujenga hemazetu. La
:

Sipa- !

pendi, tena maji yamekwisha vifomani mwa asikari,

na jamudari asema kwamba hawa^avumilia tukingoja.
Wang'oe k'ome basi, sasa hivi, tuondoko tumeterekeza, :

yatosha, mlumia.
Translate

The people of these countries always build fences to

They fight with bows and
*
(loc. case) their villages.
arrows, spears and clubs ; [and] each one carries a shield.
Although we are- tired, we must break up camp to-morrow
when the cock crows (particp. tense) ; tell that simple
fellow to wake us [at] daybreak. When the government
mail-man comes (fut.), the soldiers will fire a cannon.
This path is overgrown, we had better go back. If you
are bitten 3 by a soldier ant, it will pain (you will suffer
pain) ; but the small ants do not hurt [one]. strong A
man (man having strength) can lift a crowbar. The
women's head-pads fell into a hole. Our porters would
have been cheerful if we had not quickened the pace.
Do not scold them, only supervise (them). Tell them if
they get castor oil from these plants, they will be able to
sell it when they return to the coast.
1
See note 4, Study XIV.
2
This is one of the few instances where the verbal prefixes of a
sentient noun prefer the concords of the class it belongs to by its
form rather than of the one it belongs to by its meaning.
3 "
By" referring to the agent, after a passive, is always rendered
"ni."
88 SWAHILI GKAMMAR

^a.
1s
S,

*ju S "^ 3
"* ! "s 43 li S^ ~ *

g 3 "!!- a "*" "** tr

""'
3 'S. z
Q} *-i
Qi S C 5 O <D cJ i-i ~ ^
a I sa 1 S^-^'gi is

no
Q i
M
O
p
6
o
H 6 ^
^
^ ***/ o!- ^* of*? x*lX
eJ^s^/
K '^ CL K! ^3
H 8 of > ^
O "~s r^
c-
?*-

f^
ff r-4 i
V
O - 11 s**i e
QQ

^
H a rf-r - .
^
Si 5 # &|^
pf

S ali.
kub M >> 0,'a. .ft ^
<: at 2 a i 51 a s a a pap kuk

O
PM
CO
 STUDY XVI 89

STUDY XVI
Hawa net Nyakati Weather and Time

hawa hewa (iii.), air, climate, kucha, to dawn, to fear.

weather. kulwa, kutua, to set (of the sun).
waka/i (vii.), time, season, kutanda, to spread out, to be-
majira (v.), appropriate time, spread out.
mara (iii.), a time (mara t'atu = upeo wa ma<o, limit of sight,
tlirce times). horizon.
murfo interval of time,
(vii.),
haina buiii ... , it doubtless . . .

zamani (iii.)> time, zamani moja, once upon a time.

saa (iii-), hour, watch, clock, hapo kale, long ago.
f/akika (iii.), minute, moment, neema (iii.), grace, plenty, pros-
jumaa (iii. and v.), ijumaa (iii.), perous season.
week. rfalili (iii.), sig11 indication.
!

mweri (ii.) month, moon, muanga (ii.) light.

mwaka (ii.), year, season of great nuxu (iii.), brightness.
rains. kiza (iv.), darkness.
miongo (ii.), decades, mbingu (vii. pi.), sky, heaven.
mshenri (i.). savage, heathen, nafasi (iii.), space, room, oppor-
masika (v.) (no sing.), great rains, tunity.
mchoo (ii.), lesser rains, ulimwengu (vii.), inhabited world.
vuli (iii.),
latter rains, wingu (v.), cloud.
kusi (iii.), S.W. monsoon, nyota (iii.), star, planet.
kasikazi (iii.), N.E. monsoon, daima, ever, for ever, always, con-
kushinda, to stay, to spend the tinually.
day. mapema, early.
to delay, to loiter, -a kale, old, of old, ancient.
kukawia,
kung'aa, kung'ara, to shine,
kuandama, to follow, succeed, MCHAMMEDAN WEEK.
knzirfi (intr.), to exceed, to Ijumaa (siku ya Jumaa), Friday.
increase. Jumaa-mosi, Saturday.
kupungna, to decrease, diminish, Jumaa-pili, Sunday.
kuonekana, to appear, to be seen, Jumaa-tatu, Monday.
to become visible, Jumaa-ne, Tuesday.
kuongeza (trans.), to add to, to Jumaa-fano, Wednesday.
increase, Al'hamisi, Thursday.
kupambazuka, to dawn.
90 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Bead and Translate

Mwaka huu hakukunya 2 mwaka sana, lakini nichoo na

1

vuli ilikuwa neetna, alhamdulillahi. Jumaa-pili yafaa

wat'u wapurazike, na siku si/a wafanye kazi. Mbona
ravua yakawia ? Majira ya masika bado ; labuda kesho
3
yafangia, mbingu leo kutfwa zina mawingu-mawingu
(cloudy), mvua haina budi karibu ifakunya. 4 Usiku wa
Jumaa (i.e. Thursday night) Avat'u walirudi kushinda
kwao Jomvu (at Jomvu) 5 saa /ano za usiku. Mwezi
tdkuhizi wang'ara kucha. Hapo kale kulikuwa kiz*
duniani, kisha Mwenyiezi Mngu aliumba muanga, kukawa
mini kulla mahali. Mwezi u/aandama (there loill be new
moon) juruaa ijayo (it ichich comes next) wakafi wa jua
ku<wa, ndipo washenzi wafakapopata nafasi ya ku/eza
ngoma zao. Mwaka nliopita kasikazi ilivuma kwa nguvu,
lakini kusi kidogo <u. Ni saa ngapi sasa ? Nisaanneza
m<ana, Fulani amiliki saa ya fedAa na mkufu wa dhahabu.

Translate

The sign of rain is clouds. Two decades have gone by

since our father died (tr. since when he died our father).
Where have you been, my child, all this time (muda) ?
I did not go anywhere (pahali), I stayed just here (papa

1
The impersonal pronominals "ku" and "pa" are much used
instead of the proper subjective particles, and may be translated,
" There
(is or was, is not or was not), etc." The second " ku " = the
" ku " of the
characteristic infix of the Past Neg. Ind. and not the Inf.
"
monosyllabic kunya." See Study VI.
2
This term is frequently applied to the great rains themselves.
3
An instance of reduplication lessening the force of a word. See
Study XXI.
Nights take the name of the day that follows and not of the one
4

that precedes.
5
Swahili time, like Jewish, is reckoned from sunrise to sunset
(6 p.m.), and from sunset to sunrise (6 a.m.). Hence noon is the 6th
hour of the day (saa site za m<ana), and midnight is the 6th hour of
the night.
 STUDY XVI 91

Jtapa~). Your mother called you two [or] u three times,

did you not hear ? I heard nothing, I was 7 asleep Once !

upon a time a large star appeared in the heavens. Peoplo

of old followed it, and it became their (tr. to them) guide.
In these countries the sun sets [at] six o'clock [in the]
evening ; [in the] morning it begins to dawn (kwacha)
8

Next Sunday they will come still earlier

[at] five o'clock.
(tr.will exceed tocome early). Good people are decreas-
ing in the world. The sky is covered with clouds (tr.
clouds are spread out). Famine has 9 come into the
country. God has for ever given (added) grace and
strength to (kwa) His people.
6
The Swahilis are fond of omitting the conjunction " or" both
when itconnects words and sentences.
"
7
Since the " me infix in verbs of posture (see note 3, Study III.)
is used for time present, past time can only be expressed by intro-
" "
ducing the past tense of the verb To Be before it, making it a
compound verb.
"
8
Kwacha " kuacha (the impersonal pronominal with the Pres.
=

Indie, of a monosyllabic verb).

"
We can say " Jua lawa " or " lita-
"
kufwa," but cannot make Jua the subject of the verb "kucha."
9
With the verb " ngia," used in its wide sense, there is an in-
version of subject and object. Whereas in English we say "An
" The town has
epidemic has come into the town," in Swahili it is
" " "
come into an epidemic Mji unangia m&i&dhi (cf. Luke xxi. 26).
For another of these inversions, see note on Verb " To Have,"
Study VII.
92 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

II

P
02

CO
H
CO
CO

g
P

PH
H
5z;
o
o
 STUDY XVI 93

SOME OTHER CONTRACTIONS

The verb " " " hu " are contracted
prefixes ha," hi," respectively
" " " "
from nika," niki," ni ku by the following process
nik = nk = k' = h
In the same way the future prefix niia becomes n'te, and
t'.
finally

Similarly, mbwa = ni wa
nda = ni ya
For " African
full explanation see p. 20, Aphorisms."

SOME INVARIABLE ADJECTIVES AND QUASI-

ADJECTIVES
The following adjectives cannot be used directly to qualify a
noun. They may be employed with the relative verb " To Be," or
as adverbials to the strong verbs, or substantively following the
" of"
preposition (-a) :

hai, alive, living ni hai, I am alive mtu aliye hai, a living man
<amu, swer-t, nice uji huu u t&mu, this por- uji ulio <amu, sweet por-
ridge is sweet ridge
safi, clean, pure ya safi, he is clean k'itu kilicho safi, a clean
thing
karibu, near [soon] wa[po] karibu, they are maji yaliyo karibu. water
near which is near
mbali, far, far away yn[ko]mbali sasa, he is miji ya mbali. distant
far away now towns
n<7e, outside mlikwenda n<7e, ye went mt'u wa nVe, an outsider
outside
n'dani, inside u[ko]ndani 1 are you in- mambo ya ndani, internal
side ? affairs
[yajpi ! (var.) which ? ni ipi ? which (house) is ni zipi 1 which (houses)
it ? are they ? (and so on
throw/It all the clatset)
m&to (lit. eyes), awake yu mafo, he is awake hulala mato, he always
sleeps with his eyes open
tupu-tupu, naked alikimbia tupu-tupo, he
ran away naked
94 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

COMPARISON OF ADJECTIVES
Swahili has no degrees of comparison. There are
various ways of comparing

(1) By contrasting one statement with another

wewe ni mdogo, yeye ni mkubwa is equivalent to "He is

bigger than you."

(2) By the use of the verbs kushinda and kupita (to
surpass, to excel), also the verb kuzidi, to increase

Salim anamshinda Hamisi Salim stronger than Ha-

is
kwa nguvu, lakini Hamed misi, but Hamed is the
anawashinda wotf'e, strongest of all.
Wao ni wangi kupita They are more numerous
swiswi, than we are.
Mwaka jana watoto wall- Last year the children were
kuwa wema, mwaka huu good, this year they are
wanazidi, even better.
"
(3) By the adverb zaidi," more, and the relative
" where there are ").
'
kuliko," than (lit.

Nyumba hii ni ndogo, hii This house is small, that is

ni
ndogo zaidi, smaller.
Ma/o yako ni mazuri kuliko Tour eyes are more beauti-
yangu, ful than mine.

" heri "

(4) The indeclinable adjectives (better) and
" bora " are used with a
(best) respectively comparative
and superlative force.

Ni heri wende, It is better (or well) for

you to go.
Bora afia, The most important tiling
is health.
 STUDY XVI

>^ C

fa P G

r/3

02
^
W
 96 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

STUDY XVII
Barani -Up-country
bara (iii.),interior of country. kiitumia, to use, to make Use of,
ziwa (v.), lake, pond. to employ.
mlima (ii. ), mountain. katafuna tombaku, to chew (to-
kilima (iv.), hill. bacco).
jUo la maji (v.), spring, source. kunusa tumbaku, to take snuff.
kijuto (iv.), stream. kuvuta tumbaku, to smoke.
nikondo (ii.) wa maji, current, sharti, sharuti (fol. by subj.),
stream. "must," of necessity.
fombi (v.), ravine, nullah. pamoja na, together with.
genge (v.), cliff, precipice. kwa nini ? what for ? why ?
n'ti ya tambarare, plain. mpiugo (ii.), ebony tree.
kishaka (iv.), patch of jungle. <aifa (iii.), nation, tribe.
nguu (iii.). peak of hill. kaoila (iii.), tribe, clan.
umande (vii.), flew, moisture. shauri(v.), palaver, counsel, plan
kunge (v.), mist, haze. advice.
kiko (iv.), pipe. a'/ui (iii,), foe, enemy.
saburi (iii.), patience. vita (pi. iv.), war.
hatari (iii.) flanger. k'ondo (iii.)i quarrel, strife.
mkoma (ii.), branched palm. mfaume (i.), kiDg, chief.
kukwea, to cliinb, to ascend. m<awi (i.), sorcerer, wizard, witch
kuterem'ka, to descend, go down. doctor.
kaua, to kill. gari la moshi (v.), train.
kububujika, to well up, bubble. sitesheni (iii.), railway station.
kutiririka, to flow, to trickle. misheni (iii.), mission station.
kumimina, to pour (trans.). <?araja (iii.), bridge.
kuzoia, to hinder, prevent. tumbaku (iii.), tobacco.
kugeuka, to change, to turn (tr. mahindi (pi. v.), maize, Indian
geuza). corn.
kupatana, to agree, to be recon- mtama (ii.), millet, Kaffir corn.
ciled. mpunga (ii.), rice (as it grows).
kuongoza, to lead, to guide. nganu (iii.), wheat.
kakataa, to refuse. mpira (ii.), rubber tree, india-
rubber.

Bead and Translate

Msafiri ni masikini ajapokuwa mfaume. Eudae bara
sliarti awe na saburi ; haini budi a/ak'uta hafari na ina-
nibo magunm, labudu a/apata hasara pia. Siku hizi kusa-
firi si kamazamani. Sasakuna gari la rnosni likupelekalo
1
kulla upeneZapo k limani, fumbini, gengeni, au nt'i ya
:

1
"Kulla upen</apo" = anywhere (i.e. any place) you like. This
convenient mode of representing a noun by its relative particle is
much used. Ex. Killa utekacho, every(thing) you want yot'e use- ;

mayo, all (the words) you say; tumesikia lililotendeka, we have

heard of (the affair) that has happened.
 STUDY XVII !>T

'

t'ambarare. Lakwca juu, laterem'ka rf'iui panapo naito ;

2

au vijuto, lapita kwa daraja, hakuna k'itu kilizuiacho !

Tena wazungu wamejenga sifesheni killa mabali gari lisi-

mamapo, illi kwamba wasafirio wapate nafasi kungia na
kutoka 3
kama wapendavyo. 4 Mara kwa mara knna vita
5 6
barani. Kabila hii ina k'ondo nakabilahii juu yaj'ifo la
maji au neno jingine. Kisha wapigana, na wangi huu-
wawa. Watewi woi'e, waume na wake, niadui za wat'u.

Translate

Here there is a mission-station, the people have planted

maize and rice and wheat and millet. Also they have a
plan to bring a stream of water from that big lake into
their fields, in order (illi) to irrigate (Jcutia maji) [in the]
dry season (time of fierce sun or north-east monsoon).
7
This (hayo) water is continually bubbling up, and pours
6
over that patch of jungle to no purpose. The heathen
[people] who live
6
by the three peaks of hills chew
tobacco all day long. [He] who smokes tobacco must use
a pipe. They agreed to guide us [to the] place where
(psnyi) rubber and ebony trees together with the branched
palm trees [grow], but when we got to (fika) their village,
they refused. This nation has only a few cattle, they
(icenyewe) live [in] a land of mist and dew. Water
trickles [down] the mountain as far as the plain.

2 " " "

Where there is, or are (lit.
'
the place which has contracted
<:
from palipo na ").
3
The adverbs "kama" (as), "jinsi" (as or how), and "kama
vile" (just as) require the relative suffix "vyo" to terminate the
verb they precede, in order to complete the sense. There are other
instances where plural concords of cl. iv. have an adverbial force
vizuri, vyema, well, nicely. hivi, hivyo, vivyo, thus, so, likewise,
vibaya, badly. vivi hivi, precisely so.
vyengine, differently. vile vile, in like manner.
4 " after time," " From time to time," " Now and again."
Time
s
Wherein English we change the demonstrative k% this " to
" "
that in order to sharpen the contrast, in Swahili the same adjective
is repeated with a
change in the tone of voice only.
See Adverbial Prepositions, Study XX.
"
Demonstratives may sometimes precede their nouns; other
adjectives, never.
SWAHILI GRAMMAR O
98 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

DERIVATIVE FORMS OF THE VERB

1. The Causative. The simple verb, and some of the
following verb forms, may become causative by changing
the termination into -sha, -za, -sa, -ya, -nya or -vya.
(a) -sha. Kupowfta (from kupata), to cause to get ;
kvLSomesJia (from kusoma) to cause to read (hence to teach);

knfnndisha (from kufunza) to cause to learn (hence to

teach) ; kunyosAa (from kunyoka) to cause to be straight ;

kurusfta (from kuruk'a) to cause to fly (hence to throw).

(fe) -za. Most verbs whose stems end in two vowels
form their causatives in -za. Kukataza, to prohibit (from
kukataa), to cause to refuse ; kukweza (from kukwea) to
raise ; kukimbza
(from kukimbia) to cause to run away ;

kufoza (from kutoa) to cause to give out (hence to tax, to

fine) ; kupungiua (from kupungua) to lessen, to diminish
(trans.) kusahawza, to make forget.
;

(c) -sa. Kutakosa (from kutakata) to cleanse ; kunwsa

(from kunuk'a) to take snuff.
(d) -ya. Kupon^a (from kupona) to cause to escape
or get out of; kuonya (from kuona) to warn (i.e. to cause
to see) kukanya (from kukana) to forbid (i.e. to cause to
;

refuse or deny).
(e) -nya. Kufungawya (from kufunga) to have (baggage,
mizigo) tied up ; kugawaw^a (from kugawa) to have
divided up.
(/) -vya. Kunaw/a (from kunawa) to cause (hands) to
be washed i.e. (to wash some one's hands, or face, or feet);

knlevya (from kulewa) to make (some one) drunk knjuvya

;

(from kujua) to make known.

NOTE. A verb may have two causative forms with
different meanings. Ex. kuapa, to swear; knopwfta, to
adjure, to administer an oath kuopt'za, to swear at, to
;

curse.
NOTE. Frequently the causative idea would not occur
to an English mind which would employ a different verb
altogether. Ex. kupanrfteAa (to cause to climb) stands for
to raise, to promote.
 STUDY XVII 99

2. The Neuter (also called Resultant or Quasi-Passive)

used (i) When a state resulting from an action is considered
not necessarily implying an agent (ii) when we desire
;

to predicate of a substantive that it is capable of receiving

a given action. Terminations = ika, ikana (following an
a,*',or u, in the stem) eka, ekana (following an e or o, in
; t

the stem) uka, ukana (following a penultimate u in a

;

trisyllabic stem) Ex.;

(a) Kupatikana, to be obtainable; kupigika, to be

beatable kuvundika, to become broken, to be breakable.
;

"
(6) Kutendeka, to be doable," to be done, to have
happened kukosekana, to be missing, absent.
;

(c) Kuraruka, to be torn or tearable kufumukana, to

;

be separated, broken up; kuzumbukana, to be found, to

come to light.
The student must distinguish between Neuters
NOTE.
and Reciprocals with -ana terminations also between
;

Neuters and Transitives with -ika terminations. In each

case the sense will decide. Ex. Kuonana (rec.), to see
each other ; kuonekana (neut.), to be visible kufitamana
;

(neut.), to be hidden; kupika (trans.), to cook; kuzika

(trans.), to bury; kufitfika (neut.), to be concealable;
kuangika (trans.), to hang up kualika (trans.), to invite
; ;

kualika (neut.), to crack or split; kusimika (trans.), to

erect, to set up.
3. The Applied or Prepositional has four uses: (I) To

supply the simple verb with a prepositional meaning (II) ;

To express completeness (with the word " mbali " (right

away) suffixed); (III) To attach to the verb a new meaning ;

(IV) To localize action. It is formed by inserting i (after

an a, i, or u, preceding in the root), or e (after an e, or o
preceding in the root), before the final vowel of the stem.
Examples of Use I.
(a) Kupatia (from kupata), to procure for (some one) ;

kupitia (from kupita), to pass by; kuangukia (from

kuanguka), to fall down to, at, or before (some one or
something).
(6) Kunenea (from kunena), to speak against; kuo-
mbea (from kuomba), to pray for.
 100 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

(c) "When the stem ends in two vowels,

the letter I is
inserted before the prepositional vowel for the sake of
euphony. Ex. Kuzuilia (from kuzum), to prevent by;
kupasulia (from kupasua), to split with ; kutembelea (from
kutembea), to walk about ; kung'olea (from kun^'oa), to
root up with or for.
(d) The same rule holds when a Causative becomes a
Prepositional. Ex. kuangushia, to cause to fall down to ;

kusomeshea, to cause to read from ; kujalizia (from knjaa),

to cause to fill
up with.

Examples of Use 11.

(e~) Kutapia,
or kutfupilia mbali, to throw right away ;

kuishilia (or kupotelea) mbali, to be gone out of reach

altogether, to be lost for ever; Kuulia mbali, to kill off
out of sight. The prepositional syllable lia is occasion-
ally separated from the verb and made an independent
word. See Psalms ii. 3, Ixxxiii. 4 (Ed. 1904).
Examples of Use III.
(/) Some verbs reduplicate the termination to impart
a different meaning from that conveyed by the simple
prepositional form Ex. Kupiga, to beat ; kupigia, to
:

beat for or with ; kupigilia, to consolidate a floor or roof

by a special process of hammering peculiar to the Swahilis.
Kuatfa, to leave; kuatia, to leave to or for; kua/ilia, to
forgive, to remit. Kwenda, to go ; kwendea, to go to (a
person) kwendelea, to go on, to make progress. Kupenda,
;

to love ; kupendelea, to favour.

NOTE. Some verbs have two prepositional forms
which can be used interchangeably. Ex. Kuja, to come,
makes kujia or kujilia kufa, to die, makes kufia or kufilia ;
;

kufika makes kufikia or kufikilia.

Examples of Use IV.
(</)
Limia hapa, cultivate here ;
imeishia huko, it
finished off there.

4. The Reciprocal. Transitive verbs are made recipro-

cal by adding -na to the root, intransitive verbs by adding
-na to their prepositional form. Ex. Kusaidia, to help ;
kusaidiana, to help each other kushika, to hold ; kushi-
:
 STUDY XVII 101

kana, to hold each other (or to hold together) kuimba, :

to sing (intrans.) ; kuimbiana, to sing to one another :

kulia, to cry, to call; kuliliana, to call to one another.

Causative reciprocals are common Kusomeshana, to cause
each other to read ; kufozana, to fine each other. When
the stem ends in two vowels the syllable li or le must be
inserted before the ana; ku/oleana, to give out to each
other kufuliana, to wash for each other, to boat on each
;

other (as waves).

5. The Reflexive. This is formed by the insertion of
the particle ji (selfj immediately before the verb stem.
Ex. Kujipenda, to love oneself (i.e. to be selfish) ; kujifanya,
to make oneself (i.e. to pretend j ; wajififia nini ? what are
you hiding yourself for ? (prepositional reflexive) ; tutfa-
jingiza, we will force ourselves in (causative reflexive).

G. The Subtractive. The idea expressed by the

English prefix un- is conveyed in Swahili by inserting
the vowel u (and in rare instances o) before the final a of
the root of transitive verbs. Ex. Kufumba, to close (eyes,
hands, etc.) kufumbua, to open, to unclose (eyes, hands,
;

etc.) kukunda, to fold; kukunrfua, to unfold; kuvaa

;

(nguo), to put on (clothes) kuvua, to take off (clothes),

;

to undress.
7. The Reduplicated, or Modified Form. This is
obtained by doubling the verb stem, and has the effect of
weakening the signification. Ex. Kum'piga-piga, to beat
him gently; Mtoto alia-lia, the child is fretting (not
actually cry ing ) ; kukunda-kunda, to crease (i.e. to make
little folds) ; kulewa-lewa, to be giddy (from kulewa, to
be drunk).
NOTE (1) Most of these forms may be made upon one
another as well as upon the simple root.

NOTE (2) Some verbs are only extant under one or

other of the derived forms.

NOTE (3) There are roots which have the appearance

of being derived forms, but the sense shows that this is
only apparent.
 102 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

TABLE OF DERIVATIVE FORMS OF VERBS

The following illustrate the various forms a verb may assume :

Simple. Causative applied.

kufunga, to tie, bind, fasten, shut, etc. kufunganyia, to cause to bind with.
kufungishia, to cause to tie for.
kufungizia, to besiege with.
Passive. Passive applied.
kufungwa. to be bound. kufungiwa, kufungiliwa, to be closed to.

Causative. Neuter applied.

kufungisha, kufunganya, to cause to bind, kufungikia, to close (of itself) to.

kufungiza, to besiege, to pen.

Reciprocal applied.
kufungania, to be tied together with.
Neuter. Eeflexive applied.
kufungika, to be shutablo, to shut of kujifungia, to tie oneself to.
itself.

Prepositional. Subtractive applied.

kufungia, kufungilia, to shut for or with, kufungulia, to untie for.

Reduplicated applied.
kufungia-fungia, to tie here and there
for.

Reciprocal. Causative passive.

kufungana, to bind each other. kufungishwa, to bo made to fast, to bo
cut off by the tide.
Neuter reciprocal. Subtractive applied passive.
kufungamana, to be tied together. kuf unguliwa, to be opened to.
Neuter reciprocal applied.
kufungamania, to be bound together by.
Reflexive. Reduplicated passive.
kujifunga. to bind oneself. kufungwa-ftmgwa, to be tied here and
there.
Subtractive. Subtractive neuter applied.
kufungua, to untie, unfasten, open. kuftmgukia, to open (of itself).

Modified. Subtractive reflexive.

kufunga-funga, to tie here and there. kujifungua, to untie oneself, to relieve
oneself.
Subtractive neuter. Subtractive reflexive applied.
kufunguka, to be openable, to open kujifungulia, to open for oneself.
(of itself). Subtractive causative.
kufungusha, to cause to open.
Subtractive reciprocal. Causative reciprocal.
kufunguliana, kufunguana, to open to kufungamanisha, to bind by contract,
each other.
Causative neuter.
kufungizika, to be besieged.
 STUDY XVIII 103

STUDY XVIII
Nyama Beasts, Animals
m win/ fa (i.), hunter, sportsman. kuparuza, to be rough.
m<nkuzi (i.), bearer, porter. kupeleleza, to spy out, to examine
simba (iii.), lion. closely.
kibok'o (iv.), hippopotamus. ba<a (v.), duck.
ndovu elephant.
(iii.), mbuni (iii.), ostrich.
i'ui (iii.), leopard. mwewe (iii.), kite.
fisi (v.), hysena, jackal. ndiwa (Hi.), dove,pigeon.
ngamia (iii.), camel. k'anga (iii.),guinea-fowl.
p'unda (iii.), ass, donkey. bawa (v.), wing.
farasi (iii.), horse. mkia (ii.), tail.
nyumbu (iii.), mule. p'opo (iii.), bat, butterfly.
nyati (iii.), buffalo. kipande (iv.), a piece, a slice.
kifaru (iv.), fam(iii.), rhinoceros. p'ole p'ole, slowly, gently, slow
p'unda milia (iii.) zebra. gait.
k'ongoni (iii.), haartebeest. anga (iii.), air, atmosphere.
p'aa (iii.), gazelle. nguwe, nguruwe (iii.), pig.
t'ia (iii.), giraffe. kiiungule (iv.), rabbit.
m'bwa (iii.), dog. t'umbiri (iii.), monkey.
m'bweha (iii.), fox. k'ima (iii.), black-faced monkey.
makao (v. pi.), dwelling, lair, den. nyani (v.), ape.
kundi (v.), flock, herd, crowd. nyoka (iii.), snake, serpent.
mdudu (i.), insect, vermin. satu (iii.), python.
k'obe (iii.), tortoise. ngwena (iii.), mamba (iii.), croco-
p'embe (iii.), horn, tusk, ivory, dile.
corner, mburuk'enge (iii.), monitor
kuwinda, to hunt, to chase, to lizard.
stalk. k'unguni (iii.), bug.
kunguruma, to roar, to thunder, kiroboto (iv.), flea.
kutambaa, to creep, to crawl, t'andu (iii.), centipede.
kufanana na, to resemble, to be jongoo (v.), millipede.
like. ng'ge (iii.), scorpion.
kufanya khofu, to be afraid, mjisi kafiri (iii.), wall lizard.
kutisha, to frighten, to terrify, m'<wa (iii.), white ants.
kufokea, to appear, to turn up, to m'bu (iii.), mosquito.
happen. nyuni ndege (zTbar) (iii.), bird.
kupiga mbio, to run. silaha (iii.), weapon, arms.
kusongea, to approach, to draw risasi (iii.), lead, ball (cannon),
near. bullet.
kusheta, to bruise, to crush, kicho (iv.), khofu (iii.), fear,
kuharibu, to spoil, dread.
kuruka, to jump, to spring, baada ya, after (of time).
kupumka, to fly, to fly away, baadae, afterwards, after it.

kusitehili, to deserve, to be bila, without,except by.

worthy of. raara, immediately,
104 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Read and Translate

1
Mwindaji alikwenda bara kuwinda nyama wakubwa-
kama simba, na ndovu na nyati na kifaru. Alianrfika
(wrote on, i.e. made a written agreement with) wapagazi
mia wa kikamba kufuatana nae. Alifukua farasi wawili
na nyumbu watono. Ndiani alipiga t'ia mmoja, k'ongoni
watatu na p'aa wane illi awapatie cliakula wat'u wakwe.
Baada ya mwendo wa siku silashara walifikilia mahali
penyi t'umbiri na nyani wangi. Walipokuwa wakitezama
nyama hao jinsi waruk'avyo raiti hafa miti, walisikia simba
2
kunguruma karibu nao. Wo/'e walifanya khofu isipoku-
wa mwindaji mwenyewe ambae alifukua banduki k'ubwu
3
ya kiznngu makusudi apate kupiga nyama wakali (ol )

nam'na hii. Aliposongea karibu kupeleleza, simba mkc

alitokea 2 mbele yak we. Mara akalekeza bunduki yakwe,
4
akampiga risasi mbavuni, akaanguka akafa pale pale.
Lakini wengine wawili simba waume walioandama nao
5
waliposikia kulia kwakwe, wakafoka mbio mwituni. Hapo
1
The " -ni " of the locative is occasionally omitted to give a
general and indefinite sense as opposed to a particular and special
ibrce which the locative termination conveys.
2
See Adverbial Prepositions, Study XX.
3
The
syllable Jsi has various uses
(a) Diminutive Prefix Kibweta, little box ; kidude, a little thing.
(b)Language and Nationality Prefix Kisawahili, the Swahili
language; Kimasai, the Masai language; Kingereza, the English
language Viazi vya Kizungu, European potatoes Wapagazi wa
; ;

Kitaita, Taita porters.

(c) Descriptive or "Sort" and "Kind" Prefix Nguo za kifaume,
royal garments (i.e. of a kingly sort) mwendo wa kiume, manly
;

gait mambo ya kike, feminine matters maneno yo kitoto, childish

; ;

language; kiusouso, face downwards; kilulifuli, in eager haste;

kingalingali, prone, lying flat on the back.
(d) The characteristic particle of singular nouns in the fourth
class.
4
There are two ways of making an emphatic demonstrative
(a) By reduplicating Ex. yule yule, that same (man) pale pale, ;

that same (place) or on that spot, etc.

(b) By prefixing the pronominal particle Ex. ye yule, that very
same man ; pa pale (or pa pale pale), that very same place, etc.
5
The concords of " mahali," have a time as well as n place
significance.
 STUDY XVIII 105

ndipo yule ni^ukuzt wa bunduki alishikwa ni khofu k'uu,

akasema Kazi nae akakimbia. Hivi mwindaji,
hii yatisha,
masikini, aliafwa pekee, bila silaha. Simba walimruk'ia,
wakamrarua vipande-vipande, wakam'la. Wadudu wak'e-
tio nyumbani mwa wat'u ndio hawa ra'bu na ng'ge, na
t'audu, na kiroboto na k'unguni na mjisi kafiri. Wajao
inara kwa mara na kuharibu vit'u sana sana, ni m<wa.

The python is a large snake, he can crush a donkey or

a small zebra. Leopards and 113 senas prowl about (iembea
\<nib<:a) [at] night singly (mmoja-mmoja), hippopotami
go in (hwenda kwa) a herd. Foxes have their dens in
the forest, but dogs like to live in their masters' houses
(nyumbani mwa bwanazao^). All birds and butterflies
have wings; they fly about in the air. Ducks, guinea-
fowls, kites, and pigeons can fly ; ostriches are very large
birds, they do not fly. The crocodile has no tongue. The
monitor lizard has a long tail, he eats eggs. The flesh of
pigs and rabbits was forbidden to people of old. Cats and
lions have rough tongues (zakuparuza). The slow gait
him (tr. cause him
of (ya) the tortoise takes to arrive)
far. Apes and big monkeys resemble men. He who
creeps [about] in the darkness deserves io be shot. Camels
are huge beasts that carry heavy loads one camel can
carry a load of ivory of (ica referring to mzigd) 380 Ibs.
[weight].
106 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

NUMERALS
 STUDY XVIII 107

OABDINALS

Class VI.
108 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

NUMERALS (continued)

Ordinals.
 STUDY XIX 109

STUDY XIX
Asipitali Hospital, Dispensary
dakiteri (v.), doctor. kuchemua, to sneeze.
Jabibu (v.), physician. kuhara, to have diarrhoea.
mganga (i.). native witch doctor, kuharisha, to relax.
medicine man. kutapika, to vomit.
uganga (vii.), profession and kupoa, to get well, to recover.
practice of medicine. kupoza, to heal, to cure (of God).
Jawa (Hi.), medicine, drug, kupona, to get over it, to pull
homa (iii.), fever, through.
baridi (iii.), a cold, kuponya, to deliver,
baridi yabisi (iii.), rheumatism, kuioboa kupasua, to break
marad/ii (v. pi.), disease, through, to pierce, to lance,
ndui t'ete (iii.), small-pox, kufaa. to benefit,
t'ete maji, chicken-pox, kutulia, to keep still, to be
nkoma (vii.), leprosy, tranquil, to be comforted,
safura (iii.), anaemia, kutuliza, to alleviate, to comfort,
kifua (iv.), chest (complaint), kupumbaa, to be foolish, stupid,
kidonda (iv.), sore, ulcer, kulea, to bring up, to adopt, to
donda (v.), large sore, nurse.
ipu (jipu) (v.), boil, kukanyaga, to tread on.
kiipu <ungn (iv.), malignant boil, kutonesha, to touch a sore place,
t'ambazi (iii.), abscess, lit. to cause to "drop" or
"
jaraha (v.), wound, run."
kijaraha (iv.), the wound (in foul tone (v.), drop,
diseases), usaha (vii.), pus, matter.
p'ele (iii.), the itch. u<ungu (vii.), bitterness, pains,
* buba
mbuba, (iii.), the yaws or usingizi (vii.), sleep,
frambcesia. kit'anda (iv.), bedstead,
*
mti
(iii.), skin disease, tertiary kip'ofu (iv.), blind person,
stage of former. bubwi (v.), dumb person,
funza (iii.), jiirircr, maggot. kiziwi (iv.), deaf person.
kuugua, to be ill. kiwe<e (iv.), lame person,
kuuguza, to see through an ill- hirimu (iii.), young man.
ness hence, to nurse. makohozi (v.), phlegm, cough,
knganga, to apply medicine, to maumivu (v.), aches, pains,
treat medically. makamasi (v.), mucous,
kuumwa ni, to feel pain in, to be mafua (v.), catarrh,
bitten or hurt by. msahala (ii.), aperient,
kufura, to swell. bilauri ya kupimia, measuring
kuiva, to be ripe, or well-cooked, glass.
to develop, to come to a head. f'upa (iii.), bottle.
kukohoa. to cough. kUambaa (iv.), bandage.
*
Diseases peculiar to Negro races.
HO SWAHILI GBAMMAB

desfori, dasiluri (iii.) custom, mpumbavu (i.), fool, idiot, stupid.

fashion. jasho heat, perspiration,
(v.).
mashaka (v. pi.), afflictions, kadh'awakadha, various, other.
trouble. -tupu. empty,
binti (iii.), daughter. tupu-tupu, naked,
tejiri (v.), rich man. sababu (iii.), cause.
msairZia (i.), helper. kwa sababu, because,
upumbavu (vii.), foolishness, p'ole cheer up I hope you will
! !

folly. soon be better.

Bead and Translate

Bwana, mt'u huyu anaugua sana, muwili wot'e unafura.

Mwambie aje basi nimwangalie. Jambo, mzee, u hali gani ?
Mimi ni mgonjwa Bwana, mgonjwa sana. 1 P'ole masikini !

Mngn afakupoza mararfM yako uliyo nayo, upoe. Mimi

ni /abibu /uu, apozae wat'u ni Yeye Mwenyewe. A' ni
mgonjwa sana Bwana, sijui mararf/ti haya kama ntapona,
si<apona. Myaka yako yapata mingapi baba? Myaka
yangu yapata khatnsini na /ano labuda, bwana. Insliaallah
u^apona. Basi kaa hapa kwetu sikTi chache, nlale kit'a-
ndani. Tu^akupa <7awa illi upate usingizi, kisha baadae
ufaona hujambo, u/akwenda 2 zako nyumbani kwako.
Ahasanfa Bwana, abasan/a, ri'/akaa. N/ajaribu kutuliz^
moyo wangu. Una nini mtoto we' ? A N'na masLaka
3
!

mangi, kwanza n'na funza maguuni, pili na/omwa ni inwiba

kidoleni. Mashaka yako si mazito sana mtoto, ya/aondoka
karibu na//*ani. Nf?oo huku kwangu niku/oe funza na
mwiba pia, neno dogo hili, lafanyika mara moja. Bwana
dakitari, waitwa ni kipofu huyu. Asema aumwa sana ni
4

ma/o tangn alipokwenda kwa yule mganga wa kinyika.

Ni upumbavu wakwe basi,Daliouuonyaasiende. Waganga
wale hawajui lo lot'e isipokuwa kudhuru wat'u na kuwa-
Janganya. Mwambie ak'e/i, /'akuja sasa hivi,
5
wako
" "
Etyniologically the word p'ole
1
cannot bear the meaning put
it here it is rather the tone that conveys it.
upon ;
"
*
A "
very common ellipsis. The omitted word, ndia (ways) is
never inserted.
3
Familiar abbreviation of " wewe."
4
Translate by Active Voice.
5 " " " " Kuna " "
They are there for there are." or " pana might
be used, but convey a more general and less definite sense.
 STUDY XIX 111

wengine waningojeao, wenyi ukoma na safura na rati na

6
marad/ti kadha'wakadha.

Translate
This is a Government hospital where white people are
nursed. Black people go to the Mission Hospital, which
is (iliyoko) on the island. There (huko} medicine is given
daily (killa siltu) to every one who comes, whoever he
may be. Those who are ill receive medical treatment
(Jiuganywa) and are cared for. Besides this (zaidi ya
liaya mambo} the doctors train (hufunAisha) intelligent
(having intelligence) young men [in] this work of mercy.
These helpers wash sores, dispense (hutoa) medicine, take
out (ng'oa) teeth, and bandage (funga) wounds. Those
who have colds, coughs, chest complaints, rheumatism,
catarrh and fever live [in] one house, smallpox patients
(having s.p.) [in] another (house), and those who are
suffering from (wauguo) boils, (or) abscesses, (or) the
itch, (or) big sores, or yaws live [in] a third (house).
The daughter of (tr. his daughter) the lame rich man
came yesterday with a malignant boil; to-day it came to
a head and the doctor lanced it. Much pus came away
(toka). These two dumb men have fever. Give them
each (killa mt'u} five drops of this drug (of) to cause (too.)
perspiration, and tell them to go home and go to bed
(lala). It is the custom here that every one who wants
medicine must 7 bring a bottle empty and clean AVhy !

do you not keep still ? Because you 8 hurt my sore place.

My adopted (wa kunilea) mother has (feels) pains all over
her body; she coughs and sneezes continually. Do not
"
go into that house lest you get chicken-pox.
u
This and many other Arabic words do not follow the Swahili
rule of accentuating the penultimate.
" "
'
Afavourite expression for " bring is
"
kuja na (to come with).
8
When transitive verbs express an action that affects a man's
person or being, the idea of possession is conveyed by inserting the
personal objective infix in the verb, excluding the possessive adjective
from the sentence. Ex. Umenikanyaga guu, you have trodden on me
(the foot) itekuumiza kitwa, it will hurt you (the head).
;

8
"Lest "is translated by the Negative Subjunctive of "kuja"
used as an auxiliary followed by the " ka " tense of the principal verb.
112 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

ADVERBS AND ADVEEBIAL PHRASES

Adverbs generally follow the words they modify, be
they verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Pure adverbs
especially of manner are not very numerous, but they
can be extemporized to an almost unlimited extent by
prefixing the preposition Tcwa to both nouns and infini-
tives of verbs. Ex. kwa furaha, joyfully, kwa kuteka,
laughingly.

ADVERBS OF TIME

sasa, now. usiku wa manane, midnight (lit.

sasa hivi, hivisasa, 71010 at once. 2 a.m.).
ha<a sasa, until now, even now. kwanza, first, firstly, before (in
mara moja, once, at once. the first instance).
mara nibili, twice, etc. mwisho, last, lastly.
mara nyingi, often. katikati, in the middle.
mara kwa mara, time after time, barfo, not yet, slill, as yet.
from time to time, again and bado kidogo, soon, present'y
again. baadae p'unde, later on, in a few
mara (precedes verb), immedi- minufet.
ately. mbele, before, first, earlier.
<cna, again, (not .) any more. baarfae, afterwards, later.
. .

karibu, near, soon, lately, not long hafa, until, ecen.

ago. palepale, that very moment (past).
leo, to-day. p'unde, just now, a little while ago.
jana, yesterday. p'iudi, when, in a little while.
jnzi, flay before yesterday. papo kwa papo, moment 1y
juzi-juzi, the other day. moment.
kesbo, io-morrow. pnpo hapo, immediately.
kesho-ku<wa, day after to-morrow. hapo kale, long ago, a lotig time,
njtondo, three day* hence. ago.
nyuina, after, later. hadma, hotimac, finally, in the
mapema, early. end.
asubulii, in the morning. zamani, formerly.
asubuhi yakwe, the next morning, mpaka, until.
on the following morning. siku liizi, now-a-days.
asubuhi sana, early in the morning. sikuzo^'e, ahcay*.
alfajiri, at dawn, at daybreak. killa siku, daily, every day, re<jn-
a/A uliuri, at noon.
larly.
nifana, in the daytime. eiku kwa siku, now and again,
alasiri, in the afternoon. fitfully.
jioni, in the evening, at dusk. siku liafa siku, day by day, day
nsiku, at night, in the night. after day, from one day to
usiku sana, late at night. another.
 STUDY XIX 113
"
daima, continually, perpetually. kabla or kabula (followed by j a
'/ahari,/or ever. tense), ere, before.
milclc, for ever ami ever (retro- tangu (followed by "po" teiiac),
spective and anticipatory), since.
halafu, afterwards, presently. -po- (adverbial infix), ichen.

ADVERBS OF PLACE
juu. up above, upstairs. hapo, there (place in mind).
hukojuu, up there. pale, there, over there.
l"m\,down below, downstairs. huku, here, in this direction.
pale <ini, down there. huko, there (place in mind).
nt'i,on the ground. kule, there, in that direction.
ndani, inside, within. humu, in here.
ndc, oiilxiiJe, icithout. humo, in there (place in mind).
mbele, in front, at the head, on m'le, in there, inside tJiere.
before. papa hapa, just here.
katikati, in the middle, in between. kuku huku, just there.
mbeleni, in the future. mumu humu, just in there.
nyuma. behind. pale pale, on the same spot.
mbali,/;- away. kule kule, in the same direct inn.
karibu, near, nigh. po pot'e, anywhere.
k'ando, aside, apart, to one side. pengine, elsewhere.
k'ando k'ando, alongside, all pia pia, all over the teliole.
round, all along the side. ko<'e kot'e, everywhere.
hapa, here. -po- (adverbial infix), where.

ADVERBS OF INTERROGATION
-je ? (suffixed to verb), how ? kwa gababu gani ? for what
joe (introduces question), what
? 1 reason ?
wapi ? (-pi ?) where ? whither ? tangu lini? how long ayo? since
lini? when ! when?
gani? how in this?
jinsi ka^iri gani? in what measure?
kwani? why? wherefore? in ichat proportion ?
mbona? why? wherefore? kiasi gani ? at what price ?

ADVERBS OF NEGATION
la ! no !
sivyo, not so, not thus.
siyo, no, not so.

ADVERBS OF AFFIRMATION

naam,.ye. ndivyo, it is so, it is thus.

ndiyo, yes, it is go.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR II
114 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

ADVERBS OF MANNER AND DEGREE

hivi, vile, hivyo, yivyo, thus, so. vyepesi, easily.

vile vile, just so, just the same. sharfi, necessarily.
vivyo hivyo, precisely the s:ime. mbalimbali, separately.
kama, as, such as. wazi, plainly, clearly, obviously.
-vyo . . .
vyo, as ... so. sawa (adj. and adv.)> right.
kama vjo . . . \as . . .
straight, level, equal.
jinsi vyo \asorhow
. . . . . . sawa sawa, properly,
vile .
vyo .
(just as ... .
tu, only, simply (always at the
kama vile vyo 'ere as . . . . . . end of a phrase),
\kadiri ya . vyo, according as . . kweli (may precede verb), truly,
. . .
no, in proportion as . . . so. really.
vyema, well, nicely. kwa kweli, thoroughly.
kadbalika, in like manner. haraka, quicldy, hurriedly.
vizuri, beautifully, nicely. ghafula, suddenly, abruptly.
vibaya, badly, ill. sana, very, very much, thoroughly.
bure, to no purpose, freely, for in 'no, exceedingly, a great deal.

nothing. haba, a little, very little.

upesi, quickly, rapidly. kidogo, a little rather.
upande, on one side, crookedly. p'unde, a little.
p'ole p'ole, slowly, gently. kidogo-kidogo, by degrees.
rarafibu, cart-fully. hate kidogo, not even a little, not
kwa kusikiiika, sorrowfully. any.
kwa majonzi, sadly. z&idi, more.
KV a urefu, lengthwise. kabisa, altogether, entirely, not at
kwa upana, breadthwise. all.
kwa bidii, enthusiastically, ener- kamwe, not at all, never.
getically. halisi, exactly, precisely, genuinely.
kwa nguvu, by force. pekeyakwe, by himself.
vyengine, differently. yayo kwayayo, all over again.

NOTE. The
different uses of Icweli must not be confounded.
Ex. Mt'u kweli (adj.). a true, just man ; mtu kwa kweli (adv.),
wa
truly (in truth) a man alimsifu kwa kweli (adv.), he did indeed praise
him or lie praised him thoroughly.
NOTE. Halisi can be used adjectively to mean "a thorough."
Ex. Ni baharia halisi, he is a thorough sailor.
 STUDY XX 115

STUDY XX
Madarasa School

mkufunzi (i.), teacher. kudarisi, to hold a class.

mzazi (i.), parent. kuhishimu, to honour, to respect,
mafunzo mafundisho (v. pi.), kuamrn, to command,
teaching, instruction kukubali, to receive, to accept,
liwali (v.), native governor (also to agree to, to allow,
wali). kufuliza, to go on, to persevere,
darasa (v.), class. to precipitate.
hikima (iii.), wisdom. kufoa kosa, to blame, reproach,
hukumu (iii.), authority, com- kusifu, to praise,
mand. kuonea, to oppress, to ill-treat,
maarifa (\r. pi.), knowledge. kujumlisha, to add (addition),
am'ri (iii.), an order, a command. kupunguza, to subtract,
hisbima (iii.), honour, respect. kuzidisha, to multiply,
had (iii.), handwriting, docu- kumaliza, to complete, to finish,
ment. kukua, to grow (applies only to
hisabu (iii.), sum, calculation. animal kingdom),
rahamani (iii.), map, chart. kunena nwongo, to lie, to tell
kibao (iv.), slate (originally of lies.

wood). kupiga kofi, to clap hands,

mbao boards, forms.
(vii.), kupiga k'ofi, to box on the ears,
kosa (v.), fault, mistake, trans- kusikifika, to be sorry,
gression. kuimba, to sing,
chuo cha majina (iv.), register. kusbinda, to win, to conquer, to
(iii.), geography.
jiografia beat,
ushindani ukaidi (z'bar) (vii.), kutukana, to use insulting
obstinacy. language, to abuse,
kiburi (iv.), pride. knona haya, to feel ashamed,
hasira (iii.), anger, indignation. kutangulia, to be ahead of, to
kinanda (iv.), musical instrument take the lead, to precede,
(piano, harmonium, organ). kufukiza, to irritate, displease,
iokaa (iii.), lime. offend.
fimbo (iii.), cane, stick. -kai(7i,obstinate, stubborn,
thawabu (iii.), prize, reward. -zima, whole, entire,
tuzo (iii.), consolation prize. horfari, strong, clever, capable,
zawadi (iii.), present, gift. -tukutu, mischievous, fidgetty.
kupeleka chuoni, to send to ji/iha(ft (iii.), effort, endeavour.
school. bWii (iii.), zeal, pains, enthu-
kujKahidi, to endeavour. siasm,
kufanya bidii, to take pains. ilimu (iii.), learning, doctrine,
kuhifimu, to finish education. study, knowledge.
kuarifu, to inform (by letter). arZabu (iii.), politeness, good
kuagiza, to give instructions manners,
to. chaki (iii.), chalk.
116 SWAH1LI GRAMMAR
kawaida (iii.), etiquette, custom, wivu (vii.), jealousy, envy.
"
the correct thing," unwritten waziwazi. plainly, obviously.
law. wimbo (vii.), hymn, song,
bakishishi (iii.), a gratuity, dole. mashindano (v., pi.), competitiun,
aibu (iii.), shame, disgrace. race,
haya (iii.), sense of shame, mbio (iii.), running, great
modesty. rapidity.
msamaha (vii.) forgiveness. matukano (v., pi.), insults, vulgar
haja (iii.), request, desire, need. insulting language.
(Zaraja(iii.), promotion, honour, thamani (iii.), price, value.
preferment, degree, order. sifa (iii.), praise, commendation,
uvivu (vii.), idleness, laziness, mapenzi (v., pi.), love, will.
sloth. ruhusa, rukhsa (iii.), leave, per-
-vivu, idle, lazy. mission.

Bead and Translate

Mwanaumleavyo, ndivyo akuavyo Mwalimu miuoja !

"
wa kihindi anaanza (opened) " skuli katika mji wa kale
illi kufundisha kizungu, Wanafunzi wakwe hawafu-
nzwi ha/i wala hisabu. Ameandika vijana ishirini na vi
ne katika chuo cha majina ela nasikia hawafulizt kuja
killa siku, nae mwenyewe hana hukumu juu yao. Ohuoni
inwetu swiswi (a< our school) twafunzwa kujumlisha,
kupunguza, kuzidisha na kugawanya. Tuna rahamani
ukutani, tupate kuelewa habari ya ulimwengu tuuke/io
ilimu hii yaitwa jiografia. 2'ena tuna vibao na peseli
na kalamu na mbao mweusi na chaki vyo/'e vipaeavyo.
jMkufunzi wetu ni hodari kwa kupiga kinanda atuimbisha
nyinubo nznri killa namna. Siku k'uu ya ku/olea thawabu
tu/aziimba mbele ya wazungu woi'e na kundi zima la
wat'n. Ku/akuwa na mashindano eiku ile killa mtoto ku-
shindana na wenziwe kwa kupiga mbio na kuruk'a na
mambo mengine. Wenyi kushinda hupawa zawadfi na
tuzo, wat'u vrote Yawapasa wazazi wo/'e
wakipiga k'ofi.
kuwaleta watoto wao chuoni mwetu. Usbindani na uvivu
oa matukano hayakubaliwi kabisa. Sharti killa m'tu
afanye bidii kwendelea mbele.
 STUDY XX 117

Translate

The beginning of all wisdom is to fear God and to

keep His commandments. The liwali's son (his
(fihika)
son the liwali) does not study any longer, he has finished
his education. His father sent him to school when he
was quite small and he himself persevered, and endea-
voured [to get on], so that (hata) he got great praise
(many praises) from his master the other day when he
left school. If a boy transgresses he must ask forgive-
ness, and he (nae) will be forgiven but if he hides his
;

faults and tells lies he will be disgraced (jpata aibu\ and

(woo) his parents will be sorry. These girls have no
manners nor respect, they play [about] all day and (tena)
have no one to teach them. If they were allowed (got
leave) to come to school they would not be [so] mischievous
and obstinate as they are (Jcama vile walivyo). Love is
a thing of (having) great value in the world. By love
we can help those who are oppressed, and instruct
those who have no knowledge. It is not the correct thing
here to ask for gratuities. He who does this (thing) has
no sense of shame. If your companion is ahead of you
do not be displeased. The young men who get promotion
are those who honour their parents and teachers. I can
see plainly that you will not be able to complete your
task this week.

PKEPOSITIONS
Pure prepositions are few in Swahili, the reason,
presumably, being that the prepositional form of the
verb and the locative case of the noun largely obviate
the necessity of using them. They are :

katika, in, into, among, about, kwa (instrumental) by, by means

out of, on.
hate, even, until, as far as.
mpaka, until, till, as far as.
kutoka, toka, fokea, from, since.
tangu, from, since, for (tangu
siku nyingi, for many days).
na, with, together with.
of, with, for, to, through.
ni, by (said of the agent).
pasipo, without.
bila, except, without.
(i)sipokuwa (var.), save, except,
-a (var.), of.
118 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Frequently the same preposition is used with two

entirely opposite meanings, each being imparted to it
by the verb with which it is employed. Ex.
Ametoka katika nyumba, lie came out of the house.

Amengia katika nyumba, went into the house.

Tie

Nalitoka kwa mwalimu, 1 came out of the teacher's

[house],
Nalingia kwa mwalimu, 1 went into the teacher's

[house].

