Swahili grammar and vocabulary: drawn up by Mrs. F. Burt

\VAHli

GI.UM

..:

A

NO

VOCABULAHY

UCSB LIBRARY

SWAHILI GEAMMAE AND

VOCABULAEY DRAWN UP BY

MRS.

F.

BURT

LONDON SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE NORTHUMBERLAND AVENUE, W.C. 1910

WIU.IA'.T ri.mVKS

LOS1XJX

AND SONS, I.'VITK.n, AXP ItKCC'LKS.

PREFACE an attempt to adapt the Berlitz modern method of learning European languages to the its aim is to enable the of Swahili student of the needs THIS

little

work

is

;

learner to acquire a working knowledge of the language without laborious research or great feats of memory. Grammatical rules occupy a subordinate place they are :

introduced incidentally and are not to be regarded as a separate subject of study the ear, rather than {he eye, is :

the organ to be pressed into the service. Words are arranged in subject-groups in order that, by the natural association of ideas, the student

Swahili

much

exercises should, if

may help

himself to learn

mother tongue. The be reiterated and amplified possible,

as a child picks

up

its

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

writer

BOUBNE END PABSONAOE, BOXMOOR, 1910,

A 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS PART

I

FAOB

INTRODUCTION AND ARTICLE ON PHONETICS

PART TWENTY-ONE STUDIES

II.

:

(a)

VOCABULARY

(6)

EXERCISES FOR READING AND TRANSLATING (ii)

(c) (fZ)

ENGLISH

...

...

...

EXERCISES

...

...

...

TABLE OF MONEY, WEIGHTS, AND MEASURES

.

...

TABLE OF SYNONYMS TABLE OF HOMONYMS

... ...

...

...

PART VOCABULARY SWAHILI-ENGLISH

...

...

...

132

24

152 ...

... ...

154

157

... ...

...

24

...

...

...

...

... ...

...

...

...

24

...

...

24

SWAHILI

...

SPECIMENS OF SWAHILI LETTER-WRITING

SWAHILI CALENDAR

(i)

...

...

...

...

...

...

GERMANE GRAMMATICAL NOTES ... GRADED STUDIES IN SWAHILI GRAMMAR

KEY TO THE

7

THE FAMILIAR LANGUAGE OF DAILY

IN

LIFE, CONSISTING OP

...

...

158 159

III ...

1G2

PART

I

INTRODUCTION SWAHILI is a member of the Bantu family of African languages found in the region, and to the south, of the Equator, and all partaking of certain remarkable features peculiar to this family alone, of which the most striking is, that all objects in the known universe are divided into classes, which not only mark the nouns, but also all the adjectives, pronouns, and verbs connected with them. This is effected by means of the classifier prefix which differs according to the class of the noun, and whether it is singular or plural. Besides this, the Nominative or Subjective Prefixes and the Objective Infixes, are thrown together with tense particles into one word with the verb stem so that one word may form a complete and ;

luminous sentence.

The conveniences of this system will be seen from a study of the Rev. W. E. Taylor's Groundwork sheet. Swahili has the additional advantages above others of these languages, first that it has been enriched and diversified by the influence of Arabic, Hindustani, and to a slighter extent, of Persian and Portuguese and also by a written poetical and religious literature extending over a long period. The Swahili language is broadly divided into three main Dialect-Groups

:

THE SOUTHERN THE NORTHERN; THE CENTRAL. ;

(a)

The

Southern includes Ki-Unguja, the Zanzibar!,

which the labours of Bishop Steere and the U.M.C.A. have been directed to producing the existing version of the Bible: Ki-P'emba, spoken on P'emba, the Emerald Isle, from which cornes a moiety of the clove supply:

in

SWAHTLI GRAMMAR Ki-Mrima, ou the Southern Mrima or "Mainland," opposite and to the south of Zanzibar. (6) The Northern comprises Ki-Amu, the speech of Lamu or and its neighbourhood ; Ki-Pafe, the Pate dialect Ki-Gunya, the brogue of the Northern Islanders called Wa-Gunya or, by the Arabs, Bajuni Ki-
Amu

;

:

with nfi-k'uu, = Main-land.)

The only member of importance in (c) The Central. this group, is the Mombasa or Ki-Mvi/a, but this speech is taken as the standard for some distance along the coast N. and

S. of

districts

Mombasa

Island,

and in and among the

on the confines of the other groups.

TABLES SHOWING THE INTER-KELATIONS OF THE CENTRAL WITH THE SOUTHERN AND NORTHERN GROUPS OF SWAHILI DIALECTS.

To

le studied as occasion requires.

shows how nearly the Central Group is related and in what respects the Northern Group stands in contrast to the former two.

TABLE

I.

to the Southern, (a) Literal Changes

Southern.

Cerebral

T J

SH(in P'emba FY) Z

w

M (prefix)

VI

(prefix)

YTJ (prefix) (to)

menu.

(in some Cerebral T Mrima B)

Grammatical Changes

INTRODUCTION (o)

Verbal Changes

-je,

how ?

(suffix)

-je,

how ?

iye

(suffix)

1

how

?

(not

a

suffix) hivi, thus, etc.

TABLE

II.

the

hivi, thus, etc.

etc.

hiyau, thus,

shows on the other hand some of the affinities Group possesses with the Northern

Central

dialects. Southern.

NJ

ninakupen'/ani several other more " " or less barbarous

I

Zr. forms),

you (plur.

Northern.

Central.

Dental T Dental N> (and nawapen
CH

Dental T Dental NZ> love

you

(plur. obj.)

nawapen^/a, 1 love you (plur. obj.)

love

obj.)

A third Table is capable of being constructed III. of points wherein each group differs from the others. One chief word may be cited as an example

TABLE

Southern.

ninakuja,

TABLE IV.

naja,

Central

I am coming

differs,

Southern.

Ar. th (ku
dh (-dAani), dh (dhambi),

(

nounced like Z th

(selaea) S,

is

are pronounced as in Arabic Ar. th (thalatha) is

some-

always pronounced TH (except in -su-

times.

am

coming

Mombasa Group.

Central.

Ar. ih (kuzani), dh (ramazani), dh zambi), frequently are pro-

pronounced

niyao, I

where Northern and Southern

agree, to the advantage of the

Ar.

Northern.

Central.

I am coming

Northern. Ar. th (kuzani), (Ih (-zani),

dh (zambi), sometimes pronounced like Z Ar. th

(thelatha

Bel-) is

or

pronounced

S (occasionally).

bu
-ake (poss. pron.)

'

-akwe

(poss. pron.)

-ake (poss. pron.)

1 Accordingly, in S. and N. Swahili,. wake, female (pi.), is indistinguishable from wake, his (pi. of I), the inconvenience of

which may be imagined.

10

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

The above Tables demonstrate the truth of the assertion that Mombasa is linguistically the Central dialect, as well as geographically. They also show that, generally speaking, in form the Mombasa dialect resembles rather the Southern dialect group than the Northern. Again it is nearer the Northern in the important quality of richness of vocabulary, compression, and flexibility, and to the Southern in the greater distinctness and variety of the The Tables will prepare the student to deal prefixes. with the other groups of the language as occasion arises.

PHONETICS THE Swahili sounds

are capable of being represented by of twenty-four of the letters of the Koman Alphabet, singly or in combination, supplemented by the use of three diacritical marks, and, where necessary, by the use of an inverted comma (') to represent the Arabic 'ain. Q and x are not used in writing Swahili. C is not used

means

alone.

Its soft

sound by

sound

is

represented by

s

and

its

hard

k.

INSTRUCTIONS ON THE PHONETICAL EXERCISES.

We

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

to the

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

ordinary five letters,

a, e,

i,

o, u.

by the Swahili vowel sounds

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

12

by their purity, and are never indistinctly slurred, nor do they in the Mombasa dialect form " diphthongs," as in English speech. Instance the English final syllables ey, ay, y, which are at least usually pronounced exactly alike. Nor are the Swahili vowels affected to the same degree as the English by the presence of certain consonants. Hence their pure and unerring

are distinguished

pronunciation

is

a matter of the greatest importance, and

must take precedence of everything In the vowels, and with succeeding sounds

in our study

else.

studied,

one should exercise oneself as follows Let the teacher say each vowel, etc. ten times over, then follow him with once, when he should imyour best possible imitation " " mediately chime in with the correct sound once again, in order that you may correct by the ear any error. (A friend will no doubt be at hand to explain his duty to the teacher.) This process should be gone through once " sandwich " one utteragain, after which he need only ance of your own with two of his after ten or twenty of such sandwiched repetitions, you may be considered to have done enough for the occasion, and can go on with :

;

something

else.

The

NOTE.

learner beginning these exercises

will

probably be

which

quite unconscious of the distinctions marked, are nevertheless keenly felt by the sensitive ears

of the natives.

A

pronounced somewhat as in English far. eh (very short, more forward); perhaps nearer still, is the e in French.

E

as the pure sound in

as ee in feet. as o in lo.

I

!

also another sound pronounced shortly and without the second half of the English sound.)

somewhat

(0 represents

as oe in

toe,

as oo in food.

II

English faults are such as these sound after a Swahili a ee sound instead of the Swahili e impure " oo " at the close of the o as Nooo ; (=No).

NOTE.

An An An

r

:

;

;

PHONETICS

IJJ

Exercise 1. The vowels to be gone through singly as Then, taking them in order, double already directed. each vowel thus a a, e e, i i, o o, u u, and see that each member of the pair is promnmced distinctly (as by the teacher) with the accent or stress on the former of the two (a a, etc.). Then triple the vowels and as before lay the stress on the last but one of the groups, a a a, :

etc.

NOTE. This, the last syllable but one, is the natural place for the accent in a Sicaliili word : the object of the latter variations is to secure the purity of the unaccented Do not drop the voice on the last syllable. syllables.

Again go through the vowels singly as try in order the following combinations. If between the two vowels you hear a w or a y sound, see you imitate the teacher; for instance, if he pronounce i a " iya," or o a " owa." For between certain vowels occurring together, such a consonantal sound often arises, though theoretically it is not required. Exercise

before.

