SWAHILI AND ENGLISH DICTIONARY

SWAHILI
t
:-L;- * ^ .
DICTIONARY
e
TEACH YOURSELF BOOKS
CONCISE
SWAHILI AND ENGLISH
DICTIONARY
BERKELEY HIGH SCHOOL
Berkeley, California
FREE TEXT BOOK No. UH
Loaned to Teacher
•
t • “
This book is leaned iO iha student by the Berkeley
Board Of Education and any loss cr damage must be paid
for by the student to whom the book is Issued*
RIS NTC Publishing Group
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2016
https://archive.org/details/conciseswahilien00perr_0
TEACH YOURSELF BOOKS
CONCISE
SWAHILI AND
ENGLISH
DICTIONARY
Swahili-English/English-Swahili
D. V. Perrott
NTC Publishing Group
Long-renowned as the authoritative source for self-guided
learning - with more than 30 million copies sold worldwide -
the Teach Yourself series includes over 200 titles in the fields
of languages, crafts, hobbies, sports, and other leisure activities.
This edition was first published in 1992 by NTC Publishing Group,
4255 West Touhy Avenue, Lincolnwood (Chicago), Illinois 60646 -
1975 U.S.A. Originally published by Hodder and Stoughton Ltd.
Copyright 1965 by D. V. Perrott.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted
in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, or otherwise, without prior permission of
NTC Publishing Group.
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 92-80867
Printed in England by Clays Ltd, St Ives pic.
PREFACE
This dictionary forms a companion to Teach Yourself Swahili and is
intended to be of equal use to both English and Swahili-speaking
people. Although it is a Concise Dictionary, its Swahili section contains
all the words the compiler heard during thirty years’ residence in
East Africa, together with a selection of those taken for her own use
from the dictionaries of Krapf, Sacleux, and Madan and the writings
of Swahili authors, and a few present-day words not yet in any dictionary.
It must be remembered, however, that Arabic words and
words from other Bantu languages of the mainland are often introduced
into Swahili, and that variations in spelling and pronunciation
exist. Guidance on some of these will be found in the Alphabetical
Notes before the Swahili section.
The English vocabulary is based on that used in other Teach Yourself
dictionaries, adapted to the different circumstances of a tropical
country. Its ten thousand words have therefore been well tested and
found a satisfactory7 selection.
X/
The dictionary contains a Concise Grammar of the Swahili language,
but much fuller information is given in Swahili in this series.
The compiler wishes to thank the African friends who have helped
her by answering her queries, provided her with vernacular periodicals,
or checking the work to ensure its accuracy.

CONTENTS
Preface v
Introduction i
A Concise Grammar 2
Notes on the Swahili
—
English Section 19
SWAHILI—ENGLISH DICTIONARY 23
Notes on the English
Swahili Section 81
ENGLISH—SWAHILI DICTIONARY 85
'
INTRODUCTION
Swahili is a Bantu language which has incorporated words from
many other sources and so Bantuized them that even the speakers do
mot recognize that they are foreign words. Most have been introduced
Iby Arab and Indian settlers and traders; a few by Portuguese and
German colonists, and a large number by the English. English and
Arabic words are now being increasingly used. Arab introductions are
•distinctive, but one has to be on the lookout for disguised English ones,
e.g. nguo isiyofiti, a garment which does not fit. Most of these foreign
words, if nouns, are put into the N and MA classes (see page 2).
Bantu words consist of a root, the meaning of which is changed by
various prefixes and suffixes, and nouns are grouped in classes according
to their prefix. These prefixes affect other words in a sentence,
with the result that the word given in a dictionary is frequently
obscured by syllables added at the beginning and the end.
The Concise Grammar which follows is intended to summarize the
chief points to be remembered in using this dictionary. They are
dealt with more fully in another book in this series. Teach Yourself
Swahili, which anyone who has not studied the language is advised
to get.
A CONCISE GRAMMAR
i. Nouns
Swahili nouns fall into various classes which, for convenience, are
usually grouped as shown in the Table of Concords on page 14, each
class with its singular and plural.
Class 1, the M-WA class (e.g. mtu watu) is the personal class;
with only one or two exceptions all the nouns in it denote human
beings. Nouns in other classes take the concords of this class if they
denote persons or animals.
Class 2, the M-MI class (e.g. mti miti) consists of the names of
things. Trees and plants are in this class.
Class 3, the N-class (e.g. njia njia) contains the names of most
animals and some fruits, and a large number of non-Bantu nouns.
Most of the Bantu nouns have dropped their initial «. As the plural
is the same as the singular, N-cla^s nouns are shown in the dictionary
with the plural sign (-), denoting that there is no change. The letter
n causes changes in some following letters, and these are given in a
note following this section.
Class 4, the KI-VI class (e.g. kitu vitu) consists mostly of the
names of concrete things. Words belonging to other classes can be
brought into this one by a change of their prefix to show smallness or
some diminution (e.g. mfuko, a bag ; kifuko, a little bag; kipofu, a
blind man). They then take the concords of this class, unless they
denote living beings and take the concords of Class 1 . Where the noun
root is a monosyllable, or confusion might occur with another word,
the prefix kiji is used (e.g. mto, a river; kijito, a stream). Ki before
a vowel other than i becomes ch and therefore most nouns beginning
with ch belong to this class.
Class 5, the MA-class (e.g. yai mayai) has no singular prefix
except before a vowel or monosyllabic root when ji is prefixed (e.g.
jicho macho). Like the N-class it contains many non-Bantu words,
and there is nothing in the form of the word to show which of the two
classes it belongs to. Some words are well-established, but others vary,
so do not be surprised if you find a word marked (-) in the dictionary
used with a MA plural, or vice versa.
Just as nouns can be brought into the KI-VI class to show smallness,
so they can be brought into the MA-class to show largeness.
Then they have no prefix in the singular (unless they require ji) and
ma in the plural (e.g. mtu watu, man, men; jitu majitu, giants;
fuko mafuko, large bags).
For more about the N and MA classes see Teach Yourself Swahili,
chapters 5, 6, and 44, and for largeness and smallness chapter 10.
Class 6, the U-class (e.g. uzi nyuzi) consists of nouns beginning
with u or, before a vowel, w. Most are abstract nouns (e.g. uzuri,
beauty) or names of substances (e.g. unga, flour) and these, of course,
have no plural. The others, with a few exceptions, take the plural of
the N-class with the usual changes caused by the letter n. As the
2
3
plurals are shown in the dictionary, it is not necessary to remember
these, but the U-class is a very interesting one, and more can be found
about it in Teach Yourself Swahili, chapter 7.
Class 7, the PA-class, contains only one word, mahali, place (found
sometimes as mwahali or pahali) and all its concords are made with
the prefix pa. The other concords given in the Table are explained in
the note on Place on page 12.
Class 8, the KU-class, contains all infinitives used as verbal-nouns
(e.g. kuimba, singing). It is not given separately in the Table, but
in the last column, under the prefix ku, there is a note “similarly
infinitives”. Infinitives begin with ku, and when used as nouns, all
their concords begin with ku or kw before a vowel.
Noun Prefixes
In the Table of Concords you will see two kinds of prefixes, called
there, Adjective Prefixes and Verb Prefixes. Here we are considering
the first kind only.
In the first four classes they are the same as the prefixes of the
nouns: m-wa, m-mi, n-n, kl-vl. In the MA-class there is a singular
prefix ji. This is put in brackets, because it is only used when the
adjective begins with a vowel. In the U-class the singular prefix is m
for adjectives, with one or two exceptions. Thus, taking the keywords
in the Table, and adding the adjective -zuri, good, we get mtu
mzuri, watu wazuri; mti mzuri, miti mizuri; njia nzuri, njia
nzuri; kitu kizuri, vitu vizuri; yai zuri, mayai mazvri; uzi
mzuri, nyuzi nzuri; mahali pazuri; kuimba kuzuri. As living
beings of any class take the concords of the personal class, the adjectives
with words like ndege, bird] kipofu, blind man, wall be mzuri
wazuri.
Changes before a Vowel
Some changes take place in these prefixes before a vowel, but not all
before the vowel i:
—
M becomes MW
MI
KI
VI
U
I
KU
N
MY in adjectives
CH
VY WY
KW
NY
LI, JI, ZI drop their vowel, and prefixes ending in A amalgamate
the A with a following E or I to make E.
Changes caused by N
Except in one or two monosyllables where it forms a separate syllable
and takes the stress (e,g. fichi) N is found in Swahili only before
d, g, j and z. Before a vowel it becomes ny, and before b, p, v or w
it becomes m. nl and nr become nd. Thus the following words all
belong to the N-class: ndege, nguo, njia, nzige, nyani, mbwa,
mpya, mvua, mbingu, ndimi (pi. of ulimi).
4
Noun Suffixes
T^o suffixes can be added to nouns.
ji can be suffixed to a noun ending in a, formed from a verb, to show
habitual action: e.g. chunga, to herd', mchungaji, a herdsman, ni
changes the noun from denoting a thing to denoting a place, e.g. mji,
a town; mjini, to-the-town; hewa, the air ; hewani, in-the-air. These
adverbial nouns no longer take the noun class prefixes but the prefixes
shown in the Table under Place. More about them is said in the
note on Place on page 12.
2. Adjectives
In English we think of adjectives as words used with a noun, and
pronouns as words used without a noun. But if we use these names
(for convenience) in Swahili, we class as adjectives the words which
take, with a few exceptions, the same prefixes as the nouns. These
are (1) descriptive adjectives; (2) numbers; (3) the words -ingi, much,
many ; -ingine, some, other; and -ngapi, how many. It is easy to
remember these three words as they all contain ng.
Descriptive Adjectives
Bantu languages have very few adjectives, but Swahili has borrowed
several from Arabic. These do not take the Bantu prefixes. In the
dictionary a short line before a word shows that the right prefix must
be attached. Swahili having grown up as a spoken language, where
much can be conveyed through tone and gesture, as well as by the
context, some of the adjectives have a wide range of meaning:
-nyimivu (from nyima, to withhold) can denote economical, careful,
thrifty, niggardly, stingy, even miserly; -shupavu, intrepid, resolute,
obstinate, bigoted. It all depends on how you look at it!
There are several ways in which other adjectives can be made:
(1) By the use of -a, of, or -enye, having: maji ya moto, hot water;
watoto wenye afya, healthy children.
(2) By the use of bila or pasipo, without: mahali pasipo miti, a
place without trees, i.e. a treeless place; mji bila watu, an uninhabited
town.
(3) By the relative iliyo, which is, and *siyo, which is not: maneno
yaliyo kweli, true words; matendo yasiyo haki, unjust actions.
These relatives are used with ver£s, e.g. kitabu kiiichopotea, the
lost book; miti isiyofaa, useless poles. As will be seen from the
examples, the syllables in italics have to be changed according to the
noun class.
Adjectives follow the noun they qualify, except kila, every, which
precedes it. There are no special forms for comparison, zaidi, more;
kupita, to pass, or kuliko can be used : Ali ni mrefu, lakini Juma
ni mrefu zaidi, Ali is tall, but Juma is taller; Ali ni mrefu kuliko
(or) kumpita Juma, Ali is taller than Juma.
Numbers
The numbers used in Swahili are a mixture of Bantu and Arabic
roots. The Arabic ones do not vary, but the Bantu ones (one, two,
three, four, five, and eight) take the adjective prefixes. In the N-class,
however, the only one changed is -will, two, which becomes mbili.
5
The numbers given below are those used in counting; when used as
adjectives the six just named must be given prefixes.
I moja 30 thelathini
2 mbili 33 thelathini na tatu
3 tatu 40 arobaini
4 nne 44 arobaini na nne
5 tano 50 hamsini
6 sita 55 hamsini na tano
7 saba 60 sitini
8 nane 66 sitini na sita
9 tisa (kenda) 70 sabini
10 kumi 77 sabini na saba
11 kumi na moja 80 themanini
12 kumi na mbili 88 themanini na nane
13 kumi na tatu 90 tisini
M kumi na nne 99 tisini na tisa
15 kumi na tano 100 mia
16 kumi na sita IOI mia na moja
17 kumi na saba no mia na kumi
18 kumi na nane 200 mia mbili
19 kumi na tisa (kenda) 250 mia mbili na hamsini
20 ishirini 999 mia tisa tisini na tisa
22 ishirini na mbili 1000 elfu
When the numbers denote order they are formed with -a, of, with the
right prefix : siku ya kwanza, the first day ; siku ya pill, ya tatu . .
.
up to siku ya mwisho, the last.
-ingi, -ingine,
-ngapi,
These are the three other words that take the adjective prefixes;
like the other adjectives they follow the noun: unga mwingi, a lot of
flour ; watu wengine, other people ; vltabu vingapi? how many
books?
How often? is shown by the word mara, timeIs
:
Mara ngapi?
How often ? Mara mbili, twice.
3. Pronouns
The lower half of the columns in the Table of Concords shows the verb
prefixes (often called pronominal). These look very different from the
adjective prefixes, but actually they are remains of old noun prefixes
which have been dropped in Swahili. In other Bantu languages we
get umti, the tree, imiti, the trees, and u and 1 are equivalent to
saying it and they with a verb when referring to the M-MI class.
Similarly with the other classes. These prefixes have to be prefixed
to the verb whether the subject has been named or not, and also to
the other words shown at the side of the table.
Personal Pronouns
Before dealing with the other noun classes, we give here those
belonging to Class 1 :
6
Possessive Verb prefix Verb prefix
e Pronoun pronoun subject object Of
mimi, I, me -angu ni- -ni- 1
wewe, you (one) -ako u- -kuyeye,
he, him] she, her •ake a- or yu- -m(w)- wa
sisi, we, us -etu tu- -tu- r
ninyi, you (many) -enu m(w)- -wawao,
they, them -ao wa- -wa- m
mimi 1
this this (2) that having self
wewe
yeye J
mimi
wewe
«TQ1TA
huyu
anyone
> ye yote
huyo
all
yule
which?
yupi?
mwenye
who (rel.)
ambaye
mwenyewe
yeye
sisi
these these (2) those having selves
ninyi
wao
hawa ha(w)o
•V
wale wenye wenyewe
sisi
-
any all which? who (rel.)
ninyi
wao
Note:
wo wote wote wapi? ambao
i. This (2) is the form used when referring to someone just
mentioned.
2. The possessive pronouns are shown with a hyphen because they
have to agree with the thing possessed, not with the possessor : mimi
na kitabu changu, I and my hook.
3. The subject prefix is the first syllable in a verb (unless the
negative ha precedes it) and the hyphen shows that it is to be joined
on to the verb with other prefixes. The object prefix comes in the
word immediately before the verb root and therefore has syllables
joining it on both sides.
4. A few much-used words are frequently joined to a shortened form
of the personal pronoun: mwanangu, my child’, wenzetu, our companions’,
babaye, his father, etc.
Possessive Pronouns
As the possessive pronouns given above all begin with a vowel the
changes referred to on page 3 will take place, u becoming w, etc.
So we get mtoto wangu, watoto wangu; mti wangu miti yangu;
njia yangu njia zangu; kitu changu vltu vyangu; yai langu
mayai yangu; uzi wangu nyuzi zangu; mahali pangu; kuimba
kwangu. In speaking of things -ake is used both for its and their :
miti na matunda yake, trees and their fruits.