ADVERBIAL PREPOSITIONS
These are formed by combining in one phrase an
adverb and the variable preposition -a (of). Pronouns
following these require to be in the possessive case. Ex.
mbele yangu = before me.
nyuma yakwe = behind him.
kinyume chako = against you.
juu ya, upon, above, over, against, baada ya, after (time).
about, with regard to. k'ando ya, by, by the side of,
<ini ya, under, underneath. beside.
mbele ya (or za), in front of, k'ando k'ando ya, on both sides of,
before (time and place), round about.
nyuma ya, behind, after (time karibu ya, near, near to, nearly.
and place). kati ya, during.
ndani ya, inside of, in. kati kati ya, in the middle or
nde ya, outside of, out of. midst of.
kabla ya, before (time), kinyume cha, against, contrary to,
kwa ajili ya,/or the sake of. upande wa, on the side of. . . .

kwa sababu ya, because of, on zak?i ya, beside, in addition to.
account of. mabali pa, in lieu of, in place of,
badala ya, instead of, in exchange instead of.
for. mfano wa, like, similar to.

Occasionally na (with)
is substituted for
(y)a. Karibu
na, mbali na, pamoja na. These are followed by the
objective not the possessive pronoun. Ex.

mbali naswi =far away from us.

karibu nae = near him.
pamoja nao = together with them.
 STUDY XX 119

CONJUNCTIONS
Several verb tenses have a conjunctive force. Ex.

(1) The Subordinate Tenses of the Indicative, Impera-

tive, and Subjunctive with "fca" (and). Ukafanya (and
you made), kafanye (and make), ukafanye (and that you,
may make).
" ki "
(2) The Participial with (if). Akifanya, if Jte
makes.
(3) The Negative Participial with "sipo'' (if not).
Wasipofanya, if they do not do [it].
(4) The "Even should" or "Although" Tense with
"japo." Nijapofanya, although or even should I do. . . .

(5) The "Though" Tense with "nga" or " ngawa."

Tungafanya or ingawa twafanya, though we do. . . .

Other conjunctions not bound up in verbs are

na, and, but (this combined with the pronominal suffix of a noun
" also " mfaume nae
preceding it in fact or thought means :

akenda, the king went also).

pia, also, too (stands at the end of a phrase or sentence),
tu, provided that, if so be that, if only, so long as (stands at the end
of a phrase or sentence),
lakini, but (see note subjoined),
walakini, but.
but (except) not strongly adversative.
ilia, ela,
ena, again, moreover, furthermore, besides,
bali, but, rather, but rather,
basi, therefore, then, now, so.
ndiposa, therefore, and so, that is how it was.
kwaniba, kama, kana kwamba, that, whether, if.
ya kwamba, ya kuwa, that.
illi, illi kwaniba, in order that, to the intent that, so that,
au, au . . .
au, or, either ... or.
wala, nor, neither nor. . . .

pamoja na haya, nevertheless, notwithstanding,

kisha, then,
kwa kuwa, kwa maana ya, kwa sababu ya, kwani maana, for, because,
for as much as, the reason being.
haia, and, even,
kwa ajili ya hayo, wherefore.
k'wenda (followed by " ka " tense), supposing that, may be that,
isipokuwa, howbeit, but.
mithali na (u . . .), supposing (you were to . . .
), (followed by Subj.).
120 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

NOTE ON "AND" AND "Box"

" "
Na bears both meanings. In using this word its
original force should be kept in mind, which is not that
of the conjunction " and," but of the preposition " with."
"
It means " and as a conjunctive particle

Juma na mkewe, Juma and (or with) his icife.

"
It means " but as a contrastive particle

Juma ni mzuri sura zakwe, Juma is handsome as to his

na mkewe ni m'ovu, countenance, but his wife in
ugly.

NOTE. Here "lakini" (but; would be quite out of

place.
Na is used to introduce a subjunctive phrase na :

tuotnbe, let us pray. When it precedes a vowel the " a "

may be elided to form one word. Ex. Naje for na aje.
" "
Ilia, ela, but. The root-meaning except must lie
borne in mind.

Wat'u woJ'e wamekaja, ilia Everybody came, but you <li<l

wewe hukuja, not come.

Juma ni mzuri, ela mkewe Juma is handsome, but his
si mzuri, irife is not.

Lakini, but. This is always used by way of quali-

fying what has been stated in the previous .sentence, <.r
what is implied by it
Juma ni mzuri, lakini ni Juma is handsome, but In /.<

kiwete, a cripple.
Ulinambia ya Juma, lakini You told me about Juma, but
ya mkewe hukunambia, not about his icife.

Isipokuwa, but. The use of this is much the same

"
as " ilia with an extension of meaning.
 STUDY XXI 121

STUDY XXI
Dini Religion
Maumba (i.). Creator. kuamini, to believe, to trust.
Bwana Jesu Masihi, Lord Jesus kusatiiki, to believe, to credit.
Christ. kuaburZu, to worship.
Roho Mtakatifu, Holy Spirit. kuokoa, to save, to deliver.
Mwokozi (i.), Saviour. kukomboa, to redeem, to ransom.
Malaika (iii.), Angel. kutamani, to covet, to desire.
Sheifani (v.), Satan, devil. kusilimu ki-masihia, to become a
Mmasihia, Mnasara (i.), Chris- Christian.
tian. kusilimu ki sawahili, to become
Muisilamu (i.), Muhammedan. a Muhammedan.
Jmamu(v.), Mubammedan priest. kusali, to pray, to say prayers.
Bishopu (v.), Bishop. kuongoka, to change, to l>e con-
Kasisi (v.), Christian minister, verted.
presbyter. kubapu/izi, to baptize.
Shemasi (v.), Deacon. kuhuburi, to preach (to).
Mtume (ii.), Apostle. kutuma, to send (used only of
Nabii (v.), Prophet. persons).
Kafiri (v.), Unbeliever, Infidel. kubasbiri, kufabiri, to prophesy,
Msb.iri.ka (i.), Partner, communi- to foretell.
cant. kuisbi, to live.
Kanisa (v.), The Church. kuwa hai, to be alive.
msikiti (ii.), church, mosque. kushariki, to share, to communi-
Maan(ttko (v. pi.), Writings, cate.
Scriptures. kushukuru, to give thanks.
Kuruani (iii.), Koran. kuiukuza, to glorify, to praise.
Injili (iii.), Gospel. kushuhudia, to witness, to
Waraka (vii.), Epistle. testify.
Taureti (iii.), Law (of Moses). kupiga shahada, to witness to
sharia (iii.), l*w. Muhammed by reciting the
Zaburi (iii.). Psalms (Prayer- creed.
Book). kuwaza, to think, to consider.
Maagano ya Kale (v. pi.), Old kuinama, to bend, to stoop, to
Covenant or Testament. bow down.
Maagano Mapya (v. pi.), New kulaani, to curse.
Covenant or Testament. kuapa (kula kiapo), to swear.
Mithali (iii.), Proverb, simile, kuitika, knitikia, to answer to a
allegory. call, to respond (as in church).
sura (iii.), chapter (of Koran). kuteajabu, to wonder.
ishara (iii.), sign, miracle, wonder. kufariki, to die, to decease.
zaka (Hi.), tithes. kuzika, to bury.
hakika (iii.), proof, certainty. kufufuka, to rise from the dead.
msalaba (ii.), a cross. kutangaza, to publish, to set
<oba (iii.), repentance. forth, to announce.
122 SWAHILI GRAMMAS

kufawala, to rule, to reign, to Ushirika utakatifa (vii.). Holy

control, to govern. Communion,
kufariji, to comfort, asili (iii.), origin, root, source,
kusalibiwa, to be cruci6ed. nature.
kufubu, (kuju/a), to repent, utakufu (vii.), glory,
imani (iii.), faith, belief, creed, shahir/i (v.), a witness.
goodness, Kama</7tani (iii.), Muhammcdan
sadaka (iii.), religious offering, Fast.
sacrifice, alms, mawazo (v.), thoughts,
ibarfa (iii.), worship, service, sanamu (iii.), idol, image, picture,
wokofu (vii.), salvation, deliver- laana (iii.), curse,
ance. kiapo (iv.), oath,
ukombozi (vii.), redemption, anasa (iii.), worldly pleasures.
famaa (iii.), desire, passion, lust, ajabu (iii.), wonder, surprise,

unyenyekevu (vii.), humility. kifo (iv.), mauti (v. pi.), death,

Islam (iii.)> Mohammedanism, mortality.
Islam. kaburi (v.), grave, tomb,
raha (iii.), rest, ease, luxury, maiti (iii.), dead person,
uongofu (vii.), conversion, kuzimu (iii.), hell, the cold grave,
nia (iii.), mind, heart, disposition, ahera (iii.), hades, the world to
n'afusi (iii.), self, person, soul, come.
spiritual being. ad/tabu (iii.), punishment, torturo.
roho (iii.), spirit, soul. marufuka (v. pi.), prohibition,
tozi (v.), a tear, forbidden things,
maisha (v. pi.), life, existence, dhambi (iii. and v.), sin.
lifetime.

Bead and Translate

Dim ya kweli ndiyo ituongozayo kwa Mngu na kutn-

fariji roho, Twaamini kwamba Mmasihia ndiye rnwenyi
kmva nayo Muisilamu hutnwita Mnasara,
dini hiyo.
J
kafiri ;
lakini pamoja na
hay a huserua, Kafir i akufaae si
2
Muisilamu asiyekufaa maana, ajapo shikana sana Da
;
3
dim yakwe yeyo na knd&arau wenyi dini nyengine
1 " Si" = is This is a common ellipsis in bye-words
better than.
and proverbs, and seems stand for, " [Give me]
to and not ." . . . . . .

2 "
Reciprocal verbs are usually followed by na (with)
'
reminding
" con- "
us of the frequent English prefix (or infix) (com-), with.
Equivalents for reciprocals may readi.y be found in words of this
category. Ex, Figana, to combat shindana, to contend, to compete,
;

to conflict; shikana, to be connected; patana, to be reconciled, (n

consent, to make a contract jadJiliana, to contradict gandamana, to
; ;

congeal, etc.
*
This insertion of the separable pronoun in addition to the
" His
possessive makes the phrase correspond exactly to the English,
own religion,"
 STUDY XXI 123

woi'e, liaoni vibaya kaniwe kuwatumia ruakaliii, akijiona

kufairfiwa nao tn. Muumba wa mbingu na n/'i na vjot'e
vilivymo ndiye Mwenyiezi Mngu. Aliyetukomboa,
kwa kutufilia msalabani, ni mwanawe pekee, Bwana wetu
Jesu Masihi, ambae ni Mwokozt wa walimwengii wotf'e.
Afunzae nia zetu na kutu/awala n'afusi ni Yeye Roho
M/akatifu, aabudiwae na kufukuzwa pamoja na Baba na
Mwana. Katika kanisa la Masihi kuna daraja t'atu
mabishopu, makasisi na mashemasi. Kazi yao wotf'e ni
kuhubiri injili na kulisha kundi la Mngu. Kundi hilo
ndiyo jamaa barikiwa ya waaminifu wotf'e. Mabihi ali-
weka sakaramenti mbili kwa wafuasi wakwe Mabapu/izi
na Karamu ya Bwana, hiyo yaitwa nayo Ushirika Uta-
katifu. Katika chuo cha Biblia kuna tfaureti, vyuo vya
raanabii, zaburi, mithali, injili, matendo ya mitume, na
r
nyaraka kadh'awakadha. V yuo hivi vyoi'e vyam'shu-
hurfia Jesu Masihi kuwa ndiye Mwanawe Aliye Juu
Sana; wanafunzi wakwe nao walimkubali wakitiwa ha-
kika kwa ishara zakwe zo<'e alizotenda mbele yao muda
wa kuwamo ulimwenguni. Ilia neno k'uu kupita yofe
nikule kufufuka kwakwe mau^ini kwa ajabu kulikoinwo-
nyesha wazi kuwa mshindi halisi juu ya kifo na ahera
na nguvu zo<'e za kuzimu.

Translate

Man's lifetime is short and (iena) his thoughts are

evil. Saying (Inf.) prayers will not take away sin,
neither will bowing (Inf.) down to idols cleanse the soul.
Muhammedans say there are five things necessary to
salvationTo pray,
: to give tithes for alms, to witness to
Muhammed by reciting the creed, to fast [in] Ramadhani,
and to go to Mecca. The New Testament teaches us that
we are not saved by good works, nor by tears of repent-
ance ; but by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who died for
our sake and offered His body as (kuwa) a sacrifice to
God for the sins of the whole world. They who believe
[in] Him have their nature changed (hugeuzwa asili) by
the Holy Spirit, so that they love (icaka-} the things
which they formerly hated, and hate those which they
124 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

loved in the first instance. The Muhammedan religion is

"
called the " Easy Way ; the reason being that those
who follow it are not required to give tip worldly plea-
sures or the lusts of the flesh. If a man becomes a
Muhammedan, sins such as hypocrisy and deceit are not
forbidden to him. He who does righteousness is blessed,
he who breaks the law of God is cursed. The writings
which are accepted and believed by Muhammedan con-
verts are called the Koran, a book containing (cJienyi)
114 chapters. In chapters four, six, seven and forty-eight
the doctrine of devils and angels is set forth. All the
faithful meet in the Mosque every Friday, when the
Imamu preaches to them. The Swahilis say, " Give
thanks [for] what you have," and again, " The torture
of the grave the dead man knows."

INTERJECTIONS
Emotion is so much expressed by gesture in Swahili
that Interjections are at a discount. Particularly is this
true of the more educated classes. The following are a
few Interjections in common use :

a ! oh ! hebu (hwebu), please do

! ! won't
a-a ! no !
you ?
ahasanta thank you ! I it is well ! howe ! there then !

ai oh (of pain).
! ! kumbe ! what ! behold !

aka what next ! !

ngawa (followed by Xeg. . . . !

ati look you know !

! I say ! !
Ind.), oh that !

basi that will do enough.

!
stop ! ! laifi oh that would to God
! ! !

chapu chapu look sharp liurry ! ! lau kwamba (followed by Pres. !

up !
Ind.), oh that !

1
ewa ! all right !
very good ! lo' well (great surprise).
! !

1
ee wallah yes, by God ! !
ngoja kwanza wait a njinute ! !

ewe ee O halloa hi
! ! ! ! ! ole wangu alas woe is me ! ! !

haraka haste hasten ! ! ! sa' !

yes ! here I am !

haya get on come along ! ! ! salala !

plague upon you !

haya basi there now there ! 1 ! sumile ! make way ! move !

hima ! make haste !

1
See p. Ill," African Aphorisms."
 STUDY XXI 125

NOTE ON REDUPLICATION
Reduplication is common in undeveloped or partially
developed languages. In Swahili it affects syllables,
words, and phrases, and its uses may be classified as
follows :

1. To intensify or emphasize. Ex. Papale, just there ;

pale-pale, on that very spot ; kubwa-kubwa, very large ;

moto-moto, decidedly hot; pana-pana, very broad;

(ku)sihi-sihi, to beseech earnestly; kuponda-ponda, to
crush to pieces.

2. To modify. Ex. Maji-maji, watery, thin, liquid;

mawe-mawe, stony, pebbly, having little stones (ku)k'ata- ;

k'ata, to cut about, to make little cuts; (ku)zunguka-

zunguka, to walk about ; (ku)lewa-lewa, to be giddy ;
kulia-lia, to fret; (ku)ugua-ugua, to feel unwell, to be
out of sorts ; kunuk'a-nuk'a, to have a slight smell.

3. To show continuous action. Ex. Kuruka-ruka, to

keep jumping (ku)sukuma-sukuma, to go on pushing,
;

driving, agitating (ku)tuma-tuma, to be always sending

;

on errands kubadili-badili, to be for ever changing.

;

4. give a distributive force.

To Ex. Mbili-mbili, two at
" of a "
a time usiku-usiku, every night,
; night ; kidogo
huku, kidogo huku, a little here and there ;
kikao wat'u
hamsini, kikao wat'u hamsini, fifty in a row (or batch or
company); kijaacho kiweke k'ando, kijaacho kiweke
k'ando, as each one is full, put it aside.
 126 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

THE FORMATION OF VERBAL NOUNS

Verbal nouns may be formed
1. Prom primary verb stems, active or passive,

(a) By simply prefixing a sonant m' (mu or mw) to denote an

agent and by prefixing u (w or mw) to form an abstract. Ex.
mrithi. beir, inheritor kurithi, to inherit uritM, inheritance
m/unga shepherd
(ii.), kutanga, to herd, to tend (uftmgaji), shepherding
muhi/aji, needy person kuhiteji, to want ubitaji, want
mwenda, a goer kwenda, to go mwen.d(o), gait, goir
conduct
mtumwa, slave kutumwa, to be sent utumwa, slavery
muonewa, oppressed per- kuonewa, to be oppressed
eon
muweza, one who is able kuweza, to be able uweza (uwezo), power,
(God) ability

(&) By the same process as above, with the particle "ji"

suffixed. Ex.
mwimbaji, singer kuimba, to sing (wimbo), song, hymn
muombaji, beggar kuomba, to beg uombaji, begging, beg-
gary
muuaji, murderer ktrna, to kill uuwaji, murder
mtendaji, doer kutenda, to do (tendo), action
mwindaji, hunter kuwin<Za, to hunt (ninda), hunting
"
(c) By the same process a above with the particle " fu or
"vu" suffixed, and an occasional change or elision of terminal
vowel
nWanganyifu, deceiver ktuZanganya, to deceive udanganyifu, deception,
deceit
muaminifu, believer kuamini, to believe uaminifu, faithfulness
muongofu, convert kuongoa, to lead, to con- uongofu, conversion
vert
m'haribifa, destroyer kuharibu, to destroy, uharibifu, destruction,
corrupt corruption
mpo<3vu, prodigal kupofea, to be lost or upo/evu, prodigality,
wasted waste
ralegevu, desultory person kulegea, to be slack, loose ulegevn, desultorinesa
mlekevu, upright person kulekea, if) be straight, ulekevu, uprightness
upright
mtulivu, person who sub- kutulia, to be quiet, calm, utulivu,subrni8sion,quiet-
imts to discipline resigned ness
mtakatifu, holy person, kutakata, to be cleansed, utakatifu, holiness, purity
eaint pure
 STUDY XXI 127

(d) By the same process as above and a change of final vowel,

with an occasional softening of final consonants. Ex.
mwivi, thief kuiba, to thieve wivi (wizi), theft
mshoni, tailor, seamstress kushona, to sew ushoni, sewing, needle-
work
mnyang'anyi, robber kunyang'anya, to rob unyang'anyi, robbery
mpenzi, lover, loved one kupenrZa, to love upenzi (mapenzi), love
mpanzi, sower kupanda, to sow upanzi, sowing
mlinzi, keeper, guard kulinda, to keep, guard ulinzi, protection, keeping
mfuasi, follower, disciple kufuata, to follow ufuasi, discipleship

(e) In a few instances sentient nouns are formed by prefixing

" ki " to the verb

kinyozi, a barber kunyoa, to shave unyozi, shaving

kiongozi, a leader kuongoza, to lead uongozi, leadership
kipofu, blind person kupofuka, to be blind upofu, blindness, spoiled
sight
kizushi, upstart, intruder kuzuka, to come to the
surface, to happen
2. Prom causative stems by the same process and a change of
final vowel. Ex.
mzamishi, baptizer kuzamisha, to cause to go uzamishi, baptism
under water
muan<7isb.i, writer, scribe kuandisha (kuandikisha), uandisbi, writing
to cause to write
muashi (z'bar), mason kuasha C?), to cause to uashi, masonry
builder build (masonry)
mpishi, cook kupisha(?),tocausetocook upishi, cookery
mtumishi, servant kutumisha, to cause to utumishi, service
serve
mzishi, undertaker kuzisha, to prepare for uzishi, burial
burial
mtozi, exactor kiUoza, to exact (cause to uczi, exaction
give out)
mwokozi, saviour kuokcza, to cause to save (wokofu), salvation
mlezi, nurse, rearer kuleza (1), to cause to ulezi, nursing, rearing
bring up
muombezi, mediator kuombeza, to cause to uombezi, intercession
intercede
mpendezi, one who pleases kupendeza, to
please upen^ezi, favour, pleasing
(cause to love)
msimamizi, overseer kusimamiza, to cause to usimamizi, stewardship
oversee
mlevi, drunkard kulev[y]a, to intoxicate ulevi, drunkenness
mponyi, deliverer kuponya, to deliver (cause uponyi, deliverance
to escape)
128 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

3. From prepositional stems, by the same process

mtetea, a champion espouscr
mnenea, a reprover
mtangazia, one who publishes to
m/olea, a giver
mtengezea, a provider
kutetea, to fight for
kunenea, to speak to, to scold
kutangazia, to publish to
ku/olea, to give to
kutengezea, to provide or prepare
for

4. Prom
reciprocal stems (abstract or collective nouns
with the prefix " ma ")
maonano, a meeting kuonana, to see one another, to
meet
makut'ano, a crowd kukut'ana, to come together
magawanyikano, separation, divi- kugawanyikana, to be separated
sion from each other
mapatano, agreement kupatana, to ajjrce
mapatanisho, atonement kupatanisha (caus. recip.), to
reconcile
maagano, covenant kuagana, to covenant
mapenrfano, mutual love kupentfana, to love each other
mashindano, contention, emula- kushindana, to contend
tion
maimbizano, antiphonal sin<rinjr kuimbizana, to sin"- to each otlicr

majibizano, catechism kujibizana, to answer each other

5. Some passive verbal nouns change the final a to e

mtume, apostle (or sent one) kutumwa, to be sent
mshinde, conquered one kushindwa, to be conquered
m<eule, chosen one kuteuliwa or ku/auliwa, to be
chosen or elected
kiumbe, created one kuumbwa, to be created

Common nouns, concrete and abstract, may be formed

from verbs by prefixing sonant m', ki, ma, or u (w before
a vowel)
m'samaha, forgiveness
m'sa'/a, help
m'sangao, astonishment
m'sala, praying mat
kinoo, grindstone
kivuko, ford, crossing
kifiniko, lid, covering
kiigizo, pattern, copy
maombi, prayers
kusamehe, to forgive
kusauZia, to help
kusangaa, to be astonished
kusali, to pray
kunoa, to grind, to sharpen
kuvuka, to cross (water)
kufinika, to cover
kuigiza, to copy, to imitate
kuomba, to pray
 STUDY XXI 129

malipo, recompense, reward kulipa, to pay

mateso, affliction kutesa, to afflict
mavazi, style of dress kuvaa, to wear
mavao, clothing kulala, to Bleep
malazi, sleeping-place kutata, to be entangled
matata, complications, tangles kuvuna, to reap
mavuno, harvest kufa, to die
ufu, death kuasi, to rebel
uasi, rebellion kuiba, to thieve
wivi, theft kutisha, to frighten
utisho, alarm, fright kukumbuka, to remember
ukumbusho, reminder

Verbal nouns of Arabic origin usually change root

vowels and take no prefix
sifa, praise kusifu, to praise
aharZi,a promise kuahu/i, to promise
baraka, a blessing kubariki, to bless
hisabu, a sum kuhasibu, to count
ibarfa, worship kuabu/Zu, to worship
saburi or subira, patience kusubiri, to be patient
sala, prayer kusali, to pray
furaha, joy kufurahi, to rejoice
faraja, comfort kufariji, to comfort

GENERAL NOTES ON NOUNS AND THEIR

CLASSES
1. Many nouns in "ma" (mostly concrete) have a

singular meaning and are in cl. iii. Ex.

mashua, a boat. maradufu, thick calico,
masikini, a poor man. mashariki, east,
marehemu, the late so and so. raagaribi, west.
marikabu, a ship. mail (pi.), wealth, property
"
malaika, an angel. (" mail takes plural concords
marirZadi, a dandy. also from cl. v.).
ma.\ti, dead person. See note 5, majilisi, seat (outside a house
Study I. used for palavers).

2. Others, also in "ma," having a plural form and

taking only plural concords (of cl. v.) stand for English
nouns which have no plurality in the idea. These are
largely abstract nouns and names of liquids. Ex.
SWAHILI GRAMMAR I
130 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

mafuta, oil. maud, death.

maji, water. majira, time.
maziwa, milk. majonzi, grief.
marashi, perfume. maju/o, repentance.
manuk'ato, perfumed ointment. mara<77d, sickness.
mapenzi, love, will. marirf/iawa, abundance.
maisha, life. majaaliwa, enabling (divinely
mazoea, habit, custom, use. bestowed).
mashizi, soot. mail, property (also in cl. iii.).
maana, meaning, reason, cause. manyezi, abhorrence, disgust,
manufaa, profit. mate, saliva,
mafrikio, hatred. mamlaka, authority, power.
"Vita" (cl. iv. pi.), war, is an instance of this in another class.

3. The student will observe that nouns beginning

with an aspirated consonant belong usually to cl. iii. or
cl. vii. (pi.). The following, though bearing a resemblance
to nouns of cl. iv., are no exception to the rule

k'iu (yangu), (my) thirst. k'ima (wangu), (my) black

ch'umvi (Mi), (this) salt, monkeys.
ch'aga (zetu), (our) store-houses.
kinda (young bird or animal) has a " ma " plural (cl. v.).

4. Several nouns are in two or more classes with

variations of meaning
mkono (cl. ii.), arm, hand (of lango (cl. v.), large door, gate,
body) entrance
mlango (cl. ii.), door kuta (cl. v.), high wall
ukuta (cl. vii.), wall k'apu (cl. iii.), large basket
kikapu (cl. iy.), small basket manyasi (cl. v.), grass, weeds
unyasi (cl. vii.), blade of grass madhambi (cl. v.), individual
dharnbi (pi. cl. iii.), sin (collec- sins
tively) goma (cl. v.), big drum
ngoma dance, drum
(cl. iii.), jembe (cl. v.), hoe
kijembe (cl. iv.), pocket knife mapesa (cl. v.), small change
pesa (cl. iii.), pice mawingu (cl. v.), clouds
mbingu (cl. vii. pi.), heaven kiti (cl. iv.), stool, chair (of
mti (cl. ii.), tree, wood wood)
ckungwa (cl. iii.), oranges machungwa (cl. v.), large
kono (cl. v.), arm (of river, creek, oranges
etc.)
 STUDY XXI 131

5. Sentient nouns may be found in nearly all the

classes taking the respective plurals of those classes.
Ex.
CLASS II.

mtume, apostle mitume

m/elea, a laying hen mi/e/ea

CLASS III.
mbari, relative, kinsman mbari
p'epo, evil spirit p'epo
k'ala, ichnumen k'ala

CLASS IV.
'
kibarna, day labourer vibarua
kip'ungu, osprcy vipungu
kiumbe, mortal creature viumbe
kiroboto, flea, swift mail-runner viroboto

CLASS V.
Yahu(/i, Jew Mayahii'/i
asi, rebel maasi
/ajiri, rich man ma/ajiri
shekhe, chief, elder mashekhe
ka^/d, judge ma.ka.il Id
kuhani, priest makuhani

CLASS VI.

jana, big lad mijana

CLASS VII.
udfiri, u/awatawa, poultry lice (used collectively)

No invariable rule can be given for the concords of

other parts of speech used to qualify such nouns ; these
sometimes follow cl. i. (e.g. malaika wale watakatifu),
"
and sometimes the " irrational class to which the word
belongs (Ex. Jimbi hili lawika sana). Others again
require some "sentient" and some "irrational" concords
(Ex. Ndugu zangu watatu wanakuja. Wajolize walim-
wona. Kijana kike huyu akwita). See note 1, Study VIII.
1
Probably so called from a chit or ticket of identification.
132 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

TRANSLATIONS OF THE EXERCISES

STUDY I

The master and the mistress. I and my master. You

and your child. I and you and he. My mistress and
your sister. Good day (very) good day
! ! Good morning.
How are you, Sir? (Quite) well (thank you). Are you
feeling well? I am quite well (thank you). And are
you quite well? I am very well (thank you). Are you
better ? I am better, thank you. Madam, how are you ?
(Quite) well (thank you). And are you all right ? I am
all right (thank you). Is your brother better? He is
better, Madam. And how your son feeling? He is
is

very well indeed. This is good news Good evening,

!

Sir. Good-bye, Madam. Good-bye !

Sabalkheri !
Jambo, bibi Sijambo, bwana
! U hali !

gani ? Ni hali njema. Hu jambo, bwana? Sijambo,

ahasanfa? Bwana wangu hajambo ? Hajambo sana.
Bibiyangu nae hajambo? Hajambo! Nduguyo yu hali
gani? Yu hali njema sana. Nduguyo (mwanamke) yu
hali gani ? Ahasante, Bwana, yu hali njema. Yeye na
wewe na mirai. Bwana wangu. Bibiyangu. Nduguyo.
Msaalkheri, bwana. Msaalkheri, bibi. Naam La! Kwa !

herini.

STUDY II

Boy, come. Bring (some) water. Yes, Ma'am, I will

bring (some) directly. Come along (be) quick! Do
you hear ? I hear, Ma'am. We want food now. Very
well, Ma'am, we will bring it quickly. Are you hungry,
Ma'am ? Be quiet, boy, just do (your) work. Now then,
Ma'am, I have brought (the) food. Have you brought
 KEY TO EXERCISES 133

water as well, boy? My fellow (servant) brought it,

Ma'am. That will do, now you can go and bathe. Come
back quickly. Yes, Ma'am. My fellow-servant wants
hot water and soap. Very well, he shall have (them).
You are making a great deal of noise, boys ;
we want to
sleep. Ma'am, I want pice that I may buy food. Here,
then, take (these) pice. Go quickly. Thank you, Ma'am.

Jee, mtoto, unale'a /aa? Bado, Bibi, mwenzangu

anakwenda kununua mafuta. Atfarudi lini? Atarndi sasa
hivi, Bibi. Jee, unafua nguo ? Ndiyo, Bibi, n'nafua.
Uruefua na ki/ambaa? La! Bibi nimesahau. Jee, u<a-
pata kuleta maji Ndiyo, Bibi, n'tapata. Mwenzangu
?

amekuja zamu yak we kutumika. Vyema,

sasa, Bibi, ni
alete chakula basi, twatfaka kula. Nyainaza, mtoto, wa-
fanya, k'elele sana, haifai. Vyema, Bibi, f'anyamaza sasa.
Lete faa upesi, twafaka kutezama k'itu. Basi, waweza
kwenda sasa.

STUDY III

Has the teacher come ? Not yet, Ma'am, he is coming

now, I see him in the street. Good morning, Bwana.
Good morning, Bibi. Boy, bring (some) chairs. Bwana,
sit down. Thank you, Bibi, lam seated. Now I want (a)
pea and (some) paper. Here, Bwana, please take (this)
pen. Do you want me to write? Yes, Bibi, try to write
now. Have you finished to write (writing) ? Yes, teacher,
I have finished. Well, now, I want you to read. What
book shall I read? Eead (the) First Book. Eead (the)
word*--.
1
Then tell me their meaning. Is it clear to you ?
Yes, teacher, it is quite clear to me. Do you know the
meaning? do (know). Good, Bibi, read again, then
I

spell the words. Eead out loud that I may (get) to hear.
Pronounce the words well that you may learn to read
nicely.
Mbona mwalimu amechelewa leo? Labuda hawezi.
La yuaja sasa. Sabalkheri, mwalimu, u hali gani ? Ni
!

hali njema. K'et'i (Bwana). Tafa^Aali, Bibi, nipa chuo

" when 1
Lit. you finish."
134 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

iiawe twaa chuo ukasome. Sasa \veka chuo mezani uka-

sikize. Takuuliza masuali. Vyema (Bwana) nami nifa-
jaribu kujibu. Basi sasa, umejibu vizuri. Na furahi
sana. Jee, waaka wino? Ndiyo naaka, na peniseli pia.
Mwanafunzi ajaribu kusemalugha ya kisawahili. Aweza
kusoma harufu. Alianza lini ? Nalimfundisha msiari wa
kwanza jana.

STUDY IV
Open the window, I want to look out. I see a lot of
people in the street, let us shut the door quickly. Where
is the key? It is upstairs. Go and look on the roof.
The people are gone now, shall I open the door? Yes,
open (it), then sweep the steps, and the courtyard, also
the verandahs. I want a mat to put on the door-step.
Wait a little (while), you will get (it). Where is the
cat ? The cat has just (now) gone out. Where is she
gone ? Perhaps she is gone to look for a rat. Call her, I.
want her to eat (her) food; she is hungry. All night
long she was making a noise. Boy, have you polished
the looking-glass? Yes, Ma'am, and I cleaned the
windows as well. Where have you been ? I was on the
roof, crying. Why did you cry? Because I wanted to
go out ; but I was called (i.e. wanted by employer). Oh !

never mind !

Shuka, nakusihi, sasa hivi. Nduguyo akuafu/a. Yu-

ko wapi? Yuko sebuleni. Mwambie aje ukumbini.
Vyumba vyafaka kupewa, na ghala pia. Jee, mlango
wa orofa u wazi? La! Umefungwa. Ufungue, basi.
Mtoto u/ak:i
Vyema, angie ndani aka-
kungia ndani.
shuke /ini. Mwalimu ameleka m/ana ku<wa.Mbona
aliteka? Muulize. Asema, alimwona p'anya akitezama
kiooni. Wako p'anya tele nyumbani ? Wako tele sana.

STUDY V
Come and let us sit down at the table, tea will be
brought directly. The tablecloth is not clean, why (is
that) ? I hear that Juma spilt some coffee here this
 KEY TO EXERCISES 135

morning. Call Juma ! Juma You! are called. Yes,

Ma'am, here I am (lit. Iam come), did you call me?
Yes, I did call you. Is it true (that) you spilt coffee on
the tablecloth to-day ? It is not true, Ma'am. Coffee was
spilt but I did not do it (lit. " not I "). Who was (lit.
;

" is it then ? Perhaps it was the cat. I saw her in the

")
room. Can a cat spill coffee ? She can if she is thirsty
and wants to drink. That will do, go away now. Tell
Ali to bring sugar and bread and honey. Where are the
saucers ? They are in the cupboard, they forgot to put
them on the table. Bring them quickly, the tea will be
cold. It is absolutely cold already. It will not do, boys,
to be late like this. Now I want spoons and cups.
Bilauri na sahani zafakwa mezani, wat'u waja kula
chakula cha mfana hapa leo. Jee, nilete vijiko na uma
pia ? Ndiyo na/aka kuaneftka meza fayari sasa. Jee,
watekunwa maji ? Ndiyo, watekunwa rnaji yakiwa safi.
Twaa sinia ukapakue chakula, kieha piga k'engele ku-
waita wat'u. Umesahau kuweka kawa juu ya sahani.
Mwambie mpishi apashe moto k'uku wa jana. Jaribu
kukuncZa nguo ya meza sawa sawa. Waweza kuancZika
meza vizuri nguo ikiwa si safi ? La haifai Tulionda
! !

asali tukaiona <amu. Mtoto alimiza Vitu akasema, Ni

sukari. Kwamba ilikuwa sukari angeliteka, lakini sasa
alia. Tuondoke, arfaate. Mtoto akilia ha/apata mkate
wa <amu.

STUDY VI
The cook forgot to light the fire. Why
did you not
do it I had no firewood, that is why: the cook
then?
has gone to buy (some) in the market. Never mind, you
can kill the fowl in readiness. Where is the fowl ? It is
in the courtyard walking about. Will it be wanted for
the mid-day meal ? Yes, it will be wanted. Give me a
box of matches, please, the fire won't light. Pot a little
oil in, it will burn up quickly. I do not see (any) oil,
perhaps it is finished. No it is not finished, it is in the
!

storeroom. I saw it yesterday. Are you boiling the

136 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

meat? No! I am frying it. Have you cooked rice as

well? I have not cooked any. Give me a knife to cut
up the vegetables. The vegetables are rotten. They are
not rotten, you do not know anything (at all about it).
Look, the milk is boiling over. Take the saucepan off
the fire. Soot has got into the milk. It does not matter.
Jee unatia munyu na pilipili mJuzini ? Ndiyo, kido-
go ; lakiui sikutia katika mboga. TJsikoroge maziwa
kwa kisu, kwa kijiko. Tezama, umeteketeza
koroga
nguo, hukuona moto ? La Sikuona k'itu. Jee, mtoto
!

anakunanazi? Bado, afokuna kisha. Mpishi ameiukua

mbuzi. Jee, wapika kwa makaa? La! Twapika kwa
k'uni. Tukifaka kuoka twafinika sufuria kwa niakaa ya
moto. Mbona mtoto hakuondoa maivu? Labuda alisa-
hau. Maji yachemka, jee kandarinya ifayaika ? La !

Najua hai/ayaika. Ilifanywa makusudi kupika maji.

Naona moshi yatoka dirishani.

STUDY VII
Come along, let us go out for a little walk. Let us go
in the shade then, here the sun is very hot. I want to go
to the Fort, which road shall we take ? I do not know
the way, but some one told me that the Main Street leads
to the Fort. I am told (or I hear) that the Gate of the
City stood (was) here formerly. Perhaps it is true, I was
not there. Listen I hear a noise, the porters are fight-
!

ing. You had better not go to look, there are a lot of

people and a lot of dust. (And)^then it is going to rain,
we had better return home. No do not let us go in yet, !

the rain is not coming, the wind is blowing too much.

Let us go to the Custom-house then and see the trollies.
Make way Make way
! A
trolly is coming at great
!

speed, move out of the road. Take care, there is a stone

here, it has fallen from the wall. There is the teacher
he talking to a poor man shall we (go and) speak to
is
him ? Yes, let us .speak to him, he is a good man. Some
children are following us tell them not to come. If a
:

slave runs away we call him a runaway (or renegade).

 KEY TO EXEECISES 137

Warfakwa waume tu wapiga ngoma kuweta. Wana

wake wanachoka, liawawezi kwenda. Labuda waiafuata
baadae ? La wamekosa gari, watfak'eti nyumbani saea.
!

Haidhuru, waweza kwenda kesho asubuhi Hawatfachele-

wa ? Ndiyo, watfachelewa kidogo lakini wanawaume watfa-
wangoja. Wat'u wakut'ana kwetu, watafutfa nini ? Twa-
ambiwa kwamba ni masikini, watfaka chakula. Ni heri
tuwape chakula wasiibe. Wakiiba waiatiwa gerezani.
Ziko t'ope na t'akat'aka tele hapa, tupite k'ando. Jee,
utfaweza kufika kwenu kesho-kutfwa ? Naam, tu^aweza
tusipok'uta upepo wala mvua. Walipiga mbiu langoni
asubuhi kusema kwamba waturnwa wadio bwanazao
wafaadka huru.

STUDY VIII

My father's friend has come welcome him.

to visit us,
I know him, he is not a stranger.
Welcome, Bwana,
come inside. Do not disturb yourself, Bibi, (please) do
not get up. I am only come to bring news. What news ?
Are all well? All are well, thank you. The tidings are
only of (good) health. Moreover your father and mother
send warm greetings, they want news of you. All are
well here. We want news of (the place) you come from.
With us, there has been heavy rain, so much so that
every one is rejoicing. For rain means abundance (of
food). That is true, Bwana, and let us trust (pray) that
it will come here as well. Please God it will come.
Boy bring biscuits and lemonade for the visitor.
!

(There's a knock at the door.) May I ome in? Come

in ! Do come inside. Sit down, gentlemen How do !

you do ? We are well, thank God. These guests come

from Europe. They have brought a letter for (our)
master. Call that lad (and tell him) to take this letter
quickly. Look, boy, go with this letter to Abdullah the
teacher, he will give you an answer himself. The teacher
is talking to his Uncle and Aunt.

Mt'u apiga hodi. Mwambie angie ndani. Yafosha

kusema " Karibu," atengia hapana budi. Jina lako
138 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

n'nani ? Hunijui, ni mgeni kwenu. Niwia radhi, n'na-

kuja kuomba wali, ni mgonjwa mimi. Ukiwa mgonjwa,
huwezi AfudAali
kula wali. unwe maaiwa. Twaa
pesa hizi, ukanunue maziwa. Ahasanfa, Bibi, sipendi
maziwa, t'antmua kikombe cha kahawa. Wako wagonjwa
tele mjini siku hizi. Ndiyo, lakini zamani walikuwa
zaidi. Nduguyo anakuja, arfakani ? Atfaka kuonana nawe.
Atfangoja hate, kesho usipoweza kusema nae sasa. N'a-
ngoje basi, yuaja sikuzof'e. Asema kwamba jamaa zakwe
wam'^ukia, iena wanazua neno juu yakwe.

STUDY IX
My waistcoat wants stitching. Take it to the tailor
in the Main Street. That tailor does not sew well.
Perhaps if he borrows a machine he could do it. I will
tell him. Your tunic is torn, you must take it off.
What shall I do ? I cannot wear my father's tunic.
Take mine (tunic), it will do for you. Thank you, my
friend, it will do nicely. Truly, without a friend a man
cannot live in the world. I have lost my
handkerchief.
No ! It is not lost, this child found it this morning here
on the verandah. I am very glad because my mother
gave it to me some time ago. The girls' skirts want
washing ask them if they have bought some soap. The
;

girls are not here now, they are gone for a walk in the
town. Are they gone far ? I do not know where they
went. I will send this neighbour to look for them.

Vilemba vya wapagazi vinapoiea, wasema kwamba

wevi walikuja jioni wakaviiba. Wakiwaona wale wevi
watfawapiga na kuwatia p'ingu. Si vyema kuiba.
Tumvike leso kijana kike huyu, yatosha. Hatfaona
baridi, jua ni kali mtfana. Aialala wapi usiku ? Atfalala
na ndugu zangu wake, wao wafam'funza. Jirani yetu
amepimiwa joho, a<anye<a sana. Mwavuli wako uko
vvapi ? N'nauatfa ukumbini, /afacZAali ulete. Nisamehe,
nalisahau kuleta mshipi wako wa hariri na mfuko wako.
 KEY TO EXERCISES 139

Mwalimu wenu alikuja kuomba viatu vyangu jana, lakini

sikuweza kunipa. Haid/mru, a/ak'e/i nyumbani na; ku-
pumuzika.

STUDY X
Europeans are very fond of oranges, they are always
coming to the market to buy them. How are the
Zanzibar oranges sold nowadays? They are (sold)
dear, three pice each, for this reason, they are not easy
to obtain (many). Our friends were looking for a goat
to purchase, but they did not see one. What would they
have done with a goat ? they have no place to put it.
(Quite) true, they have no place; probably they would
have killed it for food. A goat has a lot of meat (on it),
sufficient for many persons. If you buy it cheap it is
very profitable. Look, sir do you want some bananas ?
!

How much are your bananas ? Four for a pice, sir.

Oh I can't buy those bananas, they are rotten. Let
!

us go to that poor man, he is selling many things

-
young cocoanuts, dates, sweet potatoes, vegetable
marrows, pumpkins, limes, and even onions and rice.
Ask him how he sells the rice what price per pound ?
;

Don't touch that bull, he is very fierce.

Soko ya samaki si mbali, jee uJakwemla kuiangalia?

Ndiyo, lakini sikulipa unga huu. Unga ule ni ghali,
twende kwa mt'u mwengine. Mt'u yule amezoea kuda-
nganya Wazungu. Una haki ni mwivi. Jnzi alishi-
ndana nami juu ya kasuku. Yeye aliteka pesa nyingi,
lakini mimi nalijua kwamba yule kasuku alikuwa mgo-
nj\va, na ena hakuwez* kusema neno. Basi niku/ukua
kikapu changu, nikamuatfa. Alikasirika sana, na sasa,
nikipita, sikuzotf'e afanya neno kunisumbua. Fujo hili
lot'emaana yakwe n'nini? Mwanamke huyu masikini
anapata hasai-a mai yakwe jot'e yanaanguka nae hawezi
kuyazoa. Madobi na masaramala na mafundi wof'e
hupatikana sokoni.
140 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

STUDY XI
That shopkeeper is a dishonest man (man who has
not honesty). If he changes a rupee he gives (people)
bad pice. Look here, old fellow, a groat is worth how
much (has how many pice) nowadays? A groat, (my)
child, is sixteen pice, or four annas. Some time ago I
got seventeen pice for a groat. I do not think you got
all those pice for a groat ; perhaps you have forgotten.
I owe so-and-so two dollars, and I have nothing to pay
him. saw him the other day, and I said to him, " Wait
I
a You are indeed poor you had better go and
little." ;

work somewhere that you may earn (get) some money ;

so-and-so will not wait long. If I had half a rupee I

would have bought a little unbleached calico (and) have
(had) a coat made for me. Half a rupee is not enough for
a coat, you will want more ; perhaps for a rupee and a
half, or three-quarters of a dollar, they will let you have
a very small coat. Ask the owner (of the shop). Is any
one there ? Come in, welcome Give u four hands of
!

twill calico, sir. That will do for a coat, will it not ?

It will do quite well, my boy it is good cloth, it comes
;

from Europe. And you yourself, do you want something ?

I want some nails and some sacks and some brass wire.

Kufanya biashara ni vyema, yaleta fai<ia nyingi.

Ukianza na pauni moja utfapata mbili baacZa ya siku chache.
Lakini yakupasa kufikiri na kuhasibu sana ununuapo
bidhaa yako. Na tena yakupasa kufokuwa na mizani ya
uwongo, au wat'u wafakudfai, /ena warfakukimbia, wa<a-
" Ni mt'u
sema, mbaya, tusinunue kwakwe." Mt'u
mwema hawezi kurfanganya jirani zakwe. Wawiwa ni
mwenyi duka yule ulinunua kwakwe mikono minane
ya bafutfa jana, wala hukumlipa. Si shuhuli yako,
mbot.a watusumbua bure? Tufamlipa kesho. Dhahabu
na sifuri hazivundiki. Chuma ni k'itu chema. Mdfeni si
mwongo sikuzof'e. Pasua kuni hizi. Aina ile ya nguo
Haifa! kwa k'anzn, ina alama-alama.
 KEY TO EXERCISES 141

STUDY XII
His hair is black, his teeth are white. Blood is (a)
red (thing). Legs and arms and shoulders and lips and
eyes and ears and knees we have in twos, but head and
face and mouth and stomach and heart we have singly.
How many fingers have you ? I have ten fingers. How
many fingers and toes have you? I have twenty fingers
and toes. The tongue has no bone. Teeth and nails and
bones are hard things, but the skin and the tongue and
the cheeks and the uvula and the tonsils are soft. A
man with a stiff neck (i.e. obstinate) is no good. The
skin of the body and the legs needs to be (thoroughly)
washed, but a man will only dip his face and hands in
water. So-and-so's leg hurts him. The ear is not
greater than the head. A man's brain is that which has
intelligence, his body that which has strength, his heart
and veins are where the blood is (lit. are those which
have blood). Women's hair needs to be combed with a
comb.

Nyosha mkono wako upande huu. Mwambie anio-

nyeshe gun lakwe. Ni p'ua inuk'ayo harufu, ni ulimi
uoncZao famu ya chakula. Kunrfani mikono, watoto,
msimame sawa sawa. Ni kilimi kinisumbuacho, cha-
/aka kuk'atwa Yanipasa kwenda kwa dakifari. Mwe'-
nyiezi Mngu aliumba binadamu akampa akili na nguvu.
Waume wanyoa, wanawake hawanyoi. Alituonyesba
ini na mafigo na mbavu za kondoo aliyeuzwa sokoni jana.
Fumzi zatoka kifuani. Wevi walimuumiza k'oo na ma-
ungo. Ngovi yakwe ni laini. Mkono wangu wa kuume
waniuma, wa kushofo hauna neno. Ni visigino vyakwe
vifakavyoumia kwa viatu vile.

STUDY XIII
The there is nothing that binds it. That
sea is vast ;

old man wasformerly a sailor ; he travelled as far as

Muscat and distant islands. The rivers of this country
 142 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

are not large. This Arab's boat is the one that always
takes us to Frere Town. Pull hard (the oars), boys, the
tide is going out ; we should have reached the other side
(by now), but you have not been rowing. I am the
fisherman who throws the net. The wind is strong
(much) we had better furl the sail. The vessels of the
;

Swahilis go as far as Malindi and Lamu and Zanzibar,

but they do not reach to Europe. A
canoe has no anchor,
nor a rudder, nor a compas. He who will travel by the
mail-boat must pay the fare. Where are the Indians to-
day? They have crossed over to the landing-place to
ship a cargo in their dhow. The vessel that left here the
other day met with, (lit. was struck by) a storm. Many
passengers were drowned in the sea, not being able to
swim; Where the wave (breaker) is, just there is the
entrance (to the harbour).

Wavuvi hwenda killa siku ku<afu<a samaki katika

uzio, wakiwaona wafurahi. Nahodha nimoja, waliye-
mjua ra6ki zetu, alimfunga mwanawe mlingot'ini kwa
kamba asipate kuzama. Mzungu mdogo kule ForodAani
ndiye apokeae vjeti kwa wale wasafirio katika marfau.
Vukani ng'ambu ya pili, maji yajaa. Asiyevua kwa
mshipi, avua kwa nyavu. Walimuatfa yule masikini
ambae alikuwa karibu na kufa. Umekwisha choka, wala
hatukuona nt'i k'avu bado. Twekani tanga, twende ki-
nani; hatu/aona mawimbi wala miamba, kuna shuari.
Watfakapotfakwa mabaharia, ham'/awak'uta pwani. Ma-
ehua yetu ni fupi, tena makasia ni marefu.

STUDY XIV
Oar brothers whom you were calling have gone to hoe
in the field. The younger one does not even know how
to ptill up weeds that is the reason of the elder one
;

going that he teach his younger brother.

may What
trees are there in your plantation ? There are mango
trees, cocoa-nut palms, guava trees, plantain trees, lime
 KEY TO EXERCISES 143

trees,tamarind trees and baobabs all bear fruit. Besides,

there are cassava and pineapple plants, beans and beds of
sweet potatoes. Very good indeed You have every-
!

thing you want, then, except orange trees. Yes, and

orange trees we do not want because their fruit is no
good. Why? The oranges which I ate here the other
day were very sweet. That may be, but the (their) trees
did not grow here; those nice eating ones (which are
eaten) come from Zanzibar. Do not draw water with a
bucket that leaks.

Wak'ulima wapandao mbeyu mbaya hawatevuna

mavuno mazuri. Mwenyi bus/ani hii hutupa sikuzotf'e
maua mazuri. Hakuna matunda mangi katika ntf'i hii ;

kuna maembe na mapera na mananasi na ndizi tfu-basi 1

Lakini kuna mengine z&idi ndimu na nazi na machu-

ngwa na k'waju na matomoko na malimau, uliyasahau
haya. Jirani zetu hawajatfimba kisima shambani mwao,
wakali wakijenga kibanda. Ndia yenu ni p'ana, yetu ni
iiyembamba. Mwitu uliokuwapo hapa umetemwa wotf'e
kwa mndu. Nyasi na mimea yotf'e inakauka kwa jua kali,
ha<a magugu na majani na miba pia. Tema lile shina
kwa jembe. Si mpanzi peke yakwe ajuae kwamba udongo
huu ni mbaya. Matunda haya hayafai kuliwa, ni mabid
kabisa. Moja tn ni bivu.

STUDY XV
The porters do not want to carry the loads, they say
they are heavy. If they do not carry them they get no
food money then. Tell them it is not far where we are
going to-day, when they arrive they (will) can rest. The
headman is very severe, he has no pity he is always
;

scolding the men. And then again this morning the

guide missed the way and we got lost in the jungle.
When we were in there we came across some other
travellers who wereeach carrying a flag and a gun. The
chief of that village is coming to talk to our interpreter,
who is the only one able to translate his language. This
144 BWAHILI GRAMMAR

old man loves to hear the news of the coast. He wants

us to stay here for some days, to camp out altogether and
put up our tents. No ! I do not like (this) place, and
besides the water is finished in the soldiers' gourds, and the
corporal says that they will not put up with it, waiting
much longer. Let them start on the march now at once
then and get off; we have had a halt, that is enough, my
good fellow.
Wat'u wa n^'i hizi hujenga inaboma mijini mwao.
Hupigana kwa nyuta na mishare, mikuki na rungu ;

killa mmoja huJukua ngao. Tujapochoka yatupasa

kuvunrfa k'ambi kesho jimbi likiwika ; mwambie yule
injinga atuamshe alifajiri. Taarishi atekapokuja, asikari
watfapiga mzinga. Ndia hii imekufa, ni heri tururfi.
Ukiumwa ni siafu, u/aumia ela fungu hawautnizi. Mt'u
;

mwenyi nguvu aweza kuinua mtfaimbo. K'ata za wana-

wake zilianguka shimoni. Wapagazi wetu wangeli
/angamka kwamba hatukukaza mwendo. Usiwasemee,
wasiraamie tu.. Wambie wakipata mafuta ya mbono
katika miti hii, wateweza kuyauza watfakaporudi p'wani.

STUDY XVI
This year it did not rain much in the rainy season (or
great rains) but the lesser and latter rains were plentiful,
thank God. It is right that people should rest on Sunday
and work for six days. Why is the rain late (in coming) ?
It is not yet the proper time for the great rains; they
may come on to-morrow, the sky has been very cloudy
all day, doubtless rain will soon fall. On Thursday
night the people came back from their stay at Jomvu at
11 p.m. The moon now is shining all night. Long ago
there was darkness on the earth, then God Almighty
created light and there was brightness everywhere. There
will be new moon next week, at the time the sun sets ;

then the heathen people will get an opportunity for their

dances. Last year the N.E. monsoon (blew) was very
strong, but the S.E. only very slight. What time is it
 KEY TO EXERCISES 145

now? It is ten o'clock in the morning. So-and-so

possesses a silver watch and a gold chain.

Dalili ya mvua ni mawingu. Miongo mi will inapila

tangu alipokufa babaetu. Ulikuwa wapi mwanangu
muda huu wotf'e? Sikwenda pahali, nalike'fi papahapa.
Mamaako alikwita mara mbili t'atu, hukusikia ? Siku-
sikia loloi'e, nalikuwa nimelala. Zamani moja nyota
k'ubwa ilionekana mbinguni. Wat'u wa kale waliifuata,
ikawa kiongozi kwao. Katika nt'i hizi jua latfwa saa
thinaashara jioni. Asubuhi kwacha saa hidaashara.
Jumaa-pili ijayo wa.ta.zidi kuja mapema. Wat'u wema
wapungua ulimwenguni. Mawingu yametanda mbinguni.
Ntf'i imengia ndaa.
Mwenyiezi Mngu daima ameongeza
neema na nguvu kwa wat'u wakwe.