2.

Then

a a

e

e

o

o

a a

a a

i

i

u

u

a a

e

i

i

e

i

o

o

i

o

e

e

o

i

e

e

u

o

u u

i

u

u u

o.

Exercise 3. Repeat Exercise 2, and then go through the following as a test exercise, saying the contrasted pairs together with the teacher as before.

Pair Pair Pair

1.

2. 3.

[

a

o,

a

u.

o

u,

o

0.

e

i,

e

e.

These present resemblances in sound, which it is exceedingly easy for the English learner to confuse ; and as several of them are of very common occurrence in the language, it is well to guard against an habitual mispronunciation so very easily picked up from the outset, and to test in this way the effect of the previous exercises

" in " clarifying the voice.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

34 Exercise 4. sist entirely of

The following actual Swahili words convowels.

au, ai ! (oh I of admiration), oa, ua, aoa, aua, aoe, aue, aoae, uuao, uuae, auuae, uuuao, auae, auuao, aiuae. The meanings of these words are quite unnecessary to be learnt at the present stage, and if given would only

confuse.

NOTE. Just as o has two sounds, one open and "forward" in the mouth, and the other close and "high" " of " toe and " lo " (as in the examples given above other vowels have each so the an open and respectively), a close sound. However, as these distinctions are not so important in their practical use as they are in some neighbouring languages, and as the close and the open sounds of the vowels are unvarying in the words in which they !

it has been thought sufficient at this stage to remark, that of all the five, the sound which is the most important linguistically is the o in its contrasts, and it is that one which should be mastered to begin with. Practise pronouncing with the teacher Exercise 5. " catch in the voice " this series of five vowels with a before each :

occur,

'a

'e

'u

'o

'i

" represents what is called in Arabic a hamza." It enters into certain interjectional sounds common in

The

(')

the language. 'a 'a strongly spoken, with stress oa the " "

No

means

first

'a,

!

'ee,

yet stronger, the stress as before on the but one, and means " Not at all " " " gently sustained, a woman's word for Yes

We

will

'a

'a

'a is

last 'a

!

!

CONSONANTS. comment on

those only that seem to require

notice.

W has two sounds 1.

:

The ordinary English

sound,

when

it

follows on

another consonant. 2.

The

letter,

when

it

stands alone before the vowel,

15

PHONETICS has something of a than v.

This

NOTE.

v sound,

which

letter is liable to

is

however more w

mispronunciation by if it were the

some East Africans, not Swahilis, as ordinary w in English. T" has its English sound. i

and

between

It is not written

a.

Pronounce with the teacher the following Exercise 6. words, neglecting for the present their meaning :

Wa,

wayawaya, uwayewaye, wewe, yeye, wao, wawao, yaua, yawaua, iwauayo, wawayawaya, wawayawayao, wao wauawe wao, iwe wewe wauawa. ya, yao, yawa,

"

" is far from poor letter h (H) In Swahililand its lost importance indeed, Swahili" without its having h sounds, would be like the play of " Hamlet without the

Prince of

Denmark

!

(1) The letter in Swahili is usually pronounced exactly " catch in at that point of the larynx where the the throat'' above-mentioned takes place though this may be neglected by the beginner. [(2) The letter, when it represents the Arabic (h)

^

in proper names and in certain other words derived from the Arabic, similarly corresponds in its formation to the sound <* ('), and can be practised after the more im-

portant sounds The "

Arabic consonants. among the "

(See Inset.)]

belonging to the aspirated consonants draws its breath not from the chest, as does the ordinary h (1), but from the breath that has been already passed through the windpipe and stored up in the mouth ; and this will also be treated of in its place. (3)

aspirate

Exercise 7. Ha, he, hi, ho, hu. Haya, hawa, haya hayawi, hao waua, hawa hawaui, huyu awiwa, huyu hawiwi, huyu awawia, huyu hawawii, hawa wawiwa, hawa hawawiwi, huu wawaa, huu hauwai, yaya haya, wao hao, ii hii, wawayawaya wewe, yeye is a very strong hawaiwai, wawa hawa. (Haa' !

negative.)

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

16

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

place.

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

Open

(3)

lips opening, not as in

Exercise

When

8.

this

Ma, me, mi, mo, mu, exercise shall have

m'. 1

been

thoroughly

digested and assimilated, say in about a fortnight from the time of commencing it, the pronunciation of these syllables should be made once or twice in the ordinary English way, and the extraordinary contrast that really exists between that and the African pronunciation will

become apparent. Ham', hamu, hamo, ham'muui, m'memuua, haumi, mama, mimi, mee mee, hayawi mema, hawi mwema, maua haya, mwawaua hawa, muwe, wawe, amuoa, hamuoi, hao muwauao, mamae, mamayo, hamuumi, aumia, hauini, haumii, aumie, ham' Waanm, hm'. (B) Pronounced with the same movement of the TO (3), but the sound is not allowed to escape through the nose, only upon the opening of the lips,

lips as

1 This alwavs .

is

really a contraction for

"

mu," the vowel suppressed being

PHONETICS

17

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

9.

bi, bu.

Ba,

(N) (1) The Swahili n is more palatal than the English, and has a deeper and evener sound. (2) The Arabic n (nun) is on the contrary more dental on the teeth and lighter than the English. The latter need not be practised at present. Notice the position of the tongue in pronouncing" the n, the fore-edge or point laid evenly across the palate behind the eye teeth on either side (bicuspids). " sonant n " " gonant m (see on (3) The ") is a in a sound distinct Swahili, forming frequent independent vowelless syllable, the breath and voice being conducted freely through the nose, while the channel through the

mouth

is

stopped.

NOTE. As the vowel u is always suppressed after " the " sonant m proper, although grammatically required, so the vowel i is often required to be understood after the " sonant n." " Blended n" which differs from " sonant n " in (4)

" " does from " sonant m not the same way as " blended will be a discussed in its itself, by forming syllable proper

m

We

place. this point.

need only practise varieties (1) and (3) at

Exercise 10.

Na, ne,

ni, no,

nu,

n'.

1

Nina, n'na, n'nani ? n'nini ? amenona, n'nene, mvi him n'nauona, nna iiini? wewe u nani? m' nani na nani? anionae n'naui? nawaona, ham'nioni, n'na nini mimi na

wewe ? amuonae humuua, humuua amuonae, huua m'no, hn' 'n'n' huua m'no-m'no, 'n '

!

1

same

!

!

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

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

B

SWAHILI GEAMMAR

18

(D) D holds the same relation to n as I to m pronounced from the same point as n and with the tongue in the same position. It therefore differs from English d in being pronounced further back on the The voice must be uttered from palate from the teeth. the throat exactly at the time the tongue is brought into position, and not, as in English d, just after that instant. it is

Exercise 11.

Da, de,

di, do, du.

1

Dada, dede Dodo, Dada, auenae nae n' nani ? anenae ni mwanayo, ni Dede, mdudu huyu wamuona ? ni include wa nini ? Ya Dodo ni ya mamae ? rndinru him umeao ni wa baba, midomo yao ni minene m'no, da da, wana hawa wanidona-dona. Dental d will be further noticed later, and the " blends " of both.

(L) (1) The native I formed on the palate and front by the blade and point of the tongue (the English I being formed chiefly by the point of the tongue behind the front teeth), the tongue being convex and not concave teeth,

as in English I. (2) The Arabic

I on the other hand, though pronounced with the convex tongue, is more dental than the English, but need not be practised.

Exercise 12.

La,

le,

li,

lo,

lu.

In two or three words a double "1" occurs, and these are all of Arabic derivation, and in which the first I of the // can often be traced to an original n they NOTE.

are Allahu, God ; ilia, and its derivatives, except, but in order that ; killa or kulla, every.

; illi,

Lala, lele-mama, lulu, ulili, lilo hilo, alilo nalo, lialiwi aliye lala? lini ? n lini? na alale, lalani lualaloni. Hana mali, aliyo nayo ni ya Mola (a name for God). souncl formed by trilliny the rim of the (R) (1) concave but well extended front of the tongue. Being trilled it stands in contrast to the English sound, but is entirely d ifferent from the French and German sounds.

n nani

A

1

Practise these sounds in the same

way

as those above.

PHONETICS

19

(2) The Arabic r is much more strongly trilled than the Swahili, but need not be practised in these exercises. Hwahili r and I are often confounded by some natives, especially by Zanzibar is. Exercise 13.

Ra,

re, ri, ro, ru.

Bara, bahari, Kabai, heri,

mara

habari,

mabaharia

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

NY. Pronounced with the back of the tongue against the palate, the point being all the while kept well down a nasal sound corresponding to the Spanish 5, and not at all to be confrnmded with " ni." ;

Exercise 14.

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

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

20

VOICE AND BREATH CONSONANTS. In every language most of the consonants are divisible into these two classes. Exercise 16. (a) Utter a loudly whispered hiss, thus, sss. (6) Do this again, only during the hiss, and in the middle of it, practise bringing your voice suddenly into play, and in a moment you will find that the consonant has altered, and you have changed unawares from the sss " sound thus ssszzz. The difference to a continuous " ezz therefore between s and z depends upon the voice accompanying the sound or not s accordingly is called a breath consonant, and z a voice consonant, (c) Now do the same with fff (efff). On bringing the voice to bear you find yourself beginning to say vw (evvv). (d) Reverse the above, stopping the voice accompaniment in the middle of saying the zzz (ezzz) and vw (ewv), and you will " have again the " breath sounds sss, fff. Further corre;

;

spondences can be traced in the Syllabary, after that we have stopped to examine, first, a few pairs of simple consonants and, secondly, consonants in combination with N, and the strange effect it has upon them. (CH and J.) These are produced very simply with the back of the tongue against the palate, making a soft velvety sound, which some vainly try to imitate by saying them as if ty, dy. Exercise 17. ja, je, ji, JO, ju cha, che, chu ; jana, juzi, chema, jema, chuma, jua, chua. (K and G.j Somewhat resemble the pair ch and j in ;

;

and method of production. NOTE Beware k with the English stress, or you may seem to aspirate them, and so possibly say something quite different from what you intended. (See the table of HOMONYMS.) Exercise 18. Ka, ke, ki, ko, ku ga, ge, gi, Jee, Unguja, waja ? siji sijui. go, gu.

their character

:

of uttering ch or

;

;

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

come

dudu, tutue, mtoni. (D, T.) A pair contrasted with the preceding in that the utterance is from a point forward of the English sound, the tip of the tongue being laid close against the back ot the upper front teeth (cp. Ar. dal and te).

toto

;

PHONETICS

21

Exercise 20. Da, Je, etc. ; /a, te, etc., tata. ; <e/e ; dia, dua. Contrasts : tua m/o wako mtoni ; mti him utfue na rini. Namtuma ku/tima ; natumia aftimacho.