Demonstratives
Swahili has no word for a or the, but it has three forms of demonstrative
where in English we have only two, this and that. This is
formed by the verb prefix preceded by h with the same vowel as in the
7
prefix. That is formed by the verb prefix followed by -le. In the
Table of Concords these two words are given for each of the noun
classes, so there is no need to repeat them here. The other demonstrative
is this with its last letter changed to o. It is used when someone
or something has already been mentioned ; maneno hayo, for instance,
refers to words already written; maneno haya to those about to be
written.
Relatives
There are two ways of expressing who, which, when, where, when
these words are used as relative pronouns. One is by the relative prefix
attached to amba-, and the other more usual one by the relative prefix
put into the verb. These relative prefixes are shown in the Table
of Concords, near the bottom of the columns, and are formed by the
verb prefix followed by the same o of reference as is used in this ( 2 ).
The amba relative is shown above in the section on personal pronouns,
and in the other classes it is formed in the same way. The other
relative will be explained in the section on Verbs.
The o of reference forms also the root of the Bantu words for all,
referring to the completeness of the thing mentioned, and for any
:
kitabu chote, the whole book
;
vitabu vyote, all the books
;
kitabu cho
chote, any book
.
4. The Verb
To Be
As in many other languages, the present tense of the verb to be is
irregular, and is best taken separately.
Connectives. When am, is or are are merely connectives ni can be used
for all the noun classes, or even omitted altogether. In the negative
si replaces ni and cannot be omitted: chakula (ni) tayari, the food is
veady\ machungwa si mazuri, the oranges are not good. If it is
desired to stress the person the pronominal syllables ni u yu are used
instead of ni for the three persons singular, and tu m wa for the
plural; with si for all persons in the negative: Tu wageni, We are
strangers’, U nani? Who are you? Si haki, It isn't fair. For things the
verb prefixes are used if necessary.
Place. The place syllables ko mo po can be added to the prefixes
given above to denote place: Upo wapi? Where are you? Nipo hapa,
I am here. Yuko wapi All? Where is Ali? Yumo jikoni. He is in the
kitchen. The negative forms with persons are sipo hupo hayupo
hatupo hampo hawapo. In the other classes ha is prefixed: Kitabu
kipo? Is the book there? Hakipo, It is not here.
Emphasis. Ndi (a more emphatic form than ni) can be joined to a
shortened form of the personal pronouns or to the verb prefixes:
ndimi, It is I, ndiwe, it is you, ndiye, it is he, ndio, it is they. The
following verb should have both a relative prefix and an object one:
Ndicho kitabu nilichokitaka, This is the book which I wanted. These
forms are shown in the Table of Concords. Note also the following
words in common use: Ndiyo (it is so) = Yes
;
Siyo, No; Ndipo, It is
there, or It is then; Ndivyo ilivyo, That’s how it is.
Relative. To make the relative the root 11 is used, preceded by the
subject prefix of the right class and followed by the relative prefix.
Here are the forms for reference
:
8
and for mti ulio, miti illyo
things: njia iliyo, njia zilizo
kitu kilicho, vitu vilivyo
yai lililo, mayai yaliyo
uzi ulio, nyuzi zilizo
mahali palipo ; kuimba kuliko
For negative in all classes substitute si for li.
To Have
Have is expressed in Swahili by be with, and what seems to be the
present tense of have is really I-with, you-with, etc.
affirmative nina tuna negative sina hatuna
una mna huna hamna
ana wana hana hawana
In the other classes the na is added to the verb prefix, prefixing ha
in the negative: Mti una miiba, the tree has thorns ; Mti hauna
miiba, the tree has no thorns. If there is an object the relative prefix
is added at the end: Unacho kitabu changu? Ninar/to. Have you
my book? (Yes) I have it.
The relative is the same as that for be followed by na. If there is
an object the -o prefix is attached to the na: Watu wasio na watoto,
people who have no children. Notice that the subject and object are
not always the same: Kitabu nViicho nacho, the book which I have (it).
The other tenses of to be and to have are conjugated like any other
verb, as shown in the next section.
Verb Tenses
The verb as given in a dictionary is found only in the Imperative,,
e.g. Tazama! Look l or, preceded by ku in the Infinitive, kutazama,
to look. Usually it is preceded by prefixes, in the order: Subject, Tense,
Relative, Object, with often a negative ha before them. If the verb
is reflexive the object prefix is replaced by ji. The prefixes given in
the Table of Concords serve both for subject and object. Those for
persons are slightly irregular, but are all shown in the Table of Verb
Tenses.
The tense prefixes are as follows:
Affirmative
a simple present; nataka, I want
na present continuous; ninataka, I am wanting
ta future; nitataka, I shall want
11 past; nil!taka, I wanted
ka connective; nikataka, and I wanted
ki if, when; nikitaka, if I want
nge, ngall, conditional; ningetaka, ningalitaka, if I wanted, if l
had wanted.
Negative
ku past; sikutaka, I did not want
ta future; sitataka, I shall not want
ja not-yet tense; sijataka, I have not wanted (yet)
sipo if-not; nisipotaka, unless I want
nge, ngall, conditional ; nlsingetaka, nlsingalltaka, if I did not
want, if I had not wanted.
Persons: nlllye tullo
* uliye mlio
aliye wallo
9
The subject prefixes already given in the Table of Concords are given
again in the table of Verb Tenses on page 16. In the simple present,
as the tense prefix begins with a vowel, they will be slightly modified,
combining with the a as in of in the Table of Concords.
In the negative tenses the negative prefix ha precedes all the subject
prefixes except those for / and you
;
here hani becomes si, and
hau, hu.
Tenses without prefixes
The subjunctive, also used as a polite imperative, is formed by the
subject prefix followed by the verb with its last letter, if a, changed
to e. In the negative the prefixes remain the same, and the other
negative sign si precedes the verb : Nitazame, Let me look ; Usiende,
jDon’t go; Nifikiri, Let me think.
Verbs borrowed from Arabic end in i or u and the ending does not
change.
A habitual tense, used for any time and any person, is made with
the prefix hu: husema, they say; Magari hupita kila siku, Trains
pass every day. There is no corresponding negative tense.
The negative present is formed by the negative subject prefix,
followed by the verb, with its fina 1 letter, if a, changed to i : Sitaki,
I do not want; Hawafikiri, They don’t think.
The object prefix comes immediately before the verb:
Usingalimonyesha kitabu nisingali&ftaka, If you had not
shown me the book I should not have wanted it.
The Relative
On page 7 one way of expressing who , which, when, or where when
used as relatives was explained. The commoner, and better way, is
to put the relative prefix into the verb. All the prefixes, except in the
singular of the personal class, end in o. They are in the Table of
Concords, and were given again in these notes on page* 8 with the
verb to be. The Table of Verb Tenses shows how to use them in the
present, past, and future tenses. Except in the simple present they
follow the tense prefix ; in the simple present the tense prefix is omitted
and they come at the end. This, however, is for the affirmative only.
In the negative there is only one form for all three tenses: subject
prefix, negative si, relative, verb, with object (if any) just before the
verb.
Compound Tenses can be formed with the past tense of kuwa (to be)
as shown at the bottom of the Table. The KI-tense given above for
if and when is also a present participle, nikitaka, I wanting.
Infinitive and Imperative
The infinitive is preceded by ku ; to form the negative to is put after
the ku, very often with another ku : kutotaka or kutokutaka, not to
want. A monosyllabic verb (see below) must always have the second
ku: kutokuwa, not to be.
The infinitive is a verbal noun and takes the ku prefixes as shown in
the Table of Concords: Kusema ni kuzuri, na kutokusema ni
kuzuri, Speaking is good, and silence is good.
The imperative is the simplest form of the verb: Soma, read\ In
speaking to more than one person ni is added and the last letter of the
10
verb, if a, is changed to e : Someni! This change to e is usually made
in ithe singular as well if there is an object, and in leta, bring, even
without an object: Visome, read them (books); Nipe, give me; Lete,
bring (it). There are a few irregular imperatives: Njool Njoni! from
kuja, to come: Nenda! Nendeni! from kuenda, to go.
The negative subjunctive is used in place of a negative imperative:
Usisome or Msisome, Do not read. Usije, Do not come, etc.
Monosyllabic Verbs
There are a few verbs which, without the ku, have only one syllable
:
kuwa, to be; ku\fa, to die; kuja, to come; kuAz, to eat. For ease of pronunciation,
these retain the ku in the na, me, and ta tenses, in the
conditional, and after a relative pronoun: anakuja, he is coming;
watakuwa, they will be; nilichokula, which I ate. The ku is often
retained in the verbs enda, go, and isha, finish.
Impersonal Forms
There is, there are are translated by kuna, negative hakuna: Kuna
maji njiani? Hakuna. Is there water on the way? (No,) there isn’t.
For it, when used impersonally, the singular of the N-class, i, is used:
Yafaa tuende, it is good that we go, i.e. we had better go ; Haifa! kuchelewa,
it’s not good to be late. Three very common phrases of this kind
are: haifai, better not; haiwezekani, it can’t be done; haidhuru, it
doesn’t matter.
There is also the hu tense, already mentioned, husema, they say.
Verb Suffixes
The following syllables can be attached to the end of a verb:
je, how? what? Ulijuaje? How did you know? Asemaje? What
does he say?
Pi. where? Wamekwendapi? Where have they gone?
ni, plural sign, forming the plural of the imperative. This ni can
also make a second plural of you as an object prefix ; in speaking
to more than one person the usual object prefix is wa (see
Personal Pronouns, page 6) but the singular ku can be used
with the suffix ni: Nimekuambia, I have told you (one person);
Nimekuambieni, I have told you (many). Notice that the
same change of the a to e takes place as in the imperative,
po, ko, or mo can be added to the other tenses of the verb to be
just as they were to the present tense: Nitakuwapo, I shall be
there; Vitabu vikiwako, if the books are there; Hawakuwamo
nyumbani, They were not in the house.
For more about verbs consult Teach Yourself Swahili or any good
grammar.
5. Derivative Verbs
Bantu languages have a very interesting and useful way of altering
the meaning of a verb by changes at the end. The notes here are to
guide the reader in the use of the dictionary and to enable him to
make out the meaning of verbs of this sort that he meets in his reading.
References are given to the relevant chapters of Teach Yourself Swahili
for further study if desired.
wa at the end of a verb (except kuwa) shows the passive, e.g.
li
Piga, to hit; pigwa, to be hit; jibu, to answer; jibiwa, to be answered
;
nunua, to buy; nunuilwa, to be bought. The apparent irregularities
in the last two words are explained in Teach Yourself Swahili
,
chapter 22.
ika or eka gives a meaning rather similar to the passive, but instead
of thinking of the act and who caused it, we think of the resulting
state; e.g. kikombe kimevunjwa, the cup has been broken (by someone)
; kikombe kimevunjika, the cup is broken ; Barua haikusomwa,
the letter was not read ; Barua haikusomeka, the letter was unreadable.
A suffix na is sometimes added, and so we get the very common words,
patikana, be obtainable; wezekana, be possible; onekana, be visible;
julikana, be known. This form is usually called the stative, and there
is more about it in Teach Yourself Swahili, chapter 22.
ia or ea is a prepositional ending, showing to, for, etc., e.g. leta, to
bring ; letea, bring to; pata, to get; patia, get for; toa, to offer; tolea,
to offer to. Notice that in this form the object is the person, not the
thing; Kilete, bring it (the food); Niletee, bring-to me. See Teach
Yourself Swahili, chapter 34.
sha, za, nya as well as being ordinary verb endings, often denote
the causative form: anguka, fall; angusha, make fall (i.e. drop or
break down); jaa, get full; jaza, make full, fill; pona, get well; ponya,
make well, cure. Causative verbs can be made from adjectives by
adding sha: safl, clean; safisha, make clean; imara, firm; imarisha,
make firm. See Teach Yourself Swahili, chapter 39.
ana makes a reciprocal verb, denoting each other or one another:
penda, love; pendana, love one another; ona, see; onana, see each other
(i.e. meet). See Teach Yourself Swahili, chapter 37.
Of course, these derived verbs can also make other forms; e.g.
ponya, cure
;
the causative form of pona, get better, can add a stative
ending, ponyeka, get cured or be curable; niletee, bring to me, can
make a passive, niletewe, be brought to me.
Doubling a verb shows either a repeated action, or some modification
of it: Mbona unasitasita? Why do you go on hesitating? Anajaribujaribu,
he is trying (but not very hard).
6. Adverbs
Adverbs, having nothing to do with nouns, do not need any class
prefix. There are, however, three adverbial prefixes which help to
form adverbs:
vi makes adverbs from adjectives: vizurl, vibaya, v(y)ema, etc.
It also makes adverbs like hivi, thus; vilevile, in the same way, and
is used as an adverbial relative in verbs: hivyo ulivyosema, thus as
you said, ki used with a noun denotes “in the manner of“ : Simameni
kiaskari, stand like soldiers; amevaa kizungu, he is dressed in
European fashion.
pa, ku, and mu make adverbs of place: hapa, here; pale, there, etc.
They can also denote time: papa hapa, just then.
Apart from adverbs made with these prefixes there are a large
number without any prefix, showing how, when, or where. They will
all be found in the dictionary. Three of them are really intensifiers:
sana, mno and (sometimes) kabisa. Although the general meaning
is very, they can be translated in various ways: kimbia sana, run fast;
shika sana, hold tight; Umekaa mno, you have stayed a very long
12
time. The reverse is shown by kidogo, a little : Yuko mbali kidogo,
he if a little way off; kazi yake nzuri kidogo, his work is fairly good.
The chief interrogatives are: llni? when? wapi? where? namna
gani? how? kwa nini or mbona? why?
7. Place
As we saw, when considering nouns and their classes, there is one
Swahili word for place, mahaU. But neighbouring Bantu languages
have three words, and probably Swahili did too, in the forms of patu,
kutu, mutu, each with its own prefixes, roughly denoting at, to, and in.
When the Arabic word came into use these three words dropped
out, but their prefixes remained . These are shown in the last column
of the Table of Concords. When the word mahali is used, the pa prefixes
are used with it; otherwise the pa prefixes denote a definite
position, or at a place; the ku an indefinite one, or to a place; and the
mu an inside one, in a place. These prefixes form adverbs like hapa,
here; they form the subject of the impersonal verbs there is and there
are, kuna, pana, mna ; and they are attached to the verb he to show
place : nitakuwapo, I shall he there. But perhaps their most frequent
use is with verbal nouns: Yumo nyumbani mn/ake, he is in his
house; Amekwenda shambani kwhke, he has gone to his cornfield.
Anaslmama pale mlangoni pake, He is standing there at his door.
Many folk-tales begin “Hapo zamani paUkuwa na mtu”; Long
ago there was a man.
8. Prepositions and Conjunctions
Most of the work of these is done by the prepositional form of a verb,
and by the KA-tense, see pages 8, 11. It is difficult to distinguish
prepositions from conjunctions; it is better to look upon them all as
words of association.
Many are made from the -a of association:
-a preceded by the class prefix makes of; majani ya mti, the leaves
of the tree. All the forms of of are shown in the Table of Concords.
-a preceded by ku makes kwa, to, from, with, for, etc.: Tuende
kwa mwalimu. Let us go to the teacher; Barua imetoka kwa nani?