STUDY XVII
A traveller is a poor man even though he be a king.
He who goes up-country must of necessity have patience,
(for)he will doubtless meet dangers and difficulties (lit.
hard things), maybe he will also suffer loss. Nowadays
travelling is not like (what it used to be) long ago.
Now there a train which takes you anywhere you like
is

hills, valleys, precipices or plains. It goes uphill, it

goes downhill where there are rivers or streams it
;

crosses by a bridge, there is no obstacle that it cannot

surmount (lit. there is nothing that hinders it). And in
addition to this the white man has built railway stations
at every place where the train stops, so that those who
are travelling may have an opportunity of getting in and
getting out just as they like. Now and again there is
war up-country this tribe quarrels with that tribe over
a spring of water or some other matter. Then they fight
and a great many are killed. All sorcerers, wizards, and
witches, are the enemies of mankind.

Hapa pana misheni, wat'u wamepanda mahindi na

mpunga, ngauu na mlama. Kisha wana shauri kuleta
SWAHILI GRAMMAR K
146 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

mkondo wa maji katika ziwa lile kubwa mashambani

mwao kutia maji wakaJi wa kasikazi. Hayo maji
illi

hububujika daima na kumiminika bure juu ya kishaka

kile. Washenzi wak'efio k'ando ya nguu t'atu hutafuna
ttimbaku m/ana kurfwa. Avutae tumbaku sharti atumie
kiko. Walipatana kutuongoza mahali penyi mipira na
mipingo pamoja na mikoraa, lakini tulipofika mjini mwao,
walikataa. Taifa hii ina ng'ombe chache tu, wenyewe
huketia n<i ya kunge na \imande. Maji ya/iririka mlimani
ha/a nti ya t'ambarare.

STUDY XVIII
Asportsman went up-country to hunt big game such
as lions, elephants, buffalo and rhinoceros. He wrote on
a hundred Wakamba porters to accompany him. He took
two horses and five mules. On the way he shot one
giraffe, three haartebeest, and four gazelles in order to
procure food for his men. After sixteen days' march they
came to a place abounding with monkeys and apes.
While they were watching how these creatures jump
from tree to tree, they heard a lion roar near them. They
were all afraid except the hunter himself who was carry-
ing a large European rifle for the purpose of shooting
fierce beasts of this kind. When he went near to examine,
a lioness appeared in front of him. He immediately
levelled his gun and shot a bullet into her side; she
dropped down and died on the spot. But her two male
companions who accompanied her, when they heard her
cry, ran out of the jungle. At this juncture his gun-
carrier was seized with fright, and saying, " This sort of
work terrifies," he ran away ! Thus the poor hunter was
left alone without a weapon. The lions leaped on him,
tore him in pieces and ate him. Insects which inhabit
people's houses are these mosquitoes, scorpions, centi-
pedes, fleas, bugs and wall lizards. The ones that re-
appear constantly and cause great destruction of property
are the white ants.
 KEY TO EXERCISES 147

Satu ni nyoka mkubwa, aweza kushetfa p'unda au

p'unda milia radogo. T'ui na mafisi hutembea-fembea
iisiku mmoja-mmoja, vibok'o hwenda kwa kundi. Mbweha
wana makao yao mwituni, ela mbwa hupenda kuk'etfi
nyumbani mwa bwana zao. Nyuni wotf'e na p'opo wana ma-
bawa wapuruka-puruka angani. Mabatfa, k'anga, mwewe
;

na nrfiwa waweza kupuruk'a mbuni ni nyuni wakubwa

;

hawapuruki. Ngwena hana ulimi. Mburuk'enge ana

mkia mrefa, hula mai. Nyama ya nguuwe na vitangule
ilikatazwa kwa wat'u wa kale. P'aka na simba wana
ndimi za kuparuza. Pole p'ole ya k'obe humfisha mbali.
Nyani na t'umbiri k'ubwa hufanana na wat'u. Atambaae
kizani asitfahili kupigwa bunduki. Ngamia ni nyama
wakubwa, watfukuao mizigo mizito ngamia mmoja aweza
kurfukua mzigo wa p'embe wa ratfli mia t'atu u thamanini.

STUDY XIX
Sir, this man is very ill, his whole body is swollen.
Tell him to comehere, then, that I may examine him.
Good morning, mygood fellow, how are you feeling ? I
am ill, sir, very ill indeed. Poor fellow, cheer up God !

will heal you of the sickness you have and you will get
better. I am only a physician. He who works the cure
is (God) Himself. Oh but I am very ill, sir, and I do
!

not know whether I shall pull through this disease or

not. Please God, you will pull through. old are How
you now ? Maybe I am about fifty-five, sir. Well, stay
here with us a few days and keep in bed. will give We
you some medicine to make you sleep and then presently
you will feel better and will go back home again. Thank
you, sir, thank you, I will stay and I'll try and make
myself happy (lit. comfort or quiet my heart). What is
the matter with you, child ? Oh I have a great many
1

troubles first of all I have jiggers in my feet, then I've

been pricked by a thorn in my finger. Your troubles are
not very serious, my child they will soon be got over,
;

I think. Come here to me and let me take out both the

jiggers and the thorn it's only a little matter, it can all
148 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

be done in a minute. Doctor this blind man is calling

!

you. He says he has suffered

" great pain in his eyes since
liewent to that " Nyika witch-doctor. It is his own
stupidity then, I warned him not to go. Those medicine-
men know absolutely nothing unless it is how to injure
and deceive people. Tell him to sit down and I will
come directly, there are others who are waiting for me
people with leprosy and anaemia and skin disease and
various other complaints.

Hii ni Asipitfali ya Sirikali wauguzwapo wat'u weupe.

Wat'u weusi hwenda Asipiteli ya Misheni iliyoko
kisiwani. Huko dawa hutolewa killa sikii kwa killa
mt'u ajae awae yotf'e. Wauguao hugangwa na kutfunzwa.
Zaidi ya haya madakitari hufundisha hirimu wenyi akili,
kazi hii ya hurutna. Wasairfia hao huosha vidonda, hufoa
dawa, hung'oa meno na kufunga majaraha. Wale wenyi
baridi, makohozi, vifua, baridfi yabisi, mafua na hooia
huk'etfi nyumba moja, wenyi fete nyumba ya pili, na wale

wauguao maipu, au t'ambazi, au p'ele, au madonda au

mbuba huk'eti nyumba ya tatu. Bind yak we yule kiwe/u
iajiri alikuja jana na kiipu tfungu leo kinaiva, dakifari
;

akakipasua. Usaha mwingi ukatoka. Hawa mabubwi wa-

wiliwana homa. Wape killa mt'u matone matfano ya hiyo
dawa ya kutoa jasho, kawambie warudi nyumbani na
kulala. Ni dasifuri hapa, killa mt'u atekae rfawa sharti
ajena /upa Kwa
tupu na iliyo safi. Kwa
nini hutulii ?
sababu wanitonesha jaraha. Mama wa kunilea aona
maumivu mwilini moi'e, akohoa na kuchemua <7aima.
Usingie nyumba ile usije ukapata fete za maji.

STUDY XX
As you bring up your child, so will he grow. An
Indian professor has opened a school in the Old Town, for
teaching English. His pupils are neither taught writing
nor sums. He has written down the names of twenty-
four children in his register, but I hear that they do not
attend regularly (lit. do not persevere to come everyday)
 KEY TO EXERCISES 149

and he (himself) has no authority over them. At our

school weare taught Addition, Subtraction, Multiplica-
tion, and Division. We have maps on the wall, that we
may get to understand about the world we live in this
study is called Geography. Then again we have slates
and pencils and pens and a blackboard and chalk every-
thing that is necessary. Our teacher is very clever at
playing the harmonium ho makes us sing all sorts of
pretty songs. On Prize Day (lit. the great day for giving
out prizes) we are to sing them before all the Europeans
and a whole crowd of people. There will be races, too, on
that day, each boy competing with his fellows in running
and jumping and other things. Those who win will get
presents and prizes, while all the people clap. All parents
ought to send their children to our school. Obstinacy and
laziness and vulgar language are not allowed under any
circumstances. Every one must take pains to make
progress.

Mwanzo wa hikima yot'e ni kumcha Mngu na kushika

amri zakwe. Mwanawe liwali hasomi lena, amehirimu.
Babakwe alimpeleka skuli alipokuwa mdogo kabisa, nae
mwenyewe akafanya bidii na kujitfahidi, hate akapata sifa
iiyingi k wa mwalimu wakwe juzi, alipoondoka maeZarasani.
Mtoto akikosa, sharti afake msamaha, nae atesamehewa ;
lakini akifife kosa lakwe na kunena uwongo, afapata aibu,
nao wazazi wakwe watfasikiJika. Watoto hao wanawake
hawana adabu walahishima huteza miana kutfwa, fenaha-
;

wana mt'u wa kuwafunza. Kwamba walipata ruhusa kuja

kusoma hawangekuwa watukutu na ushupavu kama vile
walivyo. Mapenzi ni k'itu chenyi thamani k'uu duniani.
Kwa mapenzi twaweza kusaidia wale waonewaona kuwa-
funza wale ambao hawana ilimu. Si kawaicfa huku kuomba
bakishishi, afanyae neno hili hana haya kabisa. Mwenzio
akikutangulia usifukiwe. Hirimu wapatao daraja ni
wale wahishimuo wazazi wao na wakufunzi wao. Naona
waziwazi kwamba hufaweza kumaliza kazi yako ijumaa
hii.
150 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

STUDY XXI
True religion is the one which leads us to God and
comforts our souls. We believe that it is the Christian
who has this religion. The Muhammedan calls the
Christian unbeliever (or infidel) ; but at the same time
he holds (says) that, " An unbeliever who suits your
purpose is better than a Muhammedan who does not."
The meaning of this is that, although he is very tenacious
of his religion 'and despises all other religionists except
his own, he is not at all above making use of (these so-
called) unbelievers, if he finds profit in doing so. The
Creator of heaven and earth and of all things therein is
God Almighty. He who redeemed us by dying for us ou
the Cross, is His only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who is
the Saviour of all the inhabitants of the world. He who
instructs our minds and controls our spiritual beings is
the Holy Spirit/ who is worshipped and glorified together
with the Fatherland the Son. In the Church of Christ
there are three orders bishops, priests (or presbyters)
and deacons. The work of them all is to preach the
gospel and to feed the flock of God. This flock is the
whole company of faithful people. Christ ordained two
sacraments for His followers -Baptism and the Lord's
Supper this latter is also called the Holy Communion.
:

The Bible contains the Law of Moses, the books of the

Prophets, Psalms, Proverbs, the Gospels, the Acts of the
Apostles and various Epistles. All these books testify to
Jesus Christ that He is the Son of the Most High ; His
disciples also received Him (as such) being convinced by
all the miracles He did in their presence while He was in
the world. But the greatest thing of all is His wonderful
resurrection from the dead which demonstrated plainly
that He is the complete conqueror over death and hades
and all the powers of hell.

Maisha ya binadamu ni mafupi, fena mawazo yakwe

ni maovu. Kusali hakuondoi dhambi, wala kusujudia
sanamu hakutakasi roho. Waisilamu hunena kwamba kuna
 KEY TO EXERCISES 151

mambo matfano yapasaya kwo wokofu kusali, kufoa zaka

kwa sadoka, kupi ga shahada, kufunga KamadAani na k wenda
Maka. Maagano Mapya yatufundisha kwamba hatuo-
kolewi kwa vitendo vyema, wala kwa mafozi ya foba ilia
;

kwa imam katika Bwana Jesu Masihi aliyekufa kwa ajili

yetu, akafoa na muwili wakwe kuwa sadaka kwa Mngu
kwa madhambi ya ulimwengu mzima. Wale wamwa-
minio hugeuzwa asili ni Koho Mtakatifu, hatfa wakapenda
yale mambo ambayo zamani waliyatfukia na kuiukia yale
amhayo kwanza waliyapenrfa. Dini ya Islam huitwa
" Nrfia i
ahisi," maana, wale waifuatao hawaiakwi kua/a
aua^a za rfunia wala famaa za muwili. Mt'u akisilimu
kisawahili madhambi kama unafiki na udanganyifu si
marufuku kwakwo. Afanyae haki hubarikiwa, avundae
sharia ya Mngu hulaaniwa. Maandiko yaknbaliwayo na
kusadikiwa ni waongofu wa Islam yaitwa "Kuruani"
chuo chenyi sura mia u arubaafaashai'a. Katika mlango
wane, wa si /a, wa sabaa na wa arubaini-na-nane ilimu ya
masliei/ani na malaika hutangazwa. Waaminifu woi'e
hukut'anika msikit'ini killa siku ya ijumaa ndipo awa
hubiripo imamu. Wasawahili hunena, "Shukuru uliyo
" Adhabu
nayo," na /ena ya kaburi ajua maiti."
152 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

TABLES OF MONEY, WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

COINAGE

Silver coins. Eupee. Value 16 annas or 64 pice.

i 8 32
Eupee.
i 4 ,,16
Eupee.
1 2 ,,8
Eupee.
Bronze coin. Pice.Value j anna.
An Anna is four pice. Pesa nne ni anna moja.
Sixteen anna make one rupee. Anna sitfashara, au
kuiui na si/a, ni rupia moja.
Eoboo ya zamani ni pesa thinen wa thalathini, i.e.
thalathini na mbili.
The meaning of " roboo " is, one quarter ; thirty-two
pice or eight annas is the quarter of a dollar. (The old
reckoning.)
Pesa thalathini na mbili, au anna nane, ni roboo ya
riale, ni hisabu ya zamani.
Eoboo rupia ni pesa sitfashara.
Thumuni nipesa sitfashara, maana, ni thumuni ya
riale, i.e. the eighth part of a dollar.
Thumuni rupia ni pesa nane, i.e. the eighth part of a
rupee.

MEANS OF MEASURING CORN, ETC.

1. Kibaba, which may be divided thus

Eoboo kibaba, i.e.
^ kibaba.
Nusu kibaba, i.e. \ kibaba.
Kibaba kasir roboo, i.e. f kibaba.
2. Kisaga, i.e. vibaba viwili.

3. Pishi, i.e. visaga viwili au vibaba vine.

4. Jizila, i.e, pishj
 WEIGHTS AND MEASURES 153

WEIGHTS
1. Eatili, equals 1 pound.
2. Mani, i.e. ratili tatu.
3. Farasila, i.e. ratili thalathini na sita (36 Ibe.).

MEASUREMENTS OF LENGTH
1 .
Shubiri, i.e. a span.
2. Dhiraa, i.e. a cubit equals "shubiri mbili" (two
Hpans).
3. P'ima, i.e. a fathom
" dhiraa
equals nne," or
" shubiri nane" cubits or
(four eight spans).
"
The word " wari is also used by the Indians, it means
a yard, and equals two cubits. Ni dhiraa nibili.
154 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

SPECIMENS OF SWAHILI LETTEK- WRITING.

Letter No. I.

Ilia janabi (mpenzi wangu), sheikh (mtukufu), ali

mukaram (mwenyi kutukuzwa), mukhutaram (ambao
ali

asiyefaa kuuwawa), alakhi (ndugu yangu), ali muaddt

(mwenyi kutimiza ahadi), Hamis bin Shaibu bin Hamis
Salamahulahutaala (rehema ya Mwenyiezi Mngu
il Kiliti,

aliyetukuka juu ya watu), Salamu aleika (amani na iwe

jnu yako), Warakhamatulahi wa barakatu (na rehema
ya Mwenyiezi Mngu na baraka), wabadu (baada ya haya),
tangu sikn uliyoj-afiri hata leo sitasa pata barua yako
wala si wajibu wako katna hayo na walio mbali huonana
kwa barua na barua ni nusu ya kuonana na Mombasa
tarehe ya leo hakxina ziada ya khabari ilia mvua nyingi
sana na nyumba nyingi zimevundika kwa sababu ya
mvua kadhalika na pepo jingi sana na siku hizi kume-
fanya ugumu sana wa vitu mtele na kitoeo naswi tuna-
furahi sana kwa sababu ya mwezi huu ni mwezi mtukufu
wa maulidi ya nabii salalakhualthi wa salama (rehema
ya Mwenyiezi Mngu na iwe kwakwe na amani), na liakhi
(ndugxi yangu), Ali bin Omari amepata mtoto mwana
mume na mwezi huu ukisha nimeazimu kusafiri kwenda
koma shamba siku mbili tatu na watu wote nyumbani
wakusalimu sana na jamaa zako wote wakusalimu sana
tena nataka jawabu ya barua hii ya kunijulisha hali yako
nisalimia jamaa huko pia wote nawe takabadhi darizaui
moja ya kanzu na nusu darizani kofia na vikoi vitatu
mikononi mwa hamili li barua tafudhali niuzia kama vita-
kavyomkini aidha na khabari ya ndia hata sasa hatujajua
mwisho wakwe. Wasalainu. Wakatabahu.
Muhammad bin Maalim bin Bwana Kombo biyedihi.
Ta'rihi Alifu thalatha mia wa aruba wa ishirini, 1324.
Rabiu, Hawaii thamania.
 SWAHILI LETTERS 155

Letter No. 2.

ALHAMDULILLAHI WAHADAHU.
Ilia janabi alimuhibbi aliakram alimukaramu alazizi
alakhi Bwana fulani bin fulani hadahulahu taala, wabadu
nakurifu hali zetu njema wa thamma nawe kuwa kadhalika
ya afia, na zaidi ya khabari klieri nalipoona mtu ajae huko
nimeilazimu nafusi yangu kukuarifu hali yangu na
kuuliza hali yako basi usiwate kuniarifu hali yako nami
kadhalika ya khabari ya huku ni kheri hakuna ilia iii
mvua nyingi mwaka huo twataraji itakuwa kheri tuna-
furahi sana. Maana katika miji yetu isipokuwa mvua
hatuoni vyema na baraka huwa chache tena tunapata
khabari ya kuwa Ulaya ya Paris imekuwa mvua nyingi
mno kisha nti inatetema zinaanguka nyumba nyingi na
watu wangi waliokufa wapata watu alifu tano basi
tunasikitika sana kupata khabari hiyo lakini ndiyo kheri
inaana kulla neno aletalo Mngu ndiyo kheri. Nawe
usiwate kuniarifu khabari za huko upande wa kwenu
hala hala. Wasalamu.
Wakatabahu, Mula Alii bin Abdirrahaman biyedihi.
Ta'rihi ithenashara Kabii Liawal. Sanati thalatha
niia na aruba wa ishirini.
156 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Letter No. 3.

ALHAMDULILAHI WHADAHU.

(Addressed to a lady.)
Ilia jinabi alimuhibba alakarama alimukharama alaaza
alaziza indana alukhti fulana binti fulani hadahulahu taala
wabaadu nakuarifu hali zetu ngema wa thamma nawe
kuwa kadhalika ya afia wa zaidi ya khabari khevi nali-
poona mtu ajae huko kwenu nimejilazimisha nafusi yangu
kukujuza hali yangu na kukuuliza hali yako na huku
mjini kwetu tuna furahi sana kwa mvua nyingi lakini
masikini wanazidi hamn sana maana imetoka khabari ya
kuwa mwaka huno kodi ya raajumba itaongezwa basi
masikini wasikitika sana maana hali zao ni nzito hawana
vit'u lakini watafanyaje hawana jinginelo la kufanya
ikenda mno ni kuomba Mngu ndiyo khabari nawe usiwate
kuniarifu khabari za huko upande wa kwenu nami
kadhalika. Wasalamu.
kwa huko wakubwa na wadogo
Nisalimia watu wote
waume na wake na huku watu wote wakusalimu salama
nyingi. Wasalamu.
Wakatabahu, Mula Alii bin Abdirrahamani biyedihi.
Ta'rihi ithenaashara Rabii Liawal. Sanati thalatha
niia na aruba wa ishirini.
 CALENDAR 157

SWAHILI CALENDAR
The Muhammedan year consists of twelve lunar
months, or 354 days, leaving a discrepancy of eleven days
between it and the solar year. As this is never rectified
by the introduction of intercalary months, there is no
correspondence between the calendar and the seasons,
and we find the Fast of Eamadhan, for instance, occurring
at all times of the year as it works its way round.
The calendar has thus very little practical value the
seasons, not the months, become the mile-stones in their
annual records. In native letters and documents circu-
lating among themselves their own dates are still used ;

but in commercial and legal transactions the European

system of reckoning time is often adopted, and the
English names of the months are being gradually
assimilated into the language.
The Swahili names for their lunar months are as
follows

Mfunguo Mosi Mfunguo Sabaa

Mfunguo Pili Mfunguo Nane
Mfunguo Tatu Mfunguo Tisia or Kenda
Mfunguo Nne Eajab
Mfunguo Tano Shaban
Mfunguo Si/a Ramadhan

The seasons are briefly

Kasikazi or Musimu, period of N.E. monsoon from
November to March.
Maleleji, short period of calms between the former and
the
Kusi or period of S.W. monsoon lasting from April to
September.
Kipupwe, part of Kusi, period of cool winds in June and
July.
158 SWAHILI GRAMMAR
" fair winds " in
Demani, August and September.
T'anga Mbili, "variable winds" in September and
October.
Maleleji, second period of calms before N.E. monsoon
breaks.

The " rainy seasons " are three, but only the " mwaka "
"
is
"
really dependable.
" They are Mwaka (" former:

"
or
great rains) in April" or May, Mchoo (" lesser rains)
in July, Vuli (" latter rains) in October or November.
"
(For fuller information see African Aphorisms," p. 28.)

EXAMPLES OF SYNONYMS
(DIFFERENT WORDS WITH SIMILAR MEANINGS)

NOUNS
" sum-
notisi, English notice," hila, guile, duplicity,
mons. udanganyifa, deception.
mbiyu, proclamation (by town
crier).
iilani, proclamation, public tk&n&, thoughts, doubts.
notice. azima, intentions, thoughts.
mawazo, tliouglits, ideas, opinions,
ha'kimu, judge, reflections.
muamzi, arbitrator. fikira, consideration, tliouglits.
ka<Z/ti, magistrate.

dhambi (pi.), sin. , difficulty,hardship, trouble.

kosa, fault, mistake, udhia, trouble, bother, annoy-
ba/ili,crime, iniquity, ance, difficulty.
upotofu, iniquity. <aabu, trouble, difficulty, per-
uMalimu, wrong, unrighteousness, plexity.
kuasi, transgression, rebellion, msiba, affliction, calamity.
ithimu, guilt, guiltiness, mateso, sufferings.
ubaya, wickedness, badness, mashaka, misfortune.
uovu, maovu, evil, badness, rZ/tiki, trouble, distress.
ukhaini, treason, treachery, huzuoi, grief, sorrow, anxiety.
ukhiana, guile, deceit, hamu, grief, sadness.
khatia, fault. majonzi, mourning, grief, sadness.
 SYNONYMS AND HOMONYMS 159

VERBS
kumiliki, to reign, to govern, to kushuka, to come or go down, to
possess.
descend,
kutewala, to rule, to govern. ku/eremka, to go or come down,
to descend (easily),
(kn)teleza, to slip or slide down.
kuweza, to be able.
kuwabi, to be able (to go to a kukwea, to mount, to climb (step
place, etc.), by step),
ku'iiriki,to spare time for, to kupanda, to ascend, to go up.
keep an engagement.
kutekabadM, to receive,
kupokea, to receive, to take.
kuzizima, to be, or feel, cool or
damp, kulinda, to keep, to watch,
kufanya baridi, to be [spoiled by] ku/unza, to take care of.
damp, to be mildewed. kubifatfd, to preserve, to spare, to
keep, to defend.
kuweka salama, to protect, to
ku/ftani, to think, to suppose, to
preserve.
presume, kuokoa, to save, to deliver,
kuazimia, to think of, to intend,
kuponya, to cause to escape, to
to resolve,
deliver, to save.
kuwaza (kuaza), to ponder, to
reflect, ku/aabisha, to vex, to perturb,
kafikiri, to consider, to think kuudhi, to trouble, to bother,
over, kusumbua, to annoy, to disturb,
kuona, to feel, to think, to to harass,
imagine. kntesa, to persecute, to molest.

A LIST OF HOMONYMS
(WORDS HAVING DIFFERENT MEANINGS WHICH ARE NEARLY OR QUITE
ALIKE IN SOUND)

k'aa, crab. kafa, page of book,

kaa, ember. (kuji)kala, to strain,
(ku)kaa, to dwell, to stay. mkata. poor man.
k'amba. prawn. kawa, dish cover (of plaited
kamba, cord (of cocoa-nut fibre). grassV
kanga, spur of cocoa-nut palm. (ku)kawa, to delay.

k'anga, guiuca-fowl. kitoto, small child,

(ku)kanga, to fry. kitoto, narrow street, alley,
crooked path.
k'ata, head-pad.
kata, ladle (threequarters of a clap (with the hands),
k'ofi,
cocoa-nut). part of the hand, double
kofi, flat
(ku)k'ata, to cut. handful.
160 SWAHILI GRAMMAR
k'ombe, shell. (ku)taja. to mention,
kombe (pi. ma-), large flat dish. t'aja, tribute, tax.

rubbish, off-
k'onde, field, cultivated land. f'ama, sweepings,
konde (pi. ma-), fist. scourings.
/ania, end, finis.
kooti, court, court of justice,
(ku)iama, to move, migrate.
koti (pi. ma-), coat. kushika tama, to consider (lit.
hold the cheek).
(ku)kua, to grow.
(ku)wa, to be. tanga, a sail.
kuwa (conj.), seeing that, since. matanga, sails, mourning, f unr-ral
rites.
k'uku, fowl.
(ku)tenga, to wander,
kuku(huku) over there, just there.
mfanga, sand.
kuukuu, old, worn-out.
t'anu, oven, furnace.
maziwa (uo sing.), milk, <ano, five.
maziwa (pi.), lakes.
faa, lamp,
majuto, large rivers, f'aa, obedience,
majufo, repentance, remorse. t'aa, long-tailed fish.

tatu, three.
mto, river.
t'&tu, leaven, yeast, fermented
m<o, cushion, pillow.
matter.
mwembe, mango-tree, i'avu (za maguu), calves (of logs).
wembe, razor. t&va. (pi. ma-), cheek.

mt'u, man. i'awa, louse.

mtn, tamarisk (?), tree growing kutawa, to be in seclusion.
in mangrove swamps.
(ku)teka, to draw (water, etc.).
ndoo, pail, bucket. mateka, captives' booty,
ndoo ! come !
(irr. imp. of kuja). kufeka, to laugh, to smile.

nt'a, wax. (ku)tema, to clear forest, to spit,

nf a, point, end.
(ku)tema, to cut asunder, 1o
slash, to hew, to cut oft'.
n<'i, earth, ground, land,
nt'i, ear rings. (ku)tenga, to alight, to perch .

nti, a chart (?).

(ku)tenga, to separate,
t'enga, sea-monster.
p'aa, gazelle,
t'ete, small-pox,
paa, roofing.
f'ei'e, sparks.
(ku)paa, to ascend.
(ku)tetea, to fight for, to
(ku)piga k'ofi, to clap hands, champion.
(ku)piga kofi, to box the ears (kuXetea, to walk lame, to halt,
(i.e. with the open hand). to totter, to cackle (hen).

p'ia, a top. t'eo, sling, catapult.

pia, also, as well, all. f'eo, sieves, winnowing trays.
 HOMONYMS 161

tezo, game, plaything. (ku)topa, to throw, to throw

t'ezo, adze. away.
(kuXupa, to leap.
tini, fig. kui'upa mpaka, to overstep the
limit.
t'ini, under, underneath, below.
t'uu, ant-hill.
toka !
go away !
), only, merely.
/okaa, chalk, lime.
Utatu, Trinity.
ut'ahi, sourness, fermentation.
(ku)tua, to put down, to set (of
sun).
ko<o, spice from Arabia.
kufua, to rub to powder
koto, play-hour and play-ground
J'ua, blemish, flaw. for slaves .

" milk " k'oto, middle joint of finger

tui, fat, fatness, marrow, k'oto, swivel-hook and line.
(of cocoa-nut). kikoto, switch.
f'ui, leopard.
tundu, cage, nest.
(ku)tukia, to happen, to befall. t'undu, hole.
ia, to hate. kitundu, nest.

fundo, pocket, purse.

tumo, errand. mfundo, grudge, old cause of
<umo, sphere of business, means
of livelihood.
quarrel.

tandu, centipede.
/upa, file. tandu, spider's web.
<'upa, bottle, phial. t'andu (pi.), film on cooked rice.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR
162 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

PART III

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

adj. for adjective. pi. for plural.

adv. adverb. poss. possessive.
appd. ,, applied. prep. ,, preposition.
cf. compare. pron. pronoun.
compr. comprehensive. ref. ,, reflexive.
conj. ,, conjunction. ref. pron. ,, reference pronoun.
contrn. contraction. rel. ,, relative.
cop. copula. sop. ,, separable.
ctr. contrast. sing. ,, singular.
dem. demonstrative. suf. suffix.
distr. distributive. v. verb.
inf. infix. v. c. ,, verb causative.
inter. interrogative. v. intr. verb intransitive.
intj. interjection. v. n. verb neuter.
inv. ,, invariable. v. pas. verb passive.
man. ,, manner. v. prepl. verb prepositional.
n. ,, noun. v. rec. verb reciprocal.
n. prop. proper noun. v. red. verb reduplicated.
n. redup. reduplicated noun. v. ref. verb reflexive.
num. numeral. v. sub. verb subtractive.
part. participle. v. tr. verb transitive.
per. personal. var. variable.
ph. phrase. voc. vocative.

In this Vocabulary, words beginning with a capital lett-r are

complete in themselves: those with a hyphen before them require
some variable prefix.
Nouns are always given in the singular form when one exists.
Derivative forms of the verb are only given in a few instances the ;

student is referred to Study XVII., where the subject is dealt with

in detail. Verbal nouns, obviously derived, are usually omitted,
unless there be some variation in meaning or in form. Numerals
placed after a noun indicate the class it belongs to.
 SWAHILI-ENGLtSH VOCABULARY 163

interpret, to predict, to treat

medically (vide Nyika lagula).
A! (intj.), Oh! Ahadi (n. 3), promise, agreement.
A-a !
(intj.), No ! AhasaiUa (n. 3 and intj.), thank
!

-a (var. prep.), of (agrees with you thanks.

!

the thing possessed). Ahera (akhera) (n. 3), Hades,

AbatJi (adv.), continually, for ever, Invisible World present and
always, perpetually. future.
(Ku)abiri (v. intr.), "to make a (Ku)abidi (v. intr.), to promise.
journey one way, by sea or Ai! (intj.). Oh! (of pain).
land. Aibu (n. 3), shame, disgrace, dis-
Abiria (n. 5), passenger, one who honour, reproach.
crosses over. Aili (n. 3), guilt, guilty party.
(Ku)aburfu (v. tr.), to worship, to Aina (n. 3), kind, sort, species,
adore. class.
Ada (n, 3), custom, usage, habitual Ajabu (n. 3), wonder, astonish-
practice. ment.
Adabu (n. 3), manners, politeness, Ajali (n. 3), fate, destiny, bad
good behaviour. luck, calamity.
(Ku)tia adabu, to teach good Ajili (n. 3), sake, cause, reason.
manners by correction. (Ku)ajiri (v. tr.), to hire, to engage
Adhabu (n. 8), punishment, tor- for payment.
ture. Aka! (iutj.), what next!
(Ku)a'ii (v. tr.), to accompany out (Xu)aka (v. tr.), to build,
of the house. -a kale (var. adj.), of old, olden,
(Ku)adbibu (v. tr.), to punish, to ancient.
torture. Akhiri (n. 3), end, latter end.
A<7ili (n. 3), truth, correct con- (Ku)akhiri (v. intr.), to delay, to
duct, right. remain behind.
Atfui (n. 3) (also plural maadui), (Ku)akbirisha (v. c.), to put off, to
enemy, foe, adversary. postpone.
Afa (n. 5), terror, dread, danger, Akiba (n. 3), store, provision,
disaster, horror (mostly used reserve.
in pi.). Aki(7a (n. 5), officer, captain,
Afarika (n. prop.), Africa. superintendent.
(Ku)afikana (v. rec.), to come to Akili (u. 3), intelligence, wits,
terms, to make a compact or intellect, sense, shrewdness,
covenant. -ako (var. poss. adj.), thy, thine,
Afiuni (n. 3), opium. -akwe (var. poss. adj.), his, her,
Afua deliverance, mercy.
(n. 3), hers, its.

(Ku)afu (v. tr.), to save, deliver, Ala (n. 3), sheath, scabbard.
pr< serve, rescue. Alama (n. 3), mark, spot, sign,
Afudhali (adv.), preferably, better, token.
ratlier. Alama-alama '(n. redup.), little

(Ku)aga (v. tr.), to take leave of, spnts.

to bid farewell to. Kuwa na alama-alama. to be
(Ku)agiia (v. tr.), to give in- spotted.
structions to, to direct. Alasiri (n. 3 & adv.), afternoon
(Ku)agna (v. tr.), to prophesy, io (3 p.m.), in the afternoon.
164 SWAHILl GRAMMAR

Alfajiri (alifajiri) (n. 3 & adv.), (Ku)amirisha (v. c.), to order, to

dawn, daybreak, at dawn or command.
daybreak. (Ku)amrn (v. tr.), to order, to
Alfu, alifu (n. 5 & adj.), thousand, command.
alhamrfu lillahi, praise God, (Ku)amsha (v. tr.), to awaken, to
thank God. rouse out of sleep.
Alhamisi (n. 3 &
adv.), Thursday, Amu (n.), Lamu.
(5th day Jewish reckoning), (Ku)amua (v. tr.), to judge a case,
on Thursday. to settle a dispute, to give
(Ku)alika (v. tr.), to invite, to judgment.
call ;
(v. intr.), to crack, to Ana anna, penny, four pice.
(n. 3),
click, to split. Anasa (n. 3), worldly pleasure.
Alufeni (alfeni) (n. & adj.), two (Ku)andaa (v. tr.), to prepare tasty
thousand. dishes.
Ama (conj.), or, but. (Ku)andama (v. tr.), to accom-
(Ku)ama (v. intr.),
to lie on the pany, to follow.
chest, to suck. Mwezi ukianrfama, at the new
(Ku)amwa (v. pass.), to be suckled. moon (when the next moon
(Ku)amwisna (v. c.), to suckle. succeeds this).
Amali (n. 3), trade, occupation, (Ku)ancfomislia (v. c.), to cause
endeavour. one to follow another.
Amani (n. 3), peace, security, (Ku)andika (v. tr.), (1) to lay or
tranquillity, harmony. set in
O'der, to place on, to
(Ku)amba (v. intr.), to say, to plaster; (2) to write; (3) to
speak. ordain.
Ambari (n. 3), Ambergris. (Ku)anga (v. intr.), to count, lo
(Ku)ambata (v. tr.), to stick, to reckon.
cleave, to embrace. (Ku)angama (v. n.), to be caught
(Ku)ambatana (v. rec.),
to stick to or entangled (in falling).
each other, to cling together, (Ku)angamia (angamika) (v. n.),
to be joined. to perish, to be lost.
(Ku)ambia (v. prepl.), to say to, Anga (n. 5), atmosphere, air,
to tell, to speak, to inform. climate, ether.
(Ku)anibua (v. tr.), to peel, to re- (Ku)angaza(nuUo) (v. tr.), to look
move rind or husk, to pare. up, to fix the eyes, to watch,
(Ku)amini (v. intr.), to believe, to to look out, to stare about, to
trust. keep the eyes open.
(Ku)amka (v. intr.), to awake, to (Ku)angalia (v. tr.), to look, to
wake up, to rouse oneself. pay attention, to behold, to
(Ku)amkia (v. tr.), to greet, to observe, to visit.
salute, to pay respects (in the (Ku)angika (v. tr.), to hang up,
morning). to hang on a peg, to fasten up,
(Ku)amkua (v. tr.), to greet, to
to suspend, to keep in suspense,
visit, to accost or recognise in to be reckonable.
passing. -angu (var. posg. adj.), my,
Amiri (n. 5), commander, officer, mine.
captain, chief. (Ku)angua(v. sub.), to unhook, to
Amri (u. 3), order, command, hatch eggs, to take down, to
authority, right, power. unfasten.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULAEY 165

(Zu)anguka (v. n.), to fall down, (Ku)ata burn (v. tr.), to set free,
to drop down. to release, to let be, to let
(Ku)angushia (v. prepl.), to knock alone.
down by means of. (Ku)atana (v. rec.), to leave mu-
Anuwani (n. 3), address, inscrip- tually (divorce).
tion, superscription. (Ku)atisha (kuasa) (v. c.), to wean,
(Ku)anza (v. tr. and iutr.), to to break off, to make leave
begin, to commence, to start, off.
to open. (Ku)atia (v. prepl.), to leave to or
-ao (var. poss. adj.), their, theirs. for or with, to commit to.
(Ku)apa (v. tr. and intr.), to swear, (Ku)atika huru (v. n.), to be re-
to take an oath. leased or set free.
(Ku)apisha (v. c.), to adjure, to (Ku)atilia (v. prepl.), to forgive, to
administer an oath. absolve, to pass over.
(Ku)apiza (v. c.), to swear at, to Ati (intj.) I say look here I
! ! !

curse. suppose so I

-a pili (var. num. adj.) (ord.), the Adhuhuri (n. 3), midday, noon,
second, the other. 12 o'clock in the day.
Arazaki (n. prop.), Provider (used (Ku)atua (v. tr.), to break, to tear
only of God). in two, to rend, to cleave, to
(Ku)arifu (v. tr.), to inform (espe- smite.
cially by letter). Au (conj.), or, even.
Arnbaa (num. adj.), four. (Ku)aua (v. tr.), to examine, to
Arubaa<ashara (num. adj.), four- survey, to visit, to search, to
teen. view, to see after.
Anibaini (num. adj.), forty. (Ku)aulia (v. prepl.), to look after
Arujuwani (n. 3), purple. for (some one).
(Ku)asa (v. c.), (vid. kuatisha). Aula even.
(conj.), or,
Asa (conj.), if, supposing (followed Auni help, succour.
(n. 3),
" ka"
by tense). (Ku)auni (v. tr.), to help, to suc-
Asali (n. 3), asali ya nyuki, honey ;
cour.
asali ya miwa, treacle, cane Auteni (n. 7), home (see watani),
syrup. habitation.
Asbara (num. adj.), ten. (Ku)aza (v. to ponder, to
intr.),
Asi (n. 5), rebel, apostate. meditate, to think.
(Ku)asi (v. tr. and intr.), to rebel, Azima (n. 3), resolve, purpose, in-
to be disobedient. tention.
Asikari (n. 3), soldier, policeman. Azima-mbi (n. 3), wicked schemes,
Asili (n. 3), origin, root source. evil devices.
Asiye-neno, innocent person. (Ku)azima (v. tr.), to lend, to
AsubuM (n. 3), morning, this borrow.
morning; (adv.) in the morn ing. (Ku)azimia (v. intr.), to intend, to
Asubuhi sana (adv.), early in the purpose ;
(v. prepl.), to lend to,
morning. to borrow from.
Asubuhi yakwe (adv.), on the fol- (Ku)azimu (v. intr.), to intend, to
lowing morning. purpose.
(Ku)ata (v. tr.), to leave, to leave Azizi (n. 3), rarity, something dear,
off, to cease, to desert, to beloved, cherished,
abandon.
166 SWAHILI GRAMMAR
B Bakora (n. 3), walking stick.
Bakuli (n. 5), basin, bowl.
Baa (n. 3), evil, calamity, plague, Balanga (n. 3), disease that makes
nuisance (pi. mabaa). the skin white.
Baadae (adv.), afterwards, later (Ku)baleghe (v. intr.), to reach the
on. age of puberty.
Baadae p'unde (adv.), after a little, Bali (conj.), rather but, on the
presently. contrary.
Baada ya (advl. prep), after. Balozi (n. 5), consul, commissioner.
Baadhi (n. 3), a certain number, Bamba (n. 5), thin plate or disc of
some (persons). iron, tin, etc. counsel. ;

Baba (n. 3), father, uncle (see Note (Ku)bana (v. tr.), to squeeze
10, Study VIII.). (finger).
Baba wa kambo, step father. Banda (n. 5), large shed or hut,
Babu (n. 3), grandfather, ancestor. booth tabernacle.
Bar/alaya (advl. prep.), instead of, Bandari (n. 3), landing-place,
in lieu of. harbour.
(Ku)badili (v. tr.), to change, to Ban'fia (n. 3), puppet.
alter, to exchange (v. intr.), to Mtoto wa bandia, doll.
change. (Ku)bandika (v. tr.), to lay or
(Ku)badilisha (v. tr.), to transform, place or attach a thing; to
to transfigure, to change. put a plaster on.
(Ku)badilika (v. n.), to be changed, (Ku)bandua (v. sub.), to chip, to
to be altered, to be transformed. break off ;
remove a plaster.
to
Bado (adv.), not yet, not as yet. Bao (n. 3), game played on a board
Bado kidogo (adv.), not just yet, with holes.
after a bit. Bap'a la uso (n. 5), forehead.
Bafe (n. 5). large snake, adder. (Ku)bapn(izi (v. tr.), to baptize.
Bafufa (n. 3), fine longcloth, nain- Bara (n. 3), interior of a country ;

sook. (adv.), up-country, inland.

(Ku)bagua (v. tr.), to separate, to Baradhuli (n. 3), rude fellow,
classify, to sort out, to choose. foolish man.
Bahari (n. 3), sea, large lake. Barafu (n. 3), ice.
Baharia (n. 5), seaman, sailor. Mvua ya barafu, hail.
Bahafi (n. 3),chance, luck, fortune. Baraghumu (n. 3), trumpet, war-
Bahasha envelope.
(n. 3), horn.
(Ku)bahafisha, to guess, to divine. Baraka (n.3), blessing, prosperity.
Bahili (n. 3), miser, avaricious Baraza (n. 5), verandah.
"
person. Baridi (n. 3), cold, coolth," cold-
(Ku)baini (v. iutr.), to distinguish. ness, dampness a cold. ;

(Ku)bainisha (v. c.), to reveal, to Mt'u baridi, person of equable

make manifest. temperament.
(Ku)bainika (v. n.), to become Baridi yabisi (n. 3), rheumatism.
manifest, to be revealed. (Ktribariki (v. tr.) to bless.
(Ku)bainiki (v. tr.), to manifest. (Ku)barikia (v. prep.), to pray
(Ku)baki (v. intr.), to remain over, God to bless ; to knock down to
to be left. (auction).
BakishisM (n. 3), gift, tip, gra- (Zu)barikisha (v. c.), to bless (used

tuity. of God oply),

 SWAHILI-ENQLISH VOCABULARY 167

(Ku)barikishia (v. prep.), to pro- Biblia (n. 3), Bible.

nounce blessing (auctioneer) on Bidbaa (n. 3), merchandise, trad-
thing knocked down to bidder. ing goods.
Barikisi (n. 3), barracks. Bidii (n. 3), enthusiasm, zeal,
Barua (n. 3), letter, note, bill, diligence, pains, ardour, effort.
chit. Bikira (n. 5), maiden, virgin.
Barud (n. 3), gunpowder. Bila (prep.), without, except by.
(Ku)bashiri (v. intr.), to
prophesy, BilasM (adv.), without cause,
foretell,announce, publish. for nothing, gratuitously, iu
(Ku)basiri (v. intr.), to understand, vain.
to be wise, intelligent. Bilauri (n. 3), glass, tumbler.
Basil (intj.), enough, that will Bin (n. 3) (pi. bani), son.
do! Binadamu (n. 3), son of Adam,
Basi (conj.), then, so, well, there- human being.
fore, now. Bindera (n. 3), banner, red turkey
Bastola (n. 3), pistol. twill, flag.
Bate (n. 5), duck. Bindo knot or fold in loin-
(n. 5),
Ba/a mzinga, turkey. cloth, hence pocket or puree.
Bad (n. 3), tin. (Ku)bingiria (v. n.), to roll (of
Batili (n. 3), crime, iniquity, un- itself).
righteousness. (Ku)bingirika (v. n.), to roll, to
Bawa (n. 5), wing, pinion. roll down, to roll away.
Bawabu (n. 5), door-keeper, (Ku)bingirisha (v. c.), to take or
janitor. roll away, to remove, to roll
Bawasili (n. 3), piles, hemorr- along.
hoids, Bind (n. 3) (pi. banati), daughter.
-baya (var. adj.), bad, hurtful, (Ku)bisba (v. intr.), to knock at
noxious. the door, to announce oneself
(Ku)beba (v. tr.), to carry a child at a house by calling " hodi " !

on the back in a cloth. Bishipu hi. 5), bishop.

Bega (n. 5), shoulder. Bisikofi (n. 3), biscuit.
Behewa (n.courtyard,
3), en- -bid (var. adj.), raw, green, un-
closure, upstairs lobby. ripe, underdone. (01. 4 con-
Bai (n. 3), bargain, price. cord, kiwid).
(Ku)vuno(a bei, to undersell. -bivu (var. adj.), ripe, well-
(Ku)bembea (v. tr. & intr.), to cooked.
swing, to rock. Bizari (n. 3), curry-powder.
Bendera (n. 3) (see bindera). Boga (n. 5), pumpkin.
(Ku)jibenua (v. ref.), to lean Boma (n. 5), stockade, fence,
upon. fortress, palisade, hedge.
(Ku)benuka (v. neut.), to bend, Bomba cylinder, funnel of
(n. 5),
bulge out, be crooked, be lean- steamer, pump, pipe.
ing. (Ku)bompa (v. tr.), to pull down,
Beramu (n. 3), banner, flag. demolish, destroy.
Betoto (n. 3), owl. Bonde (n. 5), valley.
Biasbara (n. 3), trade. (Ku)bonyea (v. neut.), to sink in,
Bibi (n. 5), lady, mistress, grand- to pit, to be soft.
mother, wife, madam. Bop'o (n. 3), gulf, gulley, valley,
Bibiharusi (n. 5), bride. deep place.
168 SWAHILI GRAMMAR
Bora (inv. adj.), best, noble, great, (Ku)busiana (v. reo.), to kiss each
important. other.
Boriti (n. 3), beam, pole, rafter. Buu (n. 5), worm, maggot.
Borohoa stew, hotch-potch,
(n. 5), Buyu (n. 5), fruit of the baobab
pottage, mashed beans. tree, calabash.
(Ku)boromoka (v. neut.),to slide or (Ku)bwaga (v. tr.), to throw down,
slither down, to slip, to glide, to cause to fall, to dump down.
to fall down. (Ku)bwaga vimba, to murder.
-bovu (var. adj.), rotten, corrupt. Bwana (n. 5), master, lord, sir,
Bua (n. 5), stalk, stem, blade. gentleman.
Buba (mbuba) (n. 3), the yaws or Bwanahamsi, bridegroom.
framboefcia. Bwana Jesu Masihi, Lord Jesus
(Ku)bubujika (v. intr.), to bubble Christ.
up, to burst forth. Bwete (n. 5), small box or desk.
Bubwi (n. 5), dumb person.
BucZi (n. 3), escape.
Sina bndi, I have no escape from : Ch
hence I must.
Buibui (n. 3), spider. Cha (var. prep.), of (4th cl. con-
Bukini Madagascar.
(n. p.), cord).
Bumbuazi (n. 3), bewilderment, (Ku)cha (v. intr.), to dawn (see
dumfoundedness, astonish- Kucha).
ment. (Ku)cha (v. tr.), to fear, to be
(Ku)bunda (v. tr.), to boat down, afraid of.
to annihilate. Chaa (n. 3), tea.
BunJuki (n. 3), musket, gun. Chaa (n. 4), stable or shed for
Buni (n. 3), coffee-berries. cattle.
(Ku)buni (v. tr.), to design, to (Ku)ch'acha (v. intr.), to ferment,
found, to invent, to originate. to turn sour.
Bunzi (n. 5), hornet. -chache (var. adj.), few, small,
Bure (adv.), in vain, to no pur- little.

pose, free, for nothing, gratis. (Ku)chafulia (v. tr.), to spoil.

Buriani (n. 3), leave-taking, part- (Ku)chafuka (v. neut.), to be
ing, reconciliation. excited, to be hurried.
(Ku)burudi, (Ku)burudika (v. Ch'aga (n. 7 pi.), barn, grain-
neut), to be relieved of thirst, stores.
to be refreshed. Chai (n. 3), tea.
Buruhani (n. 3), earnest, pledge, Chaka (n. 4), summer-heat,
token. drought, desolation.
Buruji (n. 3), fortification, castle, (Ku)chakarisha (v. intr.), to
defence, bulwark. flutter.

(Ku)buruta (v. tr.), to drag. Chakula (n. 4), (something) to eat,

Busara (n. 3), prudence, under- food, meal, eatable.
standing, sense, subtlety, Chamba (n. 4) hiding-place, den,
caution, discretion. shelter, secret-place for way-
Bushuii (n. 3), cloak of camel or laying.
goat's hair (burnoose, blanket). Chambo (n. 4), bait.
Bustani (n. 3), garden. Chandfa (n. 4), finger.
(Ku)busu (v. tr.), to kiss. Ohani/a cha gnmba (n, 4), thumb.
 SWAHILT-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 169

-changa (var. adj.), young, im- Ch'uguu (n. 3), heap, pile (lit.
mature, unripe, embryonic. Ant-hill).
Ch'ango (n. 3), intestines, bowels. Chuki (n. 4), anger, irritation.
(Ku)chanja (v. tr.), to cut, to Chumba (n. 4), room, chamber,
prick, to cleave (used of vacci- bedroom.
nation and of native tattooing), Chumbani, in prison, in confine-
to split up, to chop (as fire- ment.
wood). Chumvi (Zanzibar) (n. 3), salt.
Ghana (n. 4), wooden plate. (Ku)chuna (Zanzibar) (v. tr.), to
Ch'apa (n. 4), stamp, mark. flay, to skin (see kutuna).
(Kuipiga cha'pa. to print. Chuagu (n. 4), cooking-pot (earth-
(Ku)checha (v. tr.), to trench (the enware), vessel.
soil). Chungwa (n. 5), orange (large).
(Ku)chelea (v. prepl.), to be in Ch'ungwa (n. 3), orange (small).
fear of. Chunyu (n. 3), brine, gait-crust,
(Ku)chelewa (v. intr.), to be late. salt desert.
Chembe (n. 4), arrow-head. Chuo (n. 4), book.
(Ku)chemka (v. intr.), to boil, to Mwana wa chuoni, scribe,
bubble up. scholar.
(Ku)chemua (v. intr.), to sneeze. Chuo cha majina, register, mark-
Chengo (n. 5), halting-place, rest- book.
ing-place.
Chenza (n. 5), tangerine, orange.
Chep chep !
(intj.), be quick ! 1)
look alive !

Cheo (n. 4), measure, degree, 73afu (n. 5), young cocoanut.
honour, position. DaftUari (n. 5), account-book,
Chetezo (n. 4), cen-er. record.
(Ku)chewa (v. pass.), to be feared. Dahari (adv.) for ever, evermore.
Chicha (n. 5), fibrous part of (Ku)dai (v. tr.), to claim from, sue,
grated cocoa-nut from which demand from.
"
the " tui has been squeezed. (Ku)rfaia (v. prepl.), to plead
Chichi (n. 3), old word for fish. (legally).
Chichiri (n. 3), bribe. Daima (adv.), continually, always,
Cho (var. rel. part.), which, that, perpetually.
it. (Ku)daka (v. intr.), to catch,
(Ku)choka (v. intr.), to be tired, seize.
to be weary, to be fatigued. Dakika (n. 3), instant, minute,
Chombo (n. ~4), vessel, utensil, moment.
tool. Z>akiki (adv.), completely, abso-
Ch'onge (n. 3), canine teeth. lutely.
Choo (n. lavatory.
4), .Dakifari (n. 3), doctor, physician.
(Ku)cfiora (v. tr.), to carve, en- .Dalili (n. 3), sign, token, trace.
grave, make deep lines or 7>ama (n. 3), sheet (of a sail).
marks. .Damu (n. 3), blood.
Choyo (n. 4), selfishness, greedi- (
Kujdandamana (v. n.), to swarm.
ness, churlishness, parsimony. (Kui'/angana (v. n.), to be de-
Cb.ua (chnla) (n. 4), frog. ceived, to be deluded.
(Ku)chubuka (v. n.), to be grazed. (Ku)danganya (v. tr.). to deceive,
170 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

to impose on, to mislead, to (Ku)dharau (v. tr.), to

despise.
disappoint. Dharuba storm, stroke.
(n. 3),
Daraja (n. 3), stairs, steps, stair- Dhihaka (n. 3), derision, scornful
case, bridge. laughter, ridicule.
Uaraja (n. 3), degree, promotion, (Ku)dnihaki (v. tr.), to deride, to
preferment, honour, order. mock, to ridicule.
Daraka (n. 3), responsibility. (Ku)dhii (v. iutr.), to waste or
Kutwaa <?araka, to be respon- pine away, to be in distress.
sible. Dhiki (n. 3), t traits, perplexity,
Zterasa (n. 5), class, lesson, lesson- trouble, distress.
hour. (Ku)dhikika (v. n.), to be troubled,
Daxi (n. 3), upper storey, house perplexed, tormented.
top, roof. (Ku)dhili (v. tr.),to despise, set at
7>ariri (n. 3),embroidery. nought, abase, belittle.
(Ku)darizi (v. intr.), to embroider, Dhiraa (n. 3), cubit, arm, half-
embellish. yard (nearly).
/)arubini (n. C), telescope, bino- (Ku)dhoofika (v. intr.), to become
culars. weak or faint.
D&n (n. 3), native boat, dhow, Dhuli misery, wretchedness.
(n. 3),
dug-out. (Ku)dhuru (v. tr.), to
hurt, injure ;

7>auwa (n. 3), cause, lawsuit, case, (v. intr.), to matter.

litigation. Haidhuru, nevermind, it does not
D&vra. (n. 3), medicine, remedy, matter.
cure, physic, lawsuit (see ilia (n. 3), compensation, reward,
(Jauwa). revenge, amends, blood-money.
(Ku)dawaa (v. intr.), to hesitate, Dibaji (n. 3), preface.
to be in suspense or doubt, to />ini (n. 3), religion.
be doubtful, to be perplexed. Dira mariner's compass.
(n. 3),
D&w&ti (n. 3), writing-desk, box, (Ku)dira to cut, shear.
(v. tr.),
cash-box. Dirii (n. 3), metal shield, buckler.
i'emani (n. 3), period of fair winds, (Ku)diriki (v. intr.), to spare time,
between S.W.&N.E. monsoons, keep an engagement ;
(v. tr.),
about August, cool season. to meet, await.
Dengu (n. 3), lentils. Dirisha (n. 5), window.
Deni (n. 3 & 5), debt. Divei (fr. duvin) (n. 3), wine.
Mr/eni, debtor. Dobi (u. 5), washerman.
Mwenyi deni, creditor. -dogo (var. adj.), small, little.
JJesturi (dasituri) (n. 3), custom, Dodoki (n. 5), loofah gourd, fruit
habit, customary. of climbing plant which makes
Dliabihu (n. 3), offering, sacrifice. the " loofah."
Dhahabu (n. 3), gold. Donda (n. ft), large sore.
Dhaifu (inv. adj.), weak, wretched, Donge (n. 5), clot, lump, cake, bit,
poor, miserable. morsel.
Dhambi (n. 3 & 5), sin, crime. Dod (n. 3), eight hands (of cloth),
(Ku)dhamini (v. tr.), to give se- nearly four yards.
curity for, to be surety or .Dua (n. 3), prayer, intercession,
sponsor for. petition.
Dhamiri (n. 3), conscience, con- Jtaara (n. 3), windlass, crane (see
ceptions, thoughts. duwara).
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 171

Dude (n. b), thing, what-is-tbe- -embamba (var. adj.), narrow.

namo. Embe (n. 5), mango (Embe dodo,
7>uka (n. 5), shop. large mango).
(Ka)<7umu (v. intr.), to continue, (Ku)enda or (Kw)enenda (v. intr.),
persevere, abide. to go, proceed, set out, walk.
(Ku)dunga (v. tr.), to prick, Amekwenda itwa, (some one) has
pie ice. gone to call him.
Uungu (n. 3), watch-hous a watch- ,
Enda zako! (see Note 2, Study
plantation watchers
-
tower, XIX.), go thy way.
shelter, against wild beasts. (Kw)endea (v. prepl.), to go to, or
l>ua.i (inv. adj.),paltry, mean, for, or towards.
trifling, worthless, despicable. (Kw)endelea (v. prepl.), to go on,
JJunia (n. 3), earth, world. make progress, continue.
7)ura talking parrot.
(u. 3), (Kw)endeleza (v. tr.), to spell ;

7>utu substance, shape.