COMPOUNDS OF N; BLENDS AND ASPIRATES. The rule forms " blends," but with that with voice consonants, " breath consonants, " aspirates thus Blends, mb, mv, nj, ng, nz. Aspirates, ch', p', k', t', t'. In the blends ng, mb, we have the hard (English) sounds of g, b, and similarly the soft sounds of ch and j in ch' and nj become hard as " " English ch and j ; while d in nd has a strange cerebral before v becomes rav before s sound like a rolled r. and f it is simply absorbed and disappears. Note that the aspirates are pronounced with the supply of breath already in the mouth, and not from the chest.

N

is

;

:

N

Exercise 21. syllables,

e.g.

And with

(c)

t'e,

t'a,

t'i,

mba, nda, nga, nza as single emba, but as mba. (6) Go through vowels with mb, as mba, mbe, mbi, etc. (a) Practise

not as

the whole five t'o

;

if

nz, ng, nj, nd, nd. ;

(d) Practise similarly also with

and go through the vowels

p', ch', and k'. (e) Practise the Homonyms (see end. of book) with your teacher. (/ ) Go through the Syllabary, and get your teacher to fit each syllable as far as possible " with a meaning, or find it in a " living word. 1 t',

1

That

interjection "Mng'wpc" described in African 396, will form aii excellent vocal gymnastic; and so will the " click assentive," used by womeii, and produced by drawing down the back of the tongue from the soft palate at the same time the lips, that, with a rapid jerk, the chin is thrown into the air meanwhile, being kept well closed.

Aphorisms,

difficult

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

22

SWAH1LI SYLLABARY a

SYLLABARY ng'a

23

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

PART There

II

no article proper in Swahili, neither nor partitive.

is

definite, in-

definite,

The Swahili Verb has no special interrogative Form. The difference between statement and question is made solely by the voice.

STUDY

I

-Greetings Jambo ? How are you ? familiar Good day \salutaJatnbo Well. Good day tion. ? Are Hu jambo you well ? How do you do ? Are you better? 1

!

!

!

)

Si

jambo. I

U

am

am

I

well [thank you].

better.

hali

gani?

(iii.)

feeling well Ni hali njema.

Is

I

am

quite well

How

is

he?

la

?

He he

quite well

is

(or she) well

?

Ha jambo.

or

better.

Good morning Good evening

!

Msaalkheri

Kwa

!

heri!

(v.), sir,

happiness. herini (plur.).

bibi (v.),

madam, lady, mistress, bwanawangu, my master, dear sir.

Go

in

(ye) in

mimi,

I,

mistress,

dear

me.

!

!

!

brother, sister.

thee.

yeye, he, him, she, her. na, and, with,

gani? what? which? nami, and I, with me. nawe, and thou, with thee. nae, and he (or she), with him (or her). (classical).

no (classical), no (general),

siyo,

sana, very, quite, indeed, a great deal, too much.

mwana

happiness.

(iii.),

my

bibiyangu,

la,

!

Ahasan/a Thank you You have This is good news done well !

gentleman, master,

lord.

ndiyo, yes (general).

!

Go

Good-bye!

Kwa

ndugu

bwana

naam, yes

Sabalkheri

sister).

!

wewe, thou,

How is he ? He (or she) is well

or better

=

madam,

?

[thank you]. Yu hali gani? he quite well Yu hali njema. [thank you].

Ha jambo?

Are you

nduguyo, your brother (or

? or jee (generally precedes a question),

(i.),

child, son, daughter,

mwanayo, your child. Marahaba Thank you, !

it is

well,

-ema, good.

NOTE. In the Exercises square brackets [ ] denote that the word they enclose is to be left untranslated. NOTE. Roman Numerals placed after a noun indicate the class it telongs to. Arabic Numerals preceding a word refer to a footnote.

STUDY Bead and

25

I

Translate

Wewe na mwanayo. Mimi na wewe na yeye. Bibiyangu na nduJambo sana. Sabalkheri Jambo. Bwana, guyo. 2 2 Ni hali njema. Jee, Uhaligani? jambo? Jambo. 3 nawe, u liali njema? Ni hali njema sana. Hujambo? 3 Si Ahasanta Jambo! Nawe Bibi, jambo! jambo. Mimi si jambo ahasanla. Jee, 4 nduguyo, liu jambo? a ha jambo? Ha jambo bibi. Na 4 mwanayo, yu liali 2 Yu liali njema sana. Ahasanta! Msaalkheri, iiaui? Bwana na

Mimi na bwana wangu.

bibi.

l

!

!

5

5

bwana.

Bibi,

6

kwa

heri.

Kwa

heri.

Translate

How are yon, Madam ? Very well, Good morning thank you, Sir. Are you feeling well? Quite well, thank you. How do you do, Sir? I am well, thank you. !

He is quite well. And my mistress, quite well. How is your brother? He is quite well, thank you. How is your sister ? Thank He and you and I. My you, Sir, she is quite well. Your brother. Good evening, master. Dear Madam.

Is is

my master well she well? She

sir.

1

?

is

Good evening, Madam. Lit.

"

" affair,"

greeting.

matter," plur.

Yes mambo

!

No

(v.),

!

Good-bye.

used idiomatically as a

=

three pers. sing., pres. indie., strong verb " to be," Ni, u, yu conjugated with hali (state), refer to state of health (also tu, mu, tea, 2

in plur.). * Si, hu, 7ta

= thrce pers. sing., neg., pres. indie., strong verb " to be," with/amfio, stand for, ''Is there nothing the matter with conjugated " " There is nothing the matter with me," etc. (also hatu, you ? hamu, hawa, in plur.). 4 -Yo = yaJto, thy (poss. adj.). s noun may, by its structure, belong to one of the irrational classes and form its plural accordingly (e.g. mabwana, mabibi), and yet by its meaning belong to the living being or sentient class. In As Huyu Inoana this case it usually takes the concords of Cl. I. yuaja (this gentleman" is coming), wale mabibi hawaji (those ladies are not coming). See Groundwork of Swahili Language," bv Kev. W. E. Taylor, published by 8.P.C.K. " for Lit. good."

A

26

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

SIMPLE TABLE

STUDY

OF CONCORDS CLASS VI.

CLASS VII.

I

27

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

28

STUDY Watumishi

II

Servants

m't'u (i.), man, person, somebody. m'toto (i.), boy, child (boy or girl). 'maji (v. pi.), water.

ku-ja, to come. ku-fanya, to do, to kw-enda, to go.

moto

(ii.), fire,

ku-pata, to

k'itu

(iv.),

heat.

substance, something, anything, n'/aa (iii.), hunger, famine, thing,

pssa (iii.), pice, zainu (iii.), turn, watch, 'mafata (v. pi.), oil, fat. /aa

(iii.),

k'elele

noise,

equal,

ku-tumika, to serve,

to

be

in

service.

ku-sikia, to hear, to feel, ku-tezama, to look, to look at. ku-twaa, to take, ku-oga, to bathe, ku-nawa (mikono), to wash

(hands). ku-fua, to wash (lit. beat) clothes. ku-osha, to wash, to cleanse (things). ku-la, to eat. ku-isna, iini.sh.

1

silent, can.''

to come back, return, punish. ku-sahau, to foriM. ku-tengeza, to prepare, to arrange, ku-ru'/i,

set in readiness,

cloth, clothes,

chakula (iv.), food, bread, a meal, ki/ambaa (iv.), duster, towel, rag. mwenzi (i.), companion, fellow,

kisha, ukisha, ( = finished) then.

(primarily, to

sleep

down, to go to bed). ku-nunua, to buy, to purchase, lie

ku-?aka. to want, to require,

ment. sabrmi (iii.), soap, (iii.),

to

kn-lala,

ku-nyamaza, to be quiet, " ku-weza, to be able, to

k'engele (iii.), bell, kazi (iii.), work, task, employ-

nguo

have, to bo

get, to

able,

ku-leta, to bring.

lamp,

(iii.),

make.

not yet. it won't do.

ba'fo,

haifai,

sasa,

now.

sasa

hivi,

just

at

once,

...

!

upesi, quick, quickly, fast.

kwa, by means

of, for, from, by, with, to. vizuri well, very well, good vyemaj nicely, beautifully. !

i

haya

!

Come along

All right

when you have

now,

directly. pia, also, too, as well, altogether. in, only, just, as well, fena, again, and besides, also, moreover, basi, enough, that will do then

lini

1

when

See "General Xotes on Nouns," note

!

?

2,

Now

!

Here

!

-a, of.

Study XXI.

then

!

STUDY Read and 2

-

29

II

Translate 3

Bibi, n'tfaleta sasa hivi. Haya, upesi! Wasikia? Nasikia, Bibi. Twatfaka chakula sasa. Vyema, Bibi, 3 tuteleta upesi. Jee, Bibi.

Mtoto,

ndoo.

Wasikia ndaa?

Leto maji.

Naam,

Nyamaza, mtoto, fanya

6

Mwenzangu

kazi


Haya,

5

Jee, mtoto, umeleta [ na] maji? Basi sasa waweza kwenda alileta, Bibi. 6 Mwenzangu ateka upesi. Ndiyo, Bibi.