Who has the letter come from? Kata kwa kisu, Cut it with a knife ;
Nimekuja kwa dawa, I have come for medicine. Kwa can be combined
with the possessive pronouns: Njoni kwangu, Come to me;
Naomba kwako, I ask from you; Ulifika kwake? Did you get to him?
Nakwenda kwetu, I am going home; Kwenu ni mbali? Is your home
far off? Tuende kwao, Let us go to their home.
ya with an adverb forms a preposition: Weka ndani. Put it inside;
Weka ndani ya nyumba. Put it in the house; Nipe zaidi. Give me
more; Watu zaidi ya ishirini, more than twenty people.
na can be translated in several ways: Lete chai na maziwa, Bring
tea and milk; Unaitwa na baba yako, You are called by your father;
Nenda na Hamisi, Go with Hamisi.
For the introductory that we use kama, ya kwamba, orya kuwa:
Alisema kama atakuja. He said that he would come.
Kama has other important uses:
if: Kama akija, If he comes.
whether
:
Sijui kama atakuja, I don’t know whether he will come.
13
like: Nyama ni nzurl leo, si kama ile ya jana; the meat is good
today, not like that of yesterday,
as : Fanya kama upendavyo, Do it as you like,
about : kama futi kumi, about ten feet.
as though: Si kama (kwamba) aliona mwenyewe, It is not as
though he had seen it himself.
Dis-association is shown by:
au or ama, or: Nipe chai au maji, Give me tea or water.
wala, and not, nor: Sikumwona wala sikusikia habari zake,
I didn't see him, nor did I hear about him.
lakini or bali, but: Alikuja lakini sikumwona, He came but I
did not see him.
ila or isipokuwa, except: Hakuna watu ila mtoto mmoja tu.
There are no people, except one child.
Among other important words are ill, in order that ; kwa sababu,
because ; kwa hiyo, therefore', ingawa, although', ijapo, even if.
Instead of the introductory words Well, So, Now, etc., with which
many sentences begin in English, basi, hata, tena, ikawa are
common in Swahili.
For more about these words see Teach Yourself Swahili, chapters 32,
33, 36, 38
Orthography and Pronunciation
Comments are made on this, where necessary, in the following Note^
on the Swahili section of the Dictionary. It should be remembered that
Swahili words are stressed on the syllable before the last, and therefore
any suffixes move the stress forward : e.g. kitdbu, book ; kitabuni, in
the book ; Amekw6nda, He has gone', Amekwend&pi? Where has
he gone?
TABLE
OF
CONCORDS
14
t
a e
u5 c?
illarly
-angu
-ako
-etu
-enu
-ao.
•
Similarly
-enye,
-enyewe,
-o-ote,
except
in
sing,
of
WATU
class,
ilarly
-pi
?
which
?
except
with
mahall.
TABLE
OF
CONCO
RDS
—
Continued.
15
9
is
i
S
B
l
«9
s
l
I
a
i
Iff]
aa

ii
« v
a
-OB-OD
sit
iSf 2 ®*r
aFo-g
5a
rlf
3 Sf
ill
if
ss I
§a
s His
Iff??
s
&
sffi.s i
o So
OBSBOV \mamam a
dlitlifl
* ®«M « H JS
sill938 0
sf lllioli
t '«MW
o s.
« a « —
*
-
m -3:2
.7. ^ «  *j3 •««
-« wtj a a '*-
-anga
-ako
-eta
-enn
-ao.
1
Similarly
-enye,
-enyewe,
-o-ote,
except
in
ting,
of
WATU
class,
-pi
J
which
?
except
with
tnahell.
*
Similarly
infinitives.
VERB
TENSES
16
SWAHILI-ENGLISH
DICTIONARY

NOTES ON THE SWAHILI-ENGLISH SECTION
A is pronounced like the English a in father
.
For the class prefixes to
be used with the possessives -angu, -ako, my, your, etc., and
with -a, of, see page 6 and the Table of Concords. For the
suffix to be used with amba-, see page 7. Some words beginning
with a may be verbs in which the a stands for the subject
he or she, e.g. asema, she says', atakuja, he will come. These
will be found under S and J, i.e. sema and ja.
B is sometimes confused with V and doublets occur, e.g. buruga and
vuruga, and a word not found under B may be looked for under
V, and vice versa. In using an adjective beginning with B with
an N-class noun, remember that the N changes to M; e.g.
nyumba mbovu.
C is not found in the Swahili alphabet; its place is taken by K or S.
CH is the form the KI prefix takes before a vowel.
D is one of the few letters before which N can stand; therefore an
adjective beginning with d if used before an N-class noun will take
the prefix N : e.g. nyumba ndogo. DH has the sound of the
English th in this, with, etc. It is found in words taken from the
Arabic, and is often pronounced, or even written as x.
E has the sound of the English a in say, but without the closer sound
made in English at the end. -enu, -etu, -enye, and -enyewe
take the verb prefixes, and -embamba and the other adjectives
the noun prefixes. See the Table of Concords. Note that -ema
with an N-class noun becomes njema.
G is always hard, as in get. The soft English G, as in gem is shown by J.
GH, which occurs in a few Arabic words, is a throaty sound,
something between G and R. Many people pronounce it like G.
N can stand before G, and therefore adjectives beginning with g
prefix N with N-class nouns.
H enters into several prefixes which will, of course, have to be discarded
before looking for the word in the dictionary. For ha as
a negative prefix see page 7. For hu as a tense prefix see page
9; and for ha hi hu as the first syllables of this and these see
pages 6-7.
H now takes the place of the Arabic KH, and words heard or
written with that sound should be looked for under H.
I is pronounced as the English ee in see. For the concords of -ingi and
-ingine, see page 5. I is the subject prefix of verbs used with
nouns of the N-class, e.g. Nyumba inavuja. The house is leaking ;
here the second word will be found under V.
J Notice the uses of the syllable ji:
(1) A singular prefix in some MA-class nouns, e.g. jlcho, an eye.
10
20
(2) A singular prefix denoting largeness, e.g. jumba, a palace
* (from nyumba).
(3) A reflexive verb prefix denoting self', kuficha, to hide ;
kujificha, to hide oneself. In many cases the meaning is slightly
changed, e.g. kujiona, to see oneself, means to be conceited. A
selection of these verbs is given in the dictionary, with the ji in
italics.
(4) As a suffix at the end of a noun it can denote a customary
occupation, e.g. wachezaji, the players.
K enters into many prefixes, which it may be convenient to summarize
here, although they are more fully explained in the grammar
section.
ki (1) Noun and verb prefix in the KI-VI class; the verb as
well as its subject will begin with ki.
(2) Diminutive prefix by which a thing can be made smaller,
e.g. kichupa, a little bottle. Such words will be found in the
dictionary in their original form, e.g. chupa.
(3) In a verb, coming after the subject prefix, it makes the
IF tense or the present participle: Akija, If or when he comes
;
Nilikuona ukija, I saw you coming.
ko refers to place. See page" 7.
ku (1) A place syllable, see note on page 12.
(2) The object prefix in a verb, denoting you, as in nili£aona
above.
(3) The infinitive prefix. When the infinitive is used as a noun
it takes the ku concords: Kuja &«»ako £«menifurahisha Sana,
Your coming has made me very happy.
ka ( 1 ) Although ki has taken its place in Swahili, ka is the old
Bantu prefix for smallness and is sometimes found in Swahili,
katoto, a little child.
(2) Following the subject prefix in a verb it shows an action
subsequent to the previous one; it thus takes the place of and :
Alikuja akaniambia. He came and told me.
L is frequently heard as R and R as L, therefore a word not found
under one letter should be looked for under the other. Li is the
verb prefix used with singular nouns of the MA-class and so
many words beginning with li are verbs: e.g. linauma, it hurts,
is the verb uma.
M Most of the nouns beginning with M belong to the first class, if
people, and to the second if things. Plural nouns beginning with
mi are given under their singular m or mw. Words beginning
with ma are usually plurals in the MA-class: machungwa, for
instance, will be found in the dictionary as chungwa. But some
have no singular, e.g. maji, water
;
and others are abstract nouns
with another form beginning with u, e.g. uasi or maasi, rebellion.
Any word not found under ma should be looked for under u or
the letter following the ma.
mo and mu are place prefixes.
N For N as the prefix of the N-class, see note on page 3.
na, and, with, by, is frequently joined to a pronoun in a
shortened form : naml nawe naye nasi nanyi nao, and I, and
21
you, etc. At the beginning of a verb it is the prefix of the -a- of
the simple present tense preceded by ni, I: Nataka, I want.
ni is the subject prefix I
:
Niende, Let me go
;
it is also used with
all persons and things as a copula: Chakula ni tayari, the food
is ready.
ny is the form n takes before a vowel other than i. It must be
pronounced like the ni in onion, e.g. nyama is two syllables,
nya-ma, not ne-a-ma or ni-a-ma.
ng’ has the sound of ng in singing; there must be no g sound
in it, even when it begins a word.
O is pronounced like the French or German O, i.e. without the closed
sound at the end of our English O.
P For pa as a place prefix see page 12.
-pi, which? is preceded by a verb prefix: Mti upi? Which tree?
Miti ipi? Which trees? Mtu yupi? Which man? It can also be
added to the end of a verb to show where? Wamekwendapi?
Where have they gone?
Note that the monosyllabic verb pa, give, must always have a
personal object, e.g. Nitan'tfpa fedha, I will give them the money.
N before P becomes m, hence we get nyumba mpya, a new
house ; in the singular of the MA-class, pya being a monosyllable,
ji is prefixed, neno jipya, a new word.
R occurs only in foreign words, and the nouns in this section belong
to the MA or N-class. But there is considerable confusion between
the Arabic R and the Bantu L.
S is always pronounced as the S in this ; the sound of the S in these is
written with z. Many speakers interpose an i between s and a
following consonant, so we find stawi and sitawi, prosper
;
others
change the s to sh, and we get stuka, situka, shtuka, all in use
for be startled.
r ta is an Arabic prefix and words with this prefix are frequently
introduced into Swahili. Several of them are in the dictionary.
If you find one that is not, take off its ta and look for a word of
three syllables having the same consonants ; this will be the same
word in its Swahili form: e.g. takabali, kubali; tabaruki,
bariki; tanafusi, nafasi, etc. The syllable ta after the subject
prefix in a verb, shows the future tense.
th represents the sound of the English th in thin ; its sound in
then is written dh. Both are Arabic sounds, and Swahili speakers
often replace th by 8 , just as they do dh by z.
LJ is pronounced as 00 in tool, without any y sound; yu in Swahili
sounds the same as the English word you. The prefix U forms
abstract nouns from nouns, adjectives, and verbs: mfalme, king ;
ufalme, kingdom ; -chache, few; uchache, fewness; kupenda,
to love; upendo, love. It is, of course, impossible to give every
abstract noun that could be made in this way, and any that are
not found in the dictionary should be looked for under the other
abstract prefix ma or under the letter following the U.
U is also the verb prefix for the singular of the M-MI class,
and for you (one person), and therefore many words beginning
with u are verbs. U before a vowel becomes w.
22
V VI or VY usually denotes the plural of the KI-VI class, and nouns
such as vitu will be found in the singular, under K. It is also an
adverbial prefix, e.g. vizuri, well ; vibaya, badly.
W is the form U takes before a noun; wema, for instance, is an
abstract noun formed from the adjective -ema, good.
wa is the plural prefix of the personal class; nouns beginning
with wa should be looked for under M, and verbs under the root:
e.g. Watu wamefika: look for mtu and fika.
wa is also the root of the verb to be ; being a monosyllabic verb
it keeps the ku of the infinitive in most of its tenses.
Y is the form i takes before a vowel, so ya, yangu, yako, etc., are the
possessives of, my, your, etc., for the plural of the M-MI class,
the singular of the N-class, and the plural of the MA-class:
milima ya Kenya, the Kenya mountains ; nyumba yangu, my
house', mayai yako, your eggs, ya is also the subject and object
prefix for the MA-class.
ye, a shortened form of yake or yeye is attached to the end of
some words: nduguye, his brother’, baadaye, after that ; ndiye,
it is he, etc. For the personal prefix yu see page 6.
Z is frequently heard for the Arabit dh, and vice versa. Za, zi, and zo
are concords of nouns in the N-class plural.
A 23 ALI
A
-a, of
abiri, to travel as passenger
abiria(-), a passenger
abirisha, to convey as passenger
abudu, to worship; abudiwa, be
worshipped
acha, to leave; let; achwa, be left
achama, to open mouth wide
achana, to leave one another;
diverge
achia, to leave to
achilia, to forgive; achiliwa, be
forgiven
achilio(ma), forgiveness
achisha maziwa, to wean a child
ada(-), a fee
adabu(-), good manners
adha(-), trouble
adhabu(-), punishment
adhama(-), honour; glory
adhana(-), Moslem call to prayer
adhibika ; adhibiwa, be punished
adhibisha ; adhibu, to punish
adhimisha, to honour
adhini, to call to prayer
adhuhuri, noon
adibisha, to train in good manners
adili, righteous; just
adilisha, to teach right conduct
adimika, be scarce
adimu, rare; unobtainable
adui(ma), an enemy
afa(ma), a calamity; ill-omened
person
afadhali, preferable; preferably
afikiana, to make an agreement
afisa(ma), an officer
afisi(-), an office
afu, afua(-), deliverance from
calamity
afua, to deliver; save
afya(-), health
afyuni(-), opium
aga, to take leave of
agana, to say Goodbye; to make
an agreement
agano(ma), an agreement
Agano Jipya, the New Testament
Agano la Kale, the Old Testament
agia, to befit; to suit
agiza, to order; direct; agizwa,
be ordered
agizo(ma), directions
agua, to divine; predict; aguliwa,
be predicted
ahadi(-), a promise
ahera(-), place of future life
ahidi, to promise; ahidiwa, be
promised
ahidiana, to promise one another
ahirisha, to postpone
aibika, be disgraced
aibisha, to put to shame
aibu(-), shame
aidha, moreover; next
aili, to blame
aina(-), kind; species
ainika, be specified
ainisha, to classify; distinguish
ajabu(ma), a wonder; wonderfully
ajali(-), fate
ajili, sake; kwa ajili ya, because
of
ajiri, ajirisha, to hire for work;
ajiriwa, be hired
ajizi(-), slackness
aka, to work as mason
akali, a few
-ake, his; hers; its
akiba(-), reserve; store
akili(-), mind; intelligence; clever
idea
akina, relations ; connections
;
akina mama, the women-folk;
akina sisi, people like us
-ako, your/s
ala(-), tool; utensil
ala(ny), a sheath
alama(-), a mark; sign
alaslri(-), afternoon
alfabeti(-), alphabet
alfajiri(-), before dawn
Alhami8i, Thursday
alika, alisha, i to click; crackle;
2 to invite; summon
ALL 24 ARU
Allah, God
almaria(-), braid; embroidery
almasi(-), a diamond
ama, either; or
amali(-), action; occupation
amana(-), pledge; deposit
amani(-), peace
amara(-), urgent business
amari(-), cable
amba-, who; which; vitu ambavyo,
things which
amba, to abuse
ambaa, to skirt; avoid
ambata, to stick to
ambatana, to stick together
ambatisha, to cause to adhere
ambia, to tell; say to; amblwa,
be told
ambika, to bait a trap
ambilika, be approachable; affable
ambo(ma), glue; gum
ambua, to peel off; ambuka, to
come off
ambukiza, to infect
ambukizo(ma), infection
ami, amu, paternal uncle
amia, to guard crops f rom birds
;
amiwa, be guarded
amini, to believe; aminiwa, be
believed
amini, -aminifu, faithful
aminika, be trusted
aminisha, to entrust
amka, to awake
amkia, amkua, to greet
amri(-), command; authority
amriwa, be ordered
amsha, to awaken someone
amua, to arbitrate; judge; amuliwa,
be judged
amuru, to command
amwa, to suck the breast;
amwisha, to suckle
ana, he has
-anana, soft; gentle
ana8a(-), luxury; pleasure
andaa, andalia, to prepare;
jiandaa, to make oneself
ready
andaliwa, be ready
andama, to follow; andamwa,
be followed by
andamana, to follow in procession
andika, i to set in order; set the
table; 2 to write; to enrol
andikia, to write to; andikiwa,
be written to
andiko(ma), something written
anga(-), the sky; light
angaa, angaza, to shine ; give
light
angalia, to pay attention; take
care ; angaliwa, be taken care of
-angalifu, careful; attentive
angama, to hang in mid-air
angamia, to perish
angamiza, to destroy
-angavu, clear; shining
angaza, to give light
angika, to hang up; angikwa, be
hung up
,-angu, my; mine
angua, to throw down; hatch
eggs ; anguliwa, be taken down
;
hatched
anguka, to fall
anguko(ma), a fall; a ruin
angusha, to throw down: make
fall
angusho(ma), destruction
anika, put out to dry ; anikwa, be
put out
ankra(-), invoice
anua, to take in, from rain, etc.