(n. 5), (v. c.),
to cause to continue, to
7>uwara (n. 3), wheel, trane, make to last on.
windlass, globe (adj ), round.
;
(Kw)endesha (v. c.), to make to go,
drive, guide.
(Ku)eneai (v. intr.), to spread,
penetrate, permeate.
E (Ku)eneza (v. c.), to spread over,
cover, distribute.
-e (var. poss. suf.) (shortened form (Ku)enga-enga (v. intr.), to falter,
of -akwe), his, her, its. mind carefully.
Ee! (iutj.), oh! -engine (var. adj.), other, another,
Ee wallah (intj.), yes (by God)
! ! -enu (var. poss. adj.), your, yours,
all right. -enyi (var. prep, or pro.), having,
(Ku)egesha (v. tr.), to land, bring owning
possessing, Mwana ;

to land (a boat). wa kuomba, prayed-tbr child;

Ehe (intj.), what what then ?
! ! Mwana mwenyi kuomba, pray-
-ekundu (var. adj.), red, crimson, ing child.
scarlet. Enywi (voc. pro.), ye, you.
Ela but, except, that
(conj.), Enzi (n.3), majesty, power,
(slightly adversative). sovereignty, dominion, rule,
(Ku)elea (v. tr.), to be clear or authority.
plain, to enlighten (v. intr.), ;
(Ku)e'pa (v. intr.), to turn back,
to float. duck, draw back, double,
Yanelea, that is clear to me. -epasi (var. adj.), light, slight,
(Ku)elewa ni..., to understand all easy, thin, quick, versatile.
about... Kwa wepesi, quickly, speedily.
(Ku)eleza (v c.), to explain to, to (Ku)epua (v. tr.), to remove,
make clear or plain to. withdraw, turn away, put
(Ku)eleka (v. tr.), to carry. nway, take away.
Elfu (num. adj.) (see Alfu), (Ku)epuka (v. tr.), to avoid, shun,
thousand. be far from, go away from.
Elhasili (adv.), ultimately, finally, (Ku)epukana na (v. n.), to be
-ema (var. adj.), good. separated from.
Ema large wicker basket or
(n. 5), (Ku)epusha (v. c.), to put or thrust
trap for catching fish. away.
172 SWAHILI GKAMMAR
-erevu (var. adj.), cunning, clever, i(fi.
(v. tr.), to be profitable
etc., subtle, shrewd. to.

(Ku)erevuka (v. n.), to become Fakhari (n. 3), glory, excel-

cuuning, clever, etc. lence.
eshe (contd. form of aishe), that (Ku)fana (v. n.), to be successful,
he may finish. to succeed.
-etu (var. poss. pro.), our, ours, (Ku)fanana na (v. recip.), to
-eupe (var. adj.), white, light, resemble, to be like.
bright, clear, clean, guileless. (Ku)fananisha (v. c.), to draw a
-eusi (var. adj.), black, dark, similitude from.
dingy. (Ku)fanidisha (v. tr), to compare,
Ewa !
(intj.), abbreviated form of liken, make alike.
Ee wallah 1
(Ku)fanikiwa (v. intr.), to succeed,
Ewe! (intj.), O! holloa! hi! prosper.
Fanusi (n. 3), lantern.
(Ku)fanya (v. tr.), to make, do,
perform, act towards (un-
F favourably).
(Ku)fanywa (v. pass), to be made.
(Ku)fa (v. intr.), to die, perish ;
(Kujjifanya (v. ref.), to pretend to
(Ku)fiwa (v. pass.), to be be- be, make oneself out to be.
reaved. (Ku)fanya baridi (v. intr.), to
(Ku)fia (v. prepl.), to die to or become mildewed.
for. (Ku)fanya birfii (v. intr.), to take
(Ku)fa ganzi (v. iutr.), to go to pains, make an effort, exert
sleep (of a limb), be callous, be oneself.
seized with cramp, be dis- (Ku)fanya khofu (v. intr.), to be
tracted with grief. afraid, fear.
(Ku)faa (v. tr. & intr.), to suit, do, (Ku)fanyia (v. prep.), to deal
become, benefit, succeed. with, act towards (favourably).
(Ku)fadhili (v. tr.), to show favour (Ku)fanyika (v. n.), to be well
"
to. made, to be doable," be
Fadhili (u. 3), favour, kindness, feasible.
condescension, grace. (Ku)fanyiza (v. c.), to repair.
(Ku)fafanua (v. tr.), to see clearly, Faradhi (n. 3), everyday food.
discern, report, distinguish Faragha privacy.
(n. 3), leisure,
consider. Faraja comfort, rest.
(n. 3),
Fahali (n. 5), bull, male of Farasi (frasi) (n. 3), horse.
animals, warrior. Farasila (n. 3), thirty-six pounds
(Ku)fahanm (v. intr.), to under- (36 Ibs.).
stand ;
(v. tr.), to
remember, (Ku)fariji (n. tr.), to comfort, con-
consider. The final " u " often sole.

disappears, as in (pi. imp.) (Ku)farikana (v. rec.), to be sepa-

" Fahamni." rated, alienated.
Fahamu (n. 3), mind, intellect, (Ku)fariki (v. intr.), to die, de-
memory, intelligence. cease.
Faharasa (n. 3), index. Fasaha (inv. adj.), clean, pure,
Faif/a (n. 3), profit, gain, advan- correct.
tage, (Ku)fasiri (v. tr.), to translate,
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 173

(Zu)fatahi (v. tr.), to open. (Zu)filisi (v. tr.), to bid at auction ;

Fatashi (n. 3), opener, provider, Filisi k'ubwa, highest bid.

supplier. (Zu)filisiwa (v. pass.), to have
(Zu)faulu (v. intr.), to tack (in one's goods distrained, be
sailing). bankrupt.
(Zu)fazaika (v. iutr.), to be Fimbo (n. 3), rod, stick.
troubled, be worried, dismayed. (Zu)finanga (v. tr.), to form,
Fedha (n. 3), silver, money. fashion, frame.
Fedheha (n. 3), confusion, dis- (Ku)flnika (v. tr.), to cover.
honour, shame. (Zu)finikiza (v. c.), to cover by
(Zu)fedhehe (vr. tr.), to shame, inverting.
ridicule. (Ku)finya (v. tr.), to pinch.
(Zu)fedheheki (v. n.), to be put Fira (fia) (n. 3), venomous snake,
to shame, ridiculed. adder.
Feeli (n. 3), wonder, sign, omen. Firigisi (n. 3), gizzard.
Fereji (Feleji) (n. 3), drain, rain- (Zu)fisha (v. c.), to cause to arrive,
pipe, channel, stream. cause to die, slay.
(Ka)fia (v, prepl.), to die to or Fisi (n. 5), hyaena.
for. (Zu)fisidi (v. intr.), to become
(Zu)fidi redeem, ransom.
(v. tr.), to corrupt or vile.
FL/ia (n. 3), ransom, compensa- (Zu)fi<a (v. tr.), to hide, conceal.
tion, blood-money. secrete.
(Zu)fifia (v. n.), to fall, disappear, (Zu)fitamana (v. n.),to be hidden,
fade away, be faint. concealed.
(Zu)fifiliza (v. tr.), to cheat, em- (Zu)jiMa (v. prepl.), to hide,
bezzle. conceal from.
(Ku)filia (v. prepl ), to die to or Fl^ina (n. 3), conspiracy, treach-
for. ery, calumny, disloyalty, in-
(Ku)filiwa (v. pass.), to be be- trigue.
reaved (see Fiwa). Fito (n. 5), slender sticks or poles
Figo (n. 3), kidneys, reins. used in building.
Figili (n. 3), species of large Fiwi (n. 3), bean.
radish. Forodha (n. 3), custom-house.
Fiili (n. 3), doing, deed, action. Foromashi (n. 5), wooden box with
(K'i)fika (v. intr.), to arrive, partitions, cash-box (made of
attain, reach, teak).
(Ka)fikia (v. prepl.), to come up (Kn)fua (v. tr.), to beat (clothes
to, attain to. (in washing), forge (iron, etc.).
Tunafikiliwa ni ageni, a guest Zufua maji, to bale out water.
lias come io us. Mfua chuina. a smith.
(Kuifikilia (the same as Fikia). (Ku)fuasa (v. c.), to teek out,
(Zu)fikiliza (v. c.), to fulfil, cause reproduce, copy a design.
to arrive. (Ku)fuata (v. tr.), to follow, suc-
Fikira thoughts, reflections,
(v. 3), ceed, accompany.
understanding, consideration. (Ku)faataaa (v. rec.), to follow
(Zu)fikicha (v. tr.), to rub between each other, go in file.
the fingers. (Ku)fufuka (v. n,), to rise from
(Zu)fikiri (v. intr.), to consider, the dead.
reflect, think over. (Zu)fofuliwani, resurrection.
 SWAH1LI GRAMMAR

(Ka)fuga (v. tr.), to keep or rear (Ku)fumukana (v. n.), to come to

animals. an end, be separated, be broken
Fujo (n. 5), confusion, muddle, up, scattered.
disorder, tumult. (Ku)funda-funda (v. red.), to dash
(Ku)fuka (moshi), (v. intr.), to in pieces.
smoke, fume, throw off (as Fundi (n. 5), skilled workman,
heat). expert smith, mechanic,artisan.
Fukara (n. 5), poor man, beggar. (Ku)fundikiza (v. tr.), to lay up
(Ku)fukia (v. tr.),to fill up (hole), money.
hide (in a hole). (Ku)fundisha (v. c.), to teach,
(Ku)fukiza (v. c.), to fumigate, instruct.
perfume (uvumba). Fundo (n. 5), knot, purse (formed
(Ku)fukua (v. tr.), to dig (a small by knot ia loincloth), pocket.
hole). Fundo la guu, ankle.
(Ku)fukuza (v. tr.), to drive (Ku)funga (v. tr.), to tie, shut,
away. fasten, bind, gird, attach, im-
Fulana (n. 3), vest, flannel. prison, fast.
Fulani (n. 3), some one, so and Kufunga shariani, to bind in law,
so,a certain person (inv. ; adj.) i.e. to condemn.

such and such (a thing). (Kn)jifunga (v. ref.), to bind one-

Falifuli (adv.), in crowds, helter self (by promise or contract).
skelter. (For other derivatives of the
(Ku)fulia (v. intr.), to hasten on verb, seeStudy XVII.).
with. (Ku)funga-funga, (v. red.), to tie
(Ku)fulia (v. prepl.), to beat on in places.
(as waves or wind), rise up (Ku)fungiza (v. c.),to besiege.
against. Fungo (n. 3), civet cat.
(Ku)fuliwa ni, to be choked by. Ftmgu (n. 5), portion, part ;
sand-
(Ku)fuliza (v. c.), to make go on bank, shoal.
without stopping, persevere. (Ku)fungua (v. sub.), to open,
(Ku)fama (v. 1r.), to hit, shoot, Tindo, untie, unfasten.
wound ; weave, sew. Fano (a. 3), antelope (small).
(Ku)fumba (v. tr.), to close, stop, (Ku)funua (v. sub.), to uncover,
shut, hide. disclose, reveal.
(Ku)fumbana (v. n.), to
be closed, Fanza (n. 3), maggot, jigger.
be hidden. (Ku)funza tr.), to teach, im-
(v.
to grasp. part knowledge to.
(Ku)fumbata (v. tr.),
Amefumbata mkono, he has (Ku)jifunza (v. ref), to teach one-
closed his fist. self, ht:nce to learn.
Fumbi ravine, gorge, nul-
(n. 5), -fupi (var. adj.), short, brief.
lah ; torrent that runs through (Ku)fupiza (v. c.), to shorten.
a gorge. (Ku)fura (v. intr.), to swell, bo
(Ku)fumbika (v. n.),to be hidden puffed up.
Fumbo (n. 5), parable, allegory. Furaha (n. 3), joy, gladness,
(Ku)fumbua (v. sub.), to open, pleasure.
unclose. (Ku)furahi (v. intr.), to rejoice, be
Fumo (n. 5), spear, dart, lance. glad, be pleased.
(Ku)fumua (v. sub.), to uusew, (Ku)furika (v. n.), to boil over,
unpick, undo to dismiss.
;
overflow.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 175

Furukani (n. 3), sacred books cillate, waver, prevaricate,hesi-

(Muhammedan). tate, slip.
(Ku)futa (v. tr.), to wipe, cancel, Gari (n. 3 & 5), cart, carriage,
obliterate, blot out futa uvu- ; train, trolley, waggon.
mbi, to dust. Gari ya moshi, train (lit. carriage
(Ku)futa (v. tr.), to draw out (as a of smoke).
sword, etc.). Garufuu (n. 3), clove.
Futi (n. 3), foot(measure). (Ku)gawa (v. tr.), to divide up,
(Ku)futika (v. n.), to be eradicable, distribute, part.
be cancelled. (Zu)gawanya (v. c.),to go shares ;

(Ku)futuka (v. n.), to molt to divide.

(v. tr.),
(feathers, hair). (Ku)gema (v. tr.), to tap cocoa-
Futuri (n. 3), span. nut trees for palm-wine.
Fuforu (n. 3), first meal after Genge (n. 5), steep place, preci-
great fast, breakfast. pice, cliff, rock.
(Ku)fuza (v. intr.), to progress, Gereza prison (from Portu-
(n. 3),
"
advance, go further (see fuliza). guese Ecclesia ").
(Ku)fyagia (v. tr.), to sweep. (Ku)geuka (v. n.), to turn round,
(Ku)fyolea (v. tr.), to abuse, insult. change.
alter,
(Ku)fyonya (v. intr.), to mock, (Ku)geuza (v. c.), to change, alter,
make a mocking noise. translate.
(Ku)fyua (v. tr.), to snap or break Ghadhabu (n. 3), anger, wrath.
off. (Ku)ghadhibika (v. n.), to be
(Ku)fyuka (v. n.), to snap, go off. angry, be indignant.
Fyuko (n. 5), trap, gin (made with Ghafi (inv. adj.), gross (weight).
a stick and cord). (Ku)ghafilika (v. n.), to be in a
hurry, make haste, be pressed
for time.
Ghafula (adv.), suddenly, ab-
ruptly, hastily.
(Ku)gaagaa (v. intr.), to wriggle. Ghala (n. 5), store, store-room.
roll, move to and fro, lie about Ghalibu (n. 3), native home,
on the floor. ghalibu (adv.), probably, most
Gae (n. 5), potsherd. likely, commonly.
Galawa (n. 5), canoe (see nga- Ghamu (n. 3), apprehension, sad-
rawa). ness, grief.
Ganda (n. 5), rind, peel, skin, Ghanima (n. 3), abundance,
husk, bark. plenty, good fortune.
(Ku)ganda (v. intr.), to congeal, Gharama (n. 3), expenses, costs,
curdle, freeze. value, woith.
(Ku)gandamana (v. rec.), to stick Gharika (n. 3), flood.
together, cleave, adhere. (Ku)ghariki (v. n.), to bo sub-
Gando (n. 5), claw (of crab, etc.). merged, be immersed ;
to IHJ

(Kn)ganga (v. tr.), to treat medi- wrecked.

cally, apply medicine. (Ku)gharikisha (v. c.), to over-
Ganil (inv. inter, adj.), what flow, overwhelm, flood.
sort? what? which? Ghasia (n. 3), tumult, confusion,
Ganjo (n. 5), ruin, desolation. hurry, noise, throng.
(Ku)ganza-ganza (v. iiitr.), to va- Ghorofa (n. 3) (see orofa).
176 SWAHILI GRAMMAR
Ghubari (n. 5), rain-cloud. Haba ya kitu, a mere nothing.
Ghufira (n. 3), pardon, forgive- Habari (n. news, tidings,
3),
ness. story, information, history.
Ghururi (n. 3), vanity. Hadaa (n. 3), guile, deception,
Gtodoro (n. 5), mattress, padded cunning.
quilt, rug. Hadhari (n. 3), caution, warning.
Gofu (n. 5), ruin, desolate place. Harfi (n. 3), limit, restriction,
Gogo (n. 5), log of wood. measure.
Goma (n. 5), big drum. Haditbi (n. 3), story, tale, fable,
(Kuteombana (v. rec.), to quarrel. anecdote, fiction.
(Ku)gombeza (v. tr.), to scold, Hafifu (inv. adj.), light, flimsy,
reprimand. light-minded.
(Ku)gonga (v. tr.), to knock, beat. Hai (inv. adj.), alive, living.
-gonjwa (var. adj.), sick, ill. Haiba (n. 3), beauty, glory.
Gonyezi (n. 3), languor. Haina budi, Doubtless . . .

Gora (n. 3), piece of cloth. Hai/asa (followed by inf. of verb),

(Ku)gota (v. intr.), to knock, beat. ithas not yet . . .

Goti (n. 5), knee. Haja (n. 3), want, desire, request.
Goya (u. 5), elegant gait. Haji (n. 5), person who has done
"
Gudulia (n. 5),istone water-bottle the " Haj or pilgrimage to
(porous). Mecca.
Gumegume (n. 3), llint. (Ku)hajir (v. tr.), to emigrate ;

-gumu (var. adj.), hard, difficult, (v. tr.) to banish.

tough. Haki (n. 3), right, righteousness,
(Ku)guna (v. intr.), to groan, justice, truth.
grumble, sigh. Hakika (n. 3), proof, certainty.
Guiiia (n. 5), sack, sacking, bag. (Ku)hakikisha (v. c.), to test, try,
(Ku)gura (v. intr.), to move (from prove.
one place to another), change Hakimu (n. 5), judge, governor
one's abode. (alsoused for doctor).
Gurudumo (n. 5), wheel. Hako, he (or she) is not here (or
(Ku)gusa (v. tr.), to touch. there).
(Ku)gut'uka (v. intr.), to start, Halafu (adv.), afterwards, pre-
jump, move suddenly, sently, by and by.
(ku)gut'usha (v. c.), to startle. Halali (inv. lawful, per-
adj.),
Guu (n. 5), foot, leg. missible, legitimate.
licit,
Gwaride (n. 3), marching, drill. Hali (n. 3), state, condition.
(Ku)gwia (v. tr.), to lay hold of, Halimu (inv. adj.), affable, mild.
catch, seize, grasp. (Ku)halifu (khalifu) (v. tr. and
intr.), to commit a crime,
transgress, rebel, swerve from
H right course of action.
Halisi (adv.) (see adverbs, Study
Ha- (contrn. of Kika) (see speci- XIX.), precisely, exactly.
men verb, Study II.). Nika- Hali-uudi (n. 3), perfumed oint-
nka-k'a-ha. ment.
Ha- (Neg. pref. 3rd p. sing.). Halua (n. 3), a sweetmeat.
Haba (inv. adj.), few, little, small; Hamadi (n. 3), possession.
(n. 3), a little. Hamali (n. 5), a porter, a coolie.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 177

Hamu (n. 3),sorrow, grief, woe. Hasha (adv., strongly negative),

!

Hamuna (ham'na), there is not in not at all God forbid ! !

it, (Ku)hasibu (v. tr.), to couut, cal-

Hanamu (kwa) (adv. man.), diago- culate, number.
nally, obliquely. (Ku)hasibika (v. n.), to be calcul-
Handaki (n. b), ditch, trench. able, swerve from right course
(Ku)hangaika (v. n.), to be eager, of action.
be enthusiastic, be assiduous, HasWi (n. 3), envy.
be energetic. Hasira (n. 3), anger, wrath.
Hapa (adv.), here, in this place, (Ku)hasiri (v. intr.), to suffer loss,
on this spot. lose, be out of pocket.
Hapana, Haknna, there is (or Hate (prep.), until, till, as far as,
are) not. to; (conj.) even, so that, and.
Hapana bu<7i, no doubt, doubt- Hate kidogo, not even a little.
less. Hate sasa, even now. up till now.

Hapo (adv.), then, there. Hateri (n. 3), danger, risk.

Hapo kale (adv.), long ago, once Ha<i (n. 3), handwriting, docu-
upon a time, of old. ment.
(Ku)hara (v. intr.), to have diar- Hatima (adv.), in the end, finally.
rhoea. (Ku)nadrisha (v. c.), to take risk,
Harabu (n. 3), injuriousness, endanger, jeopardize.
liarin, hurt. Hatua (n. 3), footsteps, footprints.
Haraka (adv.), quickly, hastily, Hawa (n. 3), (1) air, climate ; (2)
in haste. Eve; (dem. adj.), these (first
Haramu (adv.), illicit, unlawful, class).
forbidden. Hawezi, he (or she) is ill, sick,
Haram (n. 3), courts of temple (see Mote 2, Study III.).
(Mecca). Haya (n. 3), sense of shame,
Harara (n. 3), heat, impetuosity, modesty, respect.
fervour. Haya, (1) (intrj.), come along !

Hari (n. heat, perspiration,

3), come !
(2) (dem. adj.), these
prickly heat, fierceness. (fifth class).
(Ku)haribu (v. tr.), to spoil, de- Hayawani (n. 3) brute beast,
stroy. beast, cattle.
(Ku)aaribika (v. n.), to be spoiled Hazama (n. 3), nose-ring.
or destroyed. Hazina (n. 3), treasure.
Hariri (n. 3), silk. Hebu !
(intrj.), just look !

(Ku)b,arisb.a (v. tr.), to relax, act Hema (khema) (n. 3), tent.
as an aperient. Heri (kheri) (1) (n. 3), happiness ;

Harufu (n. 3), letter (of alphabet), (2) (inv. adj.), well, better.
character. Hesi (n. 3), screw.
Harufu (n. 3), smell, odour, Hi-, contracted prefix, from niki-
perfume. (Niki =
nki = k'i = M).
Harusi (n. 3), marriage, wedding. Hi'/aashara (num. adj.), eleven.
Hasa (adv.), especially, strictly HiiVaya present, gift.
(n. 3),
speaking, particularly. Hifathi protection, security.
(n. 3),
Hasai (n. v.), eunuch. (Ku)bifatbi, to protect, preserve,
Hasara (n. 3), loss, damage, deliver.
injury. Hii (dem. adj.), this (third class).
SWAHILI GRAMMAR M
178 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Hija (n. 3), pilgrimage. Howe ! there then 1

(hunter's
Hiki (dem. adj.), this (fourth cry).
class). Hu- (contr. of niku) (niku
= nku
Hikima (a. 3), wisdom, clever- = k'u = hu).
ness. Hua (n. 3), dove.
Hila (n. 3), cunning, craftiness, Huba (n. 5), love, fondness.
cheating, guile. (Ku)hubiri (v. tr. & intr.), to
Hili (dem. adj), this (fifth class). preach, proclaim, inform.
(Ku)jihiliki (v. ref.), to ruin one's (Ku)hudhuria (v. intr.), to appear,
self. stand.
Hima (adv.), quickly, hastily. (Ku)hudhurishwa (v. c. pass.), to
(Ku)himidi (v. tr.), to praise. be made to meet.
(Ku)himili (v. tr.), to carry, en- (Ku)hui (v. tr.), to bring to life.
dure, support, uphold, sustain. (Ku)huika (v. n.), to conic to life,
(Ku)himilika (v. n.), to be bear- live.
able, be tolerable. (Ku)huisha (v. c.), to give life to,

(Ku)himiza (v. tr.), to hasten. quicken.

Hirimu (n. H), youth, young man. Huja (n. 3), reasoning, objection,
Hirizi (n. 3), charm, talisman. doubt, concern, reason, cause.
Hisabu (n. 3), sum, calculation, (Ku)hujiana (v. c.), to have dial-
amount. ings with.
Kwa hlsabu ya, according to. Huko (adv.), there, over there.
(Ku)Msal)u (see hasibu "), ( v.
' '
tr.), Huku (adv.), here, in this direc-
to number, reckon. tion.
(Ku)hitaji (v. tr.), to need, want, Hukumu (n. 3), judgment,
desire. sentence, verdict, authority,
(Ku)hitimu (v. intr.), to finish ordinance, rule.
one's education. (Ku)hukumu (v. tr.), to condemn,
Hivi (1) (adv.), thus, so; (2) sentence, judge.
(dem. adj.), these (fourth (Ku)hulu (v. intr.), to succeed.
class). (Kujhuluku (v. tr.), to create.
Hivi sasa (adv.), just now, this Homo (adv.), therein, in there.
minute. Humu (adv.), herein, in here.
Hiryo (1) (adv.), in this manner ; Hum (adj.), free (mahura is the
(2) mem. adj.), these same. only plural).
Hiyari (khitiari), (n. 3), choice, Huruma (n. 3), compassion, pity,
pleasure. mercy.
Hiyari yako, as you please. (Ku)hurtunia (v. prepl.), to take
Ko)hizi (v. tr.), to disgrace, put pity on, have compassion on.
to shame, dishonour. (Ku)lmsika (v. intr.), to be im-
Ho'Zari(inv. adj.), strong, efficient, portant, be fitting, be proper,
capable, able. be incumbent.
Horfi, word used to announce (Ku)husu (v. intr.), to be related
arrival at a door, equivalent in to.
"
English to may I come in." (Ku)hus'ir7u (v. tr.), to envy.
Homa (n. 3), fever, ague. Huyu (dem. adj.), this (one or
Hori (n. 3), small dug-out canoe, person).
hollow wooden tray, bay, sound, Huzuni (n. 3), grief, sorrow.
creek, a calm,
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 179

(Ka)inamisha (v. c.), to bow or

bend down, lower.
(Ku)iba (v. tr.), to steal, pilfer. (Zu)inga (v. tr.), to scare, drive
Iba//a (n. 3), worship, service, away.
adoration. Ini (n. 5), liver.
Ibilisi (n. 3), devil, tlie accuser. (Ku)inika (v. tr.), to put down,
Id&di (n. 3), number, amount, strikedown, lay or cast or
complement. pour down, bow down.
L/i (n. 3), feast, festival. Injili (n. 3), Gospel.
I'/ili (n. 3), manners, good be- Inshallab., God willing, please
haviour. God, D.V.
(Ku)ifya (v. tr.). to tantalize, put (Ku)inua (v. tr.), to lift up,
into bad humour. elevate, raise.
(Ku)igiza (v. tr.), to imitate, copy. (Ku)inuka (v. n.), to arise, get up
Ihisani (n. 3), goodness, kindness, (after stooping or lying), rise.
mercy. Ipu (n. 5), boil, tumour.
li (la k'uku) (n. .">), egg (fowl's). Ipu tnngu (n. 5), malignant boil.
lilani (n. 3), proclamation, public (Ku)isha (Kwisha) (v. tr. & intr.),
notice. to finish, complete, terminate.
Ijara (n. 3), wages, salary, pay, (Ku)ishia (v. prepl.), to finish off
reward. or at.
Ijumaa (n. 3), week, in a week, Ishara (n. 3), sign, omen, wonder,
Friday. miracle.
Ikibali, acceptance, answer (to (Ku)isbi (v. intr.), to live, endure,
last.
prayer).
(Ku)ikiza (v. c.), to lay across, Ishirim (num. adj.), twenty.
place over. Islam (n. 3), Muhammedanism,
Ila (n. 3), defect, blemish, Islam.
nimu (n. 3), doctrine, teaching, (Zu)ita (v. tr.), to call, invite,
study. summon.
Ilia (prep.), but, except. Ithimu (n. 3), guilt, guiltiness.
Illi (conj.), inorder that. (Zu)itika or (Zu)itiMa (v. tr. &
Imamu (n. 5), Muhammedan prepl), to respond to a call.
priest. (Ku)iva (v. intr.), to ripen, come
Imani (n. 3), faith, belief, creed, to a head (boil, etc.), be fully
trust, goodness. developed, be well cooked.
Imara adj.) (also noun),
(inv. Ivu (n. 5), cinder, ember, ashes.
strong, firm, solid, tough, dur- (Zuji)ivya (v. ref.), to attempt
able. something in which one is not
(Ku)tia imara (v. tr.), to confirm, likely to succeed.
strengthen.
(Ku)imba (v. tr. & intr.), to sing
(Kwimba).
(Ku)imbiana (v. tr.), to sing
antiphonally. Ja (adj.), like, similar to, as.
to come,
(Ku)inama (v. intr.), to stoop (Ku)ja (v. intr.),
down, bow, bend. -ja- (verb, inf.), not yet.
(Ku)inamia (v. prepl.), to bow Jaa (n. 5), rubbish-heap, dung-
down to, worship. heap, ruination.
180 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

(Ku)jaa (v. intr.), to be full; Jawabu (n. 5), answer, matter,

Kujawa ni, to be filled with ; affair.
Xujazwa ni, to be filled up (Ku)jaza (v. tr.), to fill.
with . ..
by. ((Ku)jazi (v. tr.), to grant, accord
(Ku)jaali (Kujali) (v. tr.), to a favour to.

enable, prosper, appoint, grant, -je ? (inter, suf.). How ? Wlial ?

ordain. Jee ?
(inter, part.). How now ?
Jabali (n. 5), rook, rocky moun- What?
tain (cf. Gibraltar, i.e. Jabal- Jembe (n. 5), hoe, spade, plough.
el-Tir). Jeneza (n. 5), bier.
Jabari (n. 5), potentate, mighty (Ku)jenga (v. tr.), to build, con-
one. struct.
(Kuljadiliana (v. intr.), to argue, (Zu)jengekana (v. n.), to bo built
dispute, contradict, question. up, be erected, be established,
Jana (n. 3), glory, power, majesty. be buildable.
Jahazi (n. 5), vessel, craft, Jengo (n. 5), building.
dhow. (Kn)jetea (v. intr.), to rely on, have
Jahanam (n. 3), Gehenna, hell. confidence in, depend on.
Jamaa (n. 3), relative, family, -ji- (ref. inf.), self.
society. (ZtL)jibu (v. tr.), to answer, reply ;

Jamala (n. 3), obliging act. pass ((Ku)jibiwa.

Jamanda (n. 5), covered basket. Jibwa (n. ;">), dog, bitch.
Jambia (n. 5), dagger. Jiko (pi. meko) (n. 5), fireplace,
Jambo (n. 5), matter, affair, thing. hence kitchen.
Jambo a greeting.
! Jimbi (n. 5), cock, " chanticleer."
Jamil (n. 3), company, assembly, Jimbi likiwika, cockcrow.
community. Jimbo (n. 5). region, district,
Jamu'/ari (n. 5), corporal. suburb, field.
Jamvi (u. 5), large coarse mat. Jina (n. 5), name.
Jana (n. 6), big hulking lad. Jinamizi, oppressive fooling
Jana (n. & adv.), yesterday. caused by night-mare, or by a
Jana (n. 5), larva of insect. place which gives a creepy
Jani (n. 5), leaf, grass, herb. sensation.
Janzi (n. 3), paralysis, cramp. Jino (pi. meno) (n. 5), tooth.
-japo- (verb inf.), even if, al- Jinsi (n. 3), sort, kind, species.
though, under such circum- Jinsi...vyo (adv.), as, so.
stances (see -ngawa). Jinsi gani? What sort? What
Jaraha (n. 5), wound, sore. do you mean ?
Jaribu (n. 5), test, trial, tempta- Jiografia, geography.
tion (plur. prefl.). Jioni (n. 3), evening, dusk ;
(adv.),
(Ku)jaribu (v. tr. & intr.), to try, in the evening.
attempt, tempt, test. Jirani (n. 3), neighbour.
Jarife (Jarifa) (n. f>), large fishing- (Ku)jitahirfi (v. intr.), to exert
net. oneself, take pains.
Jasho (n. 5), heat, perspiration, Jitihadi (n. 3), diligence, effort,
sweat. pains, endeavour.
Jasi (n. 5), ear-ornament. Ji/o (pi. ma/o). (n. 5), eye Jito la ;

Jauri (Jeuri) (n. 3), violent deal- gnu, ankle Jito la maji, source,
;

ing, oppression, insult. spring of water, fountain.

 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 181

Jit'u (n. 6), worthless fellow, Juto (n. 5), large river.
vagabond. (Ku)juvya or (Ku)jnvisha (v. c.), to
Jiwe (u. 5) (pi. mawe),, stone, rock. make known, show how, teach.
Jizila (n. 3), dry goods measure, Juzi (n. & adv.), day before yester-
60 p'ishi. day ; Mwaka juzi, year before
Jogoi (n. 5), cock, chanticleer (see last ;
Mwezi juzi, month before
Jimbi). last.
Johari (n. 5), jewel. Juzijuzi (adv.), a few days ago,
Joho (u. 5), great-coat, overcoat. the other day.
Joka (n. 5), large serpent, monster. (Ku)juzu (v. intr.), to be impera-
Jombo (u. 6), big, crumsy vessel. tive or compulsory, be binding
(Ku)jongea (v. intr.), to move near on, behove.
to, approach. Juzuu (n. 5), section of Koran,
Jongomeo (n. 3), hades pamphlet.
Jongoo(n. 5), millipede (1000 feet),
large black insect with red legs. K
Jozi (n. 3), a pair, couple, brace.
Jua (n. 5), sun Jua la vitwani,
;
-ka- (verb, inf.), and (used in
noon. subordinate tenses).
(Ku)jua (v. tr.), to know, be ac- K'aa (n. 3), crab
quainted with, understand. Kaa (n. 5), ember ; Eaa la moto,
Juhudi (n. 3), zeal, effort, vigour, hot ember.
energy. (Ku)kaa (v. intr.), to dwell, stay,
(Ku)julikana (v. n.), to be known, remain, tarry.
be notorious, come to light. Kaba (n. 3), lining on shoulder of
"
(Ku)julisha (v. c.), to make known. Kanzu."
Juma (prop, n.), a boy's name. Kabaila (inv. adj.), noble, free,
Jumaa (n. 3 and 5), week ; Siku distinguished.
ya jumaa, Friday; i.e. the Kabaili (n. 5), prince, noble.
great day of the week (Muham- Kabari (n. 3), wedge.

medan). Kabila (n. 5),tribe, clan.

Jumaa mosi, Saturday (1st day). (Ku)kabaili (v. intr.), to ba oppo-
Jumaa pili, Sunday (2nd
day). site to, in front of, face.
Jumaa t'atu, Monday (3rd day). (Ku)kabilisha (v. c.), to turn to-
Jumaa ne, Tuesday (4th day). wards, incline.
Jumaa i'ano, Wednesday (5th Kabisa (adv.), entirely, com-
day). pletely, quite (neg.) not at all.
;

For Thursday, see Alhamisi. Kabla or Kabula (adv., followed

Jumba (n. 5), house, large house. by "ja" tense and advl. prep.),
Jumbe (n. 5), noble, prince. before, ere, previous to.
Jumla (n. 3), sum, total, the whole. Kaburi (n. 5), tomb, grave.
(Ku)jumlisb.a (v. tr.), to add, sum Kadhalika (adv.), likewise, simi-
up. larly, soon.
Jura (n. 3), idiot. Kadh'awakadaa (adj.), such and
Juu (adv.), above, up, upstairs. such, various.
Juu ya (advl. prep.), on, upon, Kadhi (n. 5), judge, magistrate.
over, on the top of. Kar/iri (n. 3), measure,
proportion ;
(Ku)jua (v. intr.), to repent, re- Kadiri ya (adv.), in proportion
gret, be sorry. to, according to.
182 SWAHILI GRAMMAK
Kafara (u. 5), sacrifice, offering, (Ku)kambuka (v. n.), to become
alms. dry.
Kafi (n. 5), paddle. K'ame (adj.), dried up (said of
Kafiri (n. 5), unbeliever, infidel. spot where water has re-
Kahaba (n. 5), harlot, whore. ceded).
Kahawa (n. 3), coffee. (Ku)kamia (v. tr.), to reproach,
Kaida (n. 3), order, office, ap- denounce, threaten, to plot,
pointed method, rite. fix on.
-kaidi (var. adj.), obstinate, per- Kamili (inv. adj.), perfect, entire,
verse. whole, complete.
Kaifa (Kefa) (adv.), so much, -kamilifu (var. adj.), perfect, com-
more, how much rather, pre- plete in all its parts.
ferably. .
(Ku)kamilisha (v. c.), to make
K'ala (n. 3), species of
mongoose perfect or complete.
with bushy tail and no perfume. (Ku)kamua (v. tr.), to wring,
Kalala (n. 5), fibrous sheath of squeeze.
cocoa-nnt flower used as fire- Kamwe (adv.) (strongly negative),
wood. never, not at all.
Kalamu (n. 3), pen, style. Kana (see Kama) (also conj.) ;

Kale (adv.), long ago, formerly ; Kana kwamba, whether.

-a kale (var. adj.), olden, ancient. (Ku)kana (v. tr.), to deny, dis-
-kali (adj.), sharp, fierce, sour, own.
acid, severe, savage, ferocious, Kanda (n. 5), long matting
cruel. bag.
-kali (verb inf.), still (conj.), per-
; (Ku)kanda (v. tr.), to knead,
haps, supposing, peradventure, massage.
lest. Kandarinya (n. 5), kettle.
(Ku) jikalia (v. ref.), to sit doing K'ande (n. 3), store, provision.
nothing, settle down (Ku)kanJika (v. tr.), to daub,
Kalibu (n. 3), furnace, mould, plaster (a wall).
crucible. K'ando (adv.), aside apart; (advl.
(Ku)kama (v. tr.), to milk. prep.) Kando ya, by the side
Kama (adv. adj.), as, like, as if, of, beside, along side of.
such as, rather than. K'andok'ando (adv.), round about,
Kama vile (adv.), just as, pre- on both sides of, till around.
cisely, the same as. K'anga (n. 3), guinea-fowl.
Kama (n. 3), necklet. Kanga (n. 5), spur of cocoa-nut
K'amange (n. 3), grit, hard sub- palm.
stance in food ; applied to a (Ku)kanga (v. tr.), to fry, grill.
person incorrigible, intract- Kan go (n. 3), frying-pan.
able, unruly. K'ani (n. 3), wrath.
(Ku)kamata (v. tr.), to seize, catch Kaniki (n. 3), dark blue cotton
hold of, snatch. cloth.
Kamba (n. 3), lobster, prawns. Kanisa (n. 5), church.
Kamba (n. 3), cord (of cocoa-nut Kanju (n. 5), cashew apple.
fibre). Kanuni (n. 3), rule, canon, law.
K'ambi (n. 3), camp. Kanuni (adj.), obligatory, com-
Kambo Baba wa kambo, step- pulsory, canonical.
father. Kanwa (u. 5), mouth.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 183

(Ku)kanya (v. tr.), to forbid (c. of (Ku)kasiri (v. tr.), to anger,

to deny), deny to be true, con- offend, provoke.
vince of error. (Ku)kasirika (v. n.), to be angry,
(Ku)kanyaga (v. tr.), to tread be offended.
upon, trample down. Kasisi (n. 5), Presbyter, priest.
Kanzi (n. 3), store, treasure, Kasu (adj.), less, minus; Kasu
treasury. roboo, three quarters ;
Eiali
K'anzu (u. 3), tunic (made of thin kasu roboo, dollar less a
white calico). quarter, i.e. Ks. 1J.
K'apu (n. 3), large basket. Kasuku (n. 3), parrot.
Karadha (n. 3), loan, credit ;
Kaia (n. 5), page of a book.
Kutoa karadha, lendto ;
K'ata (n. 3), head-pad.
Kutwaa karadha, to borrow. Kata (n. 3), water ladle (made of
Karaha (u. 3), irritation, annoy- three-quarters of a cocoauut).
ance. (Ku)k'ata (v. tr.), to cut Kuk'ata ;

Karama (n. 3), gift, present. neno, to decide; Ndia ya

Karamu (n. 3), feast. kuk'ata, a short cut.
Karani clerk, secretary.
(n. 5), (Ku)jikafa (v. rcf.), to strain.
Karate, (n. 3), playing-card. (Ku)kataa (v. tr.), to refuse ;

Karatfasi (u. 3), paper, cardboard, (Ku)katawa (v. pass.), to be

card. refused, to be rejected.
(Ku)karibisha (v. c.), to welcome Karani (n. 3), linen, flax, hemp.
(lit. cause to come near). (Ku)kataza (v. c.), to prohibit,
Karibu (n. 3), near relative, kins- forbid to do a thing; (Ku)ka-
man. tazwa (v. pass.), to be for-
Karibu (adv. pi.), near, close, at bidden.
hand ;
(adv. time), soon. Kati (adv.), in the m'ddle,
Karibu (advl. prep., followed by through ;
Mt'u wa kati,
" " "
ya or na"), near to, close mediator.
by. Kati ya (advl. prep.), in between,
(Ku)karipia (v. tr.), to remon- in the middle of.
strate with, reprove, expostu- Katika (prep.), in, from, out of,
late, scold, censure, chide. at, ou, about, concerning,
Kasa (n. 3), turtle. during.
Kasabu (u. 3), cloth woven of gold (Ku)katika (v. n.), to be cut, be
thread. broken, cut short.
Kasha box (of teak or other
(n. 5), Katikati (adv. & advl. prep.), in
fine wood) made by a joiner ;
the centre or midst.
(contr. sanduku
= rough box). Katili (var. adj.), murderous.
(Ku)kashifu (v. tr.), to bring to Katili (n. 5), murderer.
light or expose evil. Katu (n. 3), chewing gum.
Kasia (n. 5). oar. (Ku)kauka (v. n.), to dry, dry iij>,
Kasi'U (adv.), on purpose. wither.
Kasikazi (n. H), north, N.E. inon- Kauli (n. 3), word, utterance.
soon, period of N.E. monsoon. Kaumu army, troop,
(n. 3), hott,
Kasiki (n. t>), pitcher, large stone prank, people.
water-pot. K'auta (n. 3), grit,
Kasirani (n. 3), grief, wrath, -kavu (var. adj.), dry Nyama ;

anger, sorrow. ndavu, stale meat.

 SWAHILI GRAMMAR
Kawa (u. 3), plaited dish-cover. Kesho-kutwa (u. & adv.), day
(Ku)kawa, (Ku)kawia (v. intr.), after to-morrow.
to loiter, tarry, delay ; Haikawi (Ku)k'eti (v. intr.). to sit, take
kuharibika, it will soon be up a sitting posture, live,
spoilt. dwell.
Kawaida (n. 3), etiquette, good Yuak'eti..., he lives at... Ame-
form, custom, fashion, de keti, he has sat down.
corum. (Ku)jiketia (v. ref.), to settle
(Ku)kawilisha (v. c.), to delay, down in a place, sit idle.
hinder, cause to be late. Khar/aa (n. 3), deceit.
(Ku)kawilishwa (v. pass.), to be Khafifu (iuv. adj.), light, slight,
delayod. trifling.
(Ku)kaza (v. c.), to cause to stay, Khalifa (halifu) (v. 5), felon,
establish, intensify, tighten, criminal, malefactor, rebel.
make secure, increase effort. Khamsa (num. adj.), five.
(Ku)kaza meno, to gnash or grind Khamsini (num. adj.), fifty.
the teeth. Kb.amisfaasb.ara (num. adj.),
(Ku)kazana (v. n.), to hold firmly fifteen.
together, be intrinsically Khasa (adv.), especially, in truth.
strong. Kharadali (n. 3), mustard.
Kazi (n. 3), work, labour, employ- Khafamu (n. 3), bridle, reins.
ment, service, business, occupa- Khafi (had), (n. 3), handwriting,
tion. document.
Kefa (seeKaifa) (adv.), how much Khatia (n. 3), guilt, fault, error.
more, rather. Khema (hema) (n. 3), tent.
Kekee (n. 3), gold or silver brace- Kheri (heri) (n. 3), blessedness,
let, native tool for taring hole. happiness (adj.) well, better.
;

K'elele (n. 3), noise, sound, (Ku)khini (v. tr.), to be false to,
tumult, clamour, din. break one's word to.
(Ku)kema (v. tr.), to establish. Khisa (n. 3), part, portion, ad-
K'eme (n. 3), cry, noise. vantage.
(Ku)kemea (v. tr.), to rebuke, put KhUiari (hiyari) (v. 3), choice,
down, reprimand. pleasure.
Kenda (inv. num. adj,), nine. Khofu (hofu) (n. 3), fear, fright,
K'engele (n. 3), bell, gong ; apprehension.
Kupiga k'engele, to ring. (Ku)khofu (v. tr.), to fear,
(Ku)jikengeua (v. ref.), to turn (Ku)khusika (v. intr.), to be
deliberately out of the way. proper, be fitting, be suit-
(Ku)kengeuka (v. n.), to turn able.
aside, go astray, swerve. (Ku)khusu (v. tr.), to set aside f >r
K'engewa (n. 3), hawk. a special purpose.
(Ku)kereketa (v. tr.), to irritate, Khuiuba (n. 3), sermon, homily,
prick. exhortation.
K'ereng'ende (n. 3), partridge, (It is not thought necessary to
Kesha (n. 5), watch, vigil. give obvious diminutives of
(Ku)kesha (v. intr.), to watch, well-known nouns formed by
the prefix "
keep awake. Ki.")
Kesho (n. & adv.), to-morrow, on Ki, a prefix (see Note 3, Study
the morrow. XVIII.)
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 185

Kia (n. 4), belt, bar, lock mem- ; Xidogo-kidogo (adv.), by degrees,
ber or part (of body). little by little.

(Ku)kia (v. intr.), to step or pass Kidole(n. 4), finger, toe.

over. Kidonda (n. 4), sore, wound.
Kiama (n. 4), resurrection. Kidonge (n. 4), lump, clot, little
Kiambaza (n. 4), inside wall, ball, pill, pillule, tabloid.
partition. Xidude (n. 4), a small thing,, a
"
Kiambo (n. 4), seat of a chair. what is it."

Kianga (n. 4), sunshine (after Kielelezo (n. 4), pattern, example,
rain), fine weather. model.
Kiapo (u. 4), oath. Kifafa (n. 4), epilepsy.
Kiasi (n. 4), measure, price, pro- Kifani (n. 4). sort, kind.
portion, rate. Kifano (u. 4), image, likeness,
Kiatu (n. 4), shoe, boot, sandal. model.
Kiazi (n. 4), sweet potato. Kifaranga (n. 4), chicken.
Kibaba (n. 4), measure for dry Kifaru (n. 4), rhinoceros.
goods, about one pint. Kifaume (adv.), in royal style.
Kibanda (n. 4), little shed or Kifiniko (n. 4), lid, cover.
hut, hovel. Kifo (n. 4), death.
Kibanzi (n. 4), splinter ; young Kifua (n. 4), chest, chc&t com-
locust. plaint, breast, bosom.
Kibao (n. 4), a slate or small Kifufu (n. 6), empty cocoanut
wooden tablet. shell.
Kibarua (n. 4), day-labourer. Kifulifuli (adv. man.), in crowds,
Kibe (n. 4), hide and seek. helter-skelter, pell-mell.
Kibiriti (u. 4), sulphur, box of Kifumbu (n. 4), long round grass
matches (not a single match). bag for squeezing grated cocoa-
Kibok'o (n. 4), (1) hippopotamus ; nut.
(2) hippo hide (3) strokes
; Kifungo (n. 4), button, fastening,
with hippo-hide lash. knot, band, bond, prison.
Kibuhuti (n. 4), grief. Kifunifuni (adv. man.), flat 0:1 the
Kibula (n. 3), north. face, face downwards.
Kiburi (n. 4), pride, self-esteem, Kifuvu (n. 4), see kifufu.
haughtiness. Kigae (n. 4), potsherd.
Kibuzi (n. 4), kid, young goat. Kigano (n. 4), story, tale, story-
Kibweta (u. 4), small box. telling.
Kicho (u. 4), fear. Kigari (v. 4), small cart, ap-
Kic/aka (n. 4), young cocoanut ; plied to bicyles and peram-
recess or niche in house. bulators. 1

Kii/au (n, 4), small boat or vessel Kigelegele (n. 4), shout of joy.
(ink-well). Kigeugeu (n. 4), chameleon.
Kidawafi (n. 4) small desk or Kigoma (n. 4), kettle-drum, small
box. drum.
Kidemu (n. 4), rag, tatter. Kigongo (n. 4), cudgel, stick.
Kidevu (n, 4), chin. Kiguguta (u. 4), empty Indian-
Kidividi (n. 4), black ornament corn cob.
for lobe of ear. Kigumba (n. 4), arrow-head.
Kidogo (adj. & adv.), a little, few, Kiguu (n. 4), lameness (lit. small
rather. leg).
186 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Kigut'u (n. 4), lame or maimed Kikozi (n. 4), band of soldiers,
person, regiment.
Kigwe (n. 4), cord, string, lace, Kikuku (n. 4), bracelet, stirrup.
braid. Kikuta (n. 4), little wall.
Kihcrehere (n. 4), regret, remorse, Xikuto (u. 4), monster, jackal,
sorrow, anxiety, penitence. dragon, large hyaena.
Kiigizo (n. 4), copy, pattern, Kilabu (n. 3), club.
model. Kilalo (n. 4), sleeping-place, rest-
Eiini (n. 4), centre, heart, inside, ing-place.
pith, pupil (of eye) ;
Kiini cha Kilele (n. 4), point, summit.
ii..yolk of egg. Kilelet'a (n. 4), top. apex, pinnacle.
Kiinima/o (n. 4), sorcery. Kilema (n. 4) blemish, defect,
Kijakazi (u. 4), young slave girl. deformity.
Kijaluba (n. 4), metal snuff-box. Kilemba (n. 4), turban, tip.
Kijana (n. 4), young child, boy, Kileo (n. 4), intoxicant.
girl, youth. Kilete (n. 4), rowlock.
Kijaraha (n. 4), the wound (in Kilima (n. 4), hill, mound, knoll.
disease). Kilimi (n. 4), uvula.
Kijasi (n. 4), paper ornament for Kilimia (n. 4), pleiades.
lobe of ear. Kilindi (u. 4), depth, deep, deep
Kijembe (n. 4), pocket knife. water.
Kijibwa (n. 4), young, dog, puppy. Kilinga p'op'o, Dengue fever
Kijiji (n. 4), small village. (Aden ague).
Kijiko (n. 4), spoon. Kilio (n. 4), cry, lamentation,
Kijimo (n. 4), dwarf. yell, crying, weeping, wailing.
Kijisu (n. 4), little knife. Killa (kulla) (adj.), every, each,
Kijiti (n. 4), stick, piece of wood, all.
small knife. Kima (n. 3), black monkey ; (u. 4)
Kijito (n. 4), spring, source. price, value.
Kijitu (n. 4), mannikin. Kimba (n. 4.), corpse, dead body,
Kijoyo (n. 4), half-liking. carcase.
Kijongo (n. 4), hump-back. (Ku)kimbia (v. intr.), to run away,
Xijukuu (n. 4), grandchild. flee,escape, play truant.
Kijuto (n. 4), brook, rivulet. (Ku)kimbilia (v. prepl.), to fly to,
JJikao (n. 4), seat, row, group, take refuge in. Pa kukimbilia,
company. place of refuge, shelter.
Kikapu (n. 4), small basket. (Ku)kimbiza (v. c.), to drive
Kike (adj.), female, feminine. away, aid and abet in escaping.
Kiko (n. 4), tobacco-pipe. Kimetemete (n. 4), firefly, glow-
Kikoa (n. 4), repast given by turns worm.
in different houses, collection Ximia (n. 4), fishing-net.
made for newly-married couple. Kimo (n. 4), size, height, stature-.
XikonJoo (n. 4), young lamb. Kimungu (n. 4), weevil.
Kikoi (n. 4), loin cloth with Kimwae (adj.), abundant, plenti-
coloured border. ful.
Xikombe (n. 4), cup. Kimya (n. & adj.), silence, silent,
Kikomo (n. 4), end, termination. mute, speechless.
still,
Kiko/o (n. 4), whip, scourge, lash, Kina (n. 4), depth, deep sea ;

switch. metre (in poetry).