Bibi, nimeleta chakula. 3

4

k(u)oga. Kudi 3 7 Mwafanya maji ya moto na sabuni. Vyema, atfapata. TwaJaka (ku)lala. Bibi, nataka k'elele sana, watoto Haya basi, twaa pesa. pesa nipate kununua chakula. Enda upesi. Ahasania, Bibi !

!

Translate

Have you brought 8

Not yet, Ma'am, [the] lamp, boy? has gone to buy oil. 9 When will he come back? He will come back directly, Ma'am. Have you washed [your] clothes? Yes, Ma'am, I have washed [them]. Did you wash (and) the duster? No,

my

fellow [servant]

Ma'am, 1 forgot [it]. Can you bring [some] water? Yes, Ma'am, I can. My fellow [servant] has come now, Ma'am, 10 his (yakive) turn to serve. it is (m) Very well, let him bring [the] food then, we want to eat. Ba quiet, boy, you make too much noise, it won't do. Very well, Ma'am, I will be quiet DOW. Bring [the] lamp quickly, we want That will do, you can go now. to look at something. 2 .ZVdoo = imperative of kuja. Lete = imperative of kuleta. These are the only two irregular imperatives in Swahili. All others retain the final vowel of the stem, e.g. shika, hold samehe, forgive rud/, return titbu, repent 3 The objective particle may be omitted in familiar language. 4 Tako (your) understood. !

!

5

!

!

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

30

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

w

STUDY

"

1

1

II

31

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

*<.<

STUDY

STUDY Walimu mwalimu

teacher, professor,

(i.),

learned man, schoolmaster. mwanafunri (i.), scholar, pupil.

chuo

book.

(iv.),

III

III

Teachers ku-ona, to see, to find,

ku-weka, to put, place, put-by, ordain, appoint, ku-jaribu, to try,

to

test,

to

wino (no pi.) (vii.), ink. kalamu (iii.), pen, pencil.

tempt, ku-furahi, to be pleased, happy,

peseli, peniseli (iii.), pencil. (iii.), letter (of alphabet),

glad. ku-uliza, to ask (a question), ku-jibu, to answer, ku-fundisha, kofunza, to teach,

harufu

scent, smell, odour.

lugha

(iii.),

language, tongue.

kiti (iv.), chair. meza (iii.), table.

neno

(v.),

maana

word.

meaning, reason,

(v. pi.),

mean-

gani ? what (adj.). matamko (v.), pronunciation,

street,

kw-anza, to begin, kwanza, first, kw-isha, to finish, kisha, then (when that is finished),

because.

maana yakwe,

its

or their

ing. leo, to-day.

jana, yesterday. nciia

(iii.),

way,

road,

ku-pa, to give. ku-k'ed, to sit down, to stay, to dwell. nini ? what ? (pron.).

kujifunza, to learn.

afterwards, also. ku-chelewa, to be late, labuda, perhaps, that may be.

ku-soma, to read, to go to school,

mbonal why?

to study. ku-aniiika, to write. ku-sema, to speak, to say, to talk. ku-
hawezi, he is sick, sana, thoroughly (or any adverb expressing completeness). karatasi, paper, masuali masiala

ku-endeleza, to spell. ku-jua, to know. ku-elea, to be clear, to enlighten. ku-shika, to hold, to catch, to seize, to take.

mauzo

path. lafarfhali, please, if

you please.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

(v.),

questions.

maulizo

majibu msteri

(v.), (ii.),

answer. a line.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

34

1

Jee,

namuona

Bead and

Translate

mwalimu amekuja? 2

Bado, Bibi, yuaja

Jambo

sasa,

Mtoto lete viti. Bwana, k'efi. Abasan/a, Bibi, 3 nimek'efi. Sasa naiaka kalamu na karatasi. Haya, Bwana, fafadhali shika kalamu. Watfaka 4 niandike mimi ? Naam, Bibi, jaribu kuancZika sasa. Jee umekwisha 5 andika ? Ndiyo, mwa4 limu, nimekwisha. Basi, sasa na/aka usome. Nisome 6 chuo gani ? Soma chuo cha kwanza. Soma maneno. n
Bwana, jambo

!

Bibi

!

nambia 8 maana 9 yakwe. 10 Yakwelea ? Naam, 9 mwalimu, yanelea sana. Wajua maana yakwe ? Najuu. Vyema Bibi, soma /ena. Ukisha, endeleza maneno. Soma sana nipate kusikia. Tamka vyema maneno njifunzo kusoma vizuri. TJkisha,

7

1 The English custom of suppressing titles in the conversation of equals would appear abrupt and discourteous if attempted in Swahili. 2 "-ni" suffixed to nouns denotes locative case, and may be variously translated by the prepositions by, at, to, within, on, of, from, etc. See Table of Concords. 3 Most Swahili verbs of posture really signify the taking up of a Hence the perfect tcnstposition, e.g. kuk'eti = to sit on the ground. (nimek'e/i) = I have taken up a position (J am seated), and the Present Tense (nak'efi) = I am in the act or habit of (sitting) and so,

come to mean I dwell, or stay. Here the Swahili construction analyzes more

in this case, has 4

" English me to write." 5 After an auxiliary, the

Infin.

Jcu

of the

logically than the

principal verb

is

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

STUDY in

35

Translate

n ill. Perhaps he is now. are teacher, coming Good-morning, you feeling well ? Quite well, thank you. [Do] sit down. 12 Give me a book, please, Bibi, and you take a book and read. Now put the book 13 on [the] table and I will ask you questions. And I listen. Very good will try to answer. That will do now, you have answered Do you want ink ? Yes (I I am very pleased. well. want) and a pencil (also). The pupil is trying to speak He can the Swahili language (luglia ya Ki-swahili). read [the] letters. When did he begin? I taught him

No

Why is !

He

[the] teacher late to-day ?

is

!

[the] first line yesterday.

The Pres. Indie, of kuweza, to be able, conjugated negatively, To express the primary meaning stands for "I am sick," etc. " " I am not able," etc., the Neg. Fut. is frequently used sifaweza," 11

etc. 12 13

See note 7 (p. See Note 2.

32).

36

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

TABLE OF PERSONAL PRONOUNS WITH SEPARABLE PHONOUNS (those that can

STUDY

III

PRONOMINAL PREFIXES AND INFIXES. stand alone as independent words). Class V.

37

SWAHILI

38

GRAMMAR

STUDY IV Nyumbani

ku-sugua, to rub, polish, clean,

mlango (ii.), door, entrance. ufunguo (yii.), key. ukumbi (vii.), ball. roshani

(iii.),

balcony.


dirisha

ghala (v.), store-room. sakafu (iii.), flat stone

tory),

roof or

pavement.

(vii.),

baraza

ku-safi, to clean, cleanse. ku-/afute, to look for, search, ku-ita, to call. ku-sihi, to beseech, pray (peremp-

n'de, out, outside, n'dani, in, inside.

down, below,

<'ini,

verandab.

kizingifi (iv.), door-step,

juu, up, upstairs, against,

mkeka

wapi

(ii.),

mat.

up,

climb. ku-sb.uka, to come down, go down, ku-funga, to sbut, close, ku-fungua, to undo, open. ku-
sweep.

little,

(z'bar),

(indecl. adj. open, ajar, clear.

siku

(iii.),

nsiku

to

over,

above,

?

wazi

p'aka (iii.), cat. ku-angalia, to regard, to behold,

on (of rains, etc.). ku-pea, ku-fyagia

where

?

kidogo (adv.), a

zulia (v.)> carpet. Moo (iv.), mirror,

to visit, to be careful, ku-panda, to go up, come

at,

ku-lia, to cry, weep, ku-ngoja, to wait, to wait for.

a! oh!

courtyard,

(v.),

mock

ku-teka, to laugh, to smile.

dari (v.), house-top, roof, orofa (vii.), upper storey, sebule (iii.), private room,

ua

In the house

rather.

and

adv.),

day, twenty-four hours,

(vii.),

night.

m/ana (ii.), day-time, mid-day, kucha (ix.), dawn, sunrise, kuiwa (ix.), sunset. miana kuiwa (or kuiwa), all day long,

usiku kucha (or kucha),

all

night

long. tele, much, many, plenty, a lot of. p'anya (iii.)> rat. haidhuru, never mind, it c!ce not matter.

STUDY Bead and

39

IV

Translate

Naona wat'u Ufunguo u wapi? Uko juu. Enda darini kaangalie. Wat'u wamekwisha kwenda sasa, jee nifungue mlango? Ndiyo, 2 fungua, kisha pea daraja na ua, na mabaraza pia. Narfaka mkeka kuweka kizingitfini. Ngoja kidogo utepawa. 3 Yuko wapi p'aka ? Paka anatoka sasa hivi. Anakwenda wapi ? Labunda ana kwenda kuafu
Fungua

/elo

nf/iani,

dirisha, iiafaka

kutezama

n'de.

tufungo mlango upesi.

l

;

!

Translate

Come down, I pray you, at once. Your sister is looking for you. Where is she ? She is in the private room. Tell her to come (pres. subj.) into the hall. The bedrooms want sweeping (pass, inf.) and [the] store-room Is the door of the upper-storey open? also. No, it is 5

shut.

Very

Open

well, let

subj.).

laugh

?

tense)

[it]

then.

him come

The boy wants to come inside. down below (sub.

inside and go

The teacher has laughed all day. Why did he Ask him. He says he saw a rat looking (part, in the mirror (loc.). Are there (icako) many

rats in the house ?

Yes, there are very many.

The

use of the auxiliary verb kwisha (to finish), is a favourite It may be translated expressing an emphatic perfect. already," but is more often omitted altogether in English. This idiomatic much has an used Itwislia verb perfect, nsha, I have finished. tunsha, we have finished. 1

way

of

"

2 3

unshu, ansha, unsha, insha, etc. See note 3, Study II. See note 5, Study I.

mnsha, wansha, insha, yansha,

etc.