anuka, to clear up ( weather
)
anwani(-), the address
anza, to begin
anzisha, to start off; institute;
anzishwa, be started off
-ao, their/s
apa, to take an oath
apisha, to put on oath
apiwa, be sworn to
apiza, to curse
apizo(ma), a curse
arabuni(-), a deposit; guarantee
ardhi(-), soil; ground
ari(-), eagerness; self-respect
arifu, to inform; arifiwa, be informed
aroba, four
arobaini, forty
arusi(-), a wedding; maarusi,
the bridal couple
ASA 25 BAN
asall(-), honey; syrup
asante, thank you
asherati( - ), fornication
; profligate
ashiki(-), strong desire
ashiria, to make a sign to;
ashiriwa, be signalled to
asi, to disobey; rebel
asili(-), origin; nature
asilia, genuine; original
askari(-), a soldier
askofu(ma), a bishop
asubuhi(-), morning
atamia, to sit on eggs
athari(-), a mark; blemish
athiri, to mark; mar
Ati, I say!
atika, to plant out
atua, to split; crack; atuka, be
cracked
au, or
aua, to survey; inspect; auliwa,
be surveyed
aula, important; better
auni(-), help
awali(-), the beginning; first
aya(-), a verse; short section
ayari(-), a cheat; a rogue
azali, without beginning; eternal
azima, i to borrow; lend; 2 a
charm
azimia, azimu, to intend; azimiwa
, be intended
azimio(ma), intention; plan
aziri, to disparage publicly
azizi(-), a treasure; excellent
B
baa(ma), 1 disaster; plague;
2 public bar
baada ya, after
baadaye, afterwards
baadhi, some
baba(-), father
baba mkubwa; baba mdogo,
paternal uncle
babaika, to babble
babaiko(ma), meaningless talk
babaisha, to cause confused
speech
babata, to tap lightly
babu(-), grandfather
babua, to strip off with fingers
babuka, be disfigured
badala(-), a substitute
badala ya, instead of
badili, badilisha, to change; exchange
-badilifu, changeable; unstable
badilika ; badiliwa, be changed
badiliko(ma), change
bado, not yet; still
bafta(-), thin white calico
bagua, to separate; segregate;
baguliwa, be separated
bahari(-), the sea
baharia(ma), a sailor
bahasha(-), envelope; bag; bundle
bahati(-), luck; chance; bahatl
nasibu, a lottery
bahatisha, to guess; take a
chance
bahili(-), a miser; miserly
baina ya, between; among
bainika, be clear; manifest
bainisha, to show clearly
baisikeli(-), a bicycle
baki(ma), remainder
baki, to remain over
bakiza, to leave over
bakora(-), a walking-stick
bakshishi(-), a tip
bakuli(-), a basin
balaa(ma), a calamity
balehe, to reach puberty
ball, but; on the contrary
balozi(ma), a consul; ambassador
bamba, to hold ; arrest ; bambwa,
be arrested
bana, to squeeze ; hold by pressure
banda(ma), a barn, shed
bandari(-), a harbour
bandi(ma), stitching
bandia(-), home-made doll
bandika, to attach; stick on;
bandikwa, be stuck on
bandua, to strip off ; banduliwa,
be stripped off
banduka, to get detached from
bangi(-), bhang (hemp)
bangili(-), a bangle
bango(ma), mudguard; protective
sheath
banika, fix in a spit
banja, to crack nuts
BAN 26 BOM
banzi(ma), spit for roasting
b2To(ma), i board for game or
divination; 2 goal; points
bapa(ma), a broad flat surface
bara(-), a continent; mainland
barabara(-), 1 highroad; 2 exactly
right
baradhuli(ma), a simpleton
barafu(-), ice
baragumu(ma), a war-horn
baraka(-), blessing; prosperity
baraza(-), verandah; councilhouse
baridi(-), cold, coolness
bariki, to bless: barikiwa, be
blessed
barizi, to hold a reception ; attend
a council
barua(-), a letter
baruti(-), gunpowder
bashiri, to predict; bring news;
bashiriwa, be announced ; predicted
basi, well! That’s all
l
basi(ma), a bus
bastola(-), a pistol
bata(ma), a duck
bata la bukini, a goose
bata mzinga, a turkey
bati(ma), galvanized iron sheets
batili, batilisha, to annul: batilika,
be annulled ; cancelled
batili, invalid; worthless
batiza, to baptize
batobato(ma), coloured markings
bawa(ma), a wing
bawaba(-), a hinge
bawabu(ma), a doorkeeper
-baya, bad
bayana, certainty
beba, to carry on back (child );
bear cobs (maize)
beberu(ma), a he-goat; a strong
man
bega(ma), shoulder
behewa(ma), 1 inner courtyard;
2 compartment of train
bei(-), price
bekua, to parry
bemba, to wheedle; seduce
bembeleza, to coax; soothe
bendera(ma), a flag; banner
benibeni, askew; awry
benuka, to bulge: protrude
beti(-), 1 small leather pouch;
2 verse of a song
beza, to scorn
-bezi, disdainful
bia(-), co-operation
biashara(-), commerce
bibi(-), grandmother; lady
Biblia, Bible
-bichi, unripe; uncooked; damp
bidhaa(-), merchandise
bidi, to be obligatory; imenibidi,
I feel bound to
bidii(-), energy; effort; jibidiisha,
to exert oneself
biga(ma), earthenware beer-pot
bikari(-), drawing compasses
bikira(ma), a virgin
bikiri, to deflower; bikiriwa,
lose virginity
bila, without
bilashi, in vain
bilauri(-), a glass; tumbler
bilingani(ma), aubergine
bima(-), insurance
bin, son of
binadamu, son-of-Adam; a human
being
bindo(ma), a fold of loincloth
used as pocket
bingwa(ma), an expert
binti(ma), daughter
birika(ma), kettle; tank
bisha, to knock; oppose
bishana, to wrangle
bisi, popcorn
bisibisi(-), a screwdriver
bitana(-), thin lining material
-bivu, ripe
biwi(ma), a rubbish heap
bizari(-), curry powder
bizimu(-), buckle; brooch
blanketi(ma), a blanket
boboka, to blurt, out
boga(ma), a pumpkin
bohari(ma), a warehouse
bokoboko, a mashy substance
bokoka, to come off (as handle)
boma(ma), a fort; government
office
bomba(ma), a pump; pipe;
chimney
BOM 27 CHA
bomoa, to break down; bomolewa,
be broken down
bomoka, to collapse
bomoko(ma), a demolished building
bonde(ma), a valley
bonge(ma), a lump; ball of
string, etc.
bonyea, to sink in
bonyeka, to be dented
bonyeza, to press in
bopa, be soft; sink in
bopo(ma), a soft place; mud-hole
bora, fine; excellent
boriti(ma), thick pole; beam
boronga, to bungle
borongo(ma), spoilt work
-bovu, rotten; worthless
bua(ma), stem of maize, millet,
etc.
buba, yaws
bubu(ma), a dumb person
bubujika, to bubble out
bubujiko(ma), a bubbling-up
buburushana, to scuffle
budi, a way out; alternative; sina
budi, I must
buibui(-), i a spider; 2 woman’s
covering-cloak
bukua, to ferret out scandal
bulula, a tap
buluu, blue
bumba(ma), a lump; cluster of
bees, etc.
bumbuaza, to confuse; perplex
bumbuazi(-), perplexity; helpless
confusion
bumburuka, be startled ; rush off
bumburusha, to startle ; frighten
away
bunda(ma), a parcel; bale
bundi(ma), an owl
bunduki(-), a gun
bungu(ma), a boring insect
bungua, to bore holes in wood,
grain, etc.
bunguka, be worm-eaten
buni(-), coffee berries
buni, to compose; make up;
buniwa, be invented ; imaginary
burashi(-), a brush
bure, 1 free of charge; 2 useless
burudika, be refreshed
burudisha, to cool; refresh
burudisho(ma), relaxation
buruga, to stir up
burura, to drag
busara(-), prudence
bustani(-), a garden
busu, to kiss
butu, blunt
buu(ma), maggot; grub
buyu(ma), calabash
bwaga, to throw down; bwaga
moyo, throw off cares; rest
bwana(ma), master; gentleman
bwawa(ma), swamp; bog
bweni(-), sleeping quarters for
girls or boys
bweta(-), small box
CH
For prefix ch see page 2
cha, of
cha, 1 to dawn; 2 to reverence
chacha, to ferment; go sour
chachari(ma), restlessness
chachatika, to tingle
-chache, a few; not much
-chafu, dirty
chafua, to soil; mess up; chafuliwa,
be messed up
chafuka, be in disorder
chafuko(ma), muddle; disorder
chafya, a sneeze ; piga chafya, to
sneeze
chaga, to do vigorously; be prevalent
chagiza, be insistent; pester
chagua, to choose; vote for;
chaguliwa, be chosen
-chaguzi, critical; fastidious
chai(-), tea
chakaa, to grow old ; wear out
chakacha, to rustle
chakarisha, to make a rustling
noise
chaki(-), chalk
chakula(vy), food
chakura, to scratch the ground
chale(-), incisions; tribal marks
chali, flat on back
chama(vy), a society; wanachama,
members
chambega, on the shoulders
CHA 28 CHO
chambo(vy), bait -
chambua, to clean cotton, vegetables,
etc.
chamchela(-), a whirlwind
chamshakinywa, breakfast; first
food of the day
chana, to comb hair; to split
leaves for plaiting
chandalua(vy), mosquito net
chane(-), slit leaves for plaiting
-changa, young
changa, i to chop up; 2 to collect
(money, etc.)
-changamfu, cheerful
changamka, be cheerful
changamsha, enliven
changanua, to separate; analyse
changanya, to mix
changanyiko(ma), a mixture
changarawe(-), grit; gravel
chango(-), contribution; levy
chango(vy), hook; peg
changua, to dismember
chanikiwiti, light green
chanja, to cut; vaccinate; chanjwa,
be vaccinated
chano(vy), wooden tray
chanua, to put forth leaves; to
flower
chanuo(-), a comb
chanyata, to slice up; wash carefully
chanzo(vy), a beginning
chapa(-), a mark; print; piga
chapa, to print
chapua, to speed up; chapua
miguu, stamp; walk quickly
chapuchapu!, Hurry up!
chapukia, be well-flavoured
chapwa, insipid
charaza, do with vigour or skill
chatu(-), a python
chawa(-), a louse; lice
chaza(-), an oyster
checha, to cut into small pieces
cheche(-), spark; small piece
chechemea, to limp
cheka, to laugh; laugh at
chekecha, to sieve
chekecheke(-), a sieve
chekelea, to smile
chekesha, to amuse
cheko(ma), a roar of laughter
chekwa, in large quantities
chelewa, be late
cheleza, to keep overnight
chelezo(vy), a raft; buoy
chembe(-), a grain
chemchemi(-), a spring of water
chemka, to bubble up; boil
chemsha, to boil
chenezo(vy), a measuring-line
chenga, a dodge; piga chenga,
to dodge
chengachenga, small bits; grains
chenza(ma), tangerine orange
cheo(vy), size; measure; rank
chepe(ma), ill-bred person
chepechepe, moist; soppy
cherehani(-), sewing machine
-cheshi, amusing
chetezo(vy), a censer
cheti(vy), certificate; pass; chit
-£heua, to eructate; chew the cud
cheza, to play
chezacheza, be loose-fitting
chezea, to play with; to mock;
chezewa, be mocked
chicha(-), grated coconut
chimba, to dig; chimbika, be
dug
chimbua, to dig out
chimbuka, to appear
chimbo(ma), a pit; quarry
chimbuko(ma), a pit; source
chimvi, ill-omened person or
animal
chini, on the ground; chini ya,
under; below
chinja, to slaughter
chipua, chipuka, to sprout
chipukizi(ma), young plant
chocha, to prod
chochea, to stir up; provoke
choka, to get tired
chokaa(-), lime; whitewash
chokoa, to poke out
chokochoko(-), discord
chokoza, to provoke
-chokozi, annoying
choma, to stab; to burn; chomwa,
be stabbed; burnt
chombo(vy), 1 any kind of utensil;
2 sailing vessel
chomeka, to stick into
chomoa, to draw out
CHO
chomoza, to burst forth
chonga, to cut to shape
chongea, to slander; chongewa,
be slandered
chongelezo(ma), talebearing
chongo, one-eyed
chongoa, cut to a point
chongoka, be sharp, jagged
chonyota, to smart
choo(vy), i cess-pit, lavatory;
2 faeces; urine
chopi, limping
chopoa, pull out; snatch away
chopoka, let slip
chora, to engrave; chorachora,
to scribble
choroko(-), small peas
chosha, to fatigue; -a kuchosha,
dreary; tiresome
chota, take up little by little
choto(ma), small amount
-chovu, tiring
chovya, to dip; immerse; chovywa,
be immersed
choyo, greed
chozi(ma), i a tear-drop; 2 a
sunbird
chubua, to graze the skin
chubuka, be grazed
chubuko(ma), a raw place
chuchu(-), a teat
chuchumia, to reach up to
chuguu(ma), an ant-heap
chui(-), a leopard
chuja, to filter; strain; chujwa,
be strained
chujio(-), a strainer
chujo(-), the strained product
chujuka, to fade
chuki, hatred; resentment
chukia, to hate; dislike; chukiwa,
be disliked
chukiza, to inspire aversion;
chukizwa, be offended
chukizo(ma), a disgusting thing
chukua, to carry; chukuliwa, be
carried
chukuana, to agree together; be
relevant
chukuliana, bear with one another
chukuza, employ as porter
chuma(vy), iron, steel
DAL
chuma, 1 to gather flowers or
fruit; 2 to gain by trade
chumba(vy), a room
chumvi(-), salt
chuna, to skin
chunga, 1 to look after; shepherd
;
2 to sift
-chungu, bitter
chungu(vy), cooking pot
chungu(-), j an ant; 2 a heap
chungua, chunguza, to scrutinize
chungulia, to peep at; inspect
carefully; chunguliwa, be scrutinized
chungwa(ma), an orange
chuo(vy), a book; school
chupa, to jump down
chupa(-), a bottle
chura(vy), a frog
churuzika, to trickle away
chuuza, to trade
chwa, to set (sun)
chwea, chwelewa, be overtaken
by dark
D
daawa(-), a lawsuit
dada(-), sister; dadiye, his sister
dadisi, be inquisitive
dafina(-), treasure
daftari(-), account-book; register,
etc.