 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 187

Kina(Bibi), (women)folk. Kinyongo (n. 4), grudge, offence,

Kina (Bwana), (men) folk. scruple, qualm.
(Ku)kinai (v. intr.), to be surfeited. Kinyozi (n. 4), harbor.
be "blase," be satisfied, KLnytune (prep.), against, con-
-kinaifu (var. adj.), abundant, trary. Kwenda kinyume, to go
wealthy. backwards.
Kinamasi (n. 4), clay, clay soil. Kinyunga (n. 4), dough.
KLnanda (n. 4), generic term for Kioga (n. 4), mushroom, fungus.
any musical instrument, piano, Kioja (n. 4), wonder, curiosity
guitar, etc. terror.
Kinara (n. 4), small tower, candle- Xionda (n. 4), wound, sore.
stick. Kiongozi (n. 4), leader, guide.
Kinda (n. 5), young (of animals). Kioo (n. 4) mirror, fish-hook.
(Ku)kindana (v. rec.), argue, Kipaku (n. 4), blot, birth-mark.
strive, contradict. Kipande (n. 4), piece, slice, chip.
Kinga (n. 4), firebrand, sudden Kipara (n. 4) bald patch (on the
chance. head), patch of hair.
(Ka)kinga (v. tr.), to protect, pre- Kipawa (n. 4), gift, present (pre-
serve, conserve. ferable in plural).
Kingalingali (adv.), on the back, Kipele (n. 4), pimple.
prone. Kuanguka kingalingali, Kipenu (n. 4) lean-to hut.
to fall backwards. Kipenzi (n. 4), little darling.
(Ku)kingama (v. tr.), to lie across, Kip'ia (n. 4), pinnacle, point,
athwart. battlement, storey.
(Ku)kingamiwa (v. pass.), to be Kipimo (n. 4), measure.
thwarted, be opposed. Kipindi (n. 4 & adv.), time, season,
K'ingio (n. 3), shield. some time ago.
King'ombe (adv.), in a bovine or Kipini (n. 4), handle, nose-jewel,
brutish manner. ear-stud.
K'ingoni (n. 3), edge, rim, border. Kipofu (n. 4), blind person.
Kingugwa (n. 4), ravenous beast. Kipupwe (n. 4), cool season, July.
(Ku)kini or (Ku)kinika (v. intr.), Kiraka (n. 4), patch, piece of
to be possible or probable. cloth.
Kinofu (n. 4), chop. (Ku)kiri (v. tr.), to confess, own.
Kinono (n. 4), falling, fatted Kiriba (n. 4), water-skin.
animal. (Ku)kiriM (v. tr.), to insult, des-
Kinoo (n. 4), small grindstone, pise, annoy, disgust.
whetstone. (Ku)kihirika (v. n.), to be vexed,
Kina (n. 4), mortar, mill. be grieved, be provoked, ba
Kinubi (adv.), belonging to the irritated.
Nubians; (n. 4), musical in- (Ku)kirimu (v. tr.), to bestow
strument such as the Nubians upon, grant, confer a favour
use, harp. on.
Kinundu (n. 4), lump, hump oil Kirisimasi, Christmas.
back. Kirobo<o (n. 4), flea, swift mail-
Kinweo (n. 4), beverage, drink- runner.
able, drink. Kisa (n. 4), tale, legend.
Kinyaa pollution.
(n. 4), filth, Kisaga (n. 4), measure (about
Kinyezi (n. 4), horror. two pints).
188 SWAHILI GRAMMAR
Kisahani (11. 4), saucer, small panied by groaning. Of. Gen.
43. 30,
" bowels did
plate. yearn."
Kisala (n. 4), short prayer, collect. Ki/eko (n. 4), laugh, smile.
Kisale (n. 4), remainder, remains, KUeku (n. 4), pickaxe.
leavings. Ki/embe (n. 4), lisp.
Kisasi (n. 4), revenge, vengeance. Kitendawili (Kitandawili) (u. 4),
Kisauni, Frere Town. riddle, enigma.
Kisha (adv.), then (when that is Kifepukuzi (n. 4), sprout, shoot.
finished), afterwards. JLitete (n. 4), gourd, water-bottle.
Kishaka (n. 4), patch, of jungle Kitetemo (cha ni) (u. 4), earth-
or forest, thicket. quake.
Kishindo (n. 4), noise, report, Kiteweo (n. 4), relish, sauce (see
roar, booming-sound, tumult, Note 2,Study VI.).
uproar, panic. Kiti (n. 4), seat, chair ;
Kiti
Kishogo (n.4), nape of neck. kirefu, lounge chair.
Kisigino (n. 4), heel. Kirtati (n. 4), little blue bird
Kisiki (n. 4), trunk or stump of (cordon bleu?).
tree (fallen). Kisiki cha mvua, Kilo (n. 4), gem, jewel, precious
rainbow. stone.
Kisima (n. 4), well (of water). Kitoka (n. 4), hatchet, axe.
Kisiwa (n. 4), island. Up-coun- Kitoma (n. 4), calabash, gourd,
try term for Mombasa island. water-bottle.
Kisu (n. 4), knife. Kitongoji (n. 4), suburb.
Kisuli (n. 4), giddiness, vertigo. Kitato (n. 4), small or young
Kisulisuli (n. 4), whirlwind. child, infant, babe.
Kiiabu (n. 4), book. KUoto (n. 4), alley, narrow pas-
Kitako (n. 4), hinder part, re- sage, winding tortuous path.
mainder. Kitako cha mto, bed Kitovu (n. 4), navel.
of river. Kitu (n. 4), thing, something,
Ki<alu (n. 4), fence. substance.
Ki/ambaa rag, duster,
(n. 4), Kitua (cha mti) (n. 4), space oc-
napkin, cloth, towel, bandage. cupied or covered by shrub or
Kifambi (n. 4), coloured cloth bush.
(worn over shoulders). Ki/uko (n. 4), fear, fright.
Kitambo (n. >4), space of time, Kiftikuu (n. 4), great grandchild.
(adv.), some time ago. Kitumbua (n. 4), kind of crumpet,
KKana (n. 4), comb. native bun or cake.
Kitanda (n. 4), bedstead. Kitumwa, in low (or slave) style.
Kitango-pepeta (n. 4), small Kitundu (u. 4), cage, nest.
round cucumber. KKangu Kifungule (n. 4), rabbit.
(n. 4). Kitunguu (u. 4), onion, bulb.
Ki/anu (n. 4), splinter. Kituo (u. 4), resting-place, camp-
Kitanzi (u. 4), loop, noose. ing-ground.
Ki/a/a cha asali (n. 4), honey- Kitushi (n. 4), abuse, reproach.
comb. Kitwa (n. 4), head.
Kite (n. 4), effort, straining, in- Kiu (n. 3), thirst.
tense affection. (Ku)piga kite, Kiumbe (n. 4), creature, created
to bear down, to strain the inner being, mortal.
man, to make an effort accom- Kiumbizi (n. 4), soaring bird.
 SWAHILI-ENGLI8H VOCABULARY 189

Kiume (adj.), male, masculine. Kizibo (n. 4), stopper, plug, hence
Kiunga (n. 4), plantation. Loca- a cork.
tive form, Kiungani, has come Kizingiti (n. 4). threshold, door-
to stand for grassy surround- step.
ings of plantations. Kiziwi (n. 4), deaf person.
" "
Kiungani (where the Kiunga Kizuka(n. 4), fetish, image, idol.
is), name given to a district in Kizunguzungu (n. 4), giddiness,
Z-inzibar, once a suburb called dizziness.
after a plantation made there. Kizushi (n. 4), upstart, intruder,
Kiungo (n. 4), joint, something innovation.
ailded, as spice, relish, zest. Kizuzi (n. 4), something unreal,
Kiungwana, in gentle style. undependable, false, vain.
Kiuno (n. 4), loin, hip, lower part K'oa (n. 3), snail.
of back. Ko'be (n. 3), tortoise.
Kiusouso (adv.), face downwards, Koii (n. 3), tax, rate levied.
on the face. (Ku)kodolea (ma/o), (v. prep.), to
Kivirio (n. 4), cry, outcry. stare at, fix one's eyes on.
Kivuko (n. 4), ferry, crossing. Kofi (n. 5), handful (double), flat
Kivuli (n. 4), shadow, shade. of hand (Ln. 6. 29) (n. 3), a ;

Kivumi (n. 4), noise, report, clasp (with hands) vide "Piga."
fame. Kofia (n. 3), hat, cap, bonnet.
KiwancZa (n. 4), plot of ground, K'oga (n. 3),mildew (Ku)fanya ;

site, enclosure, courtyard. k'oga, to become mildewed.

Kiwele (n. 4), udder (var. adj.)
;
K'ogo (n. 3), back of head.
sick, old, done for, good lor (Ku)kohoa (v. intr.), to cough.
nothing. (Ku)kohoza (v. c.), to bring on a
Kiwe/e (n. 4), cripple, lame cough.
person. Koikoi (n. 3), stork.
Kiwewe (n. 4), amazement, aston- Koja (n. 3), chain.
ishment, bewilderment, terror, (Ku)kojoa (v. intr.), to urinate.
shudder. (Ku)koka (moto) (v. tr.), to stir
Kiwi (n. 4), evil. or make up (a fire).
Kiwi cha mafo, flinching from Koko (n. 5), stone or kernel (of
light (of eyes), dazzled sight, fruit), (n. 3), thicket, jangle,
photophobia. swamp.
Kiwiko-cha-mkono (n. 4), wrist ;
(Ku)kokoa (v. tr.), to gather, col-
Kiwiko-cha-guu, ankle. lect.
Kiwiliwili (n. 4), trunk of body, (Ku)kokomea (v. tr.), to wedge,
body. jamb.
Kiwingu (u. 4), storm-cloud, (Ku)kokota (v. tr.), to drag, draw.
viper ; Kiwingu joshini, squall (v. intr.), to trail, drag.
seaward. (Ku)kokota koo (v.), to have
Kiza (n. 4), darkness, dimness ; death-rattle, i.e. to die.
Kumefunga kiza, darkness lias Koko/o (n. 3), gravel, pebble.
set in. Koma (n. 2), departed spirit.
Kizazi (n. 4), generation. (Ku)koma (v. intr.) to come to an
Kizee (n. 4), old woman. eud, cease, leave off.
Kizibao (n. 4), waistcoat, blouse, (Ku)komba (v.), to scrape or
bodice, jacket. hollow or scoop out.
 190 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

K'omba (n. 3), lemur. Kono (n. 3), arm (of sea or lake),
Komba-mwiko (n.), cockroach. shoot, branch.
Kombe (n. 3), bhcll ;
(n. 5) flat K'onok'ono (n. 3), snail ; (Zun.),
dish. see K'oa.
Kombo (n. 5), remainder, residue, (Ku)konyeza (v. intr.), to wink,
posterity, something left. make a sign.
K'ombo (adv.), crooked, bent, K'onzi (n. 3), fist, handful
curved. (single).
to redeem, K'oo, throat, glottis.
(Ku)komboa (v. tr.),
ransom. Koo (n. 5), breeding animal us
Kombora (n. f>), shell, bomb. laying-hen.
Kome (n. 3), small caravan (Ku)kopa (v. tr.), to give credit,
flag. cheat, deceive.
(Ku)komea (v. tr.), 1o lock, bar. K'ope (n. 3), eyelid; (Ku)pesa
Komeo (n. 5), wooden lock, bolt, k'ope, to wink, blink.
bar. (Ku)kopesha (v. tr.), to borrow,
(Ku)komesha (v. c.), to bring to an lend.
end, cause to cease. Kopo (Kopwe) (n. 5), cup, goblrt,
K'omio (n. 3), throat. drinking vessel, pipe (for
(Ku)konda (v. intr.), to become water).
thin. Korofi (adj.), wicked, bad, base.
Konde (n. 5), fist (straight for- (Ku)koroga (v. tr.), to stir.
ward). Koroma (n. 4), cocoanut not fully
K'onde (n. 3), cultivated land, developed.
field. (Ku)koroma (v. intr.), to snore.
K'onde (n. 3), kernel or stone of groan.
fruit. Korosho (n. 3), cashew nuts.
K'ondo (n. 3), battle, quarrel, con- Korrathi (n. 3), leek.
tention, strife. Kosa (n. 5), mistake, fault, trans-
K'onrfoo (n. 3), sheep Mwana- ; gression.
k'ondoo, lamb K'on Joo mume, ; (Ku)kosa (v. tr. & intr.), to miss,
ram. err, fail, mistake, sin.
Kongo (n. 5), species of cactus (Ku)kosekana (v. n.), to be absent,
yielding a strong fibre. missing.
K'ongo (n. 3), old cocoanut tree ; (Ku)kosesha, (Ku)koseza (v. c.),to
K'ongo za Mbuba, symptoms of make to sin, cause to miss or
the yaws. fall short of.
Kongo! (mwezi), exclamation on K'osi(kikosi) (n. 3), top of back,
seeing the new moon ; (n. 3) between the shoulders.
arm (distinguished from Kotekote (adv.), on all sides, in
" Mkono " which is also every direction, in every way.
" hand." Koti (n. 5). coat.
(Ku)kongoa (v. tr.), to destroy, Kooti (n. 3), court of justice, law
cut up by the
oft', pull roots. courts.
(Ku)kongomana (v. rec.), to meet Ko/o (n. 3), spice from Arabia;
together for consultation, con- K'o<o rap with knuckles,
(n. 3),
fer together. swivel-hook and line for deep
K'ongoni (n. 3), haartibeest. sea.
Kongwa (Kongo) (n. 5), yoke. Koto (n. 3), play-hour for slavee.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 191

K'ovu (n. 3), scar, scab. Kulla (killa) (distr. adj.), each
Kozi (n. 3), falcon (crested). every.
Ku- is the infinitive prefix ; -ku K'ulungu (n. 3), impallah, ante-
is the 2nd person sing, objec- lope.
tive infix. (Zu)kumba(v.tr.), to come against
(Ku)kua (v. grow, de-
intr.), to come upon, befall, overtake.
velop "Kulia juu <ini ku
; (Ku)kumbatia (v. prepl.), to em-
moto," grow up tall, it is not on brace, caress.
the ground : said to a child. Kumbi (la mnazi) (n. 3), frond of
(Ku)jikua (v. ref.), to be proud, to cocoanut palm Kumbi; la
lx>ast; (Ku)jikuza (v. ref.), to mnazi, cocoanut fibre.
make much of oneself. Kumbifu (n. 5), withered frond of
(Ku)kubali (v. tr.), to accept, cocoanut palm.
acknowledge, receive; (v. intr.), Kumbikumbi (n. 3), white ants in
to agree to, assent, approve. the winged stage.
-kubwa (viir. adj.), big, great, (Ku)kumbuka (v. tr.), to remem-
tall, large. ber, recollect.
Kubikubi*(adv.), snugly. K'umbuu (n. 3), girdle ; K'umbwe
Kucha (n. 7, pi.), claws, nails ;
(n. 3), morsel of food.
(n. i) dawn, dawning, day- Kumi (num. adj.), ten Kumi-na- ;

break, cast (elliptical for moja (num. adj.), eleven.

" usiku all K'umvi (n. 3). chaff, husks.
kucha"), night
long till dawn. Kuna, there is, there are (imper-
Kufuli (n. 3), padlock. sonal pronominal with verb To
(Ku)furu (v. intr.). to blaspheme, have, English To be).
apostatize, use profane lan- (Ku)kuna (v. tr.), to grate, scratch ,

guage. scrape.
Kufuu (n. 3), equal, fellow. (Ku)kuncZa (v. tr.), to fold, double ;

Kuhani (n. 3), priest. (Ku)kunrfa uso, to frown, scowl ;

Kuko (adv.), there. (Ku )kun</a maguu, to lie down,

Kuku (adv.), here ; Kuku huku rest.
(adv.), just here. (Ku)kundakunda (v. tr.), to crease,
K'uku (n. 3), fowl; K'uku mke, wrinkle.
hen. Kunde (n. 3), bean (reddish-brown
" flwi
(Ku)kukumiza (v. tr.), to wring larger than ").
out, drain. Kundi (n. 3), flock, herd, drove,
(Ku)kuk'uta (v. tr.), to shake off, swarm.
beat. (Ku)kmWua (v. subt.), to unfold,
(Ku)kukutika (v. n.). to palpitate unroll, undo, open out, sim-
(heart). plify; Ku kundua maisha, to
Kola-muwi (n. 3), hush-money. lengthen life.
Kule (adv.), there, yonder, over (Ku)kunga (v. tr.), to hem.
there. Kunge (n. 3), mist, haze.
Kulekule (adv.), just there. K'unguni (n. 3), bug.
(Ku)kulia (v. tr.), to overpower, K'unguru (n. 5), check cloth worn
affect strongly, gain mastery by the prisoners hence the
:

over, conquer. prisoners themselves.

Kaliko (lit. " where there are ") (Ku)kung'uta (v. tr.), to shake
(rel. adv.^ than, more than. out (Mom. Kuk'nta).
192 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

K'unguu (n. 3), raven, antelope Kuti of the frond or

(n. 5), slip
(species of), hart. leaf of cocoanut palm tree.
(Ku)knnguwaa (v. intr.), to These are cut off the mid-rib
stumble, trip. and plaited (see Makuti).
Kunguwazo (n. 3), cause of K'utu (n. 3), rust.
offence, stumbling-block. Ku^wa (n. 9), sunset, west, all
Kungwi (n. person who in-
5), day long till sunset,
structs young persons in the -kuu (var. adj.), chief, main,
duties of married life. great.
K'uni (n. 3), firewood. -kuukuu (var. adj.), old, worn-
Kunradhi, excuse me, forgive me, out (not applied to persons).
do not be angry. Kuume (n. 3), right (hand).
(Ku)kunyata (v. intr.), to wear a Kuwa (conj.), iu that, seeing,
deprecating air, have a deplor- since.
ing, down-trodden look. (Ku)kuwaa (v. intr.), to stumble.
(Ku)jikunyata (v. ref.), to be Kuwili (adj. &
double, adv.),
bowed down, depressed. twice over, over and above.
(Ku)kunyea (v. n.), to itch, to (Ku)kuza (v. c.), to exalt, magnify,
irritate. make great, promote, cause to
(Ku)kunytia (v. tr.), to scratch, grow.
pinch. (Ku)knza (v. tr.), to sell.
Kura (n. 3), lot, share ; (Ku)piga Kuzimu (n. 3), the cold grave,
kura, to cast lots. Hades.
Kurasa (n. 7), pages (of book), folio. Kwa (prep, intrumental), with,
Kuruani (n. 3), Koran. by, at, at the house of, to, also,
Kusanyiko (n. 5), congregation, as well as, etc.
assembly. Ewako- kwakwe (poss. pro.), to
(Ku)kurubia (v. prepl.), to (or at)thy (or his) house, to (or
approach, draw near to. at) thee (or him).
(Ku)kusa (Ku)k'utislia (v. c.), to Kwamba (conj.), if. whether,
bring upon, cause one to meet that.
with. Kwamba si..., if it were not
(Ku)kusanya (v. tr.), to gather, for...
collect. Kwamba hakufanya..., if he had
Kushofo (n. 3), the left (hand). not done...
Kusi (n. 3), south, south-west K'wang'a (n. 3), hyrax.
monsoon. Kwangu (poss. pro.), to (or at)
Kusfubani (n. 3), thimble. my house, to (or at) me.
Kusudi (adv.), on purpose. (Ku)kwangua (Ku)kwangura (v.
(Ku)kusufZia (v. intr.), to intend, tr.), to tcrape out.
propose. Kwani 1
(intr. adv.), why? of
K'uta (n. 3), wall. course !

Knfa (n. 5), large wall. Kwa nini ? what for ? why ?
(Ku)kuta (v. to
tr.), meet with, Kwanza (adv.), firstly, primarily,
happen to, befal. before (followed by the "ja"
(Ku)kut'ana (v. rec.), to meet tense).
together. Kwao (poss. pro.), to (or at) their
(Ku)kut'anika (v. n.), to gather house, to (or at) them, equiva-
together, assemble. lent to " their home."
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 193

Kwapa arm-pit.
(n. 3), (Ku)lia (v. prepl.), to eat with ;

Kware quail, a very large

(u. 3), Mkono wa kulia, the right
kind of partridge. hand.
(Ku)kwaruza (v. intr.), to be (Ku)lika (v. n.), to be eatable, to
be worn out " ma-
rough, grating. (of viatu,
Kwa sababu gani ? why ? for jembe,'' etc.).
what reason ? (Ku)lisha (v. c.), to feed.
Kwato (n. 7), hoofs. Laa (imp. of kula), to eat.
(Ku)kwatua (v. tr.), to polish, to Laana (n. 3), curse.
rub; (Ku)kwatuka (v. n.), to (Ku)laani (v. tr.), to curse.
shine (by polishing). Labeka yes here I am at your
! !

(Ku)kwea (v. tr.), to climb up, service (answer of a slave when

mount, go (or come) up. called).
K'wenda (conj.), if, supposing Labuda (adv.), perhaps, possibly.
" ka" Ladu (n. 3), native sweetmeat (in
(followed by tense).
(Ku)kwejuka (v. intr.), to fade, form a yellow ball).
lose colour. (Ku)jilafua (v. ref.), to be foolish,
(Ku)kweza (v. c.), to raise, pro- brutish, gluttonous.
mote, make go up. Laini (adj. inv.), smooth, soft,
K'wekwe (n. 3), weeds. delicate, fine.
K'weleo tongs, pincers.
(n. 3), (Ku)lainika (v. n.), to be smooth.
Kweli (n., adj. & adv.), truth, (Ku)jilainisb.a kwa, to take de-
true, truly, indeed; Mt'u wa light in.
kweli, a true man Mt'u kwa ; Laiti! (interj.), oh that! alas!
kweli, (he is) in truth a man, (Ku)laki (v. tr.), to go to meet
a thorough man; Nimt'u kweli, (some one).
he is really a man, no doubt Laki (n. 3), lac, 100,000.
about him. Lakini (advers. conj.), but, never-
Kwa kweli (adv.), thoroughly, theless, still, yet.
indeed and in truth. (Ku)lala (v. intr.), to lie down,
Kweli kweli (adv.), really, verily, go to bed, recline (not necessary
in earnest. to sleep).
Kwema (adj. cl. 0), a good or (Ku)lalamika (v. intr.), to bemoan,
nice (place or condition). bewail, lament.
Kw'enda (conj.), supposing that, Lami (n. 3), tar, glue.
may be that. Lango (n. 5), large door, gate,
Kwenu (poss. pro.), to (or at) your branch of a family.
"
house, to (or at) you, your Latifu (inv. adj.), meek, tender,
home." kind.
K'were (k'ware) (n. 3), quail. Laukwamba (followed by pros,
Kwetu (poss. pro.), to (or at) our ind.) (interj.), oh that ! if
house, to (or at) us, "our only !

home." Laumu (n. 3), blame, reproach.

(Ku)laumu (v. tr.) to blame, con-
,

demn.
(Ku)laza (v. c.), to laydown, lie
La !
(adv.), no 1
(denial and on the back, put to sleep.
flat

refusal). Lazima (adj.), obligatory, neces-

(Ku)la (v. tr.), to eat. sary, essential, indispensable.
SWAHILI GRAMMAR N
194 SWAHILI GRAMMAE

(Ku)lazimisha (v. c.), to compel, Lilam auction Lile (dem.

(n. 3), ;

oblige, constrain, force. adj., 5th that; Lile kwa

cl. s.),

(Ku)lazimu (v. tr.), to be binding lile, same thing over again.

(Ku)liliana (v. rcc.), to call to
upon.
(Ku)lea (v. tr.),
to bring up, rear, each other.
adopt, nurse, educate. Like (n. 3), ferry, crossing-place.
Leba (n. 3), fraud, dishonesty. (Ku)liza (v. c.), to make cry,

(Ku)legea (v. intr.), to be loose or cause to make a noise.

slack, flag, relax effort. (Ku)lima (v. tr.), to cultivate,
(Ku)legeza (v. c.), to let go, give hoe, till the soil.

up, forsake. (Ku)limbika (v. intr.), to wait or

Leila (n. 3),eve, vigil. stay for.

(Ku)lekea face, be
(v. tr.), to (Ku)limbua (v. sub.), to enjoy
opposite to, turn towards. result of waiting, e.<j, to eat
(Ku)lekeza (v. .), to point to (or first-fruits.

towards), put opposite to (or (Ku)limia (v. prepl.), to

hoe for
against). (or at or with).
(Ku)lemea (v. tr.), to lean upon (Ku)limka (v. n.), to bo \\ isc,
(or against), set in a direction, shrewd, intelligent, prudent.
press upon, oppress. Limau (n. 5), lemon.
(Ku)lemewa, (Ku)lemelewa (v. (Ku)linda (v. tr.), to keep, pro-
pas.), be pressed upon,
to tect, preserve, guard, mount
weighed down, oppressed. guard over, watch, note.
(Ku)lenga (v. intr.), to aim, take Lindi (n. 5), depth, hole, pit.
aim. (Ku)lingana (v. rec.), to bo like
Lengelenge (n. 5), blister. each other, resemble, compare ;

Leo (n. & adv.), to-day. to cry unto, call upon.

(v. tr.),
Lepe (n. 3), slumber, drowsiness, (Ku)linganisha (v. c.), to compare
doze. one with 'another, to join to-
Leso (n. 3), large
handkerchief or gether.
square of coloured cloth worn Lini? (inter, adv.), when?
by women. (Ku)lipa (v. tr.), to pay, pay bark,
(Ku)leta (v. tr.), to bring, fetch, pay for, re-pay.
send, conduct. (Ku)jilipiza (v. ref.), to pay one-
Lete (irreg. imp. of kuleta). self back, take revenge.
(Ku)levya (v. c.), to make drunk, Lisani (n. 3), facirg of Kanzu.
rear, bring up. Liwali (n. 3), governor (not
(Ku)lewa (v. intr.), to be drunk, applied to Europeans).
intoxicated, tipsy. (Ku)liwata (v. tr.), to tread upon,
(Ku)lewa (v. pas.), to be brought trample under foot.
up, adopted, educated. (Ku)liza (v. tr.), to sell to.
(Ku)lewa-lewa (v. red.), to be (Ku)liza (v. c.), to make cry, to
giddy, reel, sway, shake. cause to weep.
(Xu)lia (v. intr.), to shout, weep, Lo! (interj.), there! what !
just
ring, creak. look!
(Ku)lialia (v. intr.), to whimper, (Ku)loga (v. tr.), to bewitch,
grizzle, whine. enchant.
Libasi(n. 3), garment, clothes. (Ku)loweka (v. tr.), to put in
Lijamu (n. 3), bit (harness). soak, steep.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 195

Lozi (n. 5), almond. Madhibahu (n. 3), altar.

Lugha (11. 3), language, tongue. Madhihabi (n. 5), sect, following.
Lulu (n. 3), pearl. Madhubuti (n. 5), confirmation,
Lumbwi (n. 3), chameleon. proof, security.
Madoadoa (n. o), spots (dappled).
Mafua (n. 5), catarrh, cold.
M Mafuatano (n. 5), following, con-
gregation.
M, a sonant letter prefixed to Mafukizo (n. 5), incense (general).
nouns in tho first and second Mafundisho (n. 5), teaching, doc-
classes. trine, moral lessons.
Ma, plural prefix of nouns in the Mafungo (n. 5, pi.), limbs Kum- ;

fifth class. sbika mafungo=to collar him.

Maa</ini (n. 3), metal ore. Mafuta (n. 5), fat, oil, grease.
Maagano covenant, com-
(n. 5), Mafunuo (n. 5), manifestation.
pact, agreement. Magaribi, Magharibi (n. 3), west,
Maagizo (n. 5), instructions, sunsetting hence evening.
commandments. Magawanyikano (no sing., u. 5),
Maaguzi (n. 5), prophecy, inter- division, schism.
pretation, explanation, utter- Magawio (n. 5), distribution.
ance of an oracle. Mageule, mageuzi (n. 5), change,
Maamzi (n. 5), judgment, sen- alteration.
tence, verdict, justice. Magogo (n. 5), obstacles.
Maana (n. 5), meaning, reason, Magugn (n. 5), tangled under-
signification. growth, weeds.
Mtu wa maana, important or Mahaba (n. 5), love, affection.
excellent person. Mab.alb.ali (n. 5, pi.), bells on
Maana, kwa maana (conj.), feet.
because, for, the reason being, Mahali (n. 8), place ;
Mahali pa
that is why. (advl. prep.), instead of.
Maandiko (n. 5), writing, scrip- Manama, ointment.
tures. Mahana (n. 3), kind of leprosy.
Maanguko (n. 5), fall, falling. Mahari (n. 3), dowry paid by
Maarifa (n. 5), knowledge, in- bridegroom to father-in-law.
formation, science. Mahasai (n. 3), eunuch.
Maarufu (adj. inv.), celebrated, Mahali (n. 5), song.
well-known. Mabindi (n. 5), Indian corn,
Maasi (n. 5), rebellion. maize.
Maawio (mawao) (n. 5), east, Mahuluko (n. 5), created things.
sun-rising. Mai (pi. of ii) (n. 5), eggs.
Mabaputizi (n. 5), baptism. Maimbizano (n. 5), chorus, re-
Maburuki (inv. adj.), blessed. frain, i

Macnoka (n. 5), weariness. Maisha (n. 5), life, outward

Madaha (n. 5), wooing manner, manifestation, of life, lifetime,
ingratiating behaviour. existence, durability, manner
Madarasa (n. 5), school. of living.
Madanganya (n. 5), deceitful Maid (n. 3), dead person.
behaviour. Majaliwa (n. 5), fate, destiny,
(n. 5), injury, harm. enabling.
196 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Majani, Mani (n. 5), grass (lit. Makengeza (u. 5), squint.
leaves), herbs. Makerubu (n. 5), cherubim.
Majaza (n. 5), gift, present. Maki (n. 3), thickness.
Maji (11. 5), water, waters; Maji Makimbilio (n. 5), refuge.
ya Kimo, deep water. Makini (n. 5), tranquillity, quiet-
Maji-maji (adj.), watery, liquid, ness, steadiness; Kwa makini,
wet. with decorum, solemnly.
Maji-mafu, neap tides; Maji male, Makohozi (n. 5), phlegm, cough.
ppring tides. Makombo (n. 5), remnants, re-
Maji mafomu, drinking water, mains, crumbs.
fresh water. Makungu (n. 5), brightness of
Maji ya barirft, cold water, fresh sky in early morning, Aurora,
water ; Maji ya m'unyu, dawn.
brackish water. Makuruhu (o. 5), annoyances.
Maji yajaa, in-coming tide Maji ; Makusanyiko (n. 5), meeting-
yapwa, out-going tide. place, place of assembly.
Majibizano (n. 5), question and MakusurZi (n. 5), purpose; (adv.)
answer, catechism. purposely, on purpose.
Majibu (no sing., n. 5), answer, Makut'ano (n. 5), multitude,
reply. crowd, assembly.
Majilisi (u. 3), stono scats outside Makuti (n. 5, pi.), cocoa-nut
house. leaves (plaited for roofing).
Majilisi-shauri, council, palaver. Makuu (n. 5), great things, pride,
Majira (u. 5), appropriate time, self-sufficiency.
season. Malaika (n. 3), angel (n. 5) ;

Majivuli(n. 5, pl.|, shadows. small hairs on body, plural of

Majivuno (n. 5), ostentation, laika.
pride, boasting. Malazi (n. 5), sleeping-place.
Majonzi (n. 5), grief, distress, Maleleji (n. 5), periods of calms
bereavement. between N.E. and S.W. mon-
Majuruhu (adj.), wounded. soons.
Majuio (n. 5), repentance, pcni- Malham (n. 3), gum, resin.
tenco, regret, remorse. Mali (n. 3 or 5), riches, property,
Maka (n. prop.), Mecca. estate, possession.
(Ku)maka (v. intr.), to wonder. Malimbuo (n. 5), first-fruits.
Makaa ya mawe, coals. Malimwengu (n. 5), changes and
Mak'aak'aa (n. 5), soft palate, chances of this world.
roof of mouth. Malipo (n. 5), reward, payment,
MakarZara (n. 5), (God's) appoint- desert.
ment or ordaining. Malisha (n. 5), pastures, grazing
Makamasi (n. 5), mucous, phlegm. ground.
Makamu important.
(adj.), great, (Ku)maliza (v. tr.), to complete,
Makani dwelling-place.
(n. 3), finish.
Makao (n. 5), abode, dwelling, Malkia (n. 3), queen.
lair, den, residence. Malubani (n. 5), oil.
Makapi (n. 5), chaff. Mama (n. 3), mother; Mamae
Makasi (n. 5), scissors. mt'u, the mother.
Makazi (n. 5), dwelling, stylo of Mamavyaa, mavyaa, mother-in-
dwelling. law, on the woman's side.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 197

Mamba (n. 3), crocodile, scales of Mapema (adv.), early, in good

fish, etc. time ; Asubuhi na mapema,
Mambo (n. 3) (sing, jambo), early in the morning.
matters, affairs, things, cir- MapencZano (n. 5), mutual love.
cumstances. Mapenri (n. 5), will, pleasure,
Mamlaka (u. 3), authority, power, desire, love.
rule, dominion. Mapesa (n. 5), small change.
liana (n. 3), manna. Mapigano (n. 5), fighting, battle,
Manani (n. prop.), the Beneficent combat, fight.
Ohihammedan name for God). Mapindi (n. 5), windings, sinuosi-
Man<Zano (n. 3), turmeric ; Rangi ties.
ya, yellow. Maponyea (n. 5, pi.), make-shifts,
Man<?ili (n. 3), handkerchief, substitutes for food in famine
scarf. time.
Manemane (n. 3), myrrh. Mara (n. 3), time, occasion ;
Manga (n. 3), Arabia. (adv.) immediately.
Mangazimbwe (n. 3), phantom, Mara kwa mara (adv.), from time
mirage. to time, time after time, now
Mango (n. 3), round stone, and again.
pebble. Mara moja (adv.), once, at once,
Man! (vide majani). just once.
Manufaa (n. 5), profit, advantage. Mara mbili (adv.), twice.
Manuk'ato (n. 5), perfume, scent. Mara t'atu (adv.), three times,
Manyezi (n. 5), horror, disgust, thrice.
abhorrence. Mara nne (adv.), four times.
Manyonyota (n. 5), gentle rain, Mara nyingi (adv.), many times,
light showers, drizzle. often.
Manyoya (n. 5), feathers, down, Mara<//d (n. 3), disease, sicknesp.
fur, wool, hair. Maradufu (n. 3), thick twill calico.
Manyunyu (n. 5), showers. Marahaba !
(interj). Thank you !

Maombezano (n. 5), intercessory it is well !

prayer, litany. Marasha-rasha (n. 5, pi.), fine

Maombi (n. 5), prayer. rain, drizzling shower.
Maonano (n. 5), meeting together. Marashi (n. 5), ecent, perfume.
Maondo (n. 5), temptation. Marehemu (adj.), the late . . .,
Maongeo (n. 5, pi.), increase, pro- deceased.
duce, addition. Marejeo (n. 5), return, coming
Maonye (n. 5), warning. back.
Maovu (n. 5), evil. Maridadi (adj.), finely dressed.
Mapaja (n. 5), lap. MarkZAawa (n. 5), satisfaction,
Mapambauko (n. 5), dawn. gratification, compensation,
Mapambo (n. 5), adornment, or- abundance.
naments, decoration. Marijani (u. 3), red coral.
Mapatanisho (n. 5), reconciliation, Marikabu (n. 3), ship, vessel.
atonement. Marikano (n. 3), coarse un-
Mapatano (n. 5), agreement, com- bleached calico.
pact. (Ku)marisi (v. tr.), to investigate,
Mapatilizo (n. 5), vengeance, re- search, examine closely.
tribution. Marisau (n. 5), email shot.
198 SWAHILI GRAMMAR
Marufuku (n. 5), prohibition, for- Mateko (n. 5), the seat, buttocks.
bidden things; Kupiga marti- Ma<akwa (n. 5), request, petition,
fuku, to prohibit. desire ;
Matelizo (u. 5), plaster.
Masazo (n. 5), leavings, remnants, Matembavu charm worn
(n. 5),
remains. crosswise over shoulders ami
Mashairi (n. 5), poetry, verses, side ; (adv. ph.) at the side.
poem. Mafamko (n. 5), pronunciation.
Mashaka (n. 5), trouble, misfor- Mafamvua (n. 5), fringe, border
tune, difficulty. of garment.
Mashangirio (n. 5), rejoicing, Matandiko (n. 5), rugs, blankets,
festivities. bedding.
Mashapa (n. 5, pi.), floats. Matandu (n. 5), spider's web.
Mashariki (n. 3), east, sun-rising. Matanga (n. 5), sails, mourning,
Masha Allah! (interj.), what God funeral rites.
willeth !
Mafango (u. 5), slanders.
Mashindano (n. 5), conflict, coin- Matata (n. 5), tangle, complica-
petition, race, contention, de- tion; Yuna matata, he id diffi-

bate, strife. cult to deal with.

Mashifaka (n. 5), accusation. Ma/aza (n. 5), rice gruel.
Mashua (n. 3), boat. TS.ata.yo(n. 5), slanders, re-
Mashuke (n. 5), ears of corn. proaches, defamation.
Mashupatu (n. 5), flat broad strips Mate(n. 5), saliva.
of plaited grass. Mateka (n. 5), booty, spoil, cap-
Mashurubu (n. 5), whiskers, tives.
moustache. Matembezi (n. 5). walking, walk.
Mashufamu (n. 5), reproach, cen- Mateso (n. 5), afflictions, distress.
sure. Matilaba (n. 5), desire, ambition,
Masia, kwenda masia, to walk pursuit, wish, quest.
about with the mind pre- Matilai (n. 3), east wind, east.
occupied, not observing one's Ma<in*Zio (u. 5), altar (for sacri-
surroundings, abstractedly. fice).
Masika (n. 5), great rains. Jf&tindo (n. 5), slaughter-house.
Masikani (n. 3 or 5), dwelling, Ma(i<i (n. 5), breasts, teats.
abode. Mato (pi. of jito), use;l with Kuwa
Masikini (n. 3), poor person, for " To be awake."
pauper, beggar. Mafokeo (n. 5), cast, sun-rising.
Masiku (u. 5, pi. of usiku), nights Matoleo (n. 5), offering, oblation.
(reckoned individually). Matukano (n. 5), insults, re-
Masizi (mashizi) (n. 5), soot, proaches, abuse.
smuts, blacks. Mafukio (n. 5), hatred.
Maskati (n. prop.), muscat. Matakizo (u. 5), provocation,
Maso (irreg. pi. of uso) (n. 5), offence.
edges (of knife, etc.). Matule (n. 5), confusion, shame.
Masuluhisho (u. 5), atonement, Matumbo (n. 5), entrails, bowels,
reconciliation. intestines.
Mata (n. 5) (sing, uta), bows. Matumizi (. 5), use,
service.
Mafaajabu (n. 5),wonders. Mafungu (n. 5), bitterness.
Ma<aka<a (n. 5), stubble, wood- Matushi (n. 5), bad language,
shavings. insults.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 199

Mai'wio, mafweo (n. 5), west, sun- Mazao (n. 5) (sing, ozao), fruits,
setting. progeny.
Mauguzi (n. 5), sick-nursing. Maziga (n.), censer.
Mauli<?i (n. 5), birth. Maziko (n. 5), burial.
Maume na make, masculine and Maziwa (n. 5), milk, breasts,
feminine matters. lakes.
Maumivu (n. 5), pain, suffering, Mazoea (n. 5), custom, habit;
aches, sorrows. (inv. adj.), tame, friendly,
Maungo (n. 5), the back, back- gentle.
bone, spinal column. Mazungnmzo (n. 5), conversation,
Kupa maungo, to turn one's amusement.
back on. Mbali (adv.), far, far away, far
Maungwana (n. 5), gentle man- off,distant, distinct, different.
ners. Mbalimbali, unlike, dissimilar,
Mausio (n. 5), commandments, separate, distinct.
behests, commands. Mbambakofi (n. 2), African tree
Mausufu (adj.), well-known. bearing remarkable seed-pods.
Mauti (n. 5), death. Mbambo (sing, ubambo) (n. 7),
Mava (n. 3), burial place, grave- wing-bones.
yard. Mbao (n. 7), boards, benches,
Mavao (n. 5), dress, garments, planks.
habiliments. Mbao mweusi, black board.
Mavazi (n. style of
5), dress, Mbari (n. 3), kinsman, relative.
manner of dress. Mbaruwai (n. 3), swallow.
May! (n. 5), dung. Mbavu (n. 7) (sing, ubavu), ribs,
Mavunda-vyombo (n. 5), breaker, side.
onewho smashes crockery. Mbawa (n. 7) (sing, ubawa), wing,
Mavungu (n. 5), prey. feathers.
Mavuno (n. 5), harvest, reap- Mbawaa (n. 3), gazelle, hind,
ing. antelope.
Mavyaa (n. 3), mother-in-law. Mbawazi (n. 3), pity, compassion.
Mawaa (n. 5, pi.), blemishes, Mbazi (n. 3), mercy, compassion ;

faults. (2) bean-plant.

Mawao (n. 5), east (v. maawio). Mbega (n. 3), Colobus monkey,
Mawato (n. 5), liberty, release. dandy.
Mawazo (n. 5), thoughts, opinions, Mbele (adv.), in front, before,
ideas. primarily, previously, forward.
Mawe (pi. of
jiwe) ; Mawe ya Mbele ya (adv. prep.), in front of,
mizani, weights (of scales). prior to.
Maweko (n. 5), foundations. Mbeleni, in the future, on before.
Mawele (n. 5), small edible grain Mbeyu, mbeu (n. 3), seed, grain.
or cereal. Mbigili (n. 2), thistle.
Mawindo (n. 5), game, hunted Mbi (mbwi), enclitic denoting
animals. badness.
Mawingu (n. 5), clouds ; yame- Mbili (num. adj.), two.
tanda, the sky is overcast (with Mbili kasu roboo, If (lit. two less
clouds) yametefuka, yame-
;
a quarter).
tanduka = (the clouds) have Mbili-tatu, two or three, a few,
cleared awav. some.
200 SWAHILI GRAMMAR
Mbili kimo. dwarf, pigmy. poss. pronoun), whose? of
Mbiliwili (n. 2), thistle. whom?
Mbingu (n. 7) (sing,uwingu), Mbwako (equals ni wako).
heaven, sky, heavens Zina ; Mbwao (equals ni wao) etc. ;

mawingu, it iscloudy Zime- ; Mbweha (n. 3), fox, jackal.

takata, it has cleared. Mbwiji (mbwiaji) (n. 1), beast of
Mbinja (n. 7), whistle, whistling ;
prey (from gwia).
Kupiga mbinja, to whistle. Mcha Mngu (n. 1), one who fears
Mbio (n. 3), running, race, speed ; God, godly man.
Kupiga mbio, to run. Mchaji (n. 1), one who fears.
Mbiombio (adv.), very fast, at Mchiro (n. 3), mongoose.
high speed. Mchoo (n. 3), lesser rains about
MbisM (n. 1), jester, caviller, July.
scornful person. Mchungwa (n. 2), orange tree
Mbiyu, mbiu (n. 3), buffalo-horn, (see note 5, Study XIV.).
announcement made by beat- Mchuruzi (n. 1), small tradesman,
ing buffalo-horn, hence pro- middleman.
clamation. Mdalasini (n. 3), cinnamon.
Kupiga mbiu, to issue decree, BLZanganyifu (n. 1), deceiver,
to make proclamation. imposter.
Mbizi (n. 2), dive Kwenda mbizi,
; Mdauwa, mcZawa (n. 1), adver-
to dive. sary, legal opponent, litigant,
Mboga (n. 3), vegetable (see note defendant.
2, Study VI.). Mdeni (n. 1), debtor.
Mbona? (inter, adv.), why? for Mdhabidhabina (n. 1), busybody.
what reason ? how is it ? Mdhambi (n. 1), sinner.
Mboni apple (or pupil) of
(n. 3), Mdhamini, sponsor, surety.
the eye, something greatly Mdimu (n. 2), lemon-tree.
prized and cared for. Mdomo (n. 2), lip, beak, mouth,
Mbono castor oil plant.
(u. 2), bill.
Mbu (n. 3), mosquito, gnat. Mdudu (n. 1), insect, worm,
Mbuba (j>uba) (n. 3), a skin vermin.
disease, the yaws. Mdumu (n. 2), jug, mug.
Mbuji (n. 1),person, clever Mduwara (inv. adj.), round, cir-

skilled, skilful, able, capable, cular, spherical.

adept. (Ku)mea (v. intr.), to grow,
Mbuni (n. 1), inventor, founder, spring up, thrive (only used of
author, composer. vegetable kingdom).
Mbuni (n. 3), ostrich. (Ku)mega (v. tr.), to make neat
M'buni (n. 2), coffee-plant. handful of food for eating.
Mburuk'enge (n. 3), monitor, Meko (n. 5) (sing, jiko), kitchen,
lizard. fire-place, stove.
Mbuyu (n. 2), baobab tree. (Ku)meleza (v. c.), to cause to
Mbuzi(n. 3), goat; Mwana-mbuzi, grow or spring up.
kid. Meli (n. 3), mail steamer.
Mbuzi iron utensil for
(n. 3), (Ku)memetnka (v. intr.), to glitter,

scraping cocoa-nuts. sparkle, shine.

M'bwa (M'mbwa) (n. 3), dog. (Ku)mena (v. tr.), to slight, to
Mbwa (equals ni wa, contracted despise.
 SWAH1LI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 201

Yenenzi (n. 5), conduct, behaviour, Mgomvi (n. 1), quarrelsome per-
walk. son.
(Zu)menya (v. tr.), to break or Mgongo (n. 2), back.
divide (of food). Mgonjwa (n. 1), sick person.
(Ku)meta (v. intr.), to shine, Mg'umba (n. 2), iron hook at-
glisten. tached to arrow-head.
Meza (n. 3), table. Mgwisho (n. 2), long tail of black
(Ku)meza (v. c.), to cause to grow hair used by witch-doctors.
or spring up. Mhalifu (n. 1), transgressor, male-
Mfano (n. 2), pattern, likeness, factor, rebel.
image, figure, similitude, Mharibifu (n. 1), destroyer.
simile. Mhimili (n. 2), beam, girder.
Mfano wa, like, similar to, such Mhirabu (n. 2), pulpit.
as, according to. Mhiiaji (n. 1), needy person.
Mfaransa (n. 1), Frenchman. Mhubiri (n. 1), preacher.
Mfariji (n. 1), comforter. Mia & adj.), hundred; Mia
(n.
Mfaume(mfalme) (n. 1), king, mbili, two hundred.
chief, emperor. Miateni, mifeni, two hundred.
Mfenesi (n. 2), jack-fruit tree. Miayu (n. 3), yawn ; Kwenda
Mfilisi (n. 1), auctioneer. miayu, to yawn.
Mflnanzi (n. 1), potter. Mic/irara (adv.), ever, always.
Mfitini (n. 1), traitor. Mie(miye) (proii.), familiar form
Mforosaji sycamine
(n. 2), tree. of tnimi-
Mfu (n. 1), dead person. Mijuto (n. G, pi.), swollen rivers.
Mfuasi (n. 1), follower, disciple, Mikaha (n. 3), marriage.
adherent. Mikojo (n. 2, pi.), urine.
Mfugo (n. 2), flock, any beast of Mila (takes cl. 2 concords in the
pasture. plural, n. 3), sect.
Mfuko (n. 2), bag, pocket. MUele (n. & adv.), eternity, for
Mfulizo (n. 2), haste. ever, eternally, through eter-
Mfundo (n. 2),grudge, bad feel- nity.
ing ; kiKukulia mfundo = to (Ku)miliki (v. tr.), to govern,
owe a grudge. reign, rule, possess, to afford.
Mfungo (n. 2), fasting-gift sent Mil'ki (n. 3), dominion, power,
during Samadhan. territory governed, possession.
Mfunguo (u. 2), month (see Mimba pregnancy, concep-
(n. 3),
Page of Metals). tion ; (Xu)fungua mimba, to
Mfupa (u. 2), bone. give birth.
Mfuzi (n. 1), forger of silver. Mimbari (n. 3), pulpit, reading-
Mfyozi (n. 1), abusive person. desk.
Mganda (n. 2), sheaf.
Mimi (sep. pron.), I, me.
Mganga (n. 1), witch-doctor, (Ku)mimina (v. tr.), to pour, pour
medicine-man. out.
Mgemi (n. 1), man who taps cocoa- Mingurumo'(n. 2, pi.), thundering,
nut trees for palm- wine. alarms, terrors.
Mgeni (n. 1), stranger, visitor, Miongo (n. 2), decades.
guest, foreigner. Miraji (n. 3) feast-day, holiday.
Mgomba (n. 1), banana or plan- Mishabaka (misharabaka) (n. 2,
tain tree. pi.), carving.
202 SWAHILI GRAMMAR
Misheni (n. 3), mission, mission- Mkata (n. 1), poor man.
station. Mkatale (n. 2), stocks (for feet).
Misiri (prop, n.), Egypt. Mkate (n. 2), loaf of bread, bread ;

Mitanga (n. 2, pi.), light earth. Mkate m<anra, cake.

Mithali (n. 3), proverb, hypo- Mkazi (n. 1), dweller.
thesis, parable, allegory Mi-
; Mke (n. 1). woman, wife, female.
thali na, supposing. Mkebe (n. 2), tin, cannister.
Mitilizi (n. 2, pi.), eaves of roof, Mkeka (n. 2), mat.
ground under the eaves. Mkia (n. 2), tail.
Miuja (n. 2), perils, dangers, Mkimbizi (n. 1), fugitive.
billows, breakers. MMndani (n. 1), opponent, enemy.
Miujiza (n. 2, pi. of Muujiza). Mkindu (n. 2), species of palm-
Miwa (see Muwa). tree, leaves of which yield line
Miwani (n. 2), spectacles, eye- fibre for making mats.
glasses. (Ku)mkini (v. intr.), to be prob-
Miyaa (n. 2, pi.), palm-leaf slips, able (see Yamkini).
used in plaiting mats, etc. Mkiwa (n. 1), poor man.
(see Muwaa). Mkizi (n. 2), a fish.

(Ku)miza (v. tr.), to swallow. Mkoba (u. 2), pocket, wallet.

Mizani (n. 3), balance, scales. Mkoko (n. 2), mangrove tree.
Mizi (n. 2), small roots, suckers, Mkoma (n. 1), leper ; (n. 2),
tendrils. branched or hyphene palm-tree.
Mja (n. 1), slave; Mjakazi (n. 1), Mkoma manga (n. 2), pome-
female slave. granate-tree.
Mjane (n. 1), widow. Mkombozi (n. 1), redeemer.
Mjanja (n. 1), sharper, cheat, Mk'ondo (n. 1), enemy, adversary.
swindler. Mkondo (n. 2), current, stream,
Mjeledi (n. 2), whip, lash. flood, torrent, way, trail.

Mjenzi (n. 1), builder. Mkongojo (u. 2), staff.

Mji (n. town, village, hamlet.
2), Mkono (n. 2), hand, arm, hand
Mjinga 1), fool, simpleton,
(n. (measure), cubit.
stupid, duffer, green horn. Mkorofi (n. 1), rogue, wicked
Mjisi kafiri (n. 2), small house person.
lizard. Muubwa (n. 1), chief, elder.
Mjoli (n. 1), fellow-slave. Mkufu (n. 2), chain.
MjombV (n. 1), maternal uncle, a Mkufunzi (n. 1), teacher.
Swahili. Mkuki (n. 2), spear.
Mjukuu (n. 1), grand child. Mkulima (n. 1), agriculturist,
Mjumbe (n. 1), messenger. husbandman, farmer.
Mjuvi (n. 1), one who knows Mkumbuu (n. 2), girdle, belt.
(also Mjua). Mkunazi (n. 2), tropical tree with
Mkaa (n. 1), dweller. small green or yellow fruit.
Mkakamava (adj.), sharp, clever. Mkunga (n. 1), midwife.
Mkakasi (n. 2), ornamental box Mkungu (n. 2), sweet almond tree.
(round). Mkungu (n. 2), bunch.
Mkalimani (n. 1), interpreter. Mkunguru (n. 2), climatic attack.
Mkanju (n. 2), cashew-nut, tree. Mkut'ano crowd, meeting,
(u. 2),
Mkaragazo (n. 2), downpour, assemblage, company, congre-
" "
burst of monsoon. gation.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 203

Mkuu (n. 1), chief, great man. Mnar/a (n. 2), auction.
Mkwaju (n. 2), tamarind tree. Mnadi (n. 1), auctioneer.
Mkwasi (n. 1), rich man, prince. Mnanasi (n. 2), pine-apple plant.
Mkwavi (n. 1), a niasai. Mnandi (n. 2), cormorant.
Mkwe (n. 1), parcnt-in-law, son- Mnara (n. 2), tower, minaret.
in-law, daughter-in-law. Mnasara (n. 1), Christian.
Mia (also mlaji) (n. 1), cater. Mnazi (n. 2), cocoa-nut palm tree ;

Mlafi (n. 1), glutton. Mnazi-mkinda (n. 2), young

Mlango (n. 2), door, gate, entrance. cocoa-nut palm tree.
Mlango (n. 2), chater, lineage, Mnenea (n. 1), accuser, one who
tribe, branch of family. speaks against.
Mle (adv.), in there, inside it. Mneni (n. 1), orator, speaker.
Mlegevu (n. 1), desultory, pleg- Mng'aro (n. 2), brightness.
matic person, 'one who is pur- Mngazija (prop, n.), Comoro
poseless, lax, slack, lazy. islander.
Mlekevu (n. 1), upright, straight- Mngereza (n. 1, pi. Wengereza),
forward person. Englishman.
Mlele (n. 2), long tail feathers of Mngqjezi (n. 1), minister, servant.
a bird. Mngu (n. 1), God (pi. waungu).
Mlevi (n. 1), drunkard. Mngumi (n. 2), whale.
Mleza (n. 2), buoy, harbour mark. Mno (adv.), exceedingly, very
Mlezi (n. 1), nurse, a bringer-up much, greatly.
of children. Mnyamavu (n. 1), silent laciturn
Mlikuu (n. 1), great-great grand- person.
child. Mnyanga'nyi (n. 1), robber.
Mlima (n. 2), mountain. Mnyap'ara (n. 1), headman of
Mlimbolimbo (u. 2), thorn bush caravan.
(used for hedge). Mnyau (n. 2), old cat.
Mlimau (n. 2), lemon tree. Mnyoo (n. 2), worm, prison-
Mlimwengu (n. 1), inhabitant of chain.
world. Mnyororo (n. 2), chain, fetter.
Mlingoti (n. 2), mast, flagstaff. Mofa (n. 3), small native cake or
Mlinzi (n. 1), guard, keeper, bun, originally the oven in
guardian, watchman. which they were baked.
Mlio (n. 2), cry, sound, noise (of Moja (num. adj.), one, single.
bird, beast, etc.). Mola, God.
Mlishi (n. 1), shepherd, feeder, Molina, our Lord (Mohammedan
provider. name for God).
Mlizamo gutter, shoot,
(n. 2), Membee (n. prop.), Bombay.
cataract, trench, ditch, water- Mori (n. 3), grease, tallow, fat.
spout (?). M'osha (n. 1), corpse-washer.
Mlizi (n. 1), professional mourner. Moshi (n. 2), smoke (mioshi, pi.) ;
Mmande (n. 3), land-breeze that (Ku)fuka moshi (v. intr.), to
blows in the early morning. smoke (of chimney, etc.).
Mmasihia (n. 1), Christian. Mosi (num. adj.), one (in count-
Mmea growth.
(u. 2), crop, ing).
M'miji (n. 1), citizen-member of Moto (n. 2, pi. myoto), fire, heat ;

a federation. Kazi moto, quick work.