4 Maana = (primarily) meant MJ, cause, etc., but has come to serve as a conjunction (because, that is wfey), and may stand at beginning or end of clause. 5 See next Study. Perf. Tense of Passive.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

STUDY IV

41

r "

5*

*

5i***

II

Oa

Ilr -;**

a

3A 5 SrS

J

j-

*

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

ye.

be

m'we,

or

iwani

Plur.

2nd

MOOD.

VE

|

STUDY V

43

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

Sing.

I am

1.

Nipo,

2.

Umekuwafco,

thou hast been there. he or she is tJiere, he or she exists. is it (the mat, mkeka) there ? it (the mirror, kioo) is not here.

3. Yn/co, 8. ufco ? 3.

haki^o,

1.

2.

tukiwamo, m'takuwamo,

3.

vralikuwapo,

here.

Plur.

we are

in it, if ye will be in it. were here. they if

we have

to

do with

it.

STUDY V At the

Mezani ya meza

*

nguo

(iii.),

table cloth.

kijiko (iv.), spoon.

uma

kuweka,

(iv.), cup. bilauri (iii.), glass, tumbler. sinia (v.), tray.

chai

(iii.),

kahawa sukari

kupasha moto, to warm up. kupoa moto, to get cold.

box, cupboard. dish-cover (plaited).

(v.),

(iii.),

tea.

(iii-)

coffee.

sugar. mkate (ii.), bread, loaf, cake. asali (iii.), honey, syrup. fayari, ready, in readiness. kuan
kuondoa, to take away, remove. 1

See "

2

"Ki" = common diminutive

of,"

away, keep,

appoint, put off. kupakua, to dish up.

kikombe

sanduku

to drink. ku
out, to offer. to put, put

(vii.), fork.

sahani (iii.), plate, dish. 2 kisahani (iv.), saucer.

kawa

table

kunwa,

kuate, to leave, leave off, to give up. kukunrfa, to fold. kukun
(iii.),

thirst.

sawasawa, even, straight, properly. kabisa, altogether, entirely, quite.

Study XI.

"

prefix.

See note

5,

Study XVIII.

" Piga is capable of various meanings according to the noun it is coupled with kupiga msfari, to draw a line ; kupiga k'engele, to ring a bell; kupiga ch'apa, to print; kupiga k'elele, to make a noise kupiga t'eke, to kick kupiga fundo, to tie a knot kupiga magot'i, to kneel kupiga pasi, to iron kupiga mbinja, to whistle ; kupiga k'ura, to cast lots kupiga yowe, to shout out in fear, etc. 3

;

;

;

;

;

;

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

44 Jama, boy's name.

nani

bari'/i (iii.), cold, cool.

hivi,

safi,

kwamba, that

dirt.

(iii.),

(conj.),

whether as

hapa, here. * /amn, sweet, nice, sweetncsa.

kumwaya,

if, if.

lakini, but.

kweli

who ?

thus like this. asububi, morning, this morning.

clean.

t'aka, t'akat'aka

?

(iii.),

kumwaika, truth, true, indeed.

to spill, to pour to be spilt,

away,

katika, in, into, on, among, etc.

Nrfoni tukak'efi mezani, chai ifaletwa sasa hivi.

mbona ? Nasikia kwamba kahawa hapa asubuhi. Mwite Juma. Naam bibi, n'nakuja, 4s xilinita? Ndiyo kweli ulimwaya kahawa katika nguo

ya meza

si safi,

Nguo Juma alimwaya Juma waitvva. !

Ni meza leo ? Kahawa imemwaika, lakini si mimi Si kweli bibi. 5 N'nani basi ? Labuda ni p'aka, nalimuona chumbani. P'aka aweza kumwaya kahawa? Aweza, akisikia kiu na 6 kufaka kunwa. Haya basi, ondoka sasa. Mwambio AH alete sukari na mkate na asali. Viko wapi visahani? Vimo sandukuni, walisahau kuviweka mezani. 7 Vilete upesi, chai ifapoa moto. Imekwisha kuwa baridi n'nakwita.

ya

!

kabisa;

haifai,

watoto,

kuchelewa

hivi.

Sasa

nafaka

vijiko na vikombe. 4 -/amu, tupn, tonga, and other adjectives are capable of an adverbial use, in which case there is no concord. " " 4a The unavoidable use of the familiar pronoun " thee and " thou to persons of all ranks and ages is as much to be regretted as the exclusive use in English of the polite form " you." " " s |p _ copula "ni contracted. 6 " Na " (and) cannot connect two finite verbs. In the Past Indie., " ka " introduces the Subj., "and Imper., the subordinate tense with " and and obviates the difficulty. In all other cases, the second verb must be put in the Infinite, which then bears the force of the " na " connect tense and mood of the preceding verb. Neither will

If we wish to predicate two or more qualities of one adjectives. " substantive, the second or last (whichever follows the na ") must bo Ex. Mt'u huyu ni mwema net converted into an abstract noun.

two

upole.

See note

1,

Study IV.

STUDY V

45

Translate 8

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

We

!

EXPLANATION OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STRONG VERB To Be AND SIMPLE COPULA 1. The strong verb "to be" is that which affirms, not the peculiar quality or identity of the thing or things, person or persons, but the place, the circumstance, state, or surroundings, in which it, or they, happen or are desired to be, differing according to number and person, tense and mood, as seen above. " to be " or " is " 2. (a) The u-eak verb simple copula (ni = " " same for all classes) is confined to the present or are tense of the Indicative, and differs only from the strong verb in the third persons of that tense. It is used when 8

Verb must take concords

see note 2, Study XII. " meal of "

of

cl. iii.

to

which both nouns belong.

But

Trans. mid-day," and so in all cases where one substantive is used to qualify another. 10 Participial tense. 11 See note on Adverbial Prepositions, Study XX. There is no possessive form in Swahili. See note 9. 13 The impersonal " it " when not referring to any afore-mentioned "i " noun, is translated by the pronominal (as in cl. iii.) and its ''-'

correlatives.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

46

one wants to affirm of a thing or things, person or persons, " " that it or they " is or " are of a certain quality (not involving the state or position in which it (or they)

happen

to be) or to

Fulani ni

Wevi

i

lentify

two

mwema,

AValimu wangu ni Ali na Abudulla, (6)

The

and so is good. thieves are many. teachers are Ali

my

si mwema, Wevi si wangi, Walimu wangu si Ali na

and

Abdallah.

Negative Simple Copula " are not " ;

Ex. Fulani

Si

nouns

so

ni wangi,

not," (they)

titles or

is si (he,

she, or it)

"

is

and so is not good. thieves are not many. my teachers are not Ali and so

Abdallah. not true ?

Abudulla, kweli ?

is it

Ni kweli,

it is true.

PASSIVE VERBS Passive stems are formed 1. By inserting before final vowel in verbs ending

w

in a, or ea to be shut.

Ex. Kufungwa,

we

Tutfaelewa, 2.

By

adding

Ex. Kurudiwa,

Alisamehewa, 3.

By

the stem

wa

to verbs

shall be enlightened.

ending in

i

or

e.

to be punished. ho was forgiven.

inserting liw or lew between the final vowels of it ends in to, oa, or ua.

when

Kuolewa,

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

Kufua, Kufuliwa,

to wash. to be washed.

Kukimbia, Kukimbiliwa,

to run away. to be pursued.

Ex. Kuoa,

STUDY

47

VI

to put In, makes kutiwa and kutiliwa. Kuua, makes kuuwawa. Verbs ending in u, change the u iato i and add wa.

Kutia, to kill,

4.

Ex. Kutubu, to repent, kutubiwa; kushukurn, to give thanks; kuslmkuriwa, except kusahau, to forget, which

makes kusahauliwa. Monosyllabic verbs are mostly irregular to eat,

Kula,

kuliwa,

pewa and kupawa

;

kuja,

eaten

to be to

kupa,

;

kujiwa

come,

to give, kuto die,

kufa,

;

kufiwa.

Passive subjunctive

is

formed as follows

:

that I may be punished. that it (cl. iv.) may be

Nirudiwe, Kifuliwe,

washed. Passive negative

is

formed thus

am

Sifungwi,

I

Hasamehewi,

he

is

:

not bound. not forgiven.

STUDY \l Mekoni

In the kitchen

m'pishi (i.), cook. m'iuzi (ii.), stew. k'uni (iii.), firewood. 1 kibiriti (iv.), box of matches. kisu (iv.), knife. sufuria (v.), saucepan.

mwiko mbuzi nazi

(iii.),

nyama

spoon (large). cocoa-nut grater. cocoa-nut.

(ii.), (iii.;,

(iii.),

meat, flesh, game,

animal.

munyu

(ii.), salt,

pilipili (iii.), pepper,

soko

(v.),

maivu

mashizi

makaa

market.

(v.),

ashes,

(v.), soot,

(v.), coals,

wall (vii.), cooked k'uku (iii.), fowl,

smuts, blacks, embers, rice,

"

mboga

(iii.),

vegetable,

kupika, to cook (boil or stew), kuk'anga, to fry.

(seldom used) = kijiti, a small piece of wood. applied in a wider sense to any relish or sauce (meat, fish, etc.), that is eaten with the plain boiled rice or Indian corn porridge. Kiteweo = another generic term for the same thing, " Boga (pi. maboga) a pumpkin, must not be confused with mboga." 1

2

A single "match "

Mboga

is also

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

48

kuoka, to bake. kutokosa, to boil (trans.).

kuyaika, to melt,

kutokota, to boil (intrans.). to boil

kuchemka, kuloma,

to

brand,

burn,

(intr.), to

burn

toast,

prick.

kuwaka,

to

burn

up.

kuk'ata, to cut. kuoza, to rot. kufinika, to cover, nkoko (vii.), crust on pot. chungu (iv.), small cooking-pot,

nyungu rntnngi

kuwasha, to light, kindle. kuteketea, to catch fire. kuteketeza, to burn, consume

(tr.).

trough,

smoke.

(ii.),

milk.

(v.),

tangu, since,

makusudi

stir.

be scalded, scorched. kuungua, kufembea, to walk about, take a walk. to

kufurika, to boil over, to overflow.