dafu(ma)t a young coconut
dagaa(-), whitebait
dai, to claim; jidai, to claim
falsely
dai(ma), a claim
daima, constantly; -a daima,
perpetual
daiwa, be sued
daka(ma), a recess
daka, to pounce on; catch
dakika(-), a minute
dakiza, to interrupt; contradict
dakizo(ma), an objection; contradiction
daktari(ma) t a doctor
dakua, to let out secret
dalali(-), an auctioneer; broker
dalasini(-), cinnamon
dalili(-), a sign
29
DAM 30 DUM
damu(-), blood
daftiga, to scoop up carefully
danganya, to deceive; danganywa,
be deceived
-danganyifu, crafty
danganyika, be deceived
danganyo(ma), a deception
danguro(ma), a brothel
daraja(ma), a bridge; steps; rank
daraka(ma), responsibility
darasa(ma), a class; classroom
dari(-), ceiling; flat roof
darubini( - ) , telescope ; microscope
dau(ma), native dhow
dawa(-), medicine; dawa ya
viatu, shoe-polish
debe(ma), 4-gallon oil tin
deka, be conceited
dekeza, to spoil a child
dekua, bring down at one blow
dema(-), a fish-trap
demani(-), end of south monsoon;
lee-side
dengu(-), lentils
deni(-), a debt
dereva, driver
desturi(-), custom
dhabihu(-), a sacrifice
dhahabu(-), gold
dhahiri, evident
dhaifu, weak
dhalimu, unjust
dhalimu(ma), a tyrant
dhamana(-), surety; bail
dhambi(-), sin
dhamini, to guarantee
dhamiri(-), conscience
dhana(-), a supposition
dhani, to think; suppose
dhara(-), harm
dharau(-), contempt; scorn
dharau, to despise; dharauUwa,
be despised
-dharaulifu, discourteous
dharuba(-), a blow
dhati(-), free-will; determination
dhihaka(-), ridicule
dhihaki, to ridicule; dhihakiwa,
be ridiculed
dhihirisha, to show clearly;
dhihirika, be clear
dhiki(-), distress
dhikika, be hard-pressed
dhili, to humiliate; dhiliwa,
be humiliated
dhili(-), mean condition
-dhilifu, mean; insignificant
dhoofika, to lose strength
dhoofisha, to weaken
dhoruba(-), a storm
dhulumu, to treat unjustly;
oppress; dhulumiwa, be oppressed
dhuru, to harm; dhurika, be
harmed
dia(-), a ransom; compensation
dibaji(-), a preface
didimia, to sink down
didimisha, to force down
dimbwi(ma), a pool
dini(-), religion
dira(-), mariner's compass
\diriki, to be in time to
dirisha(ma), a window
divai(-), wine
diwani(ma), a councillor
doa(ma), a blotch; stain
dobi(ma), a laundryman
dodoki(ma), a loofah
-dogo, small
dokeza, to hint
dokezo(ma), a hint
dola, the government
dona, donoa, to peck at
dondoa, to pick up bit by bit;
make a selection
dondoo(ma), selections; anthology
donge(ma), a lump; ball of
thread, etc.
donoa, to peck; strike (snake)
doria(-), a patrol
dosari(-), a blemish
dua(-), a petition; prayer
duara(-), a circle; wheel
dubu(-), a bear
dubwana(ma), a monster
dudu(ma), large insect
duduka, be pock-marked
dufu, insipid
dugi, blunt
dugika, be blunt
duka(ma), shop
dukiza, to eavesdrop
dumaa, be stunted; stupid
DUM 31 FAN
dume(ma), a male animal
dumisha, to cause to continue
dumu, to continue; persevere
dunduliza, to save up
dungu(ma), raised platform for
bird scarers
duni, inferior
dunia(-), the world
dunisha, to underrate; despise
dutu(ma), a wart, pimple, etc.
duwaa, be dumbfounded
E
eda(-), wife’s period of mourning
edashara, eleven
egama, to lean
egamia, to lean on
egemea, see tegemea
eka{-), an acre
•ekundu, red
elea, i be intelligible; 2 to float
eleka, to carry on back or hip
elekea, be inclined to ; be probable
-elekevu, quick to learn
elekeza, to show the way; direct
eleleza, to follow a pattern
elewa, to understand
eleza, to explain
elezo(ma), explanation
elfeen, two thousand
elfu, a thousand
elimisha, to educate; elimika,
be educated
elimu(-), knowledge; science
-ema, good
-embamba, narrow; thin
embe(ma), a mango
enda, to go
endeka, be passable
endekeza, to adapt; put right;
spoil a child
endelea, to continue; progress
endesha, to drive
enea, be spread out ; be sufficient
eneo(ma), area
eneza, to spread abroad ; measure
;
fit
enezi(ma), distribution
engua, to skim off
-enu, your/s
-enye, having
-enyewe, self
Enyi!, You!
enzi, might; dominion
epa, to avoid
epea , to miss the mark
-epesi, 1 quick; 2 light in weight;
3 easy
epua, to take pot off fire
epuka, to avoid ; epukwa, be
avoided
eropleni(-), aeroplane
-etu, our/s
eua, to purify ceremonially
-eupe, white
•eusi, black
Ewe!, You there!
ezeka, to thatch; ezekwa, be
thatched
ezua, to take thatch off
F
fa (kufa), to die
faa, be useful; proper
fadhaa( - ) , dismay
fadhaika, be troubled
fadhaisha, to disquiet
fadhiii(-), a favour
fadhili, do a kindness to
fafanisha, fafanua, to liken to;
make clear
fafanuka, be clear
fafanusha, to explain ; make clear
fagia, to sweep ; fagiwa, be swept
fagio(ma), a broom
fahali(ma), a bull
fahamika, be comprehensible
fahamisha, to inform; remind
-fahamivu, intelligent
fahamu( - ) , consciousness
fahamu, to know; understand
fahari(-), splendour
fahirisi(-), table of contents;
index
faida(-), profit
faidi, to profit from
faini(-), a fine
fali(-), augury of good or bad
luck
fanaka(-), prosperity
fanana, to resemble
fananisha, to compare
fanikiwa, to prosper
fanusi(-), a hand-lamp
FAN 32 FUK
fanya, to do; make
fartyika, be done; be doable
fanyiza, to make
fara, level measure
faradhi(-), obligation
faragha(-), seclusion; faraghani,
in private
faraja(-), consolation
faraka(-), a division
farakana, be estranged
farakano(ma), a sect
farasi( - ), a horse
fariji, to console; farijika, be
comforted
fariki, to die
farisi, expert; capable
fasaha, fasihi, elegant in speech
or writing
fasiki(-), a profligate
fasiri, to interpret; translate;
fasiriwa, be translated
fataki(-), fireworks; crackers, etc.
fatiha, opening of the Koran;
prayer for the dead
faulu, to succeed
fedha(-), silver; money
fedheha(-), shame
fedheheka, be put to shame
fedhehesha, to put to shame
fell, i an act; 2 a misdeed
fenesi(ma), jakfruit
fieha, to hide; fichwa; fichika,
be hidden
fidhuli, insolent
fidi, to ransom
fidia(-), a ransom
fifia, to fade
a kidney
fika, to arrive
fikara(-), meditation
fikia, to reach; overtake
fikicha, to crumble; rub
fikichika, be friable
fikiliza, to bring about
ftkira(-), reflection
fikiri, to consider; fikiriwa, be
considered
fikirisha, to make one think
fikisha, help someone to arrive
filimbi(-), a whistle; pipe
filisi, to ruin
filisika, to go bankrupt
fimbo(-), a light stick
finga, to protect by charms
fingirika, fingirisha, to roll
along
fingo(ma), a charm
finya, to pinch; make too narrow
finyana, be shrivelled ; wrinkled
finyanga, to make pots
finyo(ma), a narrow place; a
crease
fisadi(ma), a corrupt person;
seducer
fisha, to kill
fisi(-), a hyena
fisidi, to corrupt; seduce
fitina(-), discord
fitini, fitinisha, make discord
fiwa, be bereaved
foka, to burst out; boil over
fora(-), a success; a win
forodha, The Customs
Trasila(-), a measure c. 35 lbs
fua, 1 to wash clothes; 2 to work
in iron; 3 to husk coconuts
fuata, to follow; fuatwa, be
followed
fuatana, to accompany
fuatisha, to copy
fuawe(-), an anvil
fudifudi, (to lie) face downwards
fudikiza, turn upside down
fufua, to revive
fufuka, to come to life
fuga, to keep livestock
fugo(ma), stock-keeping; animal
given in payment
fuja, to bungle; waste
fujo(ma), mess; disorder
fukara(-), a destitute person
fukarika, become poor
fukarisha, make poor
fukla, 1 to fill in a hole; 2 to give
out smoke
fukiza, to fufnigate
fukizo(ma), vapour; fumes
fuko(ma), 1 an excavation; 2 a
mole
fukua, to dig out; fukuliwa, be
dug out
fukuto(ma), sweat
fukuza, to drive away; fukuzwa,
be driven away
fukuzana, to chase one another
fukuzano(ma), a persecution
FUL 33 GEtJ
fulana(-), vest
fulani, a certain person or thing
fuliza, fululiza, to keep on doing
;
continue
fuma, to weave; knit
fumania, to take in the act
fumaniwa, be caught doing
fumba, to close; mystify
fumbata, to grasp
fumbo(ma), a dark saying;
mystery
fumbua, to unclose; reveal
fumua, to unravel; unpick
fumukana. to disperse
funda, i to pound; 2 to gulp; 3 to
instruct
fundi(ma), a craftsman
fundika, to make a knot
fundisha, to teach
fundo(ma), a knot
funga, to fasten; to fast; fungwa,
be fastened
funganya, fungasha, to pack
fungate(-), seven-days honeymoon
fungu(ma), 1 a portion; 2 a sandbank;
heap; 3 a group
fungua, to unfasten; open; fullgullwa,
be opened
funguka, to come undone
funika, to cover; funikwa, be
covered
funua, to uncover; reveal
fununu(-), a rumour
funza(ma), maggot; jigger
funza, to instruct
funzo(ma), instruction
-fupi, short; low
fupisha, to shorten
fura, to swell; effervesce
furaha(-), joy
furahi, to rejoice; furahiwa, be
rejoiced at
furahisha, to dehght
furika, to overflow
furiko(ma), a flood
furufuru(-), confusion
furukuta, be restless
furushi(ma), a bundle
futa, 1 to wipe; obliterate; 2 to
unsheathe
futika, to stick into belt, etc.
futua, to pull out
fuu, fuvu(ma), empty shell; the
skull
fuzi(ma), shoulder
fuzu, to succeed ; win
fyata, to put between legs; fyata
ulimi, control your tongue
fyatua, let off a gun or trap
fyatuka, go off suddenly
fyeka, to cut down bush
fyeko(ma), cleared space for cultivation
fyoa, to reap by cutting
fyonza, to suck
G
gaagaa, to roll from side to side
gadi(ma), a prop
gadimu, to prop; shore up;
gadimiwa, be propped up
gaidi(ma), a bandit
gamba(ma), bark; scale
gambusi(-), native banjo
ganda(ma), shell; pod; skin of
fruit
ganda, to coagulate; freeze
gandama, be frozen, coagulated
gandamia, adhere to
gandamiza, to press; compress
gando(ma), crab’s claw
gandua, to pull away; rescue
ganga, to mend; heal
gango(ma), a splint; splice
gani?, what kind of?
ganzi(-), numbness; kufa ganzi,
go numb
gao(ma), a handful
gari(ma), a wheeled vehicle
gatl(-), landing-stage
gauni(ma), a dress
gawa, gawanya, to divide; gawiwa,
be divided
gawia, gawanyia, give a share
to
gazeti(ma), magazine; newspaper
gego(ma), a molar tooth
gema, to tap (for rubber, palmwine,
etc.)
genge(ma) , precipice ; ravine
-geni, strange; -a klgeni, foreign
gereji(ma), a garage
gereza(ma), a prison
-geugeu, changeable
GEU 34 HAJ
geuka, geuza, to turn round;
change
ghadhabika, be angry
ghadhabu(-), anger
ghafilika, be taken unawares
ghafula, suddenly; unexpectedly
ghairi, to change one’s mind;
ghairi ya, without
ghala(-), store-room
ghali, scarce; expensive
ghalika, to rise in price
ghamu(-), grief
gharama(-), expense
gharika(-), a flood
gharikisha, to inundate
gharimia, to bear the expense
of
ghasi, to disturb
ghasia(-), disturbance
ghiliba, rivalry
ghilibu, get the better of
ghofira(-), absolution
ghoshi, to adulterate
ghuba(-), a gulf
giza(-), darkness
goboa, to break off ; strip off
gQdoro(ma), a mattress
gofu(ma), a broken-down house
gogo(ma), a log
gogota, to tap
goigoi, lazy; useless
gololi(ma), a marble
goma, to strike work
gomba, gombana, to quarrel
gombea, to compete for; dispute
gombeza, to reprimand
gombo(ma), leaf of book
gome(ma), bark; shell
gonga, to knock
gongana, to collide
gongo(ma), a cudgel
gongomea, to nail up; gongomewa,
be nailed up
gota, to tap
goti(ma), a knee; piga magoti,
kneel down
gubeti(-), prow of native vessel
gubika, to cover; gubikwa, be
covered
gubua, to uncover
gudi(ma), a dock
gudulia(ma), water-jar
gugil(ma), a weed
gugumia, to gulp down
gugumiza, to stutter
guguna, to gnaw
gumba, sterile; kidole gumba,
the thumb
-gumu, hard; difficult
guna, to grunt ; show discontent
gundi(-), adhesive gum
gundua, to catch unawares;
startle; gunduliwa, be come
upon unexpectedly
gunga, to keep a taboo
gunia(ma), a sack
guno(ma), grumbling
gunzi(ma), a maize cob
gurudumu(ma), a wheel
gusa, to touch; guswa, be
touched
gusika, be touchable
guta, to shout
gutu(ma), a stump
gutua, to startle; gutuka, be
startled
gwaride, military parade
H
For other words with H prefixes
see page 19
baba, few; very little
habari(-), news; habari za,
about
Habeshi, Abyssinia
hadaa, to cheat; hadaiwa, be
cheated
hadaa(>), trickery
hadhara(-), a meeting; in front
of
hadhari(-), caution
hadhari, be cautious; jihadharil,
Look outl
hadi, until; up to
hadithi(-), a story
hadithia, to narrate; hadithiwa,
be told
hafifu, insignificant
hai, alive
haiba, noble bearing
haidhuru, it doesn't matter
haini(-), a traitor; to betray
haja(-), need; request
hajambo, he is well
haji(-), pilgrimage to Mecca
HAK 35 HIM
haki(-), justice; right; -a haki,
just
hakika(-), certainty
hakikisha, to make sure
hakimu(ma), a judge
hakuna, no; there is not
halafu, afterwards
halaiki(-), a crowd
halali, lawful
halalisha, to legalize
hali, state; U hali gani? How are
you?