Mnaanaa (n. 2), mint. Mou, old form of maguu Nashika ;
204 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

mou, slave's expression of hum- capricious person, one who per-

ble submission. verts others.
M'oyo (n. 2, pi. myoyo, also nyoyo) , Mpumbavu (n. 1), fool.
heart organ of life, inind, Mpungufu (n. 1), one who is de-
courage, pluck (Ku)shiriki
; ficient.
moyo, to give way to one's de- Mpunga (n. 2), rice (in the husk
sires, to be proud, overbearing, as it grows).
self-satisfied. Mpuuzi (n. 1), silly, empty-
Mpagazi (n. 1), porter, carrier, headed person .

bearer. Mp'wa (n. 3), shore (from the sea

Mpaji (n. 1), giver, generous point of view).
person. (M)pya (var. adj.), new.
Mpak'a (prep.), until, as far as, Mrama (n. 2), swaying rolling
up to. motion as of a ship at sea.
Mpaka (n. 2), boundary, limit, MritM (n. 1), heir, inheritor.
border; (Ku)rupa mpaka, to Mrongo (n. 1), liar.
exceed the limit. Mrututu (n.i2), green vitriol, sul-
Mpamba (n. 2), cotton plant. phate of copper.
Mpambe (n. 1), serving maid. Msaada (n. 2), help, succour,
Mpango (n. 2), host, rank, troop. assistance ; (Ku)mtukulia (mt'u)
Mpanzi (n. 1), sower, planter. msaada, to help, succour, sup-
Mpapayu (n. 2), papaw tree. port (a person).
Mpatanishi (n. 1), peacemaker, Msafara (11. 2), caravan.
mediator. Msafiri (n. 1), traveller, pilgrim.
Mpelekwa (n. 1), missionary, Msahafu (n. 2), manuscript copy
sent-one. of Koran.
Mpelelezi (n. 1), spy. Msahala (n. 2), aperient, pur-
Mpentfezi (n. 1), flatterer, ingrati- gative.
ating person. MsaWia (n. 1), helper, assistant,
Mpenzi (n. 1), beloved, loved one, succourer.
favourite, dear one. Msaji (n. 2), teak tree, teak wood.
Mpera (n. 2) guava trees. Msaalkheri! good evening good !

Mpilipili (n. 2), red pepper night !

tree. Msala (n. 2), prayer-mat (oval).

Mpingamizi (n. 1), adversary, Msalaba (n. 2), cross.
opponent. Msamaha (n. 2), forgiveness,
Mpingu (n. 2), ebony tree. pardon, indulgence, respite,
Mpini (n. 2), handle. absolution.
Mpira (n. 2), rubber tree. Msamba (n. 2)> leg(?); (Ku)piga
Mpira (n. 2), caoutchouc, india- msamba, to kick out the leg
rubber, hence india-rubber ball when bathing.
of any kind. Msana (n. 2), piece of skilled
Mpishi (n. 1), cook. handiwork.
Mpita-ndia (n. 1), passer-by. Msangao (n. 2), astonishment.
Mponyi (n. 1), deliverer. Msemi (n. 1), speaker, spokes-
Mpopoo (n. 2), areca-nut palm. man.
Mpotevu (n. 1), prodigal, delin- Mshahara (n. 2), wages, salary.
quent. Mshairi (n. 1), poet.
Mpotofu (n. 1), wicked, perverse, Mshare (mshale) (n. 2), arrow.
 8WAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 205

Mshari (n. 1), wicked person, Msomi (n. 1), reader, lay-reader,
evil one. catechist.
Mshenzi (n. 1), heathen, savage, Msonge (n .
2), crowd, throng.
country bumpkin, uncivilized Msonobari (n. 2), pine-tree, fir-

person. tree, deal.

Mshinde (n. 1), vanquished per- Msonsi (n. 1), hair-dresser.
son. Msiaarabu (adj.), precocious,
Mshindi conqueror, victor.
(n. 1), sharp.
Mshindo (n. 2), thud, detonation, Ms/ari (u. 2), line.
report, dull heavy sound. Msubukuo (u. 2), blow on cheek,
Mshinsi (n. 1), visitor per diem grazing of the cheek.
(from Shinda). Msufi (n. 2), a cotton tree (ctr.
Mshipa (n. 2), vein, nerve, muscle, Mpamba).
blood vessel. Msuko (n. 2), weaving, plaiting,
Msbipi (n. 2), belt, girdle, band, shaking.
fishing-line. Msukosuko (n. 2), tempest, storm.
Mshirika (n. 1), partner, com- Msuluhisbi (n. 1), peacemaker,
municant, associate. reconciler.
Mshi<aki (n. 1), accuser. Msuluhivu (adj.), clever, capable.
Mshoni (n. 1), tailor, sewer. Msumari (n. 2), nail, tintack.
Mshono (n. 2), seam, join. Mtsumeno (n. 2), saw.
Mshumaa (n. 2), candle. Mswahili, Msawahili (n. prop.),
Mshupavu (n. 1), fool, obstinate a Swahili.
fellow, rebellious person. Mtaa (n. 2), quarter, district (of
Mshwaki (n. 2), tootli-brush. a town).
Msi-, prefix, equivalent to Eng. Mfaimbo (n. 2), crow-bar.
" less "
suffix Msiwana, child-
; Mtaji (n. 2), deal (in playing) ;

less Msikiteko, joyless.

; Mtaji wa ngoma (n. 1), musical
Msiba (n. 2), calamity, affliction, composer.
visitation of God. Mtakatifu (n. 1), saint, holy
Msichana (n. 1), damsel, maiden, person.
virgin. Mfali (n. 2), silver anklet.
Msikiti (n. 2), mosque, church, Mtama (n. 2), millet, Kaffir-
chapel, school. corn.
Msikizi (n. 1), hearer, adherent, Mta-mate (n. 1), spitter.
one of the faithful. Mtamba (n. 2), heifer.
Msikujua (n. 1), ignoramus. Mtambo (n. 2), machine, trap,
Msilimu (n. 1), Mohammedan. spring-engine.
Msimato (n. 1), sightless person. BOana (n. 2), daytime, daylight,
Msimamizi (n. 1), overseer, super- midday, day Mlana kutwa,;

visor. all day long till sunset.

Msimbo (n. 2), by-word, proverb, Mtanda (n. 2), strip of dried meat
reproach. Boer's beltong).
(cfr.
MsinaMari (n. 1), witless per- M/anga (n. 2), sand, soil, earth,
son. mould.
Msingi (n. 2), foundation. Mtanganyiko (n. 2), gathering or
Msira (n. 2), miser. meeting together, confluence.
Msifadi (n. 1), expert, adept, Mtangazia (n. 1), announcer,
skilled worker. advertiser.
206 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Mtangulizi (n. 1), predecessor, ULtindo (n. 2), cutting, pattern,

leader, one in front. shape, cut, end.
M<auwaa (n. 1), pious, godly Miini (n. 2), fig-tree.
person. Mtitimo (u. 2), thunder.
MtewanJa (n. 2), wooden sandal. M/o (u. 2), cushion, pillow ;
Mto
Miawi, witch, wizard, sorcerer, (n. 2), river.
magician. Mtofu wa mato (n. 1), blind man,
M<e (n. 2), sprout, shoot, slip, blind person.
seedling. Mtoki (n. 2), swelling and pain
Mtego (n. 2), trap. in groin.
Miele (n. 2), husked rice (un- M/olea (n. 1), giver.
boiled). Mtomoko (n. 2), custard-apple
Mtembezi (n. 1), gadder-about. tree.
Mtendaji (n. 1), one who acts, Mtondo and adj.), day after
(u. 2
man of action. to-morrow Mtondo goa (n. 2
:

Mtenda-kazi (n. 1), worker ; and adj.), day after that.

Mtenda-upuuzi, evil-doer. Mtoro (n. 1), runaway slave, fugi-
Mtende (n. 2), date tree. tive. (By implication, also
Mtengenezea (n. 1), preparcr, robber, plunderer, pirate.)
provider. Mtoto (n. 1), child
Mtoto mcha- ;

Mtenzi (n. 1), doer, maker, author, nga, infant.

poet. Mfozi (m/oza) (n. 1), exactor, ex-
Mtepa (n. 2), boat with square tortioner, collector M/ozi wa ;

sails. ushuru, tax-gatherer, publican

Mterehemezi, mteremezi
(n. 1), (Bible).
compassionate, merciful person, Mt'u (n. 1), person, man, someone,
one who is friendly. human being.
Mtesi (n. 1), adversary, perse- Mt'u mke (n. 1), woman, female
cutor. (adult) ; M'tu mume, man, male
Mtetea (n. 1), champion; Mtetea (adult).
(n. 2), laying-hen. Mfti (n. 2), a tree (tamarisk ?)

Mtetemo(wa nti), n. 2, earth- (willow ?).

quake. Mftiku (n. 1),worthless person.

Mteule (n. 1), chosen one, elect. M^ukufu exalted personage,
(n. 1),
Mteusi (n. 1), feast-maker. man in high rank. -

Mti (n. 2), tree, wood, timber, MtuKutu obstreperous,

(n. 1),
pole a skin disease peculiar
; fidgetty, unruly person.
to negro races ; stage of Mtakuu (n. 1), great grandchild.
"mbuba." Mfukuzi (n. 1), carrier, bearer,
M^'i (n.2), pestle (wooden). porter.
Mtii (n. 1), one who is obedient, Mtulivu (u. 1), one who is sub-
submissive. missive, disciplined, tranquil,
Mtikati (n. 2), noon, midday. obedient.
Mtilizi (n. 2), gutter, conduit, M/umba (n. 1), sweetheart, fiance'.
piping, guttering (pi.), eaves, ; Mtumbwi (n. 2), canoe, dug-
ends of eaves (where water out.
trickles down). Mtume (n. 2), apostle, messenger,
Mtima (n. 2), heart, core (old ambassador, emissary, sent-one,
Swa.), M/umia (n. 1), old man.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISn VOCABULARY 207

Mtumishi (n. 1), servant, domestic, Hume (pi. waume) (n. 1), male,
retainer. husband, man in contradistinc-
Mtumwa (n. 1), slave. tion to woman.
Mtundaufu (n. 2), species of wild Mumu-humu (;idv.), in this same
jasmine. place.
M/unga shepherd.
(n. 1), Ku mumunya (v. tr.), to suck,
M/ungi earthen water pot.
(n. 2), retain in the mouth without
Mtungo (n. 2), a string of things biting.
strung together, a number, a Munmnye (n. 5), vegetable
lot. marrow.
Mtushi (n. 1), abusive person. Mdu (n. 2). billhook, hatchet,
Mftizi (n. 2), gravy, broth, sauce. chopper.
M^wa (n. 2), white ant. Munyu (u. 2), salt.
Mtwana (n. 1), man slave. Ku mung'unjruka (v. n.), to bo
Muajiriwa (n. 1), hired person.' putrid, decomposed, rotten.
Muaminifu (n. 1), one who is Muoga (n. 1), coward.
faithful, trustworthy. Muombaji (n. 1), beggar.
Muamu (n. 1), brother-in-law, Muombezi (n. 2), intercessor,
sister-in-law. mediator.
Muamzi (n. 1), arbitrator, judge. Muombi (n. 1), one who prays.
Mnandamo (adj.), following, suc- Muonewa (n. 1), one who is op-
ceeding (said of next moon). pressed.
Muandazi, or Mwandazi (n. 1), Muongezi (n. 1), amuser.
preparer of food, baker, cook. Muongofu (n. 1), convert, believer.
Muandishi (see Mwandishi), (n. 1). Muotezi, ormuoteji (n. 1), lier-in-
Muanga (pi. mianga), (n. 2), light. wait.
Muangaza (n. 2), enlightenment, Musimu (n. 2), N.E. monsoon,
light-hole. the hot season (lit. the mon-
Muashi (n. 1), builder. soon).
MucZa (pi. mida) (n. 2), interval Muuaji (n. 1), murderer.
of time, time. Muujiza (n. 2), miracle.
Muedini, or muadini (n. 1), caller Muumba (n. 1), creator.
to prayer. Muungwana (n. 1), person of
Muerezi (n. 2), cedar tree. gentle birth, free man.
Muhabeshia (n. 1), an Abyssinian. Muwa (n. 2), sugar cane; pi.,
Muhindi (n. 1), an Indian. miwa.
Muhifoji (n. 1), needy person. Muwaa (n. 2), dwarf fan palm;
Muhogo (n. 2), Cassava. pi. miaa.
Muhula (n. 2), appointed time. Muali (n. 2), flame ; pi. miyali.
Muhtmzi (n. 1), smith, workman. Muwanga (sec nmanga).
Muhuri (n. 2), seal, signet. Muweza (n. 1), one who is able
Muimbaji (n. 1), singer, songster. (used of God).
Muisilamu (n. 1), Mohammedan. Muwili, mwili (n. 2), body, flesh,
Mukateba (n. 2), document, writ- form.
ing, bond. Mvi (n. 2), arrow.
Ku mulika (v. tr.), to throw light Mvi (n.7, pi), grey or white hair.
on, illuminate, lighten, shine. MvinJe (n. 2), the casuarina.
Mnmbuji (n. 1), maker of nice Mvinyn (n. 3), wine.
things. Mvite (prop, n.), Mombasa.
208 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Mviringo (n. 2), round, round- Mwanrfo (n. 2), pasture-fields,

ness, sphere. hamlet of skepherds' huts.
M'vo (pi. mivo) (n. 2), flood. Mwanga (n. 1), witch.
Mvua (n. 3), rain. Mwango (u. 2), lamp-stand,
Mvuke (n. 2), steam, vapour, luminary.
incense. Mwangwi (n. 2), echo (usually
Mvuli (n. 1), young man. mwengo).
Mvumo (n. 2), borassus palm. Mwanya (n. 2), defile, narrow
Mvungu (n. 2), hollow space, as alley, space between teeth.
under a bed. Mwanza (n. 2), instrument <>f

Mvuvi (n. 1), fisherman. witchcraft.

Mwa (var. prep. cl. 10, following Mwanzamkwa (n. 1), Name of
locative), in, within, to, into. God (equals Maker and Up-
Ku mwaika (v. intr.), to be spilt. briuger).
Mwaka (pi. myaka) (n. 2), year, Mwanzi 2), reed, bamboo,
(u.
season of great rains Mwakani, ; cane ;myanzi.
pi.
in the year's time. Mwanzo (n. 2), beginning.
Mwakani, in the south. Mwao (n. 3), under support; Kwa
Mwalimu (n. 1), teacher, pro- .mwao, properly, well done.
fessor, learnedman. Mwarabu (n. 1), an Arab.
Mwalio (n. 2), wound. Wood put Mwari (n. 2), pelican.
at the bottom of cooking pot to Mwavuli (n. 2), umbrella, sun-
prevent food burning. shade.
Mwalishi (n. 1), inviter to a Ku mwaya or mwaga (v. tr.), to
feast. spill,throw away Ku mwaya
;

Mwamba (pi. myamba) (n. 2), rock. matozi, to shed tears ; ku

Ridge pole of native house. mwaya raaneno, to talk at
Mwamnda (n. 2), garden fruits. random.
Mwamzi (n. 1), judge, arbitrator. Mwele (n. 1), sick person,
Mwana (pi. wana) (n. 1), child, Mwembe (n. 2), mango tree.
son, daughter, mistress, queen. Mwembembe (n. 1), wild bee.
Mwanafunzi (n. 1), scholar, pupil, Mwenda (n. 1), he who goes.
disciple. Mwenendo, mwendo (n. 2), going,
Mwanamke (pl.wanawake) (n. 1), gait, living, conduct, walk,
woman, female. life.
Mwanamume (pi. wanawaurae) Mwenge (n. 2), torch.
(n. 1), man, male. Mwenyeji (pi. wenyeji) (n. 1),
Mwanamwali (n. 1), virgin, citizen, townsman, subject,
maiden who has not yet left inhabitant, host.
her father's house. Mwenyewe (n. 1), possessor,
Mwandamizi (n. 1), follower, owner ;
Mimi mwenyewe, my-
successor, companion. self.
Mwandani (pi. wandani or wen- Mwenyi (sec enyi) (n. 1) Mwenyi ;

dani) (n. 1), friend, companion, deni, creditor Mwenyi duka, ;

fellow acquaintance. shopkeeper.

MwanfZa-wazinro (n. 1), lunatic, Mwenyiezi (lit. Mwenyi enzi)
idiot. (adj.), having majesty, power,
Mwandishif(n. 1), writer, scribe, Almighty (always coupled with
butler. God).
 SWAHILI-ENQLISH VOCABULARY 209

Mwenzi (n. 1), companion, fellow, Mzungu (n. 1), an European.

comrade. Mzushi (n. 1), one who invents.
Mwewe (n. 3), kite, hawk. Mzuzi (n. 1), a tale-bearer.
Mwezi (n. 2), moon, month ;

Mwezi mwandamo, next month.

Mwiba (pi. miba) (n. 2), thorn. N
Mwiko (pi. miko) (n. 2), large
spoon. N', abbreviated form of Ni.
Mwimbaji (n. 1) ; sec muimbaji. Na (conj.), and, also; (prep.)
Mwindaji (n. 1), hunter, sports- with.
man. Naam (adv.), yes (classical).
Mwinyi (n. 1), Lord. Naanaa (n. 3), mint.
Mwiro (n. 2), trunk, proboscis. Nabii (n. 6), prophet.
Mwisho (n. 2), end, termination. Nadhari (n. 3), caution, discretion.
Mwito (n. 2), call, calling, elec- Nadhiri (n. 3), vow ; Ku-weka
tion. nadhiri, to make a vow Ku ;

Mwitu (n. 2), forest, jungle, ondoa nadhiri, to pay a vow.

wood, bush. Ku nadi (v. tr.), to sell by auction.
Mwivi (pi. wevi) (n. 1), thief. Nafaka corn, cereal, grain.
(n. 3),
Mwoga, muoga (n. 1), coward, Nafasi space, room, oppor-
(n. 3),
poltroon. tunity, leisure, time.
Mwokozi (u. 1), Saviour. Nafiki (n. 5), hypocrite.
Mwongo (n. 1), liar. Ku nafisi (v.tr.), to provide
Mwoni (n. 1), teer. means for development.
Myanzi or inianzi, pi. of Mwanzi. Nafusi, nafsi (n. 3), person, self,
Myongo, see miongo. Myongoni soul, individual, soul-subject of
mwa (prepl. phiasc), among, in life.
the company of. Nafuu (n. 3), salvation, deliver-
Mza (n. 1), seller. ance.
Mzabibu (n. 2), vine, grapes. Nahao (n. 3), grammar.
Mzaha (n. 2), scorn, levity, Nahodha (n. 3), captain of vessel.
ridicule. Najisi defilement, pollution.
(n. 3),
Mzalia (n. 1), native or coast- Nakishi (n. 3). cuiving, engraving,
born slave. art of curving.
Mzalishi (n. 1), midwife, ac- Ku nakishika (v. n.), to be well
coucher. carved.
Mzaliwa-mbele (D. 1), first-born. Ku nakishiwa (v. pass.), to bo
Mzamishi (n. ]), baptizer (lit. one carved in relief, to be inlaid.
svho causes to sink). Namba (n. 3), turtle.
Mzazi (n. 1), parent. Kami (conj. pron.), and I, with
Mzee (u. 1), old man, elder, chief. me.
Mzeituni (n. 2), olive tree. Namna (n. 3), sort, kind, pattern ;

Mzi (n. 2), rootlet, sucker, feeler. Namna-namna, all sorts.

Mzigo (n. 2), burden, load. Nanasi (n. 5), pine apple.
Mzinga (n, 2), canon, native bee- Nane (num. adj.), eight.
hive. Nanga (n. 3), anchor.
MzisM (n. 1), burier, undertaker. Ku nang'anika (v. n.), to shine,
Mzoga (n. 2), carrion, corpse of as with oil.
uncircuincised. Nani ? (inter, pron.) who ? whom ?
SWAHILI GRAMMAR
210 S\VAHILI GRAMMAR
Ku nanua (v. tr.), to loosen, Ndewe (n. 3), perforated car-lobe,
undo. for insertion of ornament.
Nao (conj. pron.), and, or with, Ndi, pronominal copula, used in
them. conjunction with pronouns it
Ku nasibisha (v. c.), to naturalize. forms the Amphatic Present of
Nasibu (n. 3), accident, mishap, the Verb To be Ndimi, it is I.
;

chance. NfZia (n. 3), way, pith, road,

TSa.tha.ri (n. 3), common sense, street Ndia ya kukata, a
;

discretion. short cut. Also, course of

Nauli (n. 3), fare,, passage money, action, straight course, sound
freight. judgment.
Ku navya (v. c.), to partially wash Ndimi, see Ulimi.
another. Ndimu (n. 3), lime, fruit.
Ku nawa (v. tr.), to wash the Ndimu za kali, sour limes Ndimu ;

hands, face, or feet. za tamu, sweet limes.

Ku nawiri (v. intr.), to shine. Ndiposa (conj.), therefore.
Nazaa (n. 3), notoriety, exposure, Ndivyo (adv.), thus it is.

publicity. NcZiwa (n. 3), dove, pigeon,

Nazi (n. 3), cocoanut. turtle-dove ;
NfZiwa manga,
Nda, cotr. form of Ni ya. tamo pigeon.
Ndaa (n. 3), hunger, famine ; Ndiyo (udv.), yes (lit. they) ;

Ndaa k'uu, great scarcity. mambo, arc so.

Ndago (u. 3), weed, rush having Ndizi (n. 3), banana, plantain
small tubers attached t> the (see Mgomba).
roots which have a sweet aro- Ndoa (n. 3), nurriagc.
matic smell. Genus cyperus, Ndole (n. 3), big-toe, claw.
sweet cane of scripture. Ndongo (n. 3), land, earth, soil.
Ndakaka (n. 3), horizontal roof- Ndoj (n. 3), bucket, pail.
sticks. NrZoo (Irreg. imp. of verb Ku ja),
Ndako, rntr. form of Ni yako. come.
NcZama (n. 3), calf, heifer. Ndoto (n. 3), dreim, vision.
NfZangu, coir, form of Ni yangu. NcZovu (n. 3), elephant.
Ndari (adv.), iuside, within ; Ndugu (n. brother, sister,
3),
Ndani ya (advl. prop.), in, into, cousin, relative Ndugu baba ;

inside. mmoja, mama mmoja, own

NfZao, cont. form of Ni yao. brother or sister Ndugu mama ;

Ndau (n. 3),baling ladle. mmoja baba mbalimbali, or rice

NYZe (adv.), out, outside; N'de vtrsd, half-brother or sister.
ya (advl. prep.), outside of. Ndugu mke, sister, fomilo
Ndege (n. 3), bird, Zanzibar cousin ; Ndugu mume, brother
dialect. or male cousin.
NtZenge (n. 3), he-goat. Ndui (n. 3), smallpox (sec Tete).
Ndeo (n. 3), surfeiting, excess, Nduli (n. 3), angel of death.
drunkenness. Nduma-kuwili (n. 3), double-
NfZeremo (n. 3),- rejoicing, ex- mouthed snake (so-called).
pression of joy, merry-making. Ndume, third concord of mume.
Nrferi (n. 3), eagle, vulture. Nduni (n. 3), new wonder, pretty
Ndevu (pi. n. 7), beard; TTdevu, novelty.
ia a single hair of the beard. Nduu (n. 3), ground-nut.
 SWA HI LI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 211

Ndwele, Ndwee (n. 3), sickness, Ngawa hakuchi, Oh that it

disease. would dawn, would that it
Ndweo (n. 3), pride. were morning.
Neema (n. 3), grace, prosperous Ngazi (n. 3), ladder.
season, plenty, favour, luxury. Ku ng'azia (v. prepl.), to show
Ku neemeka (v. n.), to become light to, illuminate, lighten.
prosperous, to be blessed or Ngazija (n. prop.), Great Comoro,
favoured. -nge, -ngeli, -gall, infixes of the
Ka neemesha (v. c.), to bless, be conditional mood.
gracious to, prosper. Ng'ge (n. 3), scorpion ;
Kitumbo
Nemsi (n. 3), luxury, opulence, ng'ge.
high estate. -ngi (var. adj. qnan.), many,
Ku nena (v. intr.), to speak, utter, much.
say. Ku ngia (v. intr.), to go or come
Ku nenea (v. prepl.), to speak in, enten See Note 9, Study
against, accuse. XVI.
Ku neneka (v. n.), to be possible Ku ngilika (v. n.), to be open,
to say, pronounceable, accessible.
nene (var. adj.), thick, stout, -ngine (var. adj.), other.
dense, fat, corpulent. Ngisi (n. 3), cuttle-fish.
Ku nenepa (v. intr.), to become Ku ngiwa ni khofu, to be seized
fat or stout (of persons). by ftar, experience, feel.
Neno (u. 5), word, saying, thing, Ku jingiza (v. ref.), to introduce
matter. oneself, intrude, meddle.
Nga or Ngaa (adj.), just so much Ng'ngwe (n. 3), border, boundary ;
as, just a little, like even ; (pi. 7), line, cord.
Huna ngaa pesa moja ? Have Ngoa (n. 3), lust, carnal appetite,
you not even a pice ? envy, longing; Ku lilia ngoa,
Ku ng'aa, or ng'ara (v. iutr.), to to long for.
shine, glitter, be bright or Ku ng'oa (v. tr.), to uproot, pull
conspicuous. up, root out, destroy.
Ng'ambu (u. 3), the other side, Ku ngoa k'ome, to pull up the
opposite shore (of river, etc.). caravan flag, start the day's
Ngamia (n. 3), camel. march.
Ngano in. 3), tale, story. Ku ngoja (v. intr.), to wait, have
Nganu (n. 3), wheat. patience.
Ngao (n. 3), shield, Ku ngojea, to wait for, wait upon.
-ngapi? (var. adj. of quan.), how Ku keti kingojo, to keep watch,
much ? how many ? wait, lie in wait.
Ngarawa (n. 3), small canoe Ngoja kwLiiza, wait a bit, wait a
(familiarly called galawa). minute.
Ku ng'ariza (v. c.), to polish. Ku (v. n.), to be rooted up.
ng'oka
Ngawa (n. 3), large civet cat. Ku ng'olea (v. prepl.), to root out
-ngawa, or -nga (verbal infix), by, with or for, etc.
although, notwithstanding, in Ngoma (n. 3), drum, dance, ball ;

spite of existing circumstances. Ku piga ngoma, to beat drum ;

Ngawa (conj. and interj.), though, Ku teza ngoma, to dance.

Oh that, if only (followed by Ng'ombe (n. 3), ox, cow, bull,
negative). cattle.
212 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Ngome (Q. 3), fort, fortress, Nini? (pron.), what?

castle ;
hence prison. Nira (n. 3), yoke.
Ku ng'ong'o (v. intr.), to speak Njama (n. 3), secret council,
nasally. mystery.
Ng'ongo (n. 7 pi.), strips of Njozi (n. 3), walnuts, vision.
miyaa, with harsh inner edge. Njuga (u. 3), bells (worn as
Ngovi (n. 3), skin, hide, leather. ornaments).
Ngumi (n. 3), fist dowuwards. Njugu (u. 3), ground-nuts (Zan-
Ku piga ngumi, to cuff, box. zibar dialect).
Nguo (n. 3), cloth, stuff, material, Nne (num. adj.), four.
clothes. Ku noa (v. tr.), to sharpen, whet.
Kn nguruma (v. intr.), to roar, Ku nona (v. intr.), to get fat (of
thunder. animals).
Ngurumo (n. 3), roaring, thunder. Nondo (n. 3), clothes-moth.
nguu (n. 3), peak of hill, height. Ku nong'ona (v. iiitr.), to whisper.
Nguu, or nguru (n. 3), salt fish Ku nong'oneza (v. tr.), to whisper
imported from Arabia. to.

Nguvu (n. 3), strength, power, Nokoa (n. 5), overseer, foreman.
authority, might, force. Nodsi public notice.
(n. 3),
Nguwe, nguruwe (n. 3), pig, -nsha (idiomatic perfect of kwisha ;

swine, hog. see Note 1, Study IV.

Nguzo (n. 3), pillar, post, stake, Nt'a (n. 3), wax, secretion.
column, support. Ni'a (n. 3), point, end.
Ngwa, God (used in ejaculatory Ht'i (n. 3), earth, ground, land.
prayers). Nt'i (n. 3), earrings.
Ngwena (n. 3), crocodile. Nt'i (adv.), on the ground.
Ni (prep.), by (precedes the agent Nd (n. 3), chart.
after a passive verb). N/ i ya t'ambarare, plain, flat,
Ni (simple copula or weak verb open country.
To Be), is, are. Ku nuka (v. intr.), to smell,
-ni (obj. infix first pers. sing.), me. stink, emit an odour or per-
-ni? (abbreviated form of Nini?), fume.
what, whatever Ujapopawani, ;
Ku nuka (v. tr.), to smell, per-
whatever you might be given. ceive by the nose.
-ni (locative termination to sub- Numbi (n. 3), draught or haul of
stantives having the force of fish, fishing-line.
almost any preposition of Ku nuna (v. intr.), to grumble,
place). scowl, growl, grunt, pout.
Nia (n. 3), mind, intention, dis- Nundu (n. 3), hump iu cattle, etc.
position, heart. Nugnu (n. 3), porcupine.
Nikali (first per. sing, continua- Ku nung'unika (v. intr.), to
tion tense), I em still. grumble, murmur, complain.
Nili (n. 3), laundry blue. Ku nunua (v. tr.), to buy, pur-
Nili (idiomatical Part. Tense of chase.
To Be), I being. Ku nunuliwa (v. pass.), to be
Nimilete (n. 3), lemonade. bought.
Nina, I have. Nuru (n. 3), light, brightness.
Nina (n. 3), old word for mother. Ku nusa, tumbaku (v.tr.), to take
Ninga (n. 3), green dove. snuff.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 213

Nusu (n. 3), half; Nusu-saa, Ku nyauka (v. n.), to dry up,
half an hour. shrivel, wither.
Nusura (adv.), nearly, within a Nyavu (n. 3), net.
hair's breadth of. Ku nyea (v. intr.), to itch,
Ku nusuru (v. tr.), to protect. irritate, tickle.
Ku nwa (v. tr.), to drink, absorb Nyemi (n. 3), beauty, joy.
(imperative, Nwaa). Ku nyenya (v. tr.), to worm in-
Ku jinwea (v. ref.), to quench formation out of another.
one's thirst at. Ku nyenyekea (v. intr. and prepl.),
Ku nweka, to be drinkable. to be humble, supplicate, en-
Ku nwesheleza (v. c.), to water, treat.
drench. Nyenzo (n. 3), rollers, logs of
Ku nwisha, Ku nwesha (v. c.), to wood on which a' boat is

give drink to, make to drink. launched.

Ku nya, to fall, as rain Mvua ; Ku nyesna (v. c.), to raiu down,
yanya, it rains. shower down.
Ku nyakua (v. tr.), to pick or Ku nyenyereza (v. tr.), to secrete.
snatch up, catch away. Ku nyete (v. intr.), to be con-
Nyama (n. 3), meat, flesh, ceited, self-opinionated, self-
animal, game Nyama wa
; important, exult, triumph.
mwitu, wild animal, beast of Ku nye^'esha (v. c.), to increase
the forest. self-respect, encourage.
Ku nyamaa (v. intr.), to be silent, Nyie (abbr. form of Nyinywi).
quiet, hold one's peace. Nyika (n. 3), desert.
Ku nyamaza (v. intr.), to stop Ku nyima (v. tr.), to withhold
by effort
talking, of will. from, refuse to give to, deprive
Ku nyamazisha (v. c.), to put to of.

silence, quiet, still. Ku nyoa (v. intr.), to shave.

Ku nyambnka (v. n.), to fall to Ku nyoea (v. intr.), to evaporate,
pieces, peel off, itself. dry up, subside.
Ku nyang'anya (v. tr.), to rob, Nyoka (n. 3), snake.
plunder. Ku nyoka (v. n.), to be straight,
Nyani (n. 3), ape. direct.
Nyanya (n. 3), grandmother (also, -nyonge (var. adj.), weak, mean,
tomatoes). worthless, insignificant.
Ku nyanyuka (v. n.), to be Nyongo (n. 3), the back (of the
tattered or torn. body), bile, gall.
Nyara (n. 3), spoil, booty, plunder, Ku nyong'onea (v. intr.), to feel
captive (see Ku
teka). numb, languid.
Nyasi (sing. TTnyasi, a blade of Ku nyonya (v. tr.), to suck.
grass) ; (n. 7), grass. Ku nyonyesha (v. c.), to suckle.
Ku nyata (v. intr.), to come Ku nyosha (v. c.), to straighten,
stealthily, steal, creep, to go stretch.
softly. Ku jinyosha down.
(v. ref.), to lie
Ku nyata to be sticky,
(v. intr.), Nyoshi (n. 7, pi.), smoke.
as paint not yet dry. Nyota (n. 3), star, planet; Nyota
Nyati (n. 3), buffalo, wild-ox. yenyi mkia, comet.
Ku nyatuka (v. n.), to be hurried, Ku nyonyoa (v. tr.), to pluck
excited. feathers of bird.
 SWAHILI QBAMMAB

Nyoya (n. 5), feather. Ku oga (v. intr.), to bathe.

Nyoyo, see moyo. Ku ogelea (v. intr.), to swim.
Ku nyua to bite off.
(v. tr.), Ku ogesha (v. c.), to wash, give
Nyuki (n. 3), bee. a bath to.
Nynma (adv.), behind, afterwards, Ku ogopa (v. iutr.), to fear, be
later, back, backwards. afraid.
Nyuma ya (adv. prep.), after, Ku oka (v. tr.), to bake, roast.
behind, at the back of. Ku okoa (v. tr.), to save, deliver,
Nyumba (n. 3'), house, cottage, preserve.
bungalow.
villa, Ku okoka (v. n.), to be saved,
Nyumbn (n. 3), mule. escape.
Nyumbu-bara (n. 3), \vildebceste. Ku okota (v. tr.). to pick up.
Nyundo (n. 3), hammer. rake together, individual
Nyungu (n. 3), cooking-pot. articles.
Nyuni (n. 3), bird. Ole (n. 7) (also wele), woe, fate,
Ku nyunya (v. tr.), to suck, draw God's ordaining or appointing.
out by suction. Ole mbwangu (interj.), woe is
Ku nyunyiza (v. tr.), to sprinkle. me, alas.
Nyusbi (n. 3), eyebrows. Ku olea (v. intr.), to float.
Nyuta (pi. of uta). Ku olesha (v. c.), to float or sail a
Ny wele (n. 7, pi.), hair Unywele, ;
boat.
a single hair. Ku oleza (v. c.), to make to swim.
Nwinywi, or Nywinywi (pron.), Ku omba (v. tr.), to pray, beg.
ye, you (pi.). ask for, beseech.
Nzao (n. 3), bullock, calf. Ku ombea (v. prepl.), to pray for,
N'zi (n. 3), a fly. intercede.
Nzige (n. 3), locust. Ku omeka (v. tr.), to stick in.
Iszlo (n. 3), a large water-jar. Omo (adv.), forward, in the fore
part of a vessel.
Ku omoa (v. tr.), to spoil by
O soaking, to bring to land.
Ku ona tr.),
(v. to see, fiiid,
-o (var. poss. suf.) (abbrev. form observe, feel ; Ku ona haya
of -ako), thy. (v. intr.), to feel ashamed.
Ku oa (v. tr.), to look, behold, Ku jiona(v. ref.). to think oneself
direct eyes. to be, boast.
Ku oa (v. tr.), to marry (said of Ku onana (v. rcf.), to meet, see
the bridegroom): Ku olewa one another.
(v. pass.), to be married (said Ku onekana (v. n.), to be visible,
of the bride). appear, be seen, known.
Ku oama (v. n.), to be soaked or Ku ont?a (v. tr.), to taste, try,
steeped, swell iu water or be- tempt.
come soft. Kn ondoa (v. tr.), to take away,
Ku oamana (v. n.), to break up, remove.
disintegrate, through being Ku ondoka (v. n.), to get up, go
steeped. away, depart, start, appear on
Ku oamisha (v. c.), to soften, the scene.
steep in water, soak. Ku ondolea (v. prepl.), to take
Oga (n. 7), fear, cowardice. away from.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 215

Ku onea (v. tr.), to oppress, ill- Ku cza (v. intr.), to rot, be

tr< at ; Ku onea mashaka, to rotten, putrid, spoil.
afflict. Ku oza (v. c.), to marry, perform
Ku ongea (v. tr. and n.), to in- marriago ceremony (eaid of
crease, become many or much. officiating person or parcnte,
Ku ongeza (v. c.), to add, in- guardians).
crease, augment.
Ku ongezeka (v. n.), to be capable
of increase, become more.
Ku ongca (v. tr.), to soothe, to Pa (var. prep.), of (8th el. con-
lull a child, lead gently, cord).
plea e. Pa (pronoml. particle, 8th cl.), it,
Ku ongoka(v. n.), to be con verted, place.
bo lel aright, to turn out well. Ku pa (v. tr.), to give, give to
Ku ongokewa, to bo blessed. (requires indirect obj. particle
Ku cngopa (v. intr.), to lie, to to be conjugated with it).
tell lies. Paa (n. 3), gazelle (n. 5), side ;

Ku ongoza (v. tr.), to lead, take of sloping roof, roof.

the lead, direct, guide. Ku paa (v. iutr.), to ascend,
Ku onya (v. tr.), to warn, show. mount.
Ku onya (v. intr.), to be trans- Kupaaza (v. tr.), to grind quickly
parent. and coarsely ;
Jito lanipaaza,
Ku onyesha (v. c.), to show, indi- there is grit or sand in my
cate, point out. eye; Kusaga is to grind finely.
Ooo (derisive intcrj.), ha ha. Padiri (n. 5), padre, priest.
Oowa, hush-a-bye, lullaby. Pafu (n. 3), lung.
Ku opoa (v. tr.), to draw up out Ku pagaa (v. tr ), to seize,
of a well, extricate.
Orcfa or Ghorofa (n. 7, no pi.), (Ku)pagara (v. tr.), to wear
top story, upper story, upper charms (hirizi).
chamber. (Ku)pagawa ni pepo, to be pos-
-ororo (var. adj.), soft, smooth. sessed of devil.
Ku osha (v. tr.), to wash, cleanse. Pahali (n. 8), place.
Ku osheka (v. n,), to be wash- Paja (n. 5), thigh, hip, lap.
able. Paji(lauso), (or Kipaji cha uso)
Ku ota (v. tr.), to sprout, grow ; (n. 5), forehead.
(2) to dream. P'aka (n. 3), cat ; Paka mwitu,
Kujota moto (v. intr.), to b *sk or Paka vue, wild cat.
warm oneself by fire ;
Ku ota (Ku)paka (v. tr.), to smear, faub,
jua, to bask in the suu. paint, anoint, rub, spread upon.
Ku ctama (v. n.), to sit on one's (Ku)pakaza (v. c.), to anoint.
heels, squat, crouch. Pakacha (n. 5), basket made from
Ku otamia (v. prepl. ), to sit (of a the green cocoa-nut leaves.
hen), hatch. (Ku)pakata (v. tr.), to take on the
-ot'e (adj. ), all (see p. ). lap or knee.
Ku otea (v. prep.), to lie in wait (Kujpakia (v. tr.), to take iu
for, waylay, lurk. cargo or loads, put on board.
-ovu (var. adj.), evil, bad. (Ku)pakua (v. tr.), to serve up
Oya (n. 7), small handful. (food), dish.
216 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Pale (dem. pron.), there, in that (Ku)panda farasi, to ride a horse.

place (origly. demon, adj. 8th. (Ku)pandisha (v. c.), to raise,
cl.). promote, hoist up.
Palepale, papale (redup. emphat. Pande (pi. of upande, cl. 7).
pron., for off), just there, or Panga (n. 5), sword (pi. of
then ; on that spot, at that upanga, cl. 7).
very moment. (Ku)panga (v. tr.), to put or set
(Ku)palia (v. tr.), to choke, out in rows, put in array,
permeate, hoe, dig up. arrange in order, to rent or
(Ku)palilia (v. prepl.), dig to hire (a house).
round a growing crop or plant. (Ku)jipanga (v. ref.), to set one-
(Ku)paliwa sauti, to be choked. self out to be, aspire to, be
Pamba (n. 3), cotton, cotton wool. ostentatious.
(Ku)pamba (v. tr.), to adorn, (Ku)pangana (v. n.), to be spread
decorate, beautify, bedeck with out,arranged in order.
ornament. (Ku)pangisha (v. c.), (1) to make
(Ku)pambanisha (v. tr.), to con- people sit in rows (2) to let ;

trast. or lease (a house) to (some-

(Kn)pambanua (v. tr.), to differ- one).
entiate, separate, distinguish, P ango (n. 3), hole, den, cave.
between, to make distinct (Ku)pangusa (v. tr.), to wip^,
from. rub.
(Ku)pambauka (v. n.), to dawn, (Ku)panua (v. tr.), widen, to
break(day), begin to get light. broaden, stretch, open wide.
(Ku)pambanukana (v. n. rec.), Panya (n. 3), rat, mouse.
to be contrasted with. Panyamavu (n. 8), quiet place,
Pambizo (n. 3), the surrounding peaceful spot.
border or edge or ornament of (Ku)panza (v. c.), to slide up on
anything, as a table, or a to.

building, or a church, precincts. Panzi (n. 5), grasshopper, cater-

P'ambizoni (naut.), in wedge pillar.
shape. Pao (poss. adj.), their, at their
Pampo (n. 5), ornament, decora- place.
tion (of house). P apa (n. 3), shark.
Pamqja (adv.), together (lit. one Papa (adv.), here Papahapa
;

place). (adv. red.), just here, on this

Pamoja na (adv. prep.), with, same spot.
together with. (Ku)papasa (v. tr.), to grope,
Pana (see note on verb To have, touch, feel, with a lingering
p. 58), there is, there are. touch.
-pana (var. adj.), broad, wide; (Ku)papatika (v. intr.), to flap
Panapana, flat, level. the wings, flutter.
(Ku)pana (v. rec.), to give each (Ku)papatua (v intr.), to flourish,
other. open out.
Panda (n. 3), trumpet. (Ku)papatuka (v. n.), to blossom.
(Ku)panda (v. tr.), to plant, sow, Papayu (n. 5), Pawapaw fruit.
set. Papayuka (v. n.), to be light-
(Ku)panda (v. intr.), to climb, headed, delirious.
mount, ascend. Papo (dem. pron.), there, then ;
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 217

Papohapo (pron. red. emphat.), (Ku)patana (v. rec.), to apree,

(near by), just then, just there. come to terms, be reconciled,
Papo hapo (adv.), a t that very consent, be of oiie mind, make
moment, at that very place. a contract.
(Ku)papura (v. tr), to tear (Ku)patanisha (v. c.), to reconcile,
violently, lacerate, rend. conciliate.
Para (n. 5), bald-headed man. Patasi (Zanzibar) (n. 5), chisel
(Ku)para (v. tr.), to scrape. (see Tapasi).
Parafujo (n. 3), a screw. (Ka)patika (v. tr.), to put in a
Parap-anda (n. 3), trumpet (espc- niche.
eially the trumpet of the (Ku)pa/ika (v. tr.), to put, place.
resurrection). (Ka)patikana(v. n.), to be obtain-
(Ku)parua (v. tr.), to scamp able, procurable (Ku)patikana
;

(work). ni, to meet with, have happen

(Ku)pamza (v. intr.), to be rough, to one.
Imroh, to grate. (Ku)patiliza (v. tr.), to punish,
(KvTpasa (v. tr.), to behove, visit (retribution).
"
mutt," be necessary, become. (Ku)patiza (v. tr.), to take ad-
(Ku)paswa (v. pass.), to be vantage of.
obliged. Pato (n. 5), advantage, profit,
(Ku)pasha (v. c.), to cause to get, gain.
afford, yield (Ku)pasha fedha,
; (Ku)patwa (v. pass.), to be got
to lend money ; (Ku)pasha bold of (said of sun, or moon,
msaada, to help. when eclipsed) (see (Ku)shik-
Pashau (n. 3), energy, enthusi- wa).
asm. P'au (n. 3), slanting poles in
Pasi (n 3), an iron; (Ku)piga rcof, rafters, beams.
pasi, to iron. (Ku)paua (v. tr.), to bind rafters
(Ku)pasi (v. intr.), to excel, do to ridge poles, make notches in
well. rafters in order to do this.
Pasipo (prep.) (lit. where there is Pauni (n. 3), pound, sovereign.
not), without. (Kn)pawa, (Ku)pewa (v. pass.),
Pasipckuwa na. Pasiwcko. Pasina, to be given, receive.
without there being, there not (Ku)paya (v. intr.), to talk
being. foolishly, rave, be delirious,
Pasiwe, let there not be, but talk wildly.
there was not (see note 2, (Ku)paya (v. tr.), to graze (as
Study X.). boat on rock).
(Ku)pasua (v. tr.), to split, rend, (Ku)paza (v. c.), to raise, lift
tear (lengthwise). up.
(Ku)pasuka (v. n.), to burst, Pazia (n. 3), curtain, screen, veil.
split, be rent or torn (longi- (Ku)pea (v. tr.), to sweep (see
tudinally). fyagia).
(Ku)pata (v. tr.), to get, acquire, Pekee (inv. adj.), alone, solitary,
obtain, procure, succeed, to be only.
able. Pekeyangu by myself.
(etc.),
(Ku)pata (v. intr.), to cut, be P'ele (n. 3), the itch. Almost
sharp (knife). all pimples are called and
Pate (n. G), twin. spoken of by this name.
218 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

(Ku)peleka (v. tr.), to send, con- winds P'eponi (loc.),

; cool
vey, take (used of persons and winds, Paradise, heaven.
things). Pera (n. 5), Guava.
Peleka barua hii kwa . .take
.
,
Pesa (n. 3), pice, J anna.
this letter to . . . ; (Ku)peleka (Ku)pesa (kope) (v. tr.), to wink,
chuoni, lo send to school ; blink.
(Ku)peleka mkono (v. tr.), to (Ku)peta (v. tr.), to bend, crook.
touch, interfere with, handle. (Ku)petana (v. rcc.), to be bout,
(Ku)peleleza (v. tr.), to spy, crooked, perverse.
inquire into, examine. P'ete (u. 3) ring.
P embe (n. 3), horn, ivory, tusk, -pevu (var. adj.), old, full-grown ;

corner. (Ku)pevuka (v. n.), to be full-

(Ku)penda (v. tr.), to love, like, grown, old.
be fond of, will, wish, approve, Pezi (n. 5). fin (of fish).
prefer. -piT (var. inter, adj.), which?
(Ku)jipenda (v. ref.), to be selfish, Pia (n. 3), top, spinning-top ;

self-centred, study one's own (conj.), also, too, as well as

comfort. (tee note on -ote, Study X.).
(Ku)pendelea (v. prepl.), to Pia-pia (adv.), all over, through-
favour, be partial to, choose, out.
prefer. (Ku)piga (v. tr.), to beat, strike,
(Ku)pendeza (v. c.), to please. knock (this verb tikes its
(Ku)jipendekeza, to court favour, meaning largely from the noun
be ingratiating. it is coupled with : see note 14,
P'endo (n. 3, pi.), love, will, fond- Study V.).
ness. (Ku)piga bunduki, to fire a gun ;

Pengine (var. adj.), other (place), (Ku)piga hodi, to announce

hence elsewhere, somewhere one's arrival by calling Hodi !

else. to knock at the door (cquiv.) ;

Pengine (conj.), on the other (Ku)piga kofi, to slap, smite,
hand, supposing, in case. strike, bos on the ears (with
P'engo (n. 3), no'ch, gap (be- the open hand) ; (Ku)piga kofi,
tween teeth, where one is lost, to clap hands ; (Ku)piga maru-
or space made by filing). fuku, to prohibit ; ya msikiti,
Pentekosito (n. 3), Pentecost, to excommunicate; (Ku)piga-
Whitsunday. piga (v. red.), to beat a little,
(Ku)penya (v. tr.), to penetrate, throb (Ku)piga rago, to camp
; ;

bore into. (Ku)piga randa, to plane;

(Ku)jipenyeza, to squeeze oneself (Ku)piga utari, to tow.
into. (Ku)pigana (v. rec.), to fight,
Penyi (lit. a place having), i.e. contend, wrestle.
whore there is or are. (Ku)piganya (v. c.), to blend,
P'epe (n. 3), chaff, husks. mingle, mix.
(Knipepea (v. tr.), to fan, blow. (Ku)pigilia (v. prep.), to make a
(Ku)peperusha (v. c.), to blow solid floor or roof by beating
about, blow away. with large flat hammers.
(Ku)pepeta (v. tr.), to sift, (Ku)pigizana (v. rec.). to resemble,
winnow. t ) be alike.

P'epo (n. 3), evil spirit ; (n. 7, pi.), Pigo (n. 5), stroke, blow.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 219

(Ku)pika (v. tr.), to cook, boil. (Zu)poa (v. intr.), to get well,
Pili (num. adj.), two (in count- recover (Ku)poa moto (v. intr.),
;

ing); -a pili (var. ordl.), the tobecome cool, lose heart.

second, the other. (Ku)pofuka (v. n.), to be spoiled ;

Pilipili (n. pepper

3), Pilipili ; (Ku)pofuka mato, to be blind.
manga, black (Arabian) pepper; Pojo (n. 3), species of small pea or
Pilipili hokho, red (African) vetch.
pepper. (Ku)poka (v. tr.), to deprive, be-
(Ku)pima (v. tr.), to measure, reave.
weigh, take measurements of. (Zu)pokea (v. tr.), to receive, take,
(Ku)pimwa (v. pas. appd.), to bo accept.
measured for (coat, etc.). (Ku)pokonya (v. tr.), to deprive of
(Ku)pinda (v. tr.), to beiid. by force, take or snatch from,
(Ku)pindamana, to be bent, spoil, rob, dispossess.
curved, crooked. P'ole I hope you will soon be-
!

Pindi (n. 3), appointed time; better (sympathy conveyed by

!

(adv.), when, at such time as, tone of voice),

so long as, while. -pole (var. adj.), gentle, quiet,
Pindo (n. 3), Ixirder of
garment, mild, meek.
Lrenerally embroidered selvedge. P'olep'ole (adv.), gently, meekly,
(Ku)pindua (v. tr.), to overturn, kindly, quietly, slowly, softly,
upset, turn up-side down. easily yielding.
Pindwani (inv. adj.), crooked, P'ombe (n. 3), intoxicant made
perverse, morally oblique. from grain or fruit.
(Ku)pinga (v. tr.), to hinder, P'omboo (n. 3), porpoise.
thwart, oppose, reject, with- (Ku)pomosha (v. c.), to cast down,
stand. throw down.
(Kn)pingamana na, to be con- (Ku.pona (v. intr.), to get well,
trary to, opposed to. pull through or get over (an
Pingu (n. 3), fetter, shackles, illness), to get through safely,
handcuffs ; charm, talisman to recover, escape.
(see hirizi). (Ku)ponda (v. tr.), to pound, crush,
Pipa (n. 5), barrel, tub. beat, bruise, wound.
Pirimbi (n. 3), flute, pipe. (Ku)ponda-ponda (v. red.), to re-
(Ku)pisha (v. e.), k> make room duce to powder, break by pres-
for one to pass. sure, beat continuously.
Pishi (n. 3), dry goods measure, P'ondo (n. 3), punting-pole.
about two quarts. Pongozi (n. 3), sea-monster.
(Ku)pita (see degrees of com- (Ku y ponya (v. c.), to deliver,
parison, Study XVI.) (v. tr.), rescue, save.
to pass, pass by, surpass, excel. (Ku)ponyoka (v. n.), to slip out of
(Ku)pitiliwa (v. pas. appd.), to one's hand, escape.
be overlooked, passed by, neg- P'opo (n. 3), bat, butterfly.
bcted. Popoo (n. 3), areca-nut.
(Ku)pitisha (v. c.), to circu- (Ku)pooza (v. n.), to be withered,
late; pitisha mkate, pass the paralysed, palsied.
bread. (Ku)pop'ota (v. tr.), to break, snap,
-po (rel. particle, 8th cl.), "Where, break to pieces.
when? Popo/e (compr. adj.), any (place)
220 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

whatsoever, anywhere, at any P'umba (n. 3), handful.

time. (Ku)pumbaa (v. n.), to be foolish,
(Ku)popotoa (v. tr.), to strain, weak, stupid ;
to drivel, be
sprain, wring, twist. spoiled.
Pori (n. 3), long tangled forest; (Kuji)pumbaniza (v. ref.), to make
Kutoboa porini = to get out of light of.
the wood. Pumu (n. 5), lung, disease of
(Ku)posa (v. tr.), to betroth, lungs (generally asthma).
espouse, ask in marriagu. (Ku)pumua (v. iiitr.), to breathe,
Posho (n. 3), food-money, rations, rest, recover breath.
allowance of provisions. (Ku)jipunraza (v. ref.), to be at
(Ku)pota (v. 'tr.), to bend to ; rest.
string a bow. (Ku)pum(u)zika (v. n.), to take
tot'e (var. adj.), all, every (8th cl. rest, breathe heavily.
concord) P ote (u. 7, pi.), bow-
; (Ku)pum(u)zisha (v. c.), to ease,
strings. give rest to, rest.
(Ku)potea (v. n.), to be lost, err, P'umzi (n. 3), breath, breathing.
go astray, perish. P'unda (n. 3), ass, donkey ;
Punda
(Ku)poteka (v. n.), to be bent to ; milia (n. 3), zebra.
be well strung (bow). P'umte (adv.), a little; P'un<7e
Ku)po^elea mbali (v. prepl.), to ha<a p'un/Ze every now and
;

be lost for ever, gone out of again, every moment.

reach altogether. (Ku)punguza p'unde ku just to . . .