Bead and Mpishi alisahau

moshi

(v.), cistern,

maziwa

kukuna, to grate, to scratch. ku?in<7a, to kill (animals). kutia, to put in. kukoroga, to

(Hi.), kettle,

kandarinya birika

cooking-pot. water-pot,

(Hi.), (ii.),

(v.).

purpose, on pur-

pose. katika, in, into, from, etc.

baaJae,halafu(z'bar), afterwards, presently, later,

knondoa,

to

take away.

Translate

kuwasha moto.

Mbona hukuwasha

wewe

3 basi ? Sikupata k'uni maana, mpifhi anakwenda kununua sokoni. Haidhuru waweza kutfinda k'uku ukam-

weke

4 Yuko wapi k'uku ? Yuko uani yuatembea. kwa chakula cha mtfana? Naam a
tayari.

.Tee afatfukwa

Nipa kibiriti fafa^hali, moto hauwaki. Tia ruafuta kidogo, uJawaka npesi. Sioni raafuta, labuda yamekwisha. La, 5 hayakuislia, yamo ghalani. Naliyaona jana. Jee watokosa nyama? La, naik'anga. Umepika na wali pia? Nipa kisu nik'ate mboga. Mboga xiraeoza. Sikupika. Haxikuoza, liujui k'itu wewe. Angalia, maziwa yafurika. Maziwa yamengia raashizi (see Ondoa snfuria motoni. note 9, Study XVI.). Haidhuru. Translate

Have you put

salt and pepper in the stew ? Yep, a but I did not put [any] in the vegetables. Do not the milk with a knife, stir [it] with a spoon. Look,

little,

stir * 4

*

Vide note

See note

Study IV. Study I.

4,

5,

The preposition (in) is frequently duplicated, being expressed both in the verb or verbal suffix and in the locative case of the noun.

STUDY VI

49

you have burnt [your]

clothes, did you not feel the heat V anything. Has the boy grated the cocoa-nut ? Not yet, he will do [it] later. The cook has taken the cocoa-nut grater. Are you cooking with coal ? No, we cook with firewood. If we want to bake we cover the saucepan with 6 Lot embers. Why has the boy not taken away the ashes ? Perhaps he forgot. The water is No, I know it will not boiling, will the kettle melt ? melt ; it was made on purpose to boil water. I see smoke coming out (it comes out) of the window.

No, I did not

feel

B Trans. " embers of heat " and so in innumerable cases owing to the paucity of adjectives, see Study VIII. For " of," see Study XI.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

50

SWAHILI GBAMMAB

STUDY

51

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

52

1 s

1

-a

a a

ca

&"

'

2

*S

.

*3

C

O

!2 2 ""

3 *a*rf

1 -g

,

-

*

O X C

a 'J

II d^

*

d'

i i I

i:

"* '5

a I fc

r

z&

"33

fe

^.2^ |-2

|

H a a e.2.2 5 13 "3 S, 5 'ta

~ ^l

S

*& .

.S .A)

STUDY

STUDY Mjini

Kgome

(iii.),

forodha.

prison.

custom-house.

(iii.),

(vii.),

wall.

lango (v.), gate. jiwe (v.), stone. uvumbi (vii.), small fine dust.

vumbi t'ope

(v.) litter, large dust.

mud.

(iii. pi.),

mvua

(iii.),

rain.

upepo (vii.) wind. jua (v.), sun.

mbiu

(iii.),

proclamation

(lit.

buffalo horn). (iii.),

mtumwa

(i.),

muungwana

poor mau, beggar.

slave. (i.),

free born

man,

gentleman.

mwana mume

kukosa, to miss, to fail, transgress. kuk'nta, to meet, to come across, to meet with, to find, kukut'ana, to meet (recip.), as* semble.

kwa, at the house of

porter, carrier.

masikini

koala hum, to release, to free. kunya, to fall (as of rain). kutunza, to take care (of), to watch.

AfueZ&ali, It is better.

(i.),

mpagazi

VII

In the town kuioroka, to run away. kutti, to obey.

(iii.), fort.

gereza

ukuta

(ii.)

(i.),

male (boy or

their country. gari (v.), carriage, waggon, trolly, k'ando, aside, apart, on or by or to

one (i.),

female (girl or

woman). mt'u mume (i.), man (adult). mt'u mke (i.), woman (adult). mume (i.), husband, man.

mke

(i.),

kupita,

wife. to pass, cross over, sur-

pass, excel.

kufuata, to follow. kufuatana, to go in file,

similla

to !

company or

accompany. sumile

kaanguka,

!

make way

to fall, to fall

kuiba, to steal. kuchoka, to be tired. kuamkua, to greet, to

!

down.

fulani

so

(iii.),

and

so,

such a one,

wala, neither, nor kesho, to-morrow,

mwivi

(i.),

(or),

thief (pi. wevi).

kesho kutwa, day after to-morrow. ngoma (iii.), dance, drum, p'ingu (iii.), fetter, charm, kivuli (iv.), uvuli (vii.), shade, shadow. mtoro (i.), runaway slave, truant, 1

-kali, fierce, strong, cruel, hunt (pi. mahuru), free,

-kuu, chief, main,

zamani speak

to.

Ni heri, It is better (fol. by subj.). kufika, to arrive, reach, lead to. kuvuma, to blow, roar.

Haya twende

side,

some one.

(iii.),

verbially ago).

knpigana, to fight.

lini basi,

(" chez ") to.

kwetu, at our house or home, " chez nous," in our country, kwenu, at your house or home, in your country, kwao, at their house or home, in

man).

mwana mke

53

VII

;

time (also used adformerly, some time

kijana (iv.), young child, child. kijana mwana mome, boy, lad. kijana kike, girl, lass.

n'de tukatembee kidogo.

hapa jua ni

kali.

;

Mimi

meni, tupite kwa ndia gani? 1 Kupiga ngoma = to beat a drum

nafoika

Sijui ndia ;

kuteza

Twende uvukwenda ngo-

mimi, lakini ngoma = to dance.

SWAHILI GBAMMAB

54 fulani

^linambia kwamba ndia k'uu yafika ngomeni.

la mji lilikuwapo hapa zamani nasikia Labuda ni kweli, sikuwapo. Sikizani, nasikia k'elele, wapagazi wapi-

Lango

gana Afud/taliusiende(orusende) kuangalia, wako wat'u Kisha mvua 2 yatfaka kunya, ni heri tele na uvumbi tele. turudi nyumbani. La Tusingie bado, mvua haiji, upepo !

!

wavuma

Twende

forod^ani basi tukaangalicinagari. Tunza Sumile, sumile gari laja upesi, ondoka ndiani. Mwalimu yuko liko jiwe hapa, linaanguka ukutani. Naam, tumyuasema na masikini jee tuniwamkue ? wamkue ni mt'u mwema. Vijana watufuata, wambie Mtumwa akiforoka twamwita mtoro. wasije. sana.

!

!

Translate

Only men are wanted, they are beating the drum to call Hhem. The women are tired, they cannot go. No, they have Perhaps they will follow afterwards? missed the trolley, they will 4 stay at home now. Never mind, they can go to-morrow morning. Will they not be late? Yes, they will be rather late, but the men will wait [for them]. People are assembling at our house, what are they looking for? We are told that they are poor, 5 they want bread. It is better to give them (Jtuwapa) bread, that they may not steal. If they steal they will be put in prison. There is (ziko) much mud and dirt Will you be able to reach here, let us pass to one side. home the day after to-morrow? Yes, we shall be able [to] if we do not meet [with] wind or rain. They issued a proclamation (beat the buffalo horn) at the gate this G morning to say that slaves who obey their masters 7 (jbwana zao} will be set free. " in " ni is frequently elided. an auxiliary, stands for " is going to" " used as Taka,"

1

The " i "

2

"

in

on the

point of."

See note 3, Study III. See note 1, Study XIV. For " bread " in the wide sense use " chakula." European " bread " is an unknown luxury to the simple native. 6 " Bwana " and " bibi " take plurals in both cl. iii. and cl. v. See note 1, Study VIII. 7 The technical expression is " kuafika huru," using the Quasirassive for the Passive. See Study XVII. *

STUDY

1

H H

Vlt

55

56

HILL

"si

*

egg

III

^^>^ !

M

^* s

...2* CD

f^

CD

'5"1 .8, "S *

^

af "5

2 i

I a a|l|

>N

l"al

.

i

PI PH


GRAMMAR

STUDY

VII

57

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

58

THE VERB "To HAVE,"

kuwa

to have,

na,

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

Nina, or n'na, I have; sina, I have not; u/ana, thou wilt have ; wasiwe na, that they may not

Ex.

kuwa have.

" In the present tense only does the " na form one word with the verb stem.

NOTE

I.

NOTE

II.

Occasionally the verb To Have has to trans-

Where we say, there is, late the (English) verb To Be. there are, the Swahilis say there has, there have [i.e. the has (in

etc.,

place,

instance people,

it

such and

Hapa pana wat'u-

such things)]. For Here there are many

Kuna upepo much wind tono bread (here). Hakuna

This (place) has people plenty.

lit.

mwingi leo ? Is there (does day? Hapana mkate. There kuimba, There

NOTE

tele,

there exist) is

no singing. This verb has an idiomatic inversion of

is

III.

Whereas in English we say Salehe " has them (the keys\ in Swahili we get " zina Salehe Vide Psalm xxxvi. 9; (funguo), they have Salehe! subject and object.

Luke

14.

ii.

STUDY VIII A man and

M'tu na Rafikiye Eafiki

(iii.),

friend.

ndugu

name. habari (iii.), news, tidings.

jina

baba

(iii.),

mama ndugu

(iii.),

mother.

mume

(i.),

(iii.),

family, society, re-

lative.

kinabibi,

women folk, ladies, men folk, gentlemen,

(i.),

brother,

'mjomba

(i.),

uncle

(mother's

brother).

"

Mjomba

sister,

kinabwana,

cousin. 1

jamaa

guest, visitor, stranger. father.

(iii.),

mke

(iii.),

cousin.