halifu, to rebel against; disobey
halisi, genuine; truly
halmashauri(-), a council
halzeti, olive oil
hama, to move away; hamia, to
move to
-hamaji, migratory
hamaki, to get angry suddenly;
quick temper
hamali(ma), a porter
hamamu(-), public baths
hame(ma), a deserted village
hamira(-), yeast
hamisha, to move people; banish
hamu(-), a yearning
hanamu, oblique; sloping edge
handaki(ma), a trench
hangaika, be anxious
hangaiko(ma), anxiety
hangaisha, make anxious
hani, to condole with
hapa, here
hapana, no; there is not
hapo, there; then
hara, to have diarrhoea
-harabu, destructive
haraka(-), haste
harakisha, to hustle
haramla(ma), bandit; pirate
haramu, prohibited
harara(-), body heat; hot temper
hari(-), heat
-haribifu, destructive
haribika, be spoilt
haribu, to destroy; spoil
harimisha, to excommunicate;
declare illegal
harimu(ma), forbidden persons
or things
hariri(-), silk
harisha, to cause diarrhoea ; purge
harufu(-), odour
hasa, especially
hasara(-), loss; damage
hasira(-), anger
hasiri, to damage; hasiriwa, be
damaged; incur loss
hata, until; up to; hata kidogo,
not at all
hatamu(-), bridle
hatari(-), danger
hati(-), document; hati ya maombi,
application form
hatia(-), guilt
hatima( - ), end ; hatimaye, finally
hatirisha, to endanger
hatua(-), a step; pace
hawa(-), strong desire; hawa
nafsi, egotism
haya(-), modesty; bashfulness
hayawani(-), a beast
hazina(-), treasury
hedaya(-), a costly gift
hedhi( - ), menses
hekaheka, shouts of encouragement
hekalu(ma), temple
hekaya(-), a legend
hekima(-), wisdom
hema(-), a tent; piga hema,
pitch a tent
hema, to pant for breath
hemera, to search for food
heri(-), happiness; Kwa heri,
Goodbye
herufi(-), a letter ( alphabet
)
hesabia, consider to be
hesabu(-), accounts; arithmetic
hesabu, to reckon; hesabiwa, be
reckoned
heshima(-), honour; respect
heshimu, to honour ; heshimiwa,
be honoured
hewa(-), air
hiari(-), choice; free-will; -a
hiari, voluntary
hidi, to convert; hidiwa, be converted
hifadhi, to preserve; hifadhiwa,
be preserved
hiji, to go on pilgrimage
hila(-), craftiness
hima(-), haste; quickly
himaya(-), protection
HIM 36 INI
himidi,topraise(God) ; himidiwa,
be praised
himili, to bear; support
himiza , to urge haste
hini, hinisha, to withhold from
hirizi(-), a charm; amulet
hisa(-), a share; portion
hisani(-), kindness
hitaji, to need; hitajiwa, be
needed
hitilafiana, be different
hitilafu(-), difference; blemish
hitimu, to finish education
hivi, hivyo, thus
hizi, to disgrace
hodari, brave; capable
hodi, May I come in? A ns. karibu
hofia, be afraid for
hofu(-), fear
hohe hahe, utterly destitute
hoi, in a bad state
hoja(-), subject under discussion;
business
hoji, to interrogate
hojiana, to discuss
homa(-), fever
honga, to bribe; pay toll
hongeza, i extort payment; 2 to
congratulate
hori(-), 1 a creek; 2 a manger
hotuba(-), a sermon; address
hua(-), a kind of dove
huba(>), love; friendship
hubiri, to preach
hudhuria, to attend a meeting
hudhurio(ma), attendance
huduma(-), service; ministry
huenda, perhaps
huisha, to give life to
hujambo?, Are you well?
huko, huku, here; there; huko
nyuma, meanwhile
hukumu(-), judgement
hukumu, to judge; hukumiwa,
be judged
hulka(-), human condition, characteristics,
etc.
huluku, to create
humo, humu, in there
huru, free
huruma(-), compassion
hurumia, show mercy to
husiana, be relevant
husika, to apply to; be concerned
with
husu, to concern
husuda(-), envy
husudu, to envy; husudiwa, be
envied
hususa, special; especially
hutubu, to preach
huzuni(-), grief
huzunika, be grieved
huzunisha, to grieve
I
iba, to steal
ibada(-), worship
Ibilisi, the Devil
ibia, to rob ; ibiwa, be robbed
idadi(-), a number; bila idadi,
uncountable
^idara(-), a Government Department
idhini(-), permission
idhini, idhinisha, to sanction;
authorize
idi(-), Moslem festival
iga, igiza, to imitate
igizo(ma), imitation; dramatization
ijapo, although
ijara(-), wages
ijumaa, Friday
ikiwa, if
ikiza, to lay across
iktisadi(-), economy
ila, except; ilakini, but
ila(-), a flaw
ilani(-), a notice; proclamation
ill, in order that
imamu, Mosque minister
imanl(-), faith
imara, firm
Imarisha, make firm
imba, to sing
imla, dictation
inama ; inamisha, to bend down
inda(-), spite
ingawa, although
-ingi, many; much
ingia, to enter ; ingiwa, be entered
-ingine, some; other
ingiza, to admit; put in
ini(ma), the liver
INJ 37 JIP
InjiU, the Gospel
inshallah, God willing
inua, to lift up ; inuliwa, be lifted
up
inuka, to get up
inzi(ma), a fly
ipi?, which?
isha, to finish; be finished
ishara(-), a sign; signal
ishi, to live
ishilio(ma), stopping point
ishirini, twenty
ishiwa na, to have none left
isipokuwa, unless
islamu, Moslem religion
ita, to call; itwa, be called
itika, to answer a call
itikio(ma), response
iva, to get ripe ; be well-cooked
iwapo, if
J
ja (kuja), to come
jaa(-), a rubbish-heap
jabali(ma), rocky prominence
jadi(-), lineage
jadili, to cross-question
jadiliana, to debate
jadiliano(ma), a debate
jaha(-), good fortune
jahazi(ma), a dhow
jaji(ma), a judge
jalada(-), a book cover
jali, to heed; respect
jalia, to grant; jaliwa, be granted
jalidi, to bind a book
jamaa(-), family; relatives
jamala(-), courtesy
jambia(-), Arab dagger
jambo (mambo), a matter ; something;
jambo!, a greeting
jamhuri(-), a republic
jamii(-), a group: collection
jamii, to have intercourse
jamvi(ma), plaited mat
jana, yesterday
jangwa(ma), desert
jani(ma), a leaf
-janja, cunning
japo, although
jaribio(ma), an experiment; trial
jaribosi, metal foil
jaribu, to try; test; jaribiwa, be
tested
jaribu(ma)y trial; temptation
jasho(-), sweat; toka jasho, to
perspire
jasiriy to venture; -jasiri, daring
jasisi, to spy
jasusi(ma), a spy
jawabu(ma), an answer; a matter
jaza, to fill
jaziy to bestow on
je?y well? -je, how?
Jehanum, Hell
jela(-), prison
jemadari(ma), a commanding
officer
jembe(ma), a hoe
jeneza(-), a bier
jenga, to build; jengwa, be
built
jengo(ma), a building; building
materials
jeraha(ma), a wound
jeruhi, to wound; jeruhiway be
wounded
jeshi(ma)y an army
jeuri(-), violence
jia, to come to; jiwa, be visited
jibini(-), cheese
jibu, to answer ; jibiwa, be
answered
jibu(ma)y an answer
jicho (macho), an eye
For prefix JI see page 20
jVendesha, be automatic
jifanya, to pretend
jfgamba, to brag
jjhadhari, take care
jfhini, to abstain from
jike (majike), female animal
jiko (meko), cooking place; jikoni,
kitchen
jikwaa, to stumble
jimbo(ma), province; county
jina(ma), a name
-jinga, stupid; ignorant
jini(ma), a genie
jino (meno), a tooth
jinsi, how
ymyima, to deny oneself
jVona , be vain
jionl, evening
y/patia, to acquire
JIP 38 KAL
jipu(ma), abscess
jirani(ma), neighbour
y«sifu, to boast
yistahi, have self-respect
jVsuka, to balance oneself
jitahidi, make an effort
y/tanguliza, put oneself forward
y*tegemea, be self-reliant
jitihadi(-), an effort
jitu(majitu), a giant
jiuzulu, abdicate
;Vvuna, to boast; /Vvunia, pride
oneself on
jiwe (mawe), a stone
jogoo(ma), a cock
johari(-), a jewel
joho(ma), an Arab robe
joka(ma), a huge snake; dragon
joko(ma), a kiln
jongea, jongeza, to move along
jongoo(ma), a millipede
jora(ma), a bale of cloth
joto, heat
jozi(-), a pair
jua(ma), the sun
jua, to know; juliwa, be known
juana, to know one another
juha(ma), a simpleton
juhudi(-), zeal
jukwaa(ma), stage; scaffolding
julikana, be known
julisha, make known
juma(ma), a week
Jumamosi, Saturday
Jumapili, Sunday
jumba(ma), a hall; large house
jumbe(ma), a Chief
jumla(-), the total
jumlisha, to add up
jumuiya(-), a society; association
juta, to regret
juto(ma), remorse
juu, up; above; juu ya, over;
down from
juujuu, superficially
juzi(ma), day before yesterday
juzu, be fitting; behove
K
kaa(ma), charcoal; coal; embers
kaa(-), a crab
kaakaa(ma), roof of mouth
kaanga, to fry; kangwa, be
fried
kaango(-), a frying-pan
kaba, to press, throttle; kabwa,
be throttled
kabari(-), a wedge
kabati(ma), a cupboard
kabidhi, to entrust to; kabidhiwa,
be entrusted with
-kabidhi, economical; miserly
kabidhi(-), charge; guardianship
kabila(-), tribe
kabili, to face towards
kabiliana, to confront one another
kabisa, absolutely
kabla (ya), before (time)
kaburi(ma), a grave
kadamnasi, in front of
kadhalika, likewise
kadha, various; such-and-such
kadha wa kadha (kwk), etcetera
(etc.)
kadhi(ma), Moslem judge
kadiri, kadirisha, to evaluate;
kadiriwa, be estimated
kadiri(-), amount; moderation
kadiri ya, about
kafara(-), a sacrifice
kafi(ma), a paddle
kafiri(ma), an infidel
kaga, to protect by charms
kago(ma), a protective charm
kagua, to inspect; audit; kaguliwa,
be inspected
kahaba(ma), a prostitute
kahawa, coffee (after grinding
)
kaidi, to contradict; be obstinate;
-kaidi, obstinate
kaimu(ma), an agent
kaka(ma), elder brother
kakakaka, in a hurry
-kakamizi, stubborn
kakamua, to struggle to do something
kakao(-), cocoa
kakara, struggling; wrestling
kakawana(ma), a strong wellbuilt
man
kalamka, be quick-witted
kalamkia, to outwit; kalamkiwa,
be outwitted
kalamu(-), pen; pencil
KAL 39 KA\
kale, old times; -a kale, old; -a
kikale, old-fashioned
kale na kale, for ever and ever
kalenda(-), calendar
-kali, sharp; fierce
kalika, kaliwa, be inhabited
kama, to squeeze; milk
kama, i as, like; 2 if, whether;
3 that; 4 about
kamari(-), gambling
kamata, to seize; kamatwa, be
seized
kamba(-), 1 rope; 2 lobster; 3
honeycomb
kambi(-), a camp
kambo, step- ; baba wa kambo,
stepfather
kame, arid
kamia, to extort by threats
kamili, -kamilifu, perfect; complete
kamilika, be completed, perfected
kamilisha, to complete, make
perfect
kamio(ma), threatening demands
kampuni(ma), company
kamsa(-), an alarm
kamua, to squeeze; kamuliwa,
be squeezed
kamusi(-), a dictionary
kamwe, never ; not at all
kana, to deny
kana kwamba, as if
kanda, to knead
kandika, to plaster; kandikwa,
be plastered
kandiko(ma), clay for plastering
kando, aside; kando ya, beside
kanga(-), 1 women's garment;
2 guinea-fowl
kanikana, be deniable
kaniki, dark cotton material
kanisa(ma), a church
kanuni(-), a rule; principle
kanusha, to refute
kanya, to forbid, rebuke
kanyaga, to trample on, tread;
kanyagwa, be trodden on
kanzu(-), men's garment
kao(ma), dwelling-place
kaputula(-), shorts
karafuu( - ) , cloves
karaha(-), disgust
karakana(-), a factory
karama(-), a gracious gift
karamu(-), a feast
karanga(-), groundnuts
karani(ma), a clerk
karata(-), playing-cards
karatasi(-), paper
karibia, to draw near
karibiana, to converge
karibisha, to welcome; karibishwa,
be welcomed
karibu! Come in!
karibu, near; nearly
karimu, generous
karipia, to rebuke ; karlpiwa, be
rebuked
karipio(ma), a reprimand
kariri, to repeat, recite
karne(-), a century
kasa(-), a turtle
kasa, less by; kasa robo, threequarters
kasha(ma), a box
kashifa(-), slander; libel
kashifiwa, be slandered
kashifu, to slander
kasi, with force
kasia(ma), an oar
kasidi, intentionally
kasirani(-), anger
kasirika, to be angry
kasirisha, to anger
kasisi(ma), a priest
kaskazi(-), north-wind; the hot
season
kaskazini, the north
kasoro, less by; a blemish
kasuku(-), a parrot
kaswende(-), syphilis
kata(-), a ladle
kata, to cut; to decide; katwa, be
cut
kataa, final; decisive
kataa(-), a section; a part of
kataa, to refuse; kataliwa, be
refused
katani(-), sisal
kataza, to forbid; katazwa, be
forbidden
katazo(ma), a prohibition
kati, katikati, in the middle
kati ya, between ; among
KAT 40 KIF
katibu(-), a clerkkiitika,
in; out of; off
-katili, cruel
katiza, to cut short
katua, to polish; katuliwa, be
polished
kauka, to get dry
kauli(-), expressed opinion
kauri(-), a cowrie shell; china
kausha, to dry
-kavu, dry
kawa(-), a plaited dish-cover
kawaida(-), custom; usage
kawia, to delay
kawilisha, to detain
kawisha, to get into arrears
kayamba(-), a rattle
kaza, to make fast; emphasize;
kazwa, be emphasized
kazana, to make a united effort
kazi(-), work
-ke, female
kefu, kifu(-), sufficiency
kekee(-), a boring tool
kelele(ma), uproar; shouting
kemea, to rebuke; kemewa, be
rebuked
kenda, nine
kengele(-), a bell; piga kengele,
to ring
kengeua, to turn from the right
way
kera, to irritate, worry
kereketa, to irritate
kero(-), importunity
kesha, to stay awake ; keep watch
kesho, tomorrow
kesho kutwa, day after tomorrow
kesi(-), a lawsuit
keti, to sit down
KH is now written as H. For
prefix KI see page 20
ki, it is
kiada, carefully; distinctly
kiaga(vi), a promise
kiambaza(vi), a partition wall
kianga, sunshine
kiangazi, the hot season
kiapo(vi), an oath
kiarabu, Arabic
kiasi, amount; moderation; -a
kiasi, temperate
kiatu(vi), shoe
kiazi(vi), potato
kibaba(vi), grain measure c. 1 pt.