(Ku)poteza (v. tr. and c.), to lose, stop short of ...

waste, ruin (morally), lead (Ku)punga (v. tr.), to fan, wave,
astray. swing (as arms in walking).
(Ku)potoa (v. tr.), to pervert, dis- (Ku)pungia (mkono) (v. prepl.),
tort, disfigure, lead astray, make to beckon to.
crooked ; (v. sub.), to unstring (Ku)pungna (v. intr.), to become
a bow. less, diminish, abate, decrease
Po'toe(inv. adj.),perverse,crooked. (in number).
(Ku)potoka (v. n.), to turn from Punguani (n. 3), half caste,
right course, be perverse. hybrid.
Povu (n. 3). foam, froth, scum. (Ku)punguka (v. n.), to fall short,
(Ku)poza (v. c.), to heal, to make be wanting, be; deficient, bo
well (said of God), cool. below the standard ; to decrease
P'ua (n. 3), nose, steel. (in quantity).
(Ku)pujua (v. tr.),to graze, scratch Kupungukiwa ni, to lack, be short
slightly. of, ba in want of.
(Ku)pujuka (v. n.), to be grazed (Ku)punguza (v. c.), to lessen,
(of the skin), lose self-respect. diminish.
Pukupuku (n. 3), wasting disease. Pupa (n. 3), haste, eagerness.
(Ku)pukulika (v. n.), to wither, (Ku)puruka (v. n.), to fly, fly
drop off. away.
(Ku)pukusa (v. tr.),to rub between (Ku)purukusha (v. c.),to postpone,
hands, crumble, throw off, to procrastinate, slight, drive off.
shed (fruit). (Ku)jipurukusb.a (v. ref.), to be
(Ku)pulikiza (v. tr.), to attend, slack, desultory, casual, to set
listen to. lightly by.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 221

P'urukushani (n. 3), foolishness, Rahani (u. 3), pledge, security ;

senselessness. (Ku)weka rahani t pawn. ;

>

(Ka)purnra (v. tr.), to pick, pluck, Rahisi (inv. adj.),cheap, easy.

gather, strip, peel. Rai (n. 3), strength, prudence,
(Ku)pusa (v. intr.), to leave off thought.
(of rain, etc.). (Ku)rairai (v. tr.), to beg, beseech,
(Ku)puzia (v. prepl.), to blow mollify by entreaty.
upon. Rajabu (n. prop.), tenth month in
(Ku)pwa (v. intr.), to ebb of tide. Moslem year.
Pwani (n. 3), shore, beach, coast. Rajamu (n. 3), markings on cases
(Ku)pwaya (v. tr.), to clean corn ; for identification.
(v. n.), to be loose (clothes, Raki (n. 3), slaves.
screws, etc.). Rama<Mani, Mohammedan fast-
(Ku)pwea (v. n.), to come to laud, month.
reach the shore. (Ku)ramba (v. tr.), to lick, lick
Pweke (adj.), unique. up.
(Ku)pwelea (v. prepl), to get low Ramli (n. 3), sand; (Ku)piga
(water), dry up Sauti kupwe- ; ramli, to tell fortunes (origi-
lea, to be hoarse. nally by throwing sand).
(Ku)pweleza (v. c.).to run aground Randa (u. 3), plane ;
Kupiga-
into shallow or ebbing water, randa = to plane.
-pya(mpya) (var. adj.), new, fresh, Rangi (u. 3), colour, shade, paint,
novel. tint.
(Ku)rarua (v. tr.), to tear, rend,
tatter, tear asunder; (Ku)ra-
B ma-rarua (v. red.), to tear to
pieces.
Raar// (n. 3), thunder, thunder- (Ku)raruka (v. n.), to be torn,
bolt. tattered, rent.
Rabana (n. prop.), our Lord (Mo- Ras(rasi) (u. 3), cape, headland,
hammedan name for God). promontory.
Rababi (n. 3), silver. (Ku)rasha-rasha (v. red.), to do
Rati/d (adj.), content, clement, things by halves or superfici-
indulgent, willing, satisfied, ally.
favourable. Rafabu (n. 3), dates (Ar.).
R^'//(i (n.3), favour, clemency, Radii (n. 3), pound (In.).
pleasure, contentment, blessing, (Ku)rauka (v. intr.), to get up
approbation Kun r&dhi, do not
;
early.
be angry Niwia r&dhi, forgive
; (Ka)raukia (v. prepl.), to rouso
me. early in the morning, pay one
Rafiki (n. 3 and 5), friend. an early visit.
Ragham (n. 3), figure, nnmber. Rayia(raia) (u. 3). subject, one
Rago (n. 3), camp (Ku)piga rado,
;
who livts under the power of
to camp, encamp. another.
Raha (n. 3), rest, ease, luxury, Reale, Riali (n. 3), Dollar, crown
repose, tranquillity ;
Raha (2 rupees).
msterehe; quiet rest, undis- -refu (var. adj.), long, tall.
turbed repose. (Ku)rega-rega (v. red.), to waver,
Rahamani (n. 3), map, chart. shake about, be rickety, be
222 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

loose, be in a battered con- ta roho, to breathe one's last

dition. (breath).
Eehema (n. 3), mercy, compassion, Eohoni, part of animal's throat cut
pity- in slaughtering.
(Ku)rehemu have pity
(v. tr.), to Eoho Mtakatifu, Holy Spirit.
or mercy on, take compassion Eojo (n. 5), sediment, dregs.
on. Bokhara (n. 3), alabaster.
(Ku)rehemea (v. prep.), to have (Ku)roromoka (v. n.), to spread
pity, show mercy for (not to). (over a surface), diffuse, run.
Eejareja (adv. inv.), retail ; Kuuza Eoshani (n. 3), balcony, over-
rejareja, to sell retail. hanging verandah.
(Ku)rejea (v. intr.), to return, go Euaza (n. 3), pattern, model.
or come back. Eubani (n. 3), pilot guide.
(Ku)rejeza (v.c.), to give back, (Ku)ru(/i (v. intr.), to go or come
repay. back, return, retire, shrink (of
Eiaka (n. 5), quiver. clothes, etc.) (v. tr.) to punish,
;

Eiali (n. 3), dollar (2 rupees). chastise.

Elba (n. 3), interest, usury,
covetousness, love of gain.
(Ku)rir7M (v. tr.), to please.
(Ku)rirfMa (v. prcpl.), to grant to,
be pleased, comply with, ac-
quiesce in.
(Ku)ric7Msha (v. c.), to give satis-
faction, cause to accept.
Eihani (n. 3), basil.
Eima (n. 5), large pit (for catching
wild animals).
Einda (n. 5), skirt.
(Ku)ringa (v. iutr.), to
triumph, exult.
Eika (n. 5), an equal.
Eisala (n. 3), message.
Eisasi (n. 3), lead, bullet, ball,
shot.
Risau (n. 5), small shot.
(Ku)rithi (v. tr.), to inherit.
(Ku)riyariya (v. red.), to keep
looking in one direction, keep
one's eye on a thing.
Eizki(riziki) (n. 3), common neces-
saries of daily fife.
Eoboo (n. 3), quarter, quarter of
a dollar (half rupee) Kasu ro- ; soil, humidity.
boo, one less a quarter (hence
three-quarters).
Eoho (n. 3), spirit, soul, life,
mortal part of man, disposition,
of life; (Ku)ka-
spirit, principle
(Ku)ru</isha (v. tr.), to draw back,
give back, return.
(Ka)rufuku (v. tr.), to prohibit,
refuse (sec marufuku).
Eugurugu (n. 5), swelling.
Enhusa, Eukhusa, Eukhsa (n. 3),
leave, permission, liberty.
(Ku)ruk'a (v. tr. and iutr.), to leap,
jump, fly, spring, skip, leave
out (in reading, etc.).
(Ku)mk'wa ni akili, to be deprived
of one's senses (by a blow), be
rejoice, stunned.
(Ku)ruk'iza (v. c.), to omit, pass
over, skip.
(Ku)runda (v. intr.), to be stunted
in growth.
Eungu (n. 5), club, staff, knob-
kerry, shillelagh, blunderbuss.
Eupia (n. 3), rupee.
(Ku)rusha (v.c.), to throw info
the air, throw over, desert,
cast off; (Ku)rusha maji, to
splash.
Eushwa, rushua (n. 3), bribe.
Entuba (n. 3), moisture, damp
(Ku)ruza (v. intr.), to give up as
impossible.
im- (Ka)ruzuku (v. tr.), to supply
with the necessaries of life.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 223

(Zu)sagika (v. n.). to be bruised.

Sahala (n. 3), facility, levity,
Sa !
(inlcrj.). Yes (sir?) here ! I am !
lightness.
Saa (n. 3), hour, time, watch, (Zu)sahalika (v. n.). to be relaxed.
clock; Saangapi? What time? Sahani (n. 3), plate, dish.
(Ku)saa (v. n.), to remain, be left. (Ka)sahau (v. tr.), to forget; (Ku)-
Saamani (n. 3), tea-things, uten- sahauliwa (v. pass.), to be for-
sils (see Samani). gotten.
Sabaa (inv. num. adj.), seven ; (Kuji)sahauliza (v. ref.), to forget
-a sabaa, the seventh. one's self.
Sabaafaashara (num. adj.), seven- (Ku)sahanza (v. c.), to make
teen. oblivious of.
Sababu (n. 3), cause, reason Kwa ; Sahibu (n. 5), friend.
sababu ya, because of, by reason Sabibl (n. 3), signature, sanction ;

of. (adj.), correct, right, authentic.

(Kwa) sababu (gani) ? For what Sai<7i (n. 5), prince, sultan, king,
cause? why? lord.
(Ka)sabahi (v. tr.), to greet or (Ku)sai</ia (v. tr.), to help, assist,
pay respects to in the morning. aid, succour.
Sabaifu (n. 3), Sabbath. (Ka)sai'Ziana (v. rec.), to help
Sabuini (num. adj.), seventy. each other.
Sabuni (n. 3), soap. Sai'/ina, our Lord, your majesty.
Saburi (also sabira) (n. 3), (Ku)saili (v. tr.) to question, in-
patience, forbearance, en- terrogate.
durance perseverance. Sakafu (n. 3), beaten floor or roof
Sato (see msaada); (Ku)jaalia or pavement.
saJa, to grant help or grace. Sakaramen/i (n. 3), sacrament.
Sadhabu (n. 3), aniseed. Sala (n. 3), prayer, liturgical
SarZaka (n. 3), sacrifice, alms, formal prayer (in the sense
offering. of adoration rather than of
(Ku)sadiki (v. intr.), to believe, petition).
credit. Salala !
(intcrj ), What next !

Sa'fiki (adj. inv.), credible, truth- Salama (n. 3), safety, peace, wel-
ful. fare, well-being; (adj.), safe,
Safari (n. 3), journey, voyage. well, all right; (Ku)weka sa-
Safi(Swafi) (inv. adj.), clean, pure, lama, to keep safely.
guileless, ingenuous, net Salamu (n. 3) (origly. safety,
(weight). peace, preservation, deliver-
(Ka)safi (v. tr.), (Ku)safisha (v. c.), ance), greeting, compliments,
to clean, cleanse, purify, refine. kind regards.
(Ku)safiri (v. intr.), to travel, take (Ku)sali (v. intr.), io say prayers,
a journey, start on a journey, pray.
set out. (Ku)salia (v. prepl.), to remain
Safu (n. 3), row, line, Lost, army, over (used intransitively).
rank. (Ku)salibu (v. tr.), to crucify ;

Safura (n. 3), Anaemia, dropsy. (Ka)salibiwa (v. pass.), to be

(Ku)saga (v. tr.), to grind, reduce crucified.
to powder; Jiwe la knsagia, Salihi (inv. adj.), good, just,
grindstone. righteous.
224 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

(Ku)salimika (v. n.), to be safe Saramala (n. 5), carpenter, joiner,

(said of the soul when dying). wheelwright, cabinet maker.
(Ku)salinm (salimia) (v. tr.), to Sarara (n. 3), loin.
greet, send greetings to. Sare (Jina la sare), surname.
Nisalimia fulani, give my compli- Saruf (n. 3), grammar.
ments to (so and so). Sasa (adv.), now, at this time, at
(Ku)saliti (v. tr.), to betray, present; Sasa hivi (adv.), im-
mingle. mediately, directly, at once,
(Ku)salisha (v. c.), to make pray, presently, just now.
, by reading, leading or taking (Ku)sasanya (v. tr.), to gather.
prayers. 8a(u python, serpent.
(n. 3),
(Ku)sallimu (v. tr.), to surrender, Saumu (n. 3). fasting, abstinence
consecrate. from liquids, thirst, Lent.
Sanuu/i (n. 3), manure, dunpr. Sauti (n. 3), voice, sound, tune.
Samaki (n. 8), fish; Samaki wa Sawa (adj.), equal, right, correct,
kuk'anga, fried fish (see vua). straight, just.
Samani (n. 3), tools, utensils, (Ku)sawanisha, (Ku)sawanyiza
household things. (v.c.), to put straight or right,
Samawi (adj.), blue, sky-blue. equalize, level, make alike.
Samawad (n. 3), skies,heavens. Sawasawa (adj. red.), alike, just
Sambamba (adv.), with a train, the same, even, level.
or following, in line, in rank (Ku)saza (v. c.), to leave over,
(as soldiers). cause to remain Kusaza ku
;

Sambo (u. 3), vessel. (fa), to be almost (dead) ;

(Ku)samene (v. tr.), to forgive, Kusaza ikdogo na, to be almost

pardon, excuse. entirely.
Samli (n. 3), clarified butter. Sebule (n. 3), private room,
Sana (intensifying adverb), very, separated lobby near entrance.
a great deal, much, etc. Sehemu (n. 3), portion, share, part.
Sanaa (n. 3), Art, craft, handi- Sekeneko (n. 3), syphilis.
craft, skilled work. (Ku)selehi (v. intr.), to be service-
Sanamu (n. 3), idol, image, pic- able, be of use.
ture. (Ku)sema (v. intr.), to say, speak ;
Sanda (n. 3), shroud, winding- (v. tr.), to mention, accuse, tell
sheet. talcs of, denounce (Ku)sema
;

Sandali (n. 3), sandal wood. uwongo, to tell lies; (Ku)ji-

Sandarusi (n. 3), gum-copal. semea (v. ref.), to meditate,
Sanduku (n. 5), box, chest, case, muse, talk idly, complain ;

chest-of-drawers, etc. Ku)semeka be said,

(v. u.), to
(Ku)sangaa (v. iutr.), to be per- be sayable ;(Ku)jisemezana
plexed, be in a dilemma, (v. rec.), to talk together.
embarrassed, to stand still, (Ku)sengenya (v. tr.), to slander,
from doubt or astonishment. backbite.
(Ku)sanii (v. tr.), to fashion with Serikali (n. 3), the government.
skill, elaborate, work dex- Seruji (n. 3), saddle.
terously. (Ku)seseteka (v. intr.), to reel,
Sanfuri (n. 3), harp, musical box. stagger.
Sarafa (n. 3), exchange (money). Shaaban (n. prop.), eleventh
Sarahangi(n. 3), first mate (naut.). month in Mohammedan year.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY

Shaba (n. 3), brass. (Ku)shaua (v. intr.), to make

Shabaha (n. 3), aim, mark, target. fair promises not intending to
Shada (n. 5), nosegay, sprig. fulfil.
Shaha (n. 5), prince, king, chief, Shauku (n. 3), lust, desire.
great man. Shauri (n. 5), palaver, council,
Sb.ab.amu (n. 3), fat. plan, advice, counsel, device,
Shahada (n. 3), forefinger ; (Ku)- consultation.
piga shahacfa, to witness to (Ku)shauri (v. tr.), to advise,
Mohammedan by reciting creed consult.
with first or index finger up- Shawi (n. 5), bud, branch.
lifted. (Ku)shawishi (v. tr.), to tempt,
Shahidi (n. 5), witness. coax.
Shairi (n. 5), verse of poetry, Shazi (n. 5), oyster- shell.
poet. Shehe (Shekhe) (n. 5), chief,
Shaka (n. 5), doubt, distrust, great man.
suspicion. (Hana shaka = he is Shehena (n. 5), cargo, load.
the man for the business.) Shela (n. 5), hammock.
Shakawa (n. 5), oifence, quarrel, Shemegi (n. 3), brother-in-law,
opposition, hostility. sister-in-law (a woman calls
Shake (n. 5), sea-gull. her sister-in-law, wifi).
Shali (n. 3), shawl. Sherbet (n. 3), drink, beverage,
Sham (prop, n.), Syria. sherbet.
Shamasi (n. 5), deacon. Sherehe (n. 3), rejoicing, mirth.
Shamba (u. 5), field, garden, Sheshe (n. 3), novelty, wonder.
plantation, cultivated ground. (Ku)sheta (v. tr.), to bruise,
(Ku)shambua (v. tr.), to peel, crush; (Ku)sheteka (v. n.), to
husk, clean, pick, pare. be broken in pieces, to be
(Ku)shambulia (v. prep.), to bruised.
attack, assault, lay waste. (Ku)sheta-sheta (v. red.), to break
Shamili (n. 5), ear ornaments. in pieces.
Shangazi (n. 5), aunt (father's Shefani, Sheifani, Shaifani (prop,
sister). n.), Satan, devil.
(Ku)shangiria (v. prep.), to shout (Ku)shiba (v. intr.), to be satis-
for joy, rejoice, triumph. fied, be full, have enough.
Shangwe (n. f>), joy, excitement, Shiba (n. 3), abundance, suffi-
ornament, frontlet. ciency, enough.
Shani (n. 3), power, glory, ma- Sbibiri (n. 3), span, handbreadth.
jesty, beauty, lovely thing. Shi(/a (n. 3), hardship, difficulty,
Shari (n. 5), evil, ill. strenuousness.
Sharia (n. 3), law. (Ku)shika (v. tr.), to hold, clasp,
(Ku)shariki (v. intr.), to go seize, take
grasp, (Ku)shi- ;

shares, take part in, communi- kana, (Ku)shikamana (v. rec.),

cate; (Ku)sharikana, to par- to hold together, cleave or
ticipate, communicate. stick together, adhere.
Shard, Shad, Sharurt (adv.), of Shikamou (lit. Nashika maguu),
"
necessity, must," by all slave's greeting to a superior.
means. Shikazi (n. 5), dollar.
Sharuti (n. 3), obligation, com- Shikio, sikio (n. 5), ear, handle.
pulsory matters, misfortune. (Ku)shiliza (v. tr.), to complete,
SWAHILI GRAMMAR
226 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

to finish ;Ameshilizwa. his Shuari (shuwari) (n. 3), calm.

education has been completed. (Ku)shuhudia (v. prepl.),Ku-
Shimo (n. 5), hole, hollow, pit, shulmdu (v. tr.), Kushuhudiza
cayity, cell. witness or testify to,
(v. c.), to
Shina (n. 5), root, trunk. bear witness.
Shinda (inv. adj.), half full, Shuhuli, shughuli (n. 3), busi-
partly full, half empty. ness, occupation, employment ;

(Ku)shinda (see note on Study Hana shuhuli = he is just the

XVI). (v. tr.), to conquer, sur- one.
pass, excel, beat (v. intr.), to
;
(Ku)shuhulika (v. n.), to be
stay, remain, pass (time), pay a pressed with business, be occu-
visit, spend the day. pied.
(Ku)shindamana (v. rec.), to be Shujaa (n. 5), warrior, brave
compact, fitting close into each man, hero, champion.
other. Shuka (n. 3 and 5), length of
(Ku)sMndana (v. rec.), to com- cloth (four hands), loin cloth,
plete, dispute, contend to. sheet.
(Ku)shindika (v. tr. ), to shut to, (Ku)shuka (v. intr.), to go or
to close (door without fasten- come down, descend, get cut,
ing), press (used of extracting alight (Ku)shusha (v. c.), to
;

vegetable oil and bottling let down, put down, send down ;

mineral waters). Kushusha p'umzi, to breathe

(Ku)shindikiza (v. c.), to accom- deep.
pany part of the way. Shake (n. 5), ear of corn.
(Ku)shindilia (v. prepl ), to press Shukurani (n. 3), praise, thanks-
down, compress. giving.
(Ku)shindua (v. sub.), to open, (Ku)shukuru (v. tr.), to give
undo. thanks, worship, have prayers ;

Shingo (n. 3 and 5), neck. (Ku)shukurisha (v. c.), to con-

(Ku)shiriki (see shariki). duct worship or prayers.
KnshUaki (v. tr.), to accuse, (Ku)shuru<iza (kusharutiza) (v.
charge with wrong-doing. c.), to constrain, compel, per-
(Ku)shifruka (see kushutuka). suade.
Shoka (n. 5), axe, hatchet. (Ku)shutuka (v. n.), to start,
Shokoa (n. 3), forced labour, move suddenly.
compulsion. (Ku)shu<umu (v. tr.), to reproach,
Shokole (n. 3), eel. revile, insult.
Shomoro (n. 5), sparrow. Si (neg. simple copula, sing, and
(Ku)shona (v. tr.), sew, mend. pi.), (he, she, it) is not ; (they)
(Kn)shonewa (v. prepl. pass.), to are not.
be sewn for, have made for one. Si (1st p. sing, neg., strong verb
(Ku)shonoka (v. n.), to become to be), I am not.
unsewn. -si- (neg. inf.), not. Mt'u asiye
(Ku)shonua (v. sub.), to unpick, kwao, man with no home.
unstitch, undo. Siafu (n. 3), soldier-ant, biting-
Shore (u. 5)(?) swallow. ant.
Shofo (short form of kushoto), Siagi (n. 3), butter.
left-handed. Siala (n. 5), question.
(Ku)shua (v. tr.), to launch. Siara, see Ziara.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 227

Sibabu (n. 3), see Sababu. Sima (n. 3), Indian-corn porridge.
Sifa (n. 3), praise, commendation, (Ku)simama (v. intr.), to stand
fame, reputation. up, stand still, rise, stop (as of
(Ku)sifu (v. tr.), to praise, com- machinery).
mend (Ku)sifiwa (v. pass.), to
; (Ku)simamia (v. prepl.), to super-
be praised. vise, superintend, oversee,
(Ku)jisifu (v. ref.),to boast, sound stand up for, espouse cause of.
one's own praises. (Ku)simamisb.a (v. c.), to estab-
Sifuri (n. 3), copper. lish, set upright, make stand
Sifuria (see Sufuria), (n. 5), sauce- up.
pan, pot (primarily of copper). Simanzi (n. 3), grief, sorrow.
(Ku)sibl (v. tr.), to beseech, im- Simba (n. 3), lion ;
Simba
plore, beg; Nakusihi, if you Marara, man-eating hyaena
please. (striped).
-sije (ver. inf.), lest (followed by Sime (n. 3), sword, scimitar.
Ka tense). Simi equals si mimi Simi nayo,
;

Siki (n. 3), vinegar. I have not.

(Ku)sikia (v. tr.), to hear, feel, be (Ku)simika (v. tr.), to erect, set
sensible or conscious of, take up.
in, comprehend, obey. Simo (n. 3), proverb, parable by
(Ku)sikilika (v. n.), to be audible word. Also verb to be with
with difficulty. suffix am not in it, or con-
I

(Ku)sikilikana (v. n.), to be nected with it.

audible, be Leaid (all round), Simu (n. 3), electric wire, tele-
come to be known. phone, telegraph, cable Ku- ;

(Ku)sikiiika (v. n.), to be sorry, piga simu, to telephone, etc.

regret, grieve, mourn. Sintfano (n. 3), needle.
(Ku)sikidkiwa (v. pass.), to be Singa (n. 3), hair (of animals).
lamented or pitied. Singiza (singizia) (v. tr.), to
(Ku)sikiza (v. tr.), to hearken, slander, calumniate, accuse,
listen. suspect.
Siku (n. 3), day (24 hours) ;
Siku Sinia (n. 3), tray, salver.
k'uu, great day, festival, fete. (Ku)sinyaa (v. n.), to wither,
Siku kwa sikn (adv.). every now wrinkle.
and then, intermittently, fit- (Zu)sinzia (v. intr.), to slumber,
fully. doze, be drowsy.
Siku ha<a siku (adv.), day by day, (Ku)sinzilia (v. prepl.), to look
regularly, daily, day after day. askance at, watch suspiciously.
(Kilia)siku (adv.), every day ; -sipo (v. inf.), except, if.
Siku hizi (adv.), nowadays ; (Ku)sira-sira (v. tr.), to scamp
Sikuzote (adv.), always. (work), tiifle with.
Siku biyo once upon a time.
-
Siri (u. 3), secret, mystery.
Silaha (n. 3.), weapon, arms. (Ku)sisimka (v. n.), to sliuddrr
Silisili (n. 3), chain. thrill, tremble.
(Ku)silimu (v. intr.), to
capitu- (Ku)sisitiza (v. tr.), to enjoin,
late ; Kusalimu Kiswahili, to charge, pre. s upon, to entreat.
become Mohammedan ;
Kusa- Si/a (inv. num adj.), six.
limu Kimashia, to become (Ku)siJa (v. intr.), to hesitate,
Christian. doubt.
228 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Siteashara (inv. num. adj.), (Ku)sonda (v. tr.), to suck.

sixteen. (Ku)songa (v. tr.), to press, crowd,
Sit&di (adj.), skilful, expert, close up, oppress, squeeze,
clever. choke, plait (hair).
Sifaha (n. 3), politeness, deck of (Zu)songana (v. rec.), to throng,
a vessel. jostle.
(Ku)sifahabu, vide Sdahabu. (Ku)songea (v. prepl.), to ap-
(Ku)sitahamili (v. intr.), to en- proach, come near to.

dure, be patient, bear, suffer. (Ku)songeza (v. c.), to bring near

(Ku)sifahi (v. tr.), to respect, to.

reverence, honour. (Ku)songoa (v. tr.), to strangle,

(Ku)sitehili (v. intr.), to be suffocate.
worthy, deserving, deserve, (Ku)sonona (v. intr.), to be rest-
merit. less, uneasy.
Sifara (n. 3), covering, cloak, Sononeko (n. 5), grief, pain, un-
secret place, protection for easiness.
faults. (Ku)sonya (v. tr.), to scorn, dis-
(Ku)sitarelie (v. intr.), to be at dain, make mocking sound at,
ease, at leisure, at rest. pooh-pooh, to draw up the lips
Sitarehe do not disturb your-
! in disgust.
self pray do not get up (said
! ! Sote (adj.). all (of us).
to those inside house by person (Ku)soza (v. tr.), to touch, strike,
entering). hit.
Si/awa (n 3), prosperity, abun- (Ku)sozana (v. rec.), to jostle,
dance. collide.
(Ku)sUawi (v. intr.), to flourish, (Ku)s<ahabu. (v. intr.), to choose,
prosper, grow, succeed. prefer.
(Ku)sifawisha (v. c.), to make Stambul (n. prop.), Constanti-
succeed or do well. nople.
Si<i (n. 3), virgin. Subili (n. 3), aloe.
Sitiini (inv. num. adj.), sixty. Subira (n. 3), patience.
(Ku)sttiri (v. tr.), to hide, cover, (Ku)subiri (v. iutr.), to have
protect, defend. patience, wait.
(Ku)si<irika (v. n.), to be hidden, (Ku)subu (v. tr.), to smelt, cast.
concealed. (Ku)suburishana (v. rec.), to ex-
Siuzs (lit. don't ask about), much hort mutually to patience.
more, much less. (Ku)subuiu (v. intr.), to dare,
Siyo, sivyo (adv. neg.), no ! not have courage.
so, not thus (these are not Sufi (n. 3), wool
they). Sufuri (n. 3), copper.
Soko (n. 3), market, bazaar. Sufuria (n. 5), copper saucepan.
(Ku)sokoia (v. tr.), to plait, spin, (Ku)sugna (v. tr.), to rub, scrub,
weave, twist, twine. scour, polish by rubbing.
(Ku)soma (v. intr.), to read, go to (Ku)sujudu, to worship, bow
school, study. down to.

(Ku)somesha (v. c.), to teach (to (Ku)suka (v. tr.), to plait, twist,
read), instruct. spin, weave.
Somo (n. 5), reading lesson (n. ; 3), (Ku)suka-suka (v. n.), to shake
friend, chum (namesake). about, tremble, sway.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 229

Sukani (n. 3), rudder, helm Ku- ;

T
shika sukani, to steer.
Sukari (n. 3), sugar Mnara wa ; (Zu)ta (v. tr.), to put forth, lay
sukari, sugar loaf; Sukari ya (eggs).
mawe, lump sugar Sukari ya ; -<a- (verbal infix, indicating
Bungala (i.e. Bengal), moist future tense).
sugar. Taa (n.3), fish with long thin
(Ku)sukuma (v. tr.), to push, tail the thrasher or sting ray.
hustle, drive. Taa (n. 3), lamp, lantern ; T'aa,
(Ku)sukumiza (v. c.), to cast off, obedience, submission.
et asilc, throw over, thrust at, (Ku)toabika (v. n.), to be in
semi right away. trouble, be distressed, be
Sukuo (n. 3), large grindstone. anxious.
(Ku)sukutua (v. tr.), to rinse the jTaabu (n. 3), hardship, trouble,
month. adversity, mischief, misfortune,
(Ku)snluhisha (v. c.), to concili- distress.
ate, make peace. (Ku)faajabu (v. n.), to wonder,
Suluhu be astonished, be amazed.
Salufani (n. 5), sultan, king, (Ku)teakMri (v. intr.), to be late,
emperor. delay, tarry, linger, loiter.
(Ku)sumbua (v. tr.), to trouble, Taarishi (n. 3), mail-runner, mail-
vex, annoy, worry, harrass, bearer.
torment. (Ku)fabasanro (v. intr.), to smile.
Sumile ! make way !
(Contraction Tabekero (n. 3), snuff-box.
of Bismillahi, in rae name of Tabia (n. 3), nature, character,
God.) disposition, temper.
Sumu (n. poison, natural
3), Tabiba (n. 5), physician.
"
enemy. (See African Aphor- (Ku)tabiri (v. iutr.), to prophesy,
ism," p. 117.) foretell, prognosticate.
(Kn)sumulia (v. intr.), to talk, (Ku)tabua (v. tr.), to break down,
chat, converse. rend, destroy.
(Ku)sumulika (v. n.), to be told, Tafad/jali please do me the
!

talked about. kindness, I beg of you.

Sungula (n. 3), hare. (Ku)tafakari (v. intr.), to con-
(Ku)sunza (v. tr.), to shake. sider, reflect, meditate, think.
Sara (n. 3), feature, countenance, Tafauti (n. 3), difference; Ku-
form of face, chapter of Koran. weka Zofauti, to make a differ-
Suria (n. 5), concubine. ence, differentiate.
Suruji (n. 3), inferior mortar. Tafi (n. 3), Indian-Ocean fish not
Suruale (n. 3), trousers. much accounted of.
Susani (u. 3), Ua la susani, lily. (Ku)tafiti (v. intr.), to pry into.
Susu (n. 3), hanging-shelf for (Ku)fafuna (v. tr.), to chew,
food. masticate, eat. (Yuatafuna
Suudi (n. 3), interest, usury. Kiswahili kanamaji, he is a
Suwesi (n. prop.), Suez. fluent speaker in Swahili).
Swali, Suali (n. 5), question. Tafsiri (n. 3), interpretation,
Swi (n. 3), fish (obsolete). explanation.
Swiswi (pron.), we, us. (Ku)tefusiri (v. tr.), to translate,
interpret.
230 SWAHILI GKAMMAR

(Ku)<afute (v. tr.), to seek or Takato (n. 5), chastity, cleanli-

look for, search, investigate, ness, purity.
examine. Takia (n. 5), footstool, cushion.
(Kn)taga (v. tr.), to lay (eggs). Talaka (n. 3), divorce.
T'agaa (n. 7, pi.), stems, branches. Talasimu (n. 3), amulet, charm,
(Ku)/agua (v. tr.), to choose, talisman, phylactery.
elect. (Ku)teliza (v. tr.), to plaster, to
7'ab.abihu (Kutia), to flourish, daub.
sword. Tama (n. 3), end, finis, it is

(Ku)/ahadhari (v. intr.), to finished ;

Tama (n. 5), cheek ;

beware, to take heed, be on T'ama (n. 3), refuse, rubbish,

one's guard, to avoid. sweepings, offscourings.
Tahara (n. 3), eircumcisiou. (Ku)/ama(v. intr.), to move (from
(Ku)/aharuki (v. intr.\ to be one house to another), emi-
excited by anger, be dismayed, grate ; (v. n.), to come to an
be vexed. end :
(Kushika)tama (v. intr.),
(Ku;<ahayari (v. intr.), to be lo meditate, reflect, be silent
ashamed. (lit., to hold the check).
(Ku)ji<ahirfi (v. ref.), to exert (Ku)/amisha (v. c.), to remove.
one's self, take pains. Tamaa (n. 3), desire, longing,
(Ku)tehiri (v. tr.), to circumcize. lust, craving, coveting.
Tai (n. 3), eagle. (Ku)<amalaM (v. tr.), to rule,
Taib (inv. adj.), well, good. govern, possess, appropriate,
Taifa (n. 3), nation, Gentile. purchase, to be promoted.
T'aja (n. 3), tribute, tax. (Ku)temani (v. tr.), to desire, long
(Ku)taja (v. tr.), to mention, for, covet, lust tifter.
name. Tamasha (n. 3), curiosity, show,
Taji (n. 5), crown. something rare.
7'ajindi (n. 3), elocution. (Ku)tamba (v. intr.), to go about,
Tajiri (n. 5), rich man. walk abroad, pass through.
(Ku)<aka (v. tr.), to want, desire, T'ambi (n. 7, pi.), macaroni, ver-
need, ask, request. micelli (made by Swahili house-
Taka (n. 3), dirt, filth ;
Takataka wives).
(n. 3), rubbish, refuse, offal. (Ku)tambaa (v. intr.), to creep,
(Ku)fakaba(7M (v. tr.), to receive, crawl, spread.
accept. Tambarare (inv. adj.), level, flat;
(Ku)<akabali, sec Kubali. N<i ya tambarare, a plain.
(Ku)tokabari (v. intr.), to be T'ambazi (n. 3), abscess.
proud. (Ku)tambua (v. tr.), to recognize,
(Ku)<akadamu (v. tr.), to precede. discern, distinguish, decipher.
(Ku)takasa (v. tr.), to cleanse, (Ku)tambulikana (v. n.), to be
purify, clean, sanctify. recognizable, discernible.
(Ku)takasika (v. u.), to be (Xu)tamburikana (v. n.), to be
cleansed, to become extra- well known.
ordinarily clean. (Ku)tambmisha (v. c.), to make
(Ku)takata (v. n.), to become known, to decide.
clean or clear, be pure, Tambuu (n. 3), leaf of betel -treo
-takatifu (var. adj.), holy, sacred, used for chewing.
pure, saintly, chaste. Tamko (n. 5), pronunciation,
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 231

enunciation, accent, utterance, abroad, be circulated, be well

promise, speech, expression, known.
word. (Ku)tengamana (v. rec.), to be
Tanm (n. 3), sweetness, pleasant- mixed together, make common
ness. cause, have fellowship with,
-<amu (var. adj.), sweet, nice, join.
delicious. (This can bo used Tangamano (n. 5), league.
adverbially.) (Ku)tengamka (v. n.), to cheer
(Ku)tana (v. tr.), to separate, up, throw off grief, take
slit up, comb. courage.
(Ku)tanakali (v. n.), to be trans- Tangamko (u. 5), joy, cheer,
lated, carried away. rejoicing.
(Ku)<anawari (v. intr.), to shine, (Ku)tangamsha (v. c.), to en-
jriv<; light. courage, cheer.
T'anda (n. 3), link of chain, husk, (Ku)tenganya (v. tr.), to mix,
shell. mingle, blend, betray.
(Ku)tanda (v. tr.), to spread out, (Ku)tenganyika (v. n.), to be
lace (with rope) (v. intr.), to
; mixed.
be spread out, be set in array. (Ku)/anganyikana (v. rec.), to be
Tande (n. 3), tortoise. intermingled.
Tan</aa (n. 3), open country Tangauko (n. 5), trouble, vexa-
cleared by burning under- tion, strength.
growth. Tangawe (n. 3), gravel, grit.
(Ku)tandika (v. tr.), to spread Tangawizi (n. 3), ginger.
out, lay in order, set in array. (Ku)tangaza (v. c.), to publish,
Tandu (n. 3), tattooing, tribal announce, make known, de-
incisions in face ; (n. 5), web ; clare, divulge.
Tandu la buibui, spider's web. Tange (n. 3), newly-cleared
Tandu (n. 3), centipede. ground.
T'anda (n. 7, pi.), film or crust Tangi (n. 3), tank, cistern.
on cooked rice, etc. (Ku)tengisha (v. c.), to scatter.
(Ku)tandua (v. sub.), to strip (a Tango (n. 5), contribution,
bed) (in contradistinction to pumpkin, gourd.
tandika, making a bed) and Tango pepete (n. 5), dwarf
roll up the bedding. cucumber.
(Ku)tanduka (v. n.), to be folded Tangu (adv.), since, after ; Tangu
or rolled up. zamani, a long time ago; -a
Tanga (n. 5), sail; Tanga mbili; tangu, from the beginning ;

period of variable winds Zamani za tangu, old times ;

between SW. and NE. Mon- Tangu lini ? since when ? how
soon after Demani. long ago ?
(Ku)tanga (v. tr.), to split (as (Ku)fangua (v. tr.), to abrogate,
wood). annul, abolish, bring to nought,
(Ku)Janga (v. intr.), to wander, make void, separate, loosen.
err, stroll, collect, or contribute (Ku)tangulia (v. tr.), to go before,
(as of money). lead the way, be in front, fore-
(Ku)/anga-/anga (v.), to stroll or stall, precede.
wander about. Tani (inv. adj.), wide-open, out-
(Ku)tangaa (v. n.), to be spread stretched, uplifted,
232 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Tankil (n. 3), copy (manu- Tasibili (adj. and n. 3), quickly,
script). haste, rapidity.
-tano (var. num. adj.). five ;
-a Tasila (n. 3), farewell, adieu,
/ano, fifth. leave-taking.
Tanu (or fanuu) (n. 3), oven, Tasuira (n. 3), picture, en-
furnace, kiln. graving, image.
(Ku)<anua (v. intr.), to expand, (Ku)tata (v. intr.), to be en-
stride, stretch out, spread. tangled, complicated, wind.
(Ku)fanuka (v. n.), to be stretched (Ku)tatanua (v. sub.), to dis-
out Kutanuka t'ani, to
;
lie entangle, unravel, solve, un-
prone with arms extended. wind.
Tanzi (n. 5), snare, trap, noose, (Ku)tatiza (v. tr.), to tie round
loop. (parcel).
Tanzia (n. 3), announcement of -tatu (var. num. adj.), tliron;
death. -a tatu, third; T'&tu (n. 3),
jT'anzu (n. 3), large branch of yeast, leven, fermentation,
tree, bough. balm.
Tao (n. 5), arch, curve, bay, (Ku)tatua (v. tr.), to rend, tear,
harbour. burst, rip up, to unravel, to
(Ku)<apa (v. inir.), to shiver, extricate.
tremble ; Kuapa-/apa (v. intr.), (Ku)tatuka (v. n.). to Ic dis-
to fidget, be restless, flounder. entangled, unravelled, disin-
(Xu)fapakaa (v. n.), to be dis- tegrated, torn into tatters.
tributed, scattered broadcast, Kufatuka (v. n.), to clear away
spread. (of clouds).
(Ku)/apanya (v. tr.). to scatter, Tau (n. 3), branding-iron.
dis-perse, throw about. (Ku)teua (see Teua) (v. tr.). to
Tapasi (n. 5), chisel (see Patasi). choose, elect.
(Ku)tapika (v. tr.), to vomit, be Taumu (n. 5). prop, shore (for
sick. boats).
(Ku)tarac7/aa (v. pr.), to be Tauni (adj. and n. 3), pestilence,
pleased with. plague.
Taraji (n. 3), hope, expectation ;
Taureti (n. 3), Mosaic law,
Kuteraji (v. tr.), to hope ; Ku- Pentateuch.
farajia, to hope for, expect. Tausi (n. 3), peacock.
Tarambeta (n. 3), cornet, bugle. Tauwaa (var. adj.), devout, pious,
Taralibu (n. 3), order, decorum, godly, religious.
method; (adj.), orderly, care- Tavu (n. 5), cheek (of face);
fully. T'avu, calves (of legs), biceps
Tari (n. 3), timbrel, cymbal. (muscle), (sing. Utevu).
Tarishi (n. 5), mail-man, runner. T'awa (n. 3), louse Kutawa (v. ;

-/asa (v. inf.), not yet, before, intr.), to remain indoors, be

ere T'asa (inv. adj.), barren
; ; secluded (women).
7 asa (n. 3), basin. (Ku)awaeMa (v. intr.), to per-
Tasbihi (n. 3), rosary (contains form ceremonial ablutions.
99 beads, each one said 1o (Ku)iawakali (v. intr.), to trust,
stand for a name of God). have confidence, rely.
Tashuishi (n. 3), doubt, mis- (Ku)lawala (v. tr.), govern, reign,
giving, distrust. have power over.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 233

(Xu)tewanya (v. tr.), to scatter, fire, be burning or burnt, be

disperse, dissipate. scorched.
(Ku)tewanyika (v. n.), to be (Ku)teketeza (v. c.), to burn, set
scattered. on fire.
(Ku)/awaza (v. c.), to enthrone, (Ku)tekua (v. tr ), to break down,
install (as ruler). force, undermine, knock, up-
7'awi (n. 5), branch. root, tear off.
!/'aya (n. 3), jaw, jawbone, cheek- Tele (adj. inv. and adv.), much,
bone (Ku)taya (v. to many, plentiful, abundant, to
; tr.),
reproach. the brim.
Tayari(tiari) (inv. adj.), ready, (Ku)teleka (v. tr.), to put on the
willing; Kuweka <ayari, to fire with a view to cooking.
prepare. (Ku)telemka (v. intr.), to run or
(Ku)tefua (v. tr.), to stir up, come down, descend (see
raise, trouble, agitate. Teremuka).
(Ku)tega (v. tr.), to snare, entrap, (Ku)teleza (v. intr.), to slip, slide.
decoy Kutega sikio, to lend
; Telezi (n. 3), mire, mud, slipperi-
an ear, to incline the ear. ncss.
Tege (n. 5), bowed-leg. (Ku)tema, to spit, expectorate
(Ku)tegemea (v. tr.), to lean upon (see mate), clear forest.
(literally and figuratively). (Ku)tema, to cut down, cut, hew,
(Ku)tegemeza (v. c.),' to support, slash, cut off, fell.
prop. T'einbe (n. 3), grain, seed ; (adj.),
Tego (n. 3), snare, trap, charm, a little, a few.
spell. (Ku)tembea (v. intr.). to go for a
(Ku)tegua (v. sub.), to remove, walk, take a walk or trip;
undo, sprain. Kutembea baharini, to go for a
(Ku)teguka (v. n.), to be sprained. row.
(Ku)teka (v. tr.), to draw (as (Ku)jitembelea, to strut about.
water), capture, plunder, carry (KuXembeza (v. c.), to take for a
off. walk, hawk about, advertise.
(Ku)teka nyara, to take captive, Tembo (n. 5), palm wine ;
Tembo
loot, pillage, spoil. la tamu, sweet unfermented
(Ku)teka (v. tr. and intr.), to palm wine ;
Temlo la kali,
laugh, smile, laugh at, deride, strong fermented palm wine.
be merry, ridicule. Tena (conj.), again, still, yet,
Teke (n. 3), kick ; Kupiga teke, more, moreover, also, further.
to kick. (Ku)tenda (v. intr.), to do, act ;

(Ku)tekelea (v. tr.), to reach as (v. tr.), to do to, act towards

far as, arrive at. (unfavourably), deal with.
(Ku)fekeleza (v.c.), to accomplish, T'ende (n. 3), dates, elephanti-
perform, bring to successful asis Tende guu (u. 5), leg (of
;

issue. chair, bedstead, etc.).

(Ku)tekenya (v. tr.), to tickle. (Ku)tendea (v. prepl.), to deal
(Ku)tekerea (v. intr.), to bo with, do for, act towards
glad, shout or sing for joy, (favourably).
rejoice. (Kn)jitendekeza (v. ref.), to be
Tekeshaji (n. 5). jester, humorist. occupied with, busy oneself
(Ku ; teketea (v. n.), to be on about.
234 SWAHILI GRAMMAR
Tendo (n. 5), act, action. T'ete (n. 3), small-pox, grain of
Tenga (n. 3, coarse flour
pi.), ; corn (n. 7), dried stalks of
;

T'enga (n. 3), sea-monster. common straw, stagger; t'ete

(Ku)tenga (v. intr,), to alight (as za maji (n. 3), chicken- or
bird on bough). water-pox T'et'e
; (n. :>),

(Ku)tenga (v. to separate,

tr.), sparks.
set aside, withdraw, sever, set (Ku)ietea (v. prep.), to oppose,
apart. to dispute, to champion, to fight
(Ka)tengea, Kutengeka, to bo for.

arranged, settled properly, (Ku)<'etea (v. intr.), to walk

regulated, made nice. lame, to halt, to totter, to
T'engelele (n. 7, pl.)> small cackle.
intestines. (Ku)tetema (v. intr.), to tremble,
(Ku)tengeneza (v. tr.), to put the shake Kutetemeka (v. n.), to
;

finishing touch to, bring about shiver, quake, be moved.

desired end. T'eu (n. 3), ant-hill T'eu, heart- ;

(Ku)tengeza (v. c.), to prepare. burn, eructations.

arrange, regulate, mend, set to (Ku)feua (see <agua and /aua)
rights. (v. tr.), to choose, elect, pre-
Tengo (n. 3), dwelling, resting- destinate.
place. (Ku)teuka (v. n.), to break wind,
(Ku)tenza nguvu (v. tr.), to belch.
compel, treat violently. (Ku)teuliwa (v. pas.), to be chosen,
T'eo (n. 3), sling, catapult Teo ;
predestinated, elected (see
(n. 7, pi.), sieves, winnowing mteule).
fans or trays. Tewa (n. 3), kind of fish.

(Ku)tepetea (v. n.), to be languid, (Ku)teza (v. intr.), to play, sport,

weary, dilapidated. .dance.
(Ku)/epuza (tepukuza) (v. intr.), (Ku)leza Kinanda, Kuteza gwa-
sprout, shoot, bud, blossom, ride =
musical drill.
spring up. (Zu)teza-feza, to shake about, be
Tepuzi (fepukuzi) (n. 5), shoot, loose.
sprout, branch. (Ku)tezama (tazama) (v. tr.), to
(Ku)terekeza (v. intr.), to halt look at, look after, observe.
for refreshments. (Ka)tezamia mbao (v. prepl.), to
(Ku)teremea (v. tr.), to take care tell fortunes (by shaking sand

of, shew kindness to, make on board).

feel at home. (Ku)tezamika (v. n.), to be
Teremko (n. 5), steep hill, de- presentable, of pleasing appear-
clivity, descent. ance.
(Ku)feremuka (KtUeremka) (v. I'ezi (adv.), aft, in Ihe after part
intr.), to go or come down, of the ship.
descend, T'ezo (n. 3), adze Tezo (n. 5),
;

(Ku)tesa (v. tr.), to persecute, game, plaything.

afflict; Kuteseka (v. n.), to Thabiii (inv. adj.), firm, strong,
suffer, be in distress. immovable, established, fixed.
Teso (n. 5), suffering, distress. (Ku)thabKisha (v. c.), to
(Ku)teta (v. intr.), to quarrel, dis- strengthen, confirm, establish,
pute, disagree, contend, strive. set fast.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 235

T//ahiri (inv. adj.), plain, clear, zini, to employ; Kutia moto,

open, evident, obvious. to set on fire.
Thalatha (num. adj.), three. Tiara (n. 3), kite.
Thalathini (num. adj.), thirty. (Ku)fibika (v. n.), to get well, bo
TVialimu (n. 5), criminal, trans- cured.
gressor, fraudulent person. (Ku)fibu (v. tr.), to heal, cure.
Thaliiaashara (num. adj.), (Ku)tibua (v. tr.), to stir up, as
thirteen. muddy water.
Thaluji (Thalji) (n. 3), snow. (Ku)tibuka (v. n.), to be in an
Thamani (n. 3), value, price, uproar.
l>r ciousness, worth. Tibuko (n. 5), commotion, uproar,
Thamanini (num. adj.), eighty. disturbance,
Thamanya (num. adj.), eight. -tifu (var. adj.), light, fine,
Thamin<aashara (num. adj.), powdery.
eighteen. (Ku)tifuka (v. n.), to rise, fly
T/iana (n. 3), thought, suspicion, (as dust).
supposition, hypothesis. (Ku)fii (v. tr.), to obey, submit
(Ku)</*ani (v. intr.), to think, to.

suppose, presume. Tikiti (n. 5), water melon,

Thawabu (n. 3), reward of vegetable marrow.
merit. Tiki<iki (adv.), finely ground,
(Ku)<7uhirisha (v. c.), to make fine, small.
manifest, show, demonstrate. (Ku)dlifu (v. intr.), to run risks,
(Ku)</ulimu (v. tr.), to wrong, to venture.
defraud, harm. Timamu (inv. adj.), full, com-
Thinaashara (num. adj.), twelve. plete, perfect.
TMneni (num. adj.), two. (Ku)fimba (v. tr.), to dig.
Thorn (n. 3), garlic. Timbo (n. 5), hole, pit, hollow.
(Ku)thubu<u (v. intr.), to dare (Ku)<imbuza (v. c.), to break
(see subufu). through, appear (as sun
(Ku)thubu<ika (v. n.), to be through clouds).
assured, convinced of, have (Ku)dmia (Kutimu) (v. n.), to be
proof of. fulfilled, be complete, bo
(Ku)tb.ubudsha (v. c.), to estab- perfect,
lish, strengthen, convince, con- -timilivn (var. adj.), perfect,
firm. entire, complete, brought to
Thulutbi (n. 3), third. successful end.
Thumuni (n. 3), eighth, groat, (Ku)dmiza (v. c.), to accomplish,
four annas, sixteen pice finish completely, fulfil.
(eighth part of a dollar). (Ku)'in(fo (v. tr.), to slaughter,
T'ia (n: 3), giraffe. cut off, kill ; to slit cloth
(Ku)tia (v. tr.), to put in or on or lengthways, cut out; Kutinrfa
into (used of persons and kiu, to quench thirst.
things). Like piga, this verb Ku/in-/a, Ku/hWika, KufinJikia.
is capable of various mean- (Ku)findikana (v. n.), to be-
ings according to the word come less, to be cut off (as
it is coupled Kutia with :
water), be short or scarce,
maji, to water or dilute
Kutia ; come au end, staunch, fail,
to
huzuni, to sadden; Kutia ka- be insufficient, waste away.
236 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

(Ku)dndanga (v. tr.),to slaughter. have just done such and

out, to
Tindi (n. 3), tomato. such a thing (v. tr.), Jasho
;

Tindo (n. 3), chisel. lamioka, he perspires Aiokwa ;

Tini (n. 3), fig. nl maiozi, he weeps.