(v.),

mgeni (i.),

his friend

"

is

also

an up-country term

for a Swahili.

STUDY 8hangazi

(v.),

aunt (father's

sister).

!

Karibu

any

!

Be

welcomeDon't disturb yourself " take rest," your ease.")

!

!

!

(lit.

!

kukaribisha, to welcome.

kukumbuka, to remember. kuonana, to see one another, to meet (recip.). kupen^a, to love, to like, to be fond of. kutakua, to carry, take. kupeleka, to send, convey, conduct, take. to pray, to beg, to ask

afia (iii.), health. -ot'e, all,

kaiosha, to be enough, to suffice. kusalimu, to salute, send compli-

ments.

door.

kuzungumza, kosumulia,

to talk,

to converse.

-je 1

how? what?

si

(after verb).

what ? (after verb). hapana burfi, no doubt, without -ni

1

doubt, probably. (iii.), letter,

more,

zairZi,

missive.

besides,

further,

especially.

siku Ati

!

(v.),

hizi,

answer.

nowadays. they say,

look,

see

!

I

say! Ulaya, Europe. nimileti

(iii.), (iii.)>

biscuits.

lemonade.

etc.

Read and Nam'jua,

except. sick.

ill,

sikuzote, always. pasipo, where there is not, ex-

bisikoti

kujiznngumza, to amuse oneself,

Kafiki

until, so that, as

till,

ela, ilia, but,

-gonjwa,

jawabu

kupiga hof/i, to knock at the door. kubisha nodi, to knock at the

by talking,

whole.

ha?a, even, far as. au, or

barua

for.

1

!

cept, without.

kutakia, to hate.

kuomba,

kuzua, to invent.

kunradto ) excuse me pardon niwia rad/w /do not be offended. God. inshalla, please Al hamrZu lillahi, Praise God, thank God. -enyewe, -self, the owner. ;

mgonjwa (i.), sick person. ugonjwa (vii.), sickness. HoJi ? May I come in ? Is one there ? HoJi Come in Siterehe "

59

VIII

Translate

wa baba mgeni.

anakuja kutuangalia, mkaribishe. Karibu, Bwana, pita ndani Sirfarehe, !

00

Paternal uncles and maternal aunts are reckoned so near of kin as to be a kind of senior or junior parent according to the progenitor's original position in his family.

Ex. Babangu mkubwa, Babangu mdogo,

Mamangu mkubwa, Mamangu mdogo,

my my my my

father's elder brother. father's younger brother. mother's elder sister.

mother's younger

sister.

Kafiki, like most other sentient nouns (whether referring to persons or animals) in irrational classes, takes concords of both its own class and cl. i. As a rule, possessive adjectives follow the irrational class, 1

and other adjectives cl. i. Ex. Eafiki yangu huyu mwema ng'ombe zanga hawa wawili. The verb almost invariably follows cl. i. ;

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

60

Habari N'nakuja kuleta babari fa. Wat'u wot'e hawajambo ? Wotf'e hawajambo, ahasanfa. Habari ni ya afia t\i. Tena baba na mama wakusalimu sana, wa/aka habari ya kwenu. Huku 2 hakujambo. Twafaka babari ya buko 3 utokako. Kwetu imokunya usiondoke.

bibi,

gani ?

mvua

Maana mvua wot'e wafurahi. Kweli, bwana, na tuombe kwamba ifike hapa pia. Insballa itfakuja. Lete bisiko/i Mtoto na nimile/i kwa bwana mgeni. Hodi Hodi Karibu ndani. Kina bwana, k'etfini. Ham'jambo ? Hatujambo, al hamdu lillahi. Wageni hawa wafoka Ulaya, wanaleta barua kwa inwalimu. Mwite mtoto yule mwana mume apeleke barua bii upesi. Ati mtoto, enda na barua kwa mwalimu Abudulla, a/akupa jawabu mwenyewe. Mwalimu azungumza na mjomba wakwe (his) na shangazi sana, ha/a

yaleta vyakula

wat'xi

tele,

!

!

!

!

lakwe. Translate

knocking at tbe"door, tell him to come in. " he will enter without enough to say welcome

Some one 4

It is

is

5 doubt. What is your name? You do not know me. I am a stranger to you. Pardon me, I am come to beg ill. If I am rice, you are ill, you cannot eat rice. (some) 6 It is better [for you] to drink milk. Take these pice and buy (some) milk. Thank you, lady, I do not like milk, I will buy a cup of coifee. There are (wako) many sick Yes, but formerly there persons in the town nowadays. (they) were more. Your brother has come, what does he

want ? He wants to meet with you. He will wait .until to-morrow if you are not able to speak with him now. 7 Let him wait then, he is always coming. He says his (zakwe) relatives hate him and (tena) they have invented something (neno) against 2

"

matter

Hakujambo," "

= We

3

"

4

See note

s

Trans.

him

(yakwe).

"It (place or direction) has nothing the

lit.

are all well here.

Where you come from." "

8

Study V. Your name

For Relative

13,

is

who ?

"

Particles, see

For Possessive Adjectives

Study IX. 8 7

8

Vide note

4,

Study

III.

" na " with elided vowel. prefix conjunction See note on Adverbial Prepositions, Study XX.

Here

Study XI. sec

STUDY

(/)

VIII

61

62

STUDY IX

63

STUDY IX Nguo na Mapambo

Dress and Ornaments

kilemba (iv.), turban. k'anzu (iii.), tunic. joho (v.), overcoat. kizibao (iv.), waistcoat, jacket,

mamijli kofia

large handkerchief,

(iii.),

(iii.),

mwavuli

small handkerchief,

hat, cap, helmet,

(ii.),

fulana

(iii.),

msbipi

(ii.),

kiatu

belt, girdle,

(iv.),

fishing

coloured cloth,

mtambo (ii.), machine, mkufu (ii.), chain,

for, to

(i.),

tailor.

(v. pi.), scent,

perfume.

(iii.), silk.

p'amba (iii.), cotton. kateni (iii.), linen. sufi (iii.), wool.

p'ete

(iii.),

ring.

maridadi, finely dressed. jirani (iii.), neighbour. mbali, far away, distant. jioni

(iii.),

evening,

in

the

evening.

dunia

for one.

boot, shoe, sandal.

kifango (iv.), button, stud. bakora (iii.), walking-stick.

marashi

kuraruka, to be torn. kushona, to sew, to stitch, to make, kushonewa, to be sewn for, to

pocket, bag.

(ii.),

(iv.),

mshoni

hariri

kuvaa, to wear. kuvika, to dress, clothe (tr.). kuvua, to take off, undress, kumiliki, to possess, to own. kurarua, to tear,

have made

fit

kupumuzika, to rest. kuazima, to lend, to borrow. kupasa, to be necessary, to be" hove, to must."

mfuko

umbrella,

vest.

line.

ki/ambi

lost,

to err.

become, to be proper or right, to " do."

(v.), skirt.

(iii.),

go astray,

kufaa, to suit, to be

koti (v.), coat,

rinda

for.

kupotea (inlrans. only), to be to

blouse. kikoi (iv.), loin-cloth, suruale (Hi.), trousers,

leso

kunyete, to be conceited. kupima, to measure. kupimiwa, to be measured

(iii.),

the earth, the world.

kujipamba, to adorn oneself.

Head and

Translate

Kizibao changu chatfaka kushonwa, kipeleke kwa mshoni katika ndia k'uu. Mshoni yule hashoni vyema. Labuda akiazima mtambo afaweza. Nifamwambia. Kanzu : yako inararuka, yakupasa kuivua. Niafanyaje? siwezi

Twaa kanzu yangu, itakufaa. kuvaa kanzu ya baba. Ahasantfa, rafiki yangu, i/anifaa sana. Kweli, pasipo " 1 Kupasa," implying moral obligation, is only used impersonally of sentient beings, " Yanipasa " (it behoves me), etc. But we can " " " " say napaswa (I am obliged) or yapasayo (things which are necessary).

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

64

kukWi duniani. Mandili yangu inapohaikupofea, mtoto huyu anaiona asubuhi hapa Nafurahi sana. Maana, mama 2 alinipa zamani.

rafiki

mt'u hawezi

tQSL.

La

!

barazani.

Marinda ya watoto wanawake yafaka kufuliwa, waulize kwamba wamekwisha 3 nunua sabuni. 4 Hawako sasa wanawake, wamekwenda kuteinbea mjini Jee, wamekwenda mbali? Sijai 5 walikokwenda, n'tfampeleka jirani huyu awafafute. Translate

The porters' turbans are 6 lost, they say that thieves came [in the] evening and (they) stole them. If they find those thieves they will beat them, and put them in (vika) good to steal. Let us dress (her) this [with] a large handkerchief, it is enough. She will not feel cold, the sun is strong [in the] daytime. Where will she sleep [at] night? She will sleep with 7 my sisters (ndugu zangu wake), they will take care [of] Our neighbour has been measured for [an] overcoat, her. It is not

fetters.

little girl

he will be very conceited. left it in

Where

the hall, please bring

it.

your umbrella? I Forgive me, I forgot

is

Your teacher came to bring your silk belt and your bag. to beg [for] my shoes yesterday, but I was not able to give 8 [them to] him. Never mind, he will stay at home and rest. 2

The verb "kupa"

only takes the indirect objective particle,

which must always be conjugated with 3 See note 5, Study HI. 4

5

6 7

it.

Verbs frequently precede their subjects. " Ko " = relative See Study XI. particle of place. " Are lost " = state, hence use of perf. tense.

The

possessive

and demonstrative precede the qualifying and For concords, see note 1,

numeral adjective both follow the noun. Study VIII. 8 See note 6, Study V.

STUDY IX

65

POSSESSIVE ADJECTIVES (SOMETIMES CALLED POSSESSIVE PRONOUNS)

The

adjective immediately follows the noun taking precedence of other adjectives.

''A-s

S. (

wangu, my (man)

wako, thy (man)

I. |

my (men) my (tree) yangu, my (trees) yangu, my (house) zangu, my (houses) S changu, my (thing) IV. I \P. vyangu, my (things) S. langu, my (name) P. yanga, my (name*) langu, my (monster) v,(| yangu, my (monsters) wangu, my (string) vn.{* zangu, my (strings) VIII. S. pangu, my (place) IX. S. kwangu, my (dying or P. wangu,

wangu,

-

1

1

1

P.

m wangu,

[in]

my

yako, thy (trees) yako, thy (house) zako, thy (houses) chako, thy (th ing) vyako, thy (thi ngs) lako, thy (name) yako, thy (names) lako, thy (monster)

yako, thy (monsters) wako, thy (string) zako, thy (strings)

pako, thy (place)

kwako, thy

(dying

mwako,

[in]

wetu, our (man) wetu, our (men) wetu, our (tree) yetu, our (trees) yetu, our (house) m. zetu, our (houses) IV I 8 chetu, our (thing) 1V -\P. vyetu, our (things) s letu, our (name) I -(p. yetu, our (names) vi I s letu, our (monster) yetu, our (monsters) wetn, our (string) vii. zetu, our (strings) 1 VIII. 8. petu, our (place) IX. 1 S. kwetu, our (dying) or [in] our (direction) '

-

-

1

1

wakwe, hit, her, or its (man) wakwe, his, (men) wakwe, his (tree) .

.

.

yakwe, his (trees) yakwe, his (house) zakwe, his (houses) chakwe, his (thing) vyakwe, his (things) lakwe, his (name) yakwe, his (names) lakwc, his (monster) lakwe, his (monsters)

wakwe,

his (string)

zakwc, his (strings) pakwe, his (place) k wakwe, his (dying or direction)

thy

{places)

(places)

v

wako, thy (men) wako, thy (tree)

or direction)

direction)

X.

it

possessive

quali6es

mwakwe,

his

[in]

(places)

wenu, your (man) wenu, your (men) wenu, your (tree)

wao, their (man) wao, tJieir (men) wao, their (tree)

yenu, your (trees) yenu, your (house) zenu, your (houses) chenu, your (thing) vyenu, your (things) lenu, your (name) yenu, your (names) lenu, your (monster) yenu, your (monsters) wenu, your (string) zenu, your (strings) penu, your (place) kwenu, your (dying) or [in] your (Direc-

yao, their (trees) yao, their (house) zao, their (houses) chao, their (thing)

vyao, their (things) lao, their

(name)

yao, their (names) lao, their

(monster) yao, their (monsters)

wao, their (string) zao, their (strings)

pao,

tlieir

kwao,

(place)

their (flying) or

[in] tlteir (direction)

tion)

mwetu,

[in]

(places)

our

mwenu,

[in]

(places)

your

mwao,

[in]

their

(places)

The agreement is with the thing possessed, not with 1 None but these can follow the locative. SWAHILI GRAMMAR

the possessor.

E

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

66

STUDY X Sokoni (v.) mai

(v.),

At

(la ndizi

ndimu

young cocoa-nut.

(iii.),

mumunye

lime.

(v.),

to

kuokota,

eggs.

k'uku) (v.), egg (hen's). (iii.), banana. kiazi (iv.), sweet potato. chungwa (v.), orange (sec p. 130). ii

d&tn. (v.),

the Market

vegetable marrow.

ujaka (vii.), spinach. tango (v.), pumpkin. samaki (iii.), fish. ng'ombe (iii.), cattle, cow, mbuzi (iii.), goat.

pick

(of solid

up

bodies).

kuzoa, to gather up, to scoop up. kusalia, to remain, to be left, kuzoea, to be used or accustomed to.

kuteza, to play, to dance. ktihisabu, kuhasibu, to calculate, reckon. TJnguja, Zanzibar.

Mzungu, European, White man. bull.

saramala (v.), carpenter. raJili (v.), pound (lb.)

k'ondoo

bei

nnga

ghali, dear, expensive, rahisi, cheap, easy, pesa ngapi or nyingapi

(iii.) sheep. (vii.), flour.

kitunguu t'ende

mtele rtoibi

(ii.),

(v.),

kuuza, to

onion. dates.

(iv.),

(iii.),

rice (uncooked).

(iii.)j

much

bargain, trade,

what

kiasi gani

sell.

kikapu (iv.), grass basket, kasuku (v.), parrot. hasara (iii.), loss.

kupatikana, to be obtainable, to be found, to kusumbua, annoy, tease,

worry

(tr.).

kukasirika, to be angry. kushiudana, to dispute, contend, compete. kushindana bei, to bargain, kuhasiri, to lose in a bargain.

Read and

?

how

?

washerman.

kulipa, to pay (for). kugusa, to touch. kudanganya, to cheat, deceive.

trouble,

count,

?

price

?

fai(/a (iii.), g^in* profit,

muddle, much, many, -ngapi 1 how much, how many ?

fujo (v.), confusion, -ngi,

-ngine, other. day before yesterday, a or two ago, the other day.

juzi,

haki

(iii.),

day

right, rightcoubiuss,

juslice, honesty, funr/i (v.), artizan, expert.

Translate

Wazungu wapenda eana machungwa, sikuzo/'e waja sokoni knyanumia. Yauzwaje machungwa ya Unguja siku hizi? Yauzwa ghali, ^oja pesa t'atu inoja pesa 1 Syllables, words, and phrases are frequently reduplicated with " varying significance here to give the distributive sense, Three pice each." See Study XXI.

t'atu

;

STUDY X

67

maana hayapatikani mangi.

Eafiki zetu wali/af uta

mbuzi kummmua, wasimwone. Wangolimfanyani mbuzi, hawana 3 pakumweka? Kweli hawana pahali, wangelimdnrfa kwa ckakula hapana budi. Mbuzi ana nyaraa 4 nyingi ya kufosha wat'u wangi, ukimntmua rahisi yuna Ati bwana wafaka ndizi ? Pesa ngapi ndizi faida sana. zako? Nne pesa bwana. A! siwezi kununua ndizi hizo, !

Tupite kwa masikini yule, auza vit'u vingi rnadafu, 2'ende, viazi, mainumunye, raatango ndimu, ha
Translate,

The

fish-market is not far away, will you go and visit Yes, but I have not paid [for] this flour. That flour That man is 5 used to is dear, let us go to another man. cheat Europeans. You are (have) right, he is a thief. The day before 3 esterday he disputed with me about (juu it?

ya) a parrot. He wanted much money (many pice), but I knew that he (that parrot) was ill, and besides he could not speak a word. So (basi) I picked up my basket and He was very angry, and now if I pass by he left him. always does something (neno) to annoy me. What is all this confusion about (confusion this all, its meaning is what ?) This poor woman has met with loss all her eggs have fallen down, and she (nae} cannot gather them up. Washermen and carpenters and all artizans are found at the Market. Pres. Subj. Neg. is much used to replace the Past Indie. Neg. adversative sense is required, " but (they) did not," or " but (they) were not." 3 Pahali understood, i.e. a place of ( (or for) to put him). 4 See note on Adjectives, Study VIII. " " 5 I.e. has become accustomed = Perf. Tense. -

when an

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

68

NUMERAL ADJECTIVES is

Class III.

Numerals take the class-concords of tboir nouns, here given for others see Study XVIII. ;

moja, one (house) mbili, two (houses)

kumi, ten kumi na moja, eleven kumi na mbili, twelve

kumi kumi kumi kumi kumi

kumi nci kumi na

iskirini, twenty ishirini na moja, twenty-one

nanc, eight 1 tisia, kenda, nine 1

t'atu, three

nnc,four t'a.no,fice

na t'&no, fifteen na sUa, 1 sixteen na sabaa, seventeen na nane, eighteen na kenda or kumi 1

1

tissia, 1

eifoi,

sx 1

eabaa, seven

t'atu, thirteen

nnc, fourteen

nineteen

1

SOME ADJECTIVES OF QUANTITY S.

mwingi, much or

mwingapi ? how much

?

wofe, 3

sofc,

great I',

many

\vangi,

wangapi

?

how many

?

2

whole (man)

live

we

nyot'c, you


(meii)

Vfot'c, titey

S. 11. ( \ P.

S.

mwingapi? how much ? mingapi ? how many ? nyingapi (ngapi) ? how much? nyingapi ? how many ? kingapi ? how much ? vingapi ? how many ? j ingapi ? how much ? mangapi ? how many ? j ingapi ? how much ? mingapi ? how many ?

mwingi, much

many nyingi, much mingi,

III.

many much mvny S. j'ngi, much P. mangi, many S. jingi. much I', mingi, many P. nyingi,

IV.

S.

kingi, P. vingi,

S.

ungi

(mwingi).

much

VII.

P. nyingi,

VIII.

P.

IX.

S.

vfot'e, the

ungapi (mwingapi) ? hoic

whole (tree)

yo^'e, all (trees)

whole (Jtouse)

yof'c, the

zot'o, all (houses')

cho
(names) whole (monster')

yo<'e, all (monsters)

\\ofc, the whole (string)

much *

mrmy

much kungi, much pangi,

nyingapi ? how many ? pangapi ? how much ?

zot'e, all (strings)

kungapi ? how much

koi'e, all (flying) (kof'e ko'e, on all sides,

?

pof'c, the

whole (place)

everywhere)

X.

P. mwingi,

mungapi ? or mwingapi? how many 1

many

mo'e, [m]

all (places), over inside, (all about, in every direc-

all

tion)

Same in all classes. The conjunction " pia " all " or " the whole of " When preceding, it, them, us," etc. -of'e," making " " " " forms one word if combined with wo'e (3rd pers. plur.), the w is elided 1

'

*

;

'

piaot'e." *

The

aspirate here disappears after the sibilant, "a."

it

69

STUDY XI

STUDY XI DuJcani (v.) biashara bid/taa

(iii.).

dhahabu

shopkeeper. merchandise, (i.),

(iii.),

kugawanya, to divide, distribute, msumari (ii.), nail, tack, marudufu (iii.), twill calico

gold.

fedka. (iii.), silver,

pauni