kibali, acceptance; favour
kibanda(vi), shed; hut
kibandiko(vi), anything stuck on
kibano(vi), tweezers, pincers, vice,
etc.
kibanzi(vi), splinter
kibao(vi), slate; shelf, board
kibarua(vi), a casual labourer
kiberiti(vi), a match; sulphur
kibeti(vi), a dwarf
kibiongo(vi), a hunchback
kibofu(vi), bladder
kiboko(vi), hippopotamus
kibonyeo(vi), a dent
kibuhuti, perplexity
kiburi(-), pride
kiburudisho(vi), anything refreshing
kibuyu(vi), a calabash
kibweta, small box
kichaa, insanity
kicha(vi), bunch of palm-leaf
strips
kichaka(vi), bush; copse
kichala(vi), bunch of fruit
kichefuchefu, nausea
kicho, awe
kichochoro(vi), alley; passage
kichomi(vi), a stabbing pain
kichuguu(vi), an anthill
kichwa(vi), head
kidau(vi), an inkpot
kidevu(vi), chin
kidhi, to grant; satisfy; kidhiwa,
be granted
kidimbwi(vi), a pool
kidogo, a little; kidogo kidogo,
gradually
kidokezi(vl), a clue
kidole(vi), a finger; toe; kidole
gumba, thumb
kidonda(vi), an ulcer
kidonge(vi), a pill; small lump
kidudu(vi), small insect
kielekezo ; kielelezo(vi), directions;
pattern
kifaa(vi), a useful thing
kifaduro, whooping cough
kifani(vi) ; kifano(vi), something
similar
kifaranga(vi), chicken
KIF 41 KIN
kifaru(vi), rhinoceros
kifichifichi, stealthily
kificho(vi), concealment
kifijo(vi), applause
kifiko(vi), arrival
kifo(vi), death
kifua(vi), chest; chest complaint
kifudifudi, prostrate
kifundo(vi), a knot
kifungo(vi), a button; fastening
kifungoni, in prison
kifuniko(vi), a lid
kifupi, briefly
kifurifuri, brimming over
kifusi(vi), debris
kigae(vi), piece of broken pot; a
roof-slate
kigego(vi), ill-omened child or
animal
-a kigeni, unusual
kigeugeu, changeableness
kigingi(vi), a tethering-peg
kigongo(vi), a hump
kigosho(vi), a deformed arm
kigugumizi, stammering
kigwe(vi), braid, cord, etc.
kiherehere, anxiety
kihoro, great grief
Kiingereza, the English language;
-a kiingereza, English
kiini(vi), inner part; kernel
kiinimacho, jugglery; magic
kiitikio(vi), refrain; response
kijaluba(vi), small metal box
kijana(vi), a youth
kijicho, envy; malice
kijidudu(vi), a germ; microbe
kijiji(vi), a village
kijiko(vi), a teaspoon
kijiti(vi), a small stick; peg
kijito(vi), a brook
kijivu, grey
kijumba(vi), a small compartment;
a cell
kijumbe(vi), a go-betvveen
kikaango(vi), a frying-pan
kikaka, a rush, hurry
kikao(vi), position; place of residence
kukapu(vi), plaited basket
-a kike, female
kikiki, firmly
kikisa, to perplex
kiko(vi), i tobacco pipe; 2 elbow
kikoa(vi), co-operation; a team
kikombe(vi), a cup
kikomo(vi), end
kikoromeo(vi), larynx
kikosi(vi), a band; a troop
kikuku(vi), a bracelet
kikumbo(vi), a shove
kikuza-sauti, microphone
kila, every
kilaji, food
kile, that
kilele(vi), a peak; tree-top
kilema(vi), a lame person
kilemba(vi), a turban
kileo(vi), an intoxicant
kilima(vi), a hill
kilimi, uvula
kilimo, agriculture
kilindi(vi), deep water
kilio(vilio), a mourning; lamentation
kilo(-), a kilogramme
kiluwiluwi(vi), a tadpole; mosquito
larva
kima(-), 1 a monkey; 2 price
kimaada, genuine
kimacho, alert
kimbia, to run
kimbilia, to run to safety
kimbilio(ma), a refuge
kimbiza, to drive away; kimbizwa,
be driven away
kimbunga(vi), typhoon
kimelea(vi), a parasite
kimetameta(vi), a sparkling light
kimia, network; trellis
kimo, height
kimombo, the English language
kimu, to provide for
kimulimuli(vi), firefly
kimwa, be put out; be sulky
kimwondo(vi), meteor
kimya, silence; silently
kina, same as akina
kina(vi), 1 depth; 2 rhyme
kinai, to be 1 satisfied ; 2 surfeited
kinaisha, to satisfy; to nauseate
kinanda(vi), stringed instrument
kinara(vi), candlestick
kinaya(-), self-sufficiency
kinga, to ward off; guard; kingwa,
be protected
KIN 42 KIT
kinga(-), an obstruction
kifigalingali , on the back
kingama, to lie across
king!, much
kingine, another
kingiza, to protect; ward off
kinu(vi), mortar for pounding
corn ; grinding mill
klnubi(vi), a Nubian harp
kinundu(vi), a knob
kinyaa, filth; disgust
kinyemi, something good
kinyesi, excrement
kinyevu, humidity
kinyonga(vi), a chameleon
kinyongo, illfeeling; kwa kinyongo,
unwillingly
kinyozi(vi), a barber
kinyume, the contrary; backwards
kinywa(vi), mouth
kinywaji(vi), a beverage
kinza, kinzana, to oppose; obstruct
kioja(vi), a marvel
kiolezo(vi), a pattern; sample
kiongozi(vi), a leader, guide
kionjo(vi), a taste
kionyo(vi), a hint
kioo(vi), glass; mirror
kipaji(vi), a gift
kipaku, speckled
kipande(vi), a piece
kipandio(vi), step; rung
kipatanisho, a reconciling gift
kipawa(vi), i a gift; 2 a ladle
kipengee(vi), a side-path; subterfuge
kipenyo(vi), an opening
kipenzi(vi), darling; favourite
kipeo( vl), the highest point ; maximum
kipepeo(vi), butterfly
kipimio(vi), a scale to measure
with
kipimo(vi), measurement
kipindi(vi), a period of time
kipini(vi), a nose ornament
kipofu(vi), a blind person
kipokeo, by turns
kipunguo, deficiency
kipunguzi, discount
kipunjo, slyly
kipusa, rhino horn; a young girl
kiraka(vi) f a patch; spot
kiri, to acknowledge
kiriba(vi), water-skin
kirihi, to abhor
kirimu, be generous to
kiroboto(vi), a flea
klsa(vi), story; report
kisahani(vi), a saucer
-a kisasa, modern; up-to-date
kisasi, revenge
kisha, then; afterwards
kishaufu(vi), a trinket
kishawishi(vi), an incentive
kishenzi, uncivilized (abusive)
ki8himo(vi), burrow; small hole
kishindo(vi) t a shock
kisi, kisia, to estimate; kisiwa,
be estimated
kisigino(vi), heel; elbow
'kisima(vi), a well
kisio(ma) t estimation
kisirani(-), misfortune
kisiwa(vi), island
ki8ogo(vi), back of head; kupa
kisogo, turn the back on
kisonono, gonorrhoea
kisu(vi), knife
kisua(vi) t a garment
kisulisuli, giddiness
kisura f a pin-up
kita, to stand firm; fix firmly
kitabu(vi), a book
kitakia(vi), a pad
kitalu(vi), a fenced enclosure
kitambaa(vi), a cloth; material
kitambo, a short period
kitana(vi), a comb
kitanda(vi), a bed
kitanga(vi), 1 palm of hand;
2 pan of scales ; 3 plaited mat
kitanl, linen; flax
kitanzi(vi), a loop
kitasa(vi), a lock
kitefutefu, sobbing
kitembe, a lisp
kitendawili(vi), a riddle
kithiri, to increase
kiti(vi), a seat; mwenye-kiti,
chairman
kitisho(vi), a threat
kito(vi), a jewel
kltovu(vi), the navel
KIT 43 KON
kitoweo(vi), side-dish eaten with
main dish
kitu(vi), an object; a thing
kitubio(vi), a penance
kituko(vi), feeling of fear; alarm
kitumbuizo(vi), a lullaby
kitundu(vi), a cage
kitunguu(vi), an onion
kituo(vi), a resting-place; pause
kiu, thirst
kiumbe(vi), a created thing;
human being
kiume, male
kiunga(vi), suburb
kiungo(vi), a joint
kiuno(vi), the waist
kiunzi(vi), framework
kivimbe(vi), a swelling
kivivu, lazily
kivuko(vi), a ford
kivuli(vi), a shadow; shade
kivumbi, commotion
kivumi, a rumour; reputation
-kiwa, solitary; desolate
kiwambo(vi), a screen; anything
stretched over a frame
kiwanda(vi), a workshop
kiwango, position in life; corresponding
duty
kiwanja(vi), a plot of ground
kiwasho, irritation ; inflammation
kiwete(vi), a cripple
kiwi, dazzle
kiwiko(vi), wrist; ankle
kiwimbi(vi), a ripple
kiyama(vi), the general resurrection
kiyoga(vi), mushroom; toadstool
kiyowe(vi), a scream
kizazi(vi), a generation
kizibo(vi), a cork; stopper
kizibuo(vi), a corkscrew
kizimba(vi), a coop; hutch
kizingiti(vi), the threshhold
kizio(vi), hemisphere
kiziwi(vi), a deaf person
kizuizi(vi), an impediment
kizuka(vi), an apparition
kizunguzungu, dizziness
ko kote, anywhere; wherever
kobe(ma), a tortoise
kochokocho, abundantly
kodi(-), tax; rent
kodi, kodisha, to rent, let
kodolea macho, stare, glare at
kofi(ma), the open hand; piga
kofi, to slap; piga makofi, to
clap
kofia(-), hat; cap
koga(-), i mould; blight; 2 to
show off
kohoa, to cough
kojoa, to urinate
kokota, to drag along; kokotwa,
be dragged
-kokotevu, dilatory
kokwa(-), stone of fruit; nut
kolea, be well-seasoned
koleo(ma), tongs
koleza, to season food
koma, to come to an end
komaa, be full-grown; ripe
komamanga(ma), a pomegranate
komba, to hollow out; kombwa,
be hollowed out
kombe(ma), large dish; anything
bowl-shaped
kombe(-), kome(-), kinds of seashells
kombeo(ma), sling for throwing
stones
kombo(ma), i scraps of food;
2 malformation
komboa, to redeem; kombolewa,
be redeemed
komeo, to bolt, bar a door;
komewa, be barred
komeo(ma), bolt or bar
komesha, to bring to a stop
komoa, to unbar; komolewa, be
unbarred
komwe(-), seeds used as marbles
konda, to get thin
konde(ma), i the fist; 2 a field
kondoo(-), a sheep; kikondoo,
meekly
konga, to grow old
kongoa, to extract nails
kongoja, to walk feebly; jikongojea,
walk with a stick
kongoka, to come apart
kongolea, to take to pieces
kongomea, to put together; nail
up
-kongwe, old, worn-out
KON 44 KUU
konokono(-), a snail
kanyeza, give covert sign; wink
konzi(ma), a fist; fistful
koo(ma), i throat; 2 a breeding
animal
kopa, to borrow
kope(ma), 1 a loan; 2 eyelids and
lashes
kopesha, to lend
kopo(ma), a tin; can
korija(-), a score
-korofi, evil-minded
koroga, to stir
korokoni, a lock-up
koroma, to snore; grunt
korongo(ma), 1 a heron; 2 a
donga
korosho(ma), a cashew nut
korti(ma), lawcourt
kosa(ma), a fault; mistake
kosa, to fail; to err
kosana, to disagree
kosea, to make a mistake
kosekana, be missing
kosesha, to lead astray
kotekote, everywhere
koti(ma), a coat
kovu(-), a scar
kua, to grow
kuba(-), vaulted roof; dome
kubali, to agree to
kubalika, be acceptable; kubaliwa,
be accepted
-kubwa, large; great
kucha(ma), a claw
kucha(-), sunrise; kuchwa, sunset
kufuli(-), a padlock
kufuru, to blaspheme
kuhani(ma), Jewish priest
kuku(-), a hen
kulabu(-), a hooked instrument;
hook
kule, there
kuliko, than
kulungu(-), bushbuck
kumba, kumbana, to push,
jostle
kumbatia, to embrace; kumba*
tiwa, be embraced
Kumbe!, Behold
kumbikumbi(-), flying ants
kumbuka, to remember
kumbuko(ma), memory; memories
kumbukumbu, a souvenir
kumbusha, to remind
kumbu8ho(ma), reminder
kuml, ten
kuna, to scratch; grate
kuna, there is; there are
kundaa, be stunted
kunde(-), small beans
kundi(ma), a flock; group
kunga(-), confidential teaching
kungugu(-), mist, fog
kungumanga(-), nutmeg
kunguni(-), a bug
kunguru(ma), a crow
kung’uta, to winnow
kung’uto(ma), a sifting tray
kungwl(ma), instructor at initiation
rite or marriage
Akuni, firewood(-)
kunja, to fold ; kunjwa, be folded
kunjamana, to be wrinkled,
creased
kunjo(ma), wrinkle; crease
kunjua, to unfold; smooth out;
kunjuliwa, be unfolded
-kunjufu, genial
Kunradhi, Excuse me
kunyanzi(ma), a wrinkle; crease
kupe(-), cattle tick
kupua, to shake off ; throw off
kupuka, to rush off
kura, a lot; piga kura, cast lots
kurunzi(-), searchlight; electric
torch
kusanya, to collect; kusanywa,
kusanyika, be collected
kusanyiko(ma), an assembly
kushoto, the left side
kusi, the south monsoon ; kusini,
the south
kusudi(ma), intention; kwa kusudi,
intentionally
kusudi, kusudia, to intend;
kusudiwa, be intended
kuta, to come upon
kutana, to meet
kutano(ma), a meeting
kuti(ma), a coconut leaf
kutu, rust; tarnish
kutwa, all day
-kuu, great; -kuukuu, worn-out
KUU 45 LIL
kuume, the right side
kuvu(-), mould; mildew
kuwa, to be; kuwapo, to be
present
kuwadi(ma), a procurer
kuwili, two-sided
kuza, to enlarge; exalt
kuzimu, place of the dead
kwa, to; by; with; for
kwa heri, goodbye
kwa hiyo, therefore
kwa kuwa, kwa sababu, because
Kwa nini?, Why?
kwaa, to stumble; trip over
kwajuka, to fade; get spoilt
kwama, to get jammed
kwamba, that
kwangua, to scrape
kwani, why? because
kwanza, first; at first
kwapa(ma), armpit; kwapani,
under the arm
Kwaresima, Lent
kwaruza, to grate; graze
-kwasi, wealthy
kwata(-), drill; parade
kwatua, to clean; kwatuka, be
clean and tidy
kwaza, cause to stumble
kwazo(ma), a stumbling block
kwea, to go up
kwekwe(-), weeds
kweli, truth; true
kwenye, towards; to
kwepua, to snatch
kweza, to raise
-kwezi, climbing
kwikwi(-), hiccup
L
la! No; not so!
la (kula), to eat; liwa, be
eaten
laana(-), a curse
laani, to curse; laaniwa, be
cursed
labda, perhaps
ladha(-), flavour
laghai, to cheat
-laghai, dishonest
laiki, what is fitting ; be fitting
lain!, smooth; soft
lalnika, be softened
lainlsha, make smooth, soft
laiti!, if only!
laki, go to meet; lakiwa, be met
lakini, but; however
lala, to sleep; lie down
lalamika, to cry for mercy
lalamlko(ma), an appeal for
mercy
lamba, to lick; lambwa, be
licked
lami(-), tar
lango(ma), gate; portal
laumiwa, be blamed
laumu, to blame
lawama(ma), reproach; blame
laza, to lay down; lazwa, be laid
down
lazlma(-), necessity; obligation
lazlmlka, lazimiwa, be obliged
to
lazimisha, to compel
lazimu, to be obligatory
lea, to bring up a child
legalega, be loose; rickety
legea, to be slack, loose
-legevu, slack, lazy
legeza, to loosen
lemaa, be disfigured; maimed
lemaza, to cripple; maim
lemea, to burden; lemewa, be
burdened
lemeza, to oppress
lenga, i to aim; 2 to slice
lengelenge(ma), a blister
lengo(ma), aim
leo, today
lepe(ma), drowsiness
leso(-), handkerchief; scarf
leta, to bring; fetch; letwa, be
brought
letea, to bring to; letewa, be
brought to
levuka, to get sober
levya, to intoxicate
lewa, to get drunk
lia, to utter a sound; to cry
licha, not only
lika, be eatable
likiza, to give leave; send away
llklzo(-), vacation; leave
1111a, to weep for; lillwa, be wept
for
LIM 40 MAG
lima, to plough; hpe; limwa, be
ploughed
limau(ma), a lemon
limbika, to wait till ripe; limbikwa,
be waited for
limbuka, to enjoy the firstfruits
limbuko(ma), firstfruits
linda, to guard; lindwa, be
guarded
linga, put together for comparison
lingana, to match
linganisha, to compare and
rectify
linganya, to harmonize
lini?, when?
lipa, to pay; lipwa, be paid
lipiza, to exact payment
lipizo(ma), a forced payment
lipo(ma), a payment; recompense
lipu(-), plaster; piga lipu, to
plaster a wall
lipuka, to flare up; explode
lisha, to feed; graze; Ushwa, be
fed
liwa, be eaten
liwaza, to console
liwazo(ma), consolation
loga, to bewitch; logwa, be
bewitched
logoa, to remove a spell
londea, hang round hoping for
something
Iowa, lowana, to get drenched
loweka, loweza, put to soak
lozi(ma), an almond
lugha(-), language
lulu(-), a pearl
lungula, to extort money; blackmail
M
For prefix ma see page 20
maadamu, while; as
maadili, honourable conduct
maafa, disaster
maafikano, maagano, an agreement
maagizo, commands; directions
maaguzi, predictions
maakuli, diet
maalum, special
maamkio, maamkizi, greetings
maamuzi, arbitration
maana(-), the meaning; the reason;
because
maandalio, preparations
maandamano, procession
maandazi, confectionery
maandiko, writings
maangalizi, watchfulness
maanguko, a fall
maanisha, to denote
maarifa, knowledge
maarufu, well known
maasi, rebellion
maawio ya jua, sunrise
maazimio, intention
mabaya, evil
mabishano, contention
mabomoko, ruins
maburudisho, recreation
machachari, disturbance
imachafuko, disorder
machela(-), hammock
macheo, sunrise
macho, eyes
machozi, tears
machukio, sulkiness
machungani, pasture
madaha, gracefulness; -enye
madaha, attractive
madahiro, elegance
madai, claims
madaraka, responsibility
madhahabu(-), altar
madhali, while; seeing that; since
madhara, harm
madhehebu, customs; sect
madhubuti, reliable
madhumuni, intention
madini(-), metal
madoadoa, mottling, spots
maelekeo, tendency
maelezo, explanation
maendeleo, progress
maenezi, distribution
mafaa, utility
mafua, a cold
mafuatano, a following-together
mafundisho, mafunzo, teaching
mafuriko, overflow; flood
mafuta, oil; fat
mafya, fire-stones
magadi, soda
magazlni(-), warehouse
MAG 47 MAP
mageuzi, fluctuations
magharibi, the west
magofu, broken-down houses
magugu, weeds
mahabusi, a prisoner
mahali, a place; mahali pote,
everywhere
mahame, a deserted place
maharagwe, beans
mahari(-), marriage payment
maharimu, close relations (forbidden
marriage)
mahindi, maize
mahiri, skilful
mahitaji, needs
mahususi, special
maili(-), mile
maisha, life
maishilio, livelihood
maiti(-), corpse
maizi, to know
majadiliano, debate
majaliwa, things granted by God
majani, grass; leaves
maji, water
majilio, coming
majira, season; ship’s course
majisifu, boasting
majivu, ashes
majivuno, boasting
majonzi, grief
majusi(ma), astrologer
majuto, remorse
majuzi, recently
Maka, Mecca
makaa, fuel; embers
makaburini, cemetery
makala(-), a written article
makali, the sharp edge of knife
makamasi, a cold
makamu, deputy; Vice-; Actingmakao,
makazi, residence
makaribisho, welcoming
makatazo, embargo, prohibition
makelele, noise; shouting
makinda, young birds
makini(-), serenity; calm
makokoto, pebbles
makopa, dried cassava cooked
maksai, castrated animal
maktaba, library
makufuru, blasphemy
makuruhi, offensive
makusudi, on purpose; purposing
makutano, a crowd
makuti, coconut leaves for thatching
makuu, i good qualities; 2 selfimportance
malaika(-), 1 angel; 2 soft down
malaji, diet
malalamiko, supplication
malalet sleeping-sickness
malalo, malazi, sleeping accommodation
malango, initiation teaching
malaya, a prostitute
malezi, upbringing
mali(-), wealth; property
malidadi, well-dressed; smart
malimbuko, firstfruits
malimwengu, worldly affairs
malipo, recompense; payment
malisho, pasture
maliza, to finish
malkia(-), queen
mama(-), mother
mama mkubwa, mamamdogo,
maternal aunt
mamba(-), a crocodile
mambo, affairs; difficulties
mamlaka(-), authority
manati(-), a catapult
mandari(-), a picnic
mandhari(-), scene; view
manjano, turmeric; yellow
manowari(-), battleship
manufaa, usefulness ; useful
things
manukato, perfume
manyoya, feathers
manyunyu, a shower
manza(-), litigation
manzili, state of life
maombezi, intercessions
maombi, petitions
maongezi, conversation
maongozi, guidance
maono, feelings
mapaa, roof
mapambazuko, dawn
mapangilio, rotation {crops)
mapatano, agreement
mapatilizo, retribution
mapato, receipts; income
MAP 48 MBA
mapema, early ^ rrfapendezi, pleasing things
mapenzi, good-pleasure
mapigano, fighting
mapindi, windings
mapokeo, tradition
maponea, livelihood
mara(-), a time; at once
mara moja, once; at once
maradhi, sickness
maradufu, double
marahaba ( answer to greeting),
Thankyou
marashi, perfume
marehemu(-), the departed
marejeo, return
marhamu, ointment
maridhawa, plentiful
marijani(-), coral
marika, contemporary im age,
initiation, etc.
marisaa, shot
marmarl(-), marble
marufuku, forbidden
masalio, masazo, left-overs
masamaha, forgiveness
mashairi, poetry
mashaka, troubles
mashapo, dregs; residue
mashariki, the east
mashindano, contest; match
mashine, machine
mashtaka, accusation
mashua(-), a boat
mashudu, dregs; residue
mashuhuri, renowned
masihara(-), a jest
masika(-), the rainy season
masikilizano, agreement
masikitiko, regrets
masilahi, reconciliation
masimulizi, a story, news
masingizio, slander
Masiya, Messiah
masizi, soot
maskani, dwelling place
maskini, poor, miserable
masurufu, housekeeping money
masuto, open accusations
matako, buttocks
matakwa, wants
matamko, pronunciation
matamvua, fringe
matandiko, furnishings, bedding
matanga, days of mourning
matangazo, proclamation ; advertisement
matata, trouble
matatizo, perplexing matters
mate, saliva
mateka, plunder, captives
matembezi, a stroll, trip; gadding
about
matengenezo, arrangements
mateso, sufferings
mateteo, matetezi, arguments in
law-suit
matilaba(-), motive
matokeo, sequel; result
matope, mud
matubwitubwi, mumps
matukano, abuse
matumaini, hope
matumbo, entrails
matusi, vile abuse
mauaji, massacre
mauguzi, medical treatment
mauidha, good advice
maujudi, what is to be expected
Maulana, Lord
maulizo, interrogation
maumbile, created state; nature
maumlvu, pains
maungo, limbs
mauti(-), death
mavi, excrement
mavu(-), hornet
mavuno, the harvest
mawaidha, and so on; furthermore
mawe, stones; weights
mawese, palm-oil
mawindo, prey from hunting
mazao, crops; produce
mazigazi, optical illusion; mirage
maziko, a funeral
mazingaombwe, magic, jugglery
mazingira, environment
mazingiwa, blockade
maziwa, milk
mazoea, habits
mazungumzo, conversation
For prefix M see page 20
mbaazi(-), pigeon-peas
mbalamwezi, moonlight
MBA 49 MEK
mbali, far; mbalimbali, different
mbamia(-), okra
mbandiko(mi), anything stuck
on
mbano(mi), pincers; vice; etc
mbao(-), planks, timber
mbashiri(wa), a soothsayer
mbata(-), copra
mbavu(-), ribs; side; mbavuni,
alongside
mbawa(-), wings
mbayuwayu(-), a swallow
mbega(-), colobus monkey
mbegu(-), seeds
mbele(ya), in front o'f; before
mbeleko(-), child’s carrying-cloth
mbembe(wa), a smooth-tongued
man; seducer
mbenuko(mi), a bulge; protrusion
mbezi(wa), a scornful person
mbigili(mi), a thornbush
mbill, two
mbilikimo(-), a pygmy
mbingu(-), the sky
mbinguni, heaven
mbini(wa), a forger
mbinja(-), a whistle; piga mbinja,
to whistle
mbio(-), running; piga mbio, to
run
mbishl(wa), an argumentative
person
mbiu(-), a proclamation
mbizi(-), a dive; piga mbizi, to
dive
mboga(-), vegetables
mbogo(-), a buffalo
mbolea(-), manure
mbona?, why?
mbu(-), mosquito
mbuga(-), low-lying grassy plain
mbugi(-), small bells
mbung’o(-), tsetse fly
mbuni(-), an ostrich
mbuni(mi), coffee bush
mbuyu(mi), baobab tree
mbuzl(-), a goat
mbwa(-), a dog
mbweha(-), a jackal; fox
mcha Mungu, mchaji, a godfearing
man
mchaguo(mi), an election
mchaguzi(wa), an elector; a
fastidious person
mchai(mi), tea-bush ; lemon-grass
mchakacho(mi), a rustling
mchana(mi), daytime; mchana
kutwa, all day
mchanga, sand
mchanganyiko(mi), a mixture
mchango(mi), a worm
mchawi(wa), a sorceror
mche(mi), a seedling
mchele(mi), husked rice
mcheshi(wa), an entertaining
person
mchenza(mi), tangerine-orange
tree
mchefco(mi), a game
mchi(mi), a pestle
mchicha(mi), spinach
mchirizi(mi), a gutter
mchokoo(mi), a pointed stick
mchokozi(wa), an annoying person
mchongelezi(wa), a tale-bearer
mchoro(mi), engraving; scribble
mchukuzi(wa), a porter
mchumba(wa), fianc6, fiancee
mchungaji(wa), shepherd; herdsman
mchunguzi(wa), inquiring person
mchungwa(mi), an orange tree
mchuuzi(wa), a trader
mchuzi(mi), gravy ; sauce
mchwa, termites
mdai(wa), claimant; mdaiwa-
(wa), defendant, debtor
mdakizi(wa), an eavesdropper
mdalasini(mi), cinnamon
mdeni(wa), a debtor
mdhalimu(wa), unjust oppressor
mdhamini(wa), a sponsor; gua
rantor
mdomo(ml), lip; beak
mdudu(wa), insect
mdukizi, see mdakizi
mdukuo(mi), a poke; nudge
mdumu(mi), a can, mug, jug
mdundo(mi), a drumming
mea, to grow ( plants
)
mega, to break a piece off
meka, to grow
MEL 50 MIZ
n}eli(-) t a ship
mema, good things
memeteka, to sparkle
mende(-), cockroach
meno, teeth (see jino)
menya, to peel, shell
meremeta, metameta, see memeteka
methali, see mithali
meza(-), i a table; 2 to swallow
mezani, dining-room
mfadhili(wa), a benefactor
mfalme(wa), a king
mfano(mi), an example; parable
mfanya(wa), a doer
mfasiri(wa), a translator, interpreter
mfenesi(mi), a jakfruit tree
mfereji(mi), a ditch
mfldhuli(wa), an insolent person
mfiko(mi), range; reach
mflnyanzi(ma), a potter
mfitini(wa), a mischief-maker
mfo(mi), a torrent
mforsadi(mi), a mulberry tree
mfu(wa), a dead person
mfuasi(wa), a follower
mfuko(mi), a bag
mfulizo, mfululizo(mi), a series
mfumbi(mi), a water-channel
mfumi(wa), a weaver
mfungwa(wa), a prisoner
mfuo(mi), a furrow
mfupa(mi), a bone
mfuto(mi), 1 abolishment; 2
plain, undecorated work
mgambo(mi), a proclamation
mganda(mi), a sheaf
mganga(wa), a native doctor
mgawo(ml), a dividing; distribution
mgemi(wa), a tapper for palmwine
mgeni(wa), a stranger; guest
mghalaba(-), commercial competition
mgogoro(mi), an obstacle
mgomba(mi)l a banana plant
mgomvi(wa), a quarrelsome person
mgongano(mi), a collision;
knocking together
mgongo(mi), the back
mgonjwa(wa), a sick person
mgono(mi), fish-trap
mgoto(mi), a tapping, beating
mguu(mi), leg; foot
mgwisho(ml), a fly-switch
Mhabeshi(wa), an Abyssinian
mhamaji(wa), an emigrant
mhamiaji, an immigrant
mharabu(wa), a vandal
Mheshimiwa, the Honourable
mhimili(mi), a support
Mhindi(wa), an Indian
mhisani(wa), a kind person
mhitaji(wa), a person in need
mhubiri(ma), a preacher
mhudumu(wa), a minister, servant
mhnni(wa), a vagrant
mhunzi(wa), a blacksmith
miaf a hundred
miayo, yawning; kupigamiayo,
to yawn
mifugo, livestock
mihindi, maize
mila(-), traditional customs
milele, eternity; for ever
milia, striped
miliki, to rule over; milikiwa,
to be ruled
milionl, million
milki(-), dominion
mimba(-), pregnancy
mimbari(-), pulpit
mimi, I, me; mimi mwenyewe,
I myself
mimina, to pour out
miminika, to be poured out; to
overflow
minaj ill, because of
minghairi, without, except
mintarafu, concerning
minya, to squeeze out
miongoni mwa, among
Misri, Egypt
mithali, a proverb, similitude

mithali yaf like; as if