T'ini (adv.), down, below, under- (Ku)toka kati (v. intr.), to pass
neath, inferior T'ini ya (adv. ;
away, disappear.
prep.), under, beneath, etc. Tokaa (n. 3), lime, chalk.
(Ku)firirika (v. intr.), to flow or Tokea (prep.), from, out of.
trickle down. (Ku)iokea (v. prepl.), to go out
Tisaa (inv. adj.), nine. by, etc., happen, appear, conio
Tisaafashara (num. adj.), nine- to pass, be manifest; NWia >a
teen. ku/okoa, a way of means of
(Ku)tisha (v. tr.), to terrify, exit.
intimidate, scare, subdue. (Ku)tokomea (v. n.), to disappear,
Tishali (n. 5), lighter. vanish, pass away.
(Ku)tisMka (v. n.), to fear, be (Ku)tokosa (v. c.), to boil, cook
afraid. by boiling.
7'isia (inv. num. adj.), nine. (Ku)tokota (v. n.), to boil, come
Tisiini(tisaini) (num. adj.), to boiling point.
ninety. (Ku)tokoz i (v. tr.), to scoff, tease,
Ti/i (n. 5), breast, teat, nipple. provoke.
(Ku)tit'ima (v. intr.), to thunder, (Ku)/olea (v. prepl.), to give out
roar, roll (as thunder). to or for; Amemtolea makali,
-t'o, an enelitic
denoting ho used strong language to
thoroughness Fungat'o haiu- ; him.
mizi mkono, bind well, hurts (Ku)<oma (v. tr.), to pierce, stab,
not the arm Fanyet'o, do ; burn, toast, brand, prick,
thoroughly. cauterize.
(Ku)oa (v. intr.), to put or take Tomo (n. 5), dross.
out, bring or give out, spend, Tomoko (n. 5), custard-apple.
dismiss, omit (to do a thing), (Ku)tona (v. intr.), to drop, drip ;

part witli Kutoakosa, to point

; (Ku)toneka (v. n.), to fall in
out a mistake, blame. drops.
Toba (n. 3), repentance. Tone (n. 5), drop.
(Ku)toboa (v. tr.), to pierce, (Ku)tonesha (v. c.), to touch a
break through, thrust into, sore place (thereby making it
" run " or
make a hole in. drop).
(Ku)toboka (v. n.), to burst, burst (Ku)tonga (v. tr.), to carve, point,
open, come asunder. sharpen, cleave, hew.
(Ku)toea v. (prepl.), to put sauce Tonge (n. 3), bit, lump, morsel,
to food, flavour, make savoury. piece.
Tofali, (n. 5), tile, brick. Kuiongea (v. tr.) to slander, to
Tohara (see tabara) (n. 3), cir- betray.
cumcision, cleanliness, purity. (Ku)<ongeka (v. n.), to be sharp,
(Ku)toja (v. tr.), to scarify, tattoo, be pointed.
make incisions in skin, cup, T'ongo (n. 3), blindness of one
bleed, vaccinate. eye.
Tojo (n. 5), incision, etc. (Ku)tongoa (v. tr.), to sharpen ;

(Ku)/oka (v. intr.), to go or come Ku/ongoa Kilcmba, to arrange

 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 237

turban symmetrically with a down (load or burden), furl

point. (sail); (v. n.). to set (of sun),
(Ku)<ongokana (v. n.), to be halt, camp, sojourn ; Kutua
brought into points at either moyo, to feel comforted.
end. (Ku)<ua (v. tr.), to grate, rasp,
(Ku)^ononepha (v. c.), to make grind, or rub to powder..
rich. (Ku)tuama (v. n.), to settle (as
(Ku)tononoka (v. n.), to become sediment).
rich. (Ku)<ubai (v. intr.), to agree to
Tope (n. 7, pi.), mud, mire, boggy terms (rebels).
or marshyearth, dirt, clay. (Ku)<ubia (v. prep.), to repent of
(Ku)topea (v. intr.), to sink (as or towards (God) (used with
in mud or mire, or as an arrow more seriousness than tubu).
in flesh), to stick in. (Ku)ubu (v. intr.), to repent.
Topi (n. 3), hat, helmet. (Ku)tubua (v. tr.), to graze
(Ku)topoa (v. tr.), to remove, (skin), rub slightly.
take away, counteract (power (Ku)tubwikia (v. prepl.), to fall
of spell, etc.). or tumble into.
(Ku)toroka (v. intr.), to run Tufani (n. 3), storm, hurricane,
away, escape, play traunt. gale.
-tosa (var. unripe, hard,
adj.), T'ufe (n. 3), ball (for playing).
nearly ripe (ctr. -bifi, raw). -tufu (var. adj.), bad, worthless,
(Ku)tosa (v. c.), to drown, wet. corrupt.
(Ku)tosha (v. n.), to be enough, (Ku)tufuka (v. n.), to become use-
be sufficient, suffice. less, bad, etc.
(Ku)toshewa (v. pass), to be Tui (n. 3), fat, marrow, fatness,
astonished, amazed. oil; T'ui (n. 3), leopard Tui la ;

(Ku)tota (v. intr.), to sink, get nazi, oily milk from cocoa-nut
wet Kutota mato (v. intr.), to
; squeezed through grass bag to
lose eyesight. separate from grated iibre.
(Ku)fovya (Kufovyeka) (v. tr.), (Ka)uja (v. tr.), to strain, filter.
to dip. (Ku)<ujika (v. n.), to be strained,
(Ku)foweka (v. n.), to disappear. filtered, cleansed by straining.
vanish. (Ku)hijua (v. tr.), to thin down
(Ku)/owesha (v. c.), to kill, put (as gruel).
out of sight. (Ku)/ujuka (v. n.), to become thin
(Ku)/oza (v. c.), to oblige, give : or watery.
hence to tax, exact, extract, (Ka)hika (v. intr.), to bf moan,
levy. low, vile, oppressed.
Tbzi (n. 5), tear, tear-drop. (Ku)tukana (v. tr.), to abuse,
Tu, 7'uu (inv. adj.), only, alone, slander, insult, use bad lan-
just, nothing but. guage to, revile.
T'uu (n. 3), white-ant hill. (Ku)tukanana (v. rec.), to insult
Tu (pron., 1st pers., pi.), we, ua mutually (see matnkano).
(also we are, strong verb (Ku)tukia (kutuka) (v. n.), to hap-
to be). pen, chance, come to pass, hap-
T'ua (n. 3), blemish, stain, defect, pen suddenly.
disgrace. (Ku)takia (v. tr.), to hate, dis-
(Ku)tua (v. tr.), to put or lay like.
238 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

(Ku)tukiza (v. c.), to cause to in, rely upon ; (v. intr.), to

hate, annoy, ridicule, tease, hope, expect.
offend, vex, displease. T'umba (n. 3), bud; (n. 5), catc,
(Ku)tukizwa (v. pass.), to be sheath, cover.
angry, vexed, offended. (Ku)tumbaa (v. intr.), to loaf
(Ku)<ukua (v. tr.), to carry, bear, about, lurk, stand idle.
endure, put up with. Tumbaku (n. 3), tobacco, snuff
-fukufu (var. adj.), glorious, ex- (see fctudy 17).
cellent, exalted. Tumbawe (n. 5), coral-rag Jiwe ;

(Ku)fukuka (v.. u.), to be exalted, la fumbawe, coral.

glorified. T'umbi (n. 3), net for fishing made
(Ku)<ukulia (v. prep.), to bear, of cocoa-nut fibre, heap.
carry, or endure for. Tombiri (n. 3), monkey.
(Ku)frikuliana (v. rec.), to bear T'umbit'umbi (adv.), in heaps.
and forbear, get on well to- Tnmbo (n. 5), stomach, abdomen,
gether. intestines, womb.
(Xu)fakulika (v. n.) to be bear- (Ku)<umbua (v. tr.), to pierce,
able, tolerable. wound, perforate, bore a hole
(Ku)tukusa (v. tr.), to shake, in, break up.
agitate. (Ku)/umbuiza (v. c.), to comfort.
(Kujtukusika (v. n.), to be moved, Tumbuizo (Jumbuize (n. 3), short
shaken. flowery poem.
(Ku)tukuta (v. intr.), to move, (Ku)<umbua (v. N.), to burst
fidget, be restless, uneasy. open, split up, be wounded, be
-tukutu (var. adj.), fidgetty, un- worn through into a hole.
manageable, insubordinate. (Ku)tumbukia (v. prepl.), to fall

(Ku)<ukuza (v. tr.), to glorify, or tumble into.

exalt, magnify ; (v. c.), to make Tome (n. 3), messenger, sent one
carry. emissary.
Tule (adj.), low, base, unworthy. (Ku)tumia (v. tr.), to use, em-
(Ku)tulia (v. prepl.), to let off, ploy, make use of, spend ;

exonerate (from responsibility (Situmii nyama, I do not take

or blame^; (v. intr.), to bo meat).
quiet, settle down, be at rest, (Kujtumika (v. intr.), to serve, be
tranquil, serene; (v. tr.), to in service; (v. n.), to be of use,
plant, set. be in use.
(Ku)tuliza (see Tuza) (v. c.), com- (Ka)tumikana (v. n.), to be used
fort, console, quiet, calm, allay, up.
to fix or set (as of eyes). (Ku)tumikia (v. prepl.), to serve
(Ku)tuma (v. tr.), to send on an (a person).
errand, commission (used only Tamo (n. 5), sphere of bui-incss ;

of persons). Tamo (n. 5), errand, message.

(Ku)tuma(v. intr.), to trade, make (Ku)tumwa (v. puss.), to ]>c .scut

gain or advantage, profit. on a message.

(Ku)tumai (v. intr.), to trust, be (Ku)<una (v. tr.), to flay, skin.
confident. Tunda (n. 5), fruit ; Tu'nda (n. 3),
Tumaini (n. 3), trust, hope, con- waistlet.
fidence. (Ku)tunda (v. tr.), to pluck, pick,
(Ku)tamaini (v. tr.), to trust, trust gather, to catch.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 239

(Ku)tundamana (v. n.), to hang, (Ku)/upilia mbali, to throw right

hold together. away, banish out of sight.
(Ku)tundika (v. tr.), to hold, sus- -tupu (var. adj.), empty, only,
pend, to hang on a line. nothing but Tupu (invar, adj.),
;

Tundu (n. 4), nest, long basket, naked, nude.

cage. Tupu- tupu (adv.), in a state of
Tandu (n. 3), hole. nudity or destitution.
(Ku)tunduwaa (v. intr.), to be Turki (n. 5), Turk.
silent, morose, taciturn. (Ku)<urup'uka (v. n.), to escape,
(Ku)tunga put or string
(v. tr.),to get loose (from confinement).
together, thread, compose. (Ku)<urup'usha (v. c.), to assist in
(Ku)funga (v. tr.), to winnow, escaping, set free, deliver,
sift, shepherd, tend, guide. rescue.
(Ku)tungamana (v. n.), to be (Ku)turuzika (v. intr.), to trickle,
established, hang together as a run down.
whole. (Ku)tasha (v. tr.), to curse, vilify,
(Ku)tungia (v. tr.), to lead, to execrate, defame.
string up. Tusifusi (n. 5), roaring of waves.
(Ku)tungika (v. tr.), to hang up, Tuta (n. 5), row, raised bed
suspend, to hang on a line. for vegetables, furrow, com-
T'ungu (n. 3), small ant, emmet ; pany, band.
-/ungu (var. adj ),
bitter. (Ku)t'utia (v. n.), to rise high, bo
(Ku)tungua (v. tr ), to cast down, lofty.
violate, degrade, profane, dese- (Ku)tutiza (v. c.), to heap up,
crate. pile together.
T'unguja (n. 3), tomato. Tutu! (interj.), hands off! take
(Ku)tunguka (v. ^n.), to be cast . care !

down, come to grief, evil to (Ku)tutuma (v. intr.), to rumble,

befall one. roll.

(Ku)<ungulia (v. prepl.), to look (Ku)tutuzika (v. n.), to pant,

in, peep in, stoop and look in. throb.
T'unu (n. ;!), treasure, rarity, de- T\m (tu) (adj. and adv.), only,
light, something prized and merely.
valued, present. (Ku)iuuza (v. intr.), to trickle,
(Ku)hmua (v. tr.), to scratch, flow.
scarify. 2\iwashi (n. 5), eunuch.
(Ku)iunza (v. tr. & intr.), to take Tuwazi (n. 5), cymbal, timbrel.
care of, guard, keep, protect, (Ku)tuza (tuliza) (v. tr.), to soothe,
preserve, watch closely, look pacify, console, curry favour.
out. Tuzo (n. 3), reward, consolation
T'uo " douceur."
(n. 3), camp, encampment. prize, tip,
^"upa (n. 3), file; T'upa (n. 3), (Ku)fwa (v. intr), to set (of
bottle, flask, phial. sun).
(Ku)<upa (v. tr.), to throw, throw (Ku)twaa (v. tr.), to take, receive,
away, cast, fling. take with the hand; Kutwaa
(Ku)i'upa (v. tr.), to leap, leap p'ole, to treat tenderly.
over Km'upa mpaka, to over-
;
(Ku)twanga (v. tr.), to pound
step limit, encroach, go beyond com in mortar for removing
boundary. husk.
210 BWAHILI GRAMMAR

(Ku)tweka (v. tr.), to raise, hoist, Ubadli (n. 7), iniquity, wicked-
lift up, put upon (load or re- ness.
sponsibility. TJbavu (n. 7), rib, side.
(Ku)twesha (v. tr.), to pay respects Ubaya sadness, wickedness.
(n. 7),
greet (in the evening).
to, Ubeti (n. 7), couplet (poetry)
(Ku)tweta (v. intr.), to gasp, pant, Ubishi (n. 7), joke.
struggle for breath. Ubivu (n. 7), ripeness.
(Ku)iweza to subdue,
(v. tr.), Ubiti (n. 7), rawness, greenness.
abase, humble, bring low. Uboi (n. 7), position and work of
(Ku)ji<weza (v. ref.), to humble houee-boy.
oneself, grovel, submit. TTbongo (n. 7), brain.
Twiga (n. 3), giraffe. Ubora (n. 7), power, superiority,
prowess.
Ubovu (n. 7), rottenness, corrup-
II tion.
Ububwi (n. 7), dumbness.
IT (pron. 2nd p. sing.). .Also 2nd Ubwabwa (n. 7), pap, sop.
p. s. of strong verb to be, thou Uchache (n. 7), littleness, scarcity,
art. smallness, insignificance, mini-
TJa (n. n), flower, blossom; TTa la mum.
warirZi, rose (n. 7), fence round
; Uchafu (n. 7), filth.
court, courtyard, enclosure. Uchaga (n. 7), grain-store, barn.
(Ku)ua (v. tr.), to kill, murder Uchanga (n. 7). youngness, nn-
(cannot be used of slaughtering developedness.
animals). Uchao (n. 7), dawn, morning.
UarZui (n. 7), enmity, hostility, TTdaku (n. 7), slander, gossip.
ill-will. UfZanganyifu (n. 7), deception,
Uaminifa (n. 7), faithfulness, cheating, fraud.
truth. Udevu (n. 7), a hair (of board).
Uangalizi (n. 7), care, super- Udhaifu(n. 7), feebleness, wretch-
vision, providence. edness, weakness.
Uashi (n. 7), building, con- TJdhamini (n. 7), security, bail,
struction. sponsorship.
Uasi (n. 7), rebellion, apostacy. (Ku)udhi(v.tr.), totrouble, annoy.
(Ka)uawa (Kuwawa (v. pass.), to persecute, harass, molest Lika- ;

be killed, murdered. kuudhi hafa Ku-Kuua, It mort-

-ubaa (n. 7), vcxatiousness. ified you.
Ubahili (n. 7), avarice, miserli- Udhia (n. 7), trouble, annoyance,
ness. vexation, worry, uproar.
Tlbaini (n. 7), discernment. (Ku)udhika (v. n.), to b:: in
Ubainifu (n. 7), manifestation, trouble, perplexed, disturbed.
proof. TJdhilifu (n. 7), insignificance.
Ubambo (n. 7), slit-stick for TJWAi (n. 7), ceremonial purifica-
roasting meat on. tion (Muha.) Kutanguka urf/m,
TTbani (n. 7), frankincense (a to be defiled.
(Ku)udhurisha (v. c.), to make
TTbao (n. 7), board, plank. excuses for.
Uba<i (n. 7), lean-to shed, pent- TTdhuru (n. 7), excuse.
house. Udogo (n. 7), (childhood, infancy)
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 241

smal Iness, insignificance, youth- TJgwe (pi. ng'ngwe) (n. 7), thong,
fulness, youth. cord, line.
Udohoudoho (n. 7), odds and ends. Uhaba (n.7),8mallness, paucity.
TTdongo (n. 7), Boil, clay, ground. Uhai(n. 7), life.
Ufa (n. 7), crack, fissure. Uhalifu (n. 7), rebellion, trans-
Ufanifu(u. 7), success, prosperity. gression.
Ufaume (n. 7), kingdom, kingship. Uhalimu (n. 7), condescension.
Ufi'Muli (n. 7), insolence, over- Uharibifu (n. 7), corruption,
bearing behaviour, rudeness, depravity.
arrogance. Uhasharaii (n. 7), immorality,
Ufifilizi (n. 7), distraint, destruc- licentiousness.
tion. Uhasidi (n. 7), envy.
Ufisadi (n. 7), ill-fame, vice, vile- Uhiteji (n. 7), want, need, destitu-
ness. tion.
Ufito (n .
7), thin stick, lath, pole. Uhotfari (n. 7), encouragement.
Ufu (n. 7), death, corpse. Uhunzi (n. 7), smith-work.
Ufufuo (n. 7), resurrection. Uhunt (n. 7), freedom.
Ufunga (n. 7), long seat on Uhusida (n. 7), envyings.
verandah. Uin7a (n. 7), hunting, chase,
Ufunguo (n.7), key. sport.
Ufuo (u. 7), strand, shore, beach, TTja (n. 7), slavery, servility.
water's edge. Ujaka (n. 7), wild spinach.
Ufuraha (n. 7), small box for Ujana (n. 7), youth, childhood.
keeping chewing-lime. Ujane (n. 7), widowhood.
Ufyagio (n. 7), broom, sweeping- Ujani (n. 7), captivity.
brush. Ujanja (n. 7), swindling, cheating,
Ufyozi (n. 7), abuse, insult. Ujenzi (n. 7), building, construc-
Uga (see ua) (7), open, space. tion.
Ugali (n. 7), Indian-corn porridge. Uji (n. 7), gruel, porridge, stir-
Uganga (n. 7), witch-doctor's art, about TTji wa mtama, kaffir-
;

magic. corn porridge; Uji wa mfele,

Ugema (n. 7), tapping of palm- rice gruel.
trees for today. Ujinga (n. 7), stupidity, ignorance.
TJgeni (n. 7), state of being a Ujira (n. 7), wages, salary, hire.
stranger TTgenini in a foreign
; ; Ujumbe (n. 7), message, prince-
country. dom.
TIghaibu (n. 7), chewing mixture U'kabail (n. 7), nobility, dignity.
consisting of tobacco, lime, Ukahaba (n. 7), whoredom.
betel-leaf, areca-nut and gum Ukaidi (n. 7), obstinacy, perver-
(k'atu). sity.
TTgo (n. 7), fence, hedge. Ukakaya (n. 7), extent, expanse.
Ugomvi, quarrel. Ukali (n. 7), fierceness, sharp.
Ugonjwa, sickness, illness, disease. ness.
(Ku)agua (v. intr.), to fall ill, ail, Ukamba (u. 7), belt, girdle.
ache, be in pain. Ukambaa (n. 7), cord made from
TTgurau (n.) hardness, toughness, slips of dwarf-palm.
hardship, difficulty. Ukambi (n. 7), measles.
(Ka)ugnza (v. c.) to nurse, see Ukamilifa (n. 7), perfectness, in-
through an illness. tegrity.
SWAHILI GRAMMAR Q
 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Ukanda (n. 7), cord, thong, Uk'ulima (n. 7), cultivation, til-
bridle. lage, husbandry.
Ukarimu (n. 7), liberality, gene- Ukumbi (n. 7), entrance hall.
rosity, large-hcarteduess. Ukumbiza (n. 7), space under
Ukavu (n. 7), insolence,
dryncss. eaves of house.
Ukazi dwelling.
(n. 7), Ukumbusho (n.), memorial, me-
Ukelele (n. 7), great noise, out- mento.
cry. Uknnrfufu (n. 7), olearing-up,
Ukeme (n. 7), cry of distress, call simplicity.
for help. Ukungo (n. 7), edge, brink, brim.
Ukhaini (n. 7), treachery. Ukurasa (n. 7), leaf ofbook,
Ukhiana (n. 7), guile, deceit. sheet of paper. (See Kata.)
(Ku)ukilia (v. prepl.), to intend, Ukuta (n. 7), wall.
plan, determine, devise. Ukuu (n, 7), greatness, strength,
Ukinaifu (n.), pride, self-suffi- honour.
ciency. Ukwato (n. 7), hoof.
Ukindani (n. 7). stubbornness, con- Ukwasi (n. 7), riches, opulence.
tradictoriuess. Ulabibu (n. 7), perseverance.
TJkindu (n.), fine vegetable fibre, Ulafi (n. 7), gluttony, excess.
strips from leaves of wild Dlaini, Ulainifu (n. 7), softness,
date. smoothness ; TTlaini-ulaini, flat-
TTkiwa (n. 7), poverty, penury, tery.
destitution. Ulaiti (n.), European calico (also
Ukohozi (n. 7), phlegm, expectora- adj. applied to anything of
tion. European origin).
Ukoko (n. 7), crust of food in cook- TTlanifu 7), self-indulgence,
(n.
ing-pot. cursing.
TTkonzo (n. 7), goad, long stick Ulatifu (n. 7), gentleness.
with pointed end. TTlaya (n. prop.), Europe, mother-
Ukoma (n. 7), leprosy. country.
Ukombo (n.), crookedness, curved Uler/i (n.), boy, lad.
tool for hollowing wood. TJlegevu (n. 7), languor, lassitude,
Ukombozi (n. 7), redemption, ran- slackness, sloth, sluggishness.
som. Ulekevu (n. 7), straightforward-
Ukomo (n.), end, termination. ness, uprightness, equity, in-
Ukono (n. 7), arm (of lake, etc.), tegrity.
offshoot, branch. TTlevi (n. 7), drunkenness.
Uk'onyezo (n. 7), winking, making TTlili (n. 7), superior kind of
signs with eyebrows. bedstead.
Ukoo (n. 7), dirt, filth. Ulimi (n. 7), tongue (pi. ndimi).
TTkope (u.), eyelash. TJlimwengu (n. 7), inhabited
TTkorofl, impiety, ungodliness, world, universe, world.
wickedness. TTlindi (n. |7), African's tinder-
TJkosevu (n. 7), want, deficiency, box.
insufficiency, fault. TTlinganifu (n. 7), comparison,
TTkubali (n. 7), acceptance. resemblance.
Ukubwa (n.), size,
seniority, Ulingo (n. 7), watchers' hut in
priority, greatness. field.
tJkucha (n. 7), claw, nail. Ulinzi (n. 7), guard, watching.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 243

(Ku)uliza (v. tr.),to ask a question. (Ku)umwa ni (v. pass.), to be

Ulizi (n. 7), art and practice of bitten by, suffer pain from.
wailing at funerals. Unafiki (n. 7), hypocrisy, lying,
Ultima (n. 3), run of ill luck. deceit.
Uraa (u. 7), fork, gridiron, cautery, Unajisi. (See Najisi.)
iron (pi. Mauma and Nyuma). (Ku)nnda (v. tr.), to build, con-
(Ku)uma (v. tr.), to bite ; (v. intr.), struct.
to ache, hurt, pain (only used Undu (n. 7), cock's comb.
transitively of a wound or in- (Ku)undaa (v. intr.), to overflow,
jured member affecting suf- pass over.
ferer's own person as Kiiwa Une, four (in counting).
chaniwuma, his head pains Unene (n. 7), thickness, stoutness,
him). bigness, bulk.
Umande (n. 7), dew, moisture; Unga (n. 7), flour, meal.
Uman<7e ulioganda, hoar frost. (Ku)unga (v. tr.), to unite, join,
Umasikini (n. 7), poverty, want. connect.
Umasihia (n. 7), Christianity. (Zu)ungama (v. tr.), to confess,
Umad (n. 7), multitude, crowd, own, admit, acknowledge.
everybody. (Ku)ungamana, (Ku)ungana (v.
(Ku)umba (v. tr.), to create, shape, rec.), to be united, cohere.
form to descry, pick out (object
; Ungereza (n. 7), England.
far off). Ungi (n. 7), muchness, plenty,
(Ku)umbia (v. intr.), to soar multitude, quantity, maximum.
about, glide round. (Ku)ungika (v. n.), to be set (as
(Ku)umbika (v. n.), to be well of bones), knit, be joined.
formed or fashioned, be strong. Ungo (n. 5), member, joint, limb.
Umbo (n. 5), form, shape, mould- Ungo la sb.ingo(n. 5), prominence
ing, figure. between shoulders.
TJmbu (n. 5), sister. Ung'ongo (n. 7), palm-leaf slip.
(Ku)umbua (v. sub.), to deface, (See Ng'ongo, dwarf-palm).
mutilate, disfigure, destroy. (Ku)ungua (v. sub.), to disunite,
-ume (var. adj.), masculine, male, sever, cut
(v. intr.), to be
;

manly, strong. burnt, be scorched, be singed,

Ume (n. 7), courage, manliness. catch fire.
Umeme (n. 7), lightning, thunder- Unguja (n.), Zanzibar.
bolt. (Ku)ungulika v. n.), to be troubled
(

(Ku)umia (v. prepl.), to be in at ht art.

pain. (Ku)unguza (v. c.\ to burn,
(Ku)umika (v. tr.), to cup. scorch, singe, scald.
Umio (n. 7), throat, windpipe. Ungwana (Uungwana) (n. 7),
(Ku)umiza (v. c.), to hurt, cause gentle birth, freedom, good
pain to, inflict suffering. breeding and education.
(Ku)umka (v. n), to rise up, foam, Unono (n.), fatness.
bubble up, froth, effervesce. Unyago (n. 7), mourning, ngoma.
Umoja (n. 7), union, oneness, Unyamavu (n.), silence, quiet-
unity. ness.
Umri (n. 7), lifetime, age, life. Unyang'anyi (n.), robbery, extor-
(Ku)umua (v. tr.), to take away, tion.

deprive. Unyasi (n. 7), blade of grass.

244 SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Unyenyekevu (n. 7), humility, Upeo (u. 7), broom, (adv.), ex-
meekness, lowliness, supplica- tremely, of the utmost.
tion. TJpepeo (n. 7), fan, bellows.
TJnyeii (n. 7), pride, conceit. Upepo (n. 7), wind, cool breeze,
Unyonge (n. 7), weakness, mean- zephir Kubadili upepo, to go
;

ness, poorness, feebleness. away for change of air.

Unyoya (n. 7), a single feather. TTpesi (n.), quickness, rapidity,
TInyozi (n. 7), shaving. speed.
TTnyushi (n. 7), a hair of the eye- Up'.nda (n. 7), bow.
brows. Uplndo (n. 7), edge or border of
TTnywele (n. 7), a single hair (of cloth, selvage, fold, hem.
head). Upo (n. 7), long-handled ladle.
Uo (n. 7), scabbard. TJpofu (n. 7), blindness.
TJombezi (n. 7), meditation, inter- Up'ole (n. 7), gentleness, meek-
cession. ness, mildness, moderation.
Uongofu (n. 7), prosperity, happy Uposo (n. 7), sum paid lo brido
ending, well-being. by bridegroom before marriage.
TJovu (n. 7), evil, wickedness. Upote (n. 7), bow-string (of ox-
TJozi (n. 7), marriage. sinews).
Upaa (n. 7), scalp, pate, side of TJpotevu (u. 7), destruction, state
sloping roof, bump of venera- of being, lost, moral ruin.
tion Anaupaa = he is bald.
; Upotofu (n. 7), pervo rseness,
Upaji (n. 7), gift, benefit, gene- crookedness, iniquity.
rosity. Upumbavu (n. 7), foolishness,
Upamba (n. 7), curved knife used folly.
in tapping. Upunga (n. 7), flower-bud blos-
Upana (n. 7), breadth, width, som.
extent. Upungufu (n. 7), decrease, deficit,
Upande (n. 7), side, part, portion ; deficiency.
P'ando za . . . in the vicinity Upuuzi (n. 7), mischief, nonsense,
of... knavery, iniquity.
Upanga (n. 7), a sword ; (pi. TTpwa (n. 7), shore.
panga). Upweke (n. 7), loneliness, aloof-
Upau (n. 7), slanting roof-pole, ness, independence.
rafter. TTpya (n. 7), newness, anew,
Vpawa (n.), ladle made of half a newly.
cocoa-nut shell. Uradi (n. 7), invocation.
Upele(u. 7), pimple, eruption, itch. Urari (n. 7), even balance, equal-
Upembo (n. 7), long stick for ity.
gathering fruit. Uraflki (n. 7), friendship, friend-
TJpcndano (n. 7), state of mutual liness, sociability.
love. Urefu (n. 7), length, height, tall-
TTpendeleo (n.), preference, favour- ness.
itism. Urembo (n. 7), adornment, orna-
Upenu (n. 7), verandah-roof, ment, finery, glory, beauty.
eaves. Urithi (urathi) (n. 7), inherit-
Upenzi (n. 7), lovingness. ance, heritage.
TTpeo (wa mato) (n. 7), horizon, Urufuba (n. n.), moisture.
limit of sight. Usadiki (n. 7), faithfulness.
 SWAHILI-ENGL1SH VOCABULARY 245

Usafi (n. 7), cleanness, purity, Usubi (n. 7), sand-fly, midge.
brightness. Usulufani (n. 7), mastery, do-
UsafiM (n. 7), pride. minion.
Usemi (n. 7), conversational Usumbufu (n. 7), trouble, vexa-
powers, oratory, art of speak- tion.
ing. Uswafi (see Usafi).
Ushadi'/i (n. 7), strength. Uta (n. 7), bow; (pi. mata or
Ushahidi (ushuhur/a) (n. 7), testi- nyuta).
mony, witness. Utaa (n. 7), corn-store, hen-roost.
Ushairi (n. 7), long string of Utagaa (n. 7), stem, branch.
poetry. Utaji (n. 7), veil, head-cloth.
Ushanga beads, necklace,
(n. 7), Utajiri (n. 7), riches, wealth.
string of beads. Utakatifu (n. 7), holiness.
Ushekhe (n. 7), chieftainship. Ufambi (n. 7), wick.
Ushi (n. 7), hair of eyebrow. Utambuzi (n. 7), divination.
UsM (n. 7), string course (archit). Utandu (n. 7), cataract on eye,
Ushirika (n. 7), communion, part- crust on boiled rice, etc., film.
nership. Utanga (n. 7), long mat.
Ushujaa (n. 7), courage, bravery. Utangule (n. 7), central portion
Ushungu (n. 7), poison, gall, of palm-leaf slip.
sting (of bee, etc.). Ufari (n. 7), towing.
Ushupavu (n. 7), foolishness, Utasa (n. 7), barrenness, unfruit-
folly, hardness, obstinacy. fulness.
Ushuru (n. 7), tax, customs, duty. Ufashi (n. 7), desire, intention,
(Zu)nsia (v. tr.), to command, longing.
give orders or instructions con- Utatu (n. 7), the Trinity. Ut'ata
cerning charge, bequeath. (n.), fermentation.
Usikizi (u. 7), attention, heed, Utauaa (n. 7), godliness, piety.
hearing. U<awa (n. 7), lice.
Usiku (n. 7), night (pi. masiki) ;
U<awa/awa (n. 7), poultry -lice.
Usiku kucha, all night long, U<awi (n. 7), witchcraft, sorcery.
till dawn ; Usiku wa manane, Uteka (n. 7), captivity.
midnight, dead of night. Utelezi '(n. 7), slipping, slipperi-
Usiku sana (adv.), late at night. ness.
Usingizi (n. 7), sleep, uncon- Utenzi (n. 7), work, doing, work-
sciousness. Kulala usingizi, to manship ; religious ballad.
be asleep. Uteo (n. 7), sieve, winnowing-
Usiri (n. 7), delay, tarrying, pro- basket.
crastination. U/euzi (n. 7), election.
Usitadi (n. 7), skilled workman- Uthabiii (n.), firmness, daring,
ship, dexterity, expertness. intrepidy.
Usita (n. 7), strip of plated grass Uthalimu (n. 7), cruelty, wicked-
for making mats. ness, violence.
Uso (pi. nyuso) (n. 7), face, edge. Utimilivu (n. 7), perfection, com-
Uso nati, face to the ground pleteness, integrity.
(shame). Ufindio (n. 7), altar for sacrifice.
Usomo (n. 7), friendliness, fellow- Utiriri (n. 7), mischief, annoy-
ship. ance.
lisa! hush I Utisho (n. 7), terror, intimidation
246 SWAHILI GRAMMAK
fJtitiri (n. 7), poultry-lice, fleas. TTumbufu (n. 7), destruction, mu-
Tito (n. 7), semscm plant, fluid tilation.
matter, dripping. Uungu (n. 7), theology.
Utofu (n. 7), spoiling, ruination ; Uuwaji (n. 7), murder.
Utofu wa ma<o, blindness. TJvao (n. 7), garment, dress.
Utonganyi (n. 7), deceit, fraud. Uvivu (n. 7), idleness, laziness,
D7oro (n. 7), running away, sloth, indolence.
plundering, piracy. TTvuguvugu (n. 7), lukewarmness.
TTtosi (n. 7), crown of head. Uvuli (n. 7), shadow, shade.
Utoto (n. 7), childhood, infancy. TJVumba (n. 7), incense (galba- ;

TJtu uzima, prime of life. num) Ku-fukizn, uvumba, to

TKovu (n. 7), destitution. burn incense.
TJt'u (n. 7), state, condition (of Uvumbi (n. 7), dust, dirt, small
persons). dust.
Ufukizi (n. 7), hatred, provoca- TJvumilivu (n. 7), patience, long-
tion. suffering.
Ufoku (n. 7), market (poetical) Uvnmvu (n.7), mourning, lamen-
U/ukufu (n. 7). glory. tation.
Utukutu (n. 7), insubordination, UVimdfu(n. 7), desolation, break-
unruliness, naughtiness. ing down.
TKukuzi (n. 7), porterage. Uvundo (n. 7), stench, offensive
Utulivu (n.), tranquillity, good smell.
behaviour. TJvurungu (n. 7), hollow, hollow-
TTtulizi, utuvu (n. 7), comfort, ness, cavity, i
consolation. ITvyazi (or uzazi) (n. 7), birth,
Utamba (n. 7), betrothal, engage- bearing of children.
ment. TTwakili (n.), stewardship.
Utumbo (n. 7), entrails. Uwan<Za (n. 7), yard, court, open
TTftunbuizo (n. 7), song, psalm, space.
agony. TJwanga (n. 7), arrowroot.
U<ume (n. 7), apostleship. TTwao (ubao) (n.), hull (of ship).
U/umi (n. 7), business, trade, TTwaziri (n.), superintendence,
livelihood, work. viziership.
Utumishi (n. 7), service. Uwele (n. 7), sickness, disease
Utumizi (u. 7), use, service. (pi.ndwele).
U<umo (n.), profit, gain. TTweza (uwezo) (n. 7), power,
TJtumwa (n. 7), slavery. valour, strength, might, riches.
THunga (n. 7), pasture, herd- Uwlngu (n. 7), heaven, sky.
!
ing. Tlwongo (urongo) (n. 7), lie, un-
TTtungo (n. 7), string (of beads), truth, falsehood.
composition. Uyabisi (n. 7), dryness.
THungu (n. 7), bitterness, agony, (Ku)uza (Kuza) (v. tr.), to sell.
pain. (Ku)uzanya, to cause to sell.
Utupu (n. 7), nakedness, empti- Uzalishi (n. 7), midwifery.
ness. TTzao (n.), seed, posterity, fruit,
TT<wao(n. 7), dusk, sunset, even- progeny.
ing. Uzee (n. 7), old age.
TJudi (n. 7), scented wood used TTzi (pi. nyuzi) (n. 7), cotton,
for fumigating. thread, string, wire.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 247

(Ku)uzia, kuuzilia (v. prepl.), to Vile (dem. adj., 4th cl. pi.), those ;

sell to. (adv.), thus Vilevile (adj. and

;

Uzima (n. 7), life, health, sound- adv.), those same, exactly thus.
ness, durability. (Ku)vimba (v. intr.), to swell;
Uzinduo (n. 7), alarm. (v. tr.), to thatch (roof).
TTzinifu (n. 7), whoredom. Vimbi (n. 4), bad things, evil.
TTzinzi (n. 7), adultery, immora- (Ku)vinjari (v. intr.), to cruise.
lity. (Ku)vinya (v. tr.), to shake,
Uzio (n. 7), fish-trap. dandle.
Uzishi (n. 7), bnrial preparations, Viovu (n. 4, pi.) (elliptical for
undertaker's duty. vitu viovu), evil, wrong, harm.
Uzito (n.), heaviness, sorrow, Vipele(vidudusi) (n. 4, pi.), rash,
\veight. eruption, pimples.
TJziwa (n. 7), deep sea, depth, Virakaraka (n. 4), streaks, stripes.
open sea. (Ku)viringa (v. tr. and n.), to
TTzuio (n. 7), hindrance. make or become round.
(Ku)uzulu (v. tr.), to remove from (Ku)viringana (v. rec.), to become
office, dethrone, depose, de- round or spherical.
grade. Virugu (n. 4), anger.
Uzongo (n. 7), halo round moon. Vita (n. 4, pi.), war, conflict,
TTznngu, Europe. warfare.
Uzuri (n. 7), beauty. Virtmvi (n. 4, pi.), plotting,
Uzushi (n. 7), raising, resuscita- intrigue, treachery.
tion, bringing to surface. Vitushi (n. 4), sudden calamities.
Uzuzi (n. 7), falsehood, invention, Viwa-vi<wa (adv.), topsy-turvy.
fiction. Vivi Mvi
(adv.), precisely thus.
(Ku)vivia (v. n.), to smoulder,
burn low.
-viva (var. adj.), idle, lazy,
(Zu)vaa (v. tr.), to wear, put on ; slothful, indolent.
(Ku)vaa nguo, to dress, put on Vivyo (ref. pron.), those same
one's clothes. (tilings, cl. 4) ; (adv.), in that
'

(Ku)valisha (kuvisha) (v. c.), to manner.

cause one to dress. Vivyo Mvyo (dem. adj. and adv.),
(Ku)vama (v. n.), to wear or cut those very same.
by friction. Viweo (n. 4, pi.), lap.
Vao (n. 5), garment, dress. (Ku)viza (v. c.), to spoil, damage,
Vi (pi. prefix) (see note 3, study mar.
18). (Zu)vizhia(vizia) (v. tr.), to
Via (v. n.), to he spoiled, stunted watch, keep in view, spy.
in growth, blighted. Vizuri (adj. and adv.), beautiful,
Viasi (n. 4, pi.), the mean, the nice, beautifully, prettily,
middle, average. nicely, well, etc.
Vibaya (adj. and adv.), bad, (Ku)vua (v. sub.), to take off
badly. (clothes), to undress ; Kuvaa
Vifaa (n. 4, pi.), necessaries. kofia, to take off one's hat (v. ;

(Ku)vika (v. to clothe, to

tr.),
to lift up, fish, catch fish ;
tr.),
dresa (another), to overlay Kuvulia(samaki) (v. prepl), to
(with gold, etc.). fish with or by; Kuvua ma/o,
248 SWAHILI GBAMMAB

to look up Kumvulia mt'u

;
(Ku)vuruga (v. tr.), to stir.
mato, to stare at one. (Ku)vurumiza (v. tr.), to roll
(Ku)vnata (v. tr.), to press be- down, throw, fling.
tween palate without biting. (Ku)vuta (v. tr.), to draw, pull,
(Ku)vuaza (v. tr.), to scratch, attract Kuvuta makasia, to
;

tear, graze, cut, wound, gash. row

(oars)
Kuvuta tumbaku,
;

(Ku)vuja (v. intr.),

to leak, let in to smoke (tobacco).
water. (Ku)vuvia (v. intr.), to blow,
(Ku)vuka (v. n.),
to come off, fall breathe on.
off (clothes) ; (v. intr.), to cross Vya (var. prep.), of (4th cl. pi.).
over, ferry across. (Ku)vyaa (see Kuzaa) (v. tr.), to
(Ku)vusha (v. c.), to ferry one bear, bring forth, be fruitful.
across. Vyakula (n. 4, pi.), food, eatables,
(Ku)vukuta (v. tr.), to blow provisions.
(bellows). Vyema (adj. and adv.), well, in
Vukuto (n. 3), sweat, perspira- good state, all right, rightly ;
tion. Kuona vyema kwa, to delight
Vuli (n. 3),
latter-rains. Period in.
of latter rains (October Vyengine (adj. and adv.), other,
November). otherwise, differently.
(Ku)vuma (v. intr.),
to roar, rage, Vyengulima (n. 4, pi.), small, low
make commotion. hills.
Vumbi (n. 5), dust, rubbish, Vyepesi (adj. and adv.), light,
litter. easy, trifling, then, easily.
(Ku)vumbika (v. tr.), to bury (Ku)vyoga (v. tr.), to tread upon,
in sand or hot ashes, roast in trample.
ashes, to be dust.
(Ku)vumburuka (v. n.), to start
upsuddenly (sleeping animals). W
(Ku)vumilia (v. intr.), to endure,
bear, be long-suffering. Wa (var. prep.), of; Wa (conj.),
(Ku)vumiza (v. c.), to make to be ami (Arabic) ; Wa-miji (of
heard, cause a noise. towns) (n. 1, pi.), citizens,
(Zu)vuna (v. tr.)> to reap, gather people, members of a federa-
in. tion.

(Ku)jivuna (v. ref.), to boast, (Ku)wa (v. intr. and copula), to

glory, bo puffed up, conceited, be, become.
vain. (Ku)wadia (v. intr.), to be the
(Ku)vimda (v. tr.), to break, appointed time.
smash, destroy, annul, change Warfinasi (n. 3), gentlefolk (lit.

(money); Kuvnnda kambi. to sons of men, Ar.).

break up camp, i.e. to start Wan (n. 7), stinging-nettle.
day's march Upepo ukavunda,
;
Wahedi (num. adj.), one; Wa-
the wind lessened. hedi wa ishirini, one and
(Ku)vnnrfanga (v. tr.), to crush, twenty.
break by pressure. (Ku)wahi (v. intr.), to be able (to
(Ku)vun<iika (v. n.), to become go to a place, etc.).
broken, be conceited, come to Wajibu (n. 7), necessity, obliga-
grief. tion, inevitable duty.
 SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 249

(Ku)waka (v. intr.), to burn, bo kindle, irritate, burn, sting,

aliirht, burn up brightly. smart, be pungent.
Wakadhalika, etcetera, and so on, (Ku)wasili (v. intr.), to arrive.
and the rest. Kuwasilisna (v. c.), to convey,
Wakai (n. 7), time, appropriate cause to arrive.
time, season. Wasiwasi (n. 3), doubt,hesitation.
Wakf (ece Wakufu). Wafani (see Aufani) (n. 7), home,
Wakili (n. 5), steward. dwelling, habitation.
Wako (n. 5), building (see Wavu (n. 7), net, snare, hammock.
Kuaka). Wavyele (n. 1, pi.) elders.
Wakufu consecrated, dedi-
(adj.), (Ku)wawa (v. intr.), to be uneven,
cated, sacred, set apart Ku- ; slanting, out of the perpen-
weka wakufu, to consecrate, dicular.
dedicate. (Ka)wayawaya (v. red.), to bo
Wala (adv. conj.), neither, nor. perplexed, hesitate, waver, be
Walakini (CODJ.), but, neverthe- troubled.
less. Wayo (n. 7), foot-print.
Walau (conj.), not even. (Ku)waza (v. intr. and tr.), to
Wale (var. dem. adj.), those (cl. 1, think, reflect.
pi.). Wazi (adj. inv.), plain, clear,
Wall (n. 7), boiled rice (sec open, manifest, ajar, obvious,
Miele and Mpunga). (See patent, evident, hollow Ku- ;

Liwali, native governor.) weka wazi, to show, demon-

Walii (n. 3), saint (Muhnd.). strate.
Wallahi (interj.), by God. Waziwazi (adv.), clearly, in-
(Ku)wama (v. intr.), to stick fast, telligibly, audibly, publicly,
press into. frankly.
(Ku)wamba (v. tr.), to stretch Wazinm (n. 7), lunacy, madness,
over, lace bedstead. imbecility.
Wambe (n. 7), corn-dust. Waziri (n. 5), prime minister,
Wanda (n. 3), antimony (used by overseer, superintendent, vizier.
women for painting eyebrows Wazo (n. 5), thought, intention,
and eyelids). idea, opinion.
Wandiko (n. 7), plaster. (Ku)wea (v. prepl.), to be to (sec
(Ku)wanda (v. intr.), to become welea).
fat. (Ku)weka (v. tr.), to put, place,
Wangwa (n. 7), swampy or boggy lay by, put
aside, appoint ;
ground, valley, marsh (pi. nya- Kuweka Salama, to save.
ngwa). (Ku)wekea (v. prepl.), to commit
Wano (n. 5), wooden part of arrow to, place or deposit with.
or &pear. Weko (n. 5), joint, joining, weld-
Wapi ? (inter, adv.), Where ? ing together.
Waraka (n. 7), letter, epistle (pi. Wekundu (n. 7), redness.
nyaraka). Wele (n. 5), udder.
Waria (inv. adj.), skilful, ex- (Ku)welea prepl.), to do to,
(v.
pert. show towards, be to, conduce to.
WarifZi (n. 5), Rose (see ua). Weleko (n. 7), cloth for carrying
Wasa (n. 7), lath, stick. infant on back.
(Ku)washa (v. c.), to set light to, Wema (n. 7), good, goodness.
250 SWAHILI GRAMMAR
Wembamba (n. 7), thinness, (Ku)wiwani (v. pass.), to be in
cramperl, circumstances, nar- debt owe, be sued by.
to,
rowness. Wiwi (n. 5), fern, bracken.
Wembe (n. 7), razor (pi. nyembe). Wizani (n. 7), the weight of a
Wendeleo (n. 7), continuance, thing weighed.
durability. Wokofu (n. 7), salvation, deliver-
Wengo (n. 7), spleen, reins. ance, help, safety.
Wepesi (n. 7), ease, facility. Wokozi (u. 7), salvation, aid,
Werevu (n. cunning, skill,
7), succour, help.
shrewdness, device, diplomacy, Wonyesho (n. 7), manifestation,
artfulness, tact. demonstration, setting forth.
Weu (n. 7), veldt, plateau, water- Waroro (n. 7), softness.
less plain, open country. Wusuli (n. 7), Advent.
Weupe (n. 7), whiteness, bright-
ness.
Weusi (n. 7), blackness, darkness.
Wewe (sep. pron.), tliou, thee.
(Ku)weza (v. intr.), to be able, Ya (var. prep.) of; Ya kwamba
" can"
(used negatively for dis- (conj.), that.
ability through sickness) (v. ; Yabisi (inv. adj.), dry, hard;
tr.) to be equal to, be a match (Ku)yabisika (v. n.), to become
for. dry, solidify.
(Ku)wezeka (Ku)wezekana (v. n.), Yahudi (n. 5), Jew.
to be feasible, practical, pos- (Ku)yaika (v. n.), to melt, dis-
sible. solve.
(Ku)wezesha (v. c.), to enable. (Ku)yaisha (v. c.), to melt, smelt,
-wi (var. adj.), sad, evil, wicked dissolve, liquefy.
(concords are muwi, kiwi, viwi, Yakiiii (n. 3), truth, veracity,
etc.). certainty, proof.
(Ku)wia (v. prcpl.), to be creditor (Xu)yakinisha (v. c.), to certify,
to, claim or exact from, be prove, confirm.
owed by (money, etc.) ; Kuwia Yale (dem. pron.), those (5th. cl.

rar77ti; forgive (lit. to be

to pi.).
indulgent or clement to). Yambo (see Jambo).
Wifi (n. 3), sister-in-law (hus- Yamini (n. 3), oath taken with
band's sister, or brother's wife). the right hand on sacred book.
(Ku)wika (v. intr.), to crow. Yamkini (adv.), possibly, pro-
Wimbi (n. 5), wave, billow Ma- ; bably; Yamkinika, it is pos-
wimbi yaumkayo, foaming sible.
billows, breakers. Yasimini (n. 3), jasmine, jessa-
Wimbo (n. 7), song, hymn. mine.
(Ku)winda (v. tr.), to search or Yadma (n. 5), orphan.
seek for, hunt, chase. Yaya (n. 5), ayah, nurse.
Wingu (n. 5), cloud. Yayi (n. 5), egg (see li).
Wino (n. 7), ink. Yayo Kwayayo (Prouom. phrase),
Wishwa (n. 7), chaff, bran. same things over and over
Wi<o (n. 7), infection, contagion. again.
Wivi (n. 7), theft (no pi.). Yeye (sep. pron,), he, him, she,
Wivn (n. 7), jealousy, zeal, envy. her.
 8WAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY 251

(Ku)yonga-yonga (v. red.), to Zamiri (n. 5), psalm.

sway to and fro, bend, bow. (Ku)zamisha (v. c.), to immerse
Yowe (n. 5), alarm, cry of fear, (hence to baptize).
cry of distress. Zamu (n. 3), turn, watch.
Yu (pron. pref.), he, she. Zana ammunition, store.
(n. 3),
(Ku)yu'a (v. intr.), to wobble, Zani (n. 3), accident, sudden
waddle. danger, crime.
(Ku)yuga-yuga (v. red.), to shake, Zari (n. 3), gold thread (very
sway, stagger. valuable).
Yule (dcm. adj.), that (1st cl.). (Ku)zawa, Kuzaliwa (v. pass.), to
(Ku)yumba (v. intr.), to soar. be lx>rn.
(Ku)yumba-yumba (v. red.), to Za.wa.<li (ZarZi) (n. 3), present
reel, vacillate, roll. brought from a distance, gift,
Yumbe (n. 5), palace. keepsake.
Yunga-yunga (n. 5), worm. Zawani (n. 3), tares.
Yungi (n. 5), lily, water-lily. Zei/uni (n. 3), olive.
Zeze (n. 3), stringed musical in-
strument resembling lute.
(adv.), more.
Zia.<la. (See Zaidi.)
Ziara (n. 3), visit; Ziara (or
Za (var. prep.), of. Siara) (n. 5), tomb, grave,
(Ku)zaa (v. tr.), to bear (fruit), burying-place.
bring forth, beget, breed, givo (Ku)ziba (v. tr.), to stop or plug
birth to. up, close, seal, cover, hide, fill
Zaba</i(n. 3), civet-cat Kuzabirft, ; up.
to take civet from the fat. (Zuji)zibaziba (v. ref.), to hide
Zabibu (n. 3), raisins, grapes. one's self.
(Ku)zabuni (v. tr.), to buy, pur- Kuzibika, Kuzibikana (v. n.), to
chase. be stopped, closed, hidden.
Zaburi (n.3), psalm, prayer-book. (Ku)zibisha (v.c.), to have stopped
Zafarani (n. 3), saffron. up or closed.
(Ku)zagaa (v. intr.), to shine, be Zibo (n. 5), stopper, plug.
bright, lighten, glisten. (Ku)zibua (v. sub.), to unstop,
Zaibak (n. 3), mercury, quick- undo, open.
silver. (Ku)zicZi (v. intr.), to increase,
ZaicZi (adv. and conj.), more, fur- augment, grow, do all the
ther, moreover. more.
Zaka (n. 3), tithe. (Ku)zidisha (v. c.), to add, in-
(Ku)zalisha (v. c.). to assist at crease, multiply (arithmetic).
-
birth, deli\ er, act midwife. (Ku)zika (v. tr.), to bury.
Zalizali (n. 3), earthquake. Zile (var. dem. adj.), those (cl. 3
(Ku)zama (v. n.), to sink, dive, be and 7, pL).
submerged. -zima (var. adj.), whole, sound,
Zamani (n. 3), time, period, sea- healthy, complete.
son Zamani hizi, nowadays
; ; (Ku>ima* (v. tr.), to extinguish,
Zamani k'ubwa, Zamani nyi- put out, cool.
ngi, long time. (Ku)zimbaa (v. intr.), to be repro-
Zambarau (n. 3), fruit (similar to bate, cast-away.
damson). (Ku)zimia, Kuzima (v. intr.), to
252 SWAHILI GRAMMAR
become faint,go out (lamp, (Ku)zongomaza (v. c.), to cause
fire), bo quenched, become to gird.
cool. (Ku)zoweza (v. c.), to accustom,
(Ku)zimika (v. n.), to go out (fire, habituate.
etc.), burn low. (Ku)zua (v. intr. and sub.), to un-
(Ku)zimua (v. sub.), to water earth, unbury, invent, romance,
down, cool, weaken. tell untruths, deal falsely.
(Ku)zinduka (v. n.), to wake up (Zu)zubua (v. tr.), to pierce.
suddenly, rise. (Ku)zuia (v. tr.), to prevent,
(Ku)zinga (v. n,), to turn round, hinder, restrain, refrain, with-
change front, turn.
revolve, hold, keep back.
(Ku)zingada (v. n.), to bethink (Ku)jizuilia (v. ref.), to exercise
one's self, turn over mentally, self-control, be temperate, mo-
reflect, repent. derate, restrain one's self.
(Ku)zinga-zinga (v.), to be a turn- (Ku)zuiliwa, Kuzuiwa (v. pass.),
coat. to bo hindered, prevented, with-
(Ku)zingira (v. tr.), to inclose, held, etc.
surround, comfort. (Ku)zuka (v. n.), to appear from
(Ku)zini (v. intr.), to commit under the surface, emerge,
adultery. come on the scene as an up-
(Ku)zira (v. tr.), to abstain from, start, rise.
avoid, abhor. (Ku)zulu (v. intr.), to be giddy,
(Ku)zirisha (v. c.), to cause to light-headed, deranged.
abhor (hence to be outrageous, Zulia (n. 5), carpet.
abhorrent, abominable). Zumari (n. 3), wind instrument,
-zito (var. adj.), heavy, pon- pipe, clarionet.
derous, difficult, hard, thick, (Ku)zumbua (v. tr.), to find, dis-
sad. cover, search, seek.
Ziwa (n. 5), pond, lake, reservoir, (Ku)zumbukana (v. n.), to be dis-
breast. coverable.
Zizi (n. 5), cattle-pen, sheepfold, (Ku)zunguka (v. tr. and intr.), to
stable, yard. go-round, walk round, revolve,
(Ku)zoa (v. tr.), to collect together turn round, surround.
for picking up, scoop up, gather (Ku)zungumza (v. intr.), to talk,
up (used in a collective sense, converse, chat, hold conversa-
ctr. okota). tion.
(Ku)zoea (v. tr. and intr.), to be- (Ku)jizungumza (v. ref.), to medi-
come accustomed to, acquire tate, amuse one's self by talk-
the habit of, get used to, be- ing, etc.
come tame. (Ku)zungusha (v.c.), to turn, make
(Ku)zoeleka (v. n.), to be capable go round.
of being scooped or gathered Zuri (n. 3), false oath, perjury.
up. -zuri (var. adj.), pretty, beautiful,
(Ku)zonga-zonga (v. red.), to in- nice, handsome.
close, surround, encompass, (Ku)zurn (v. intr.), to visit, pay
gird, wind round. a visit.

PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, LONDON AND BECCI.KS.

 University of California
SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY
405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1388
Return this material to the library
from which it was borrowed.

JEC'O URL CIRC

OCT181993
SEP 1 3 1993
A 000 565 385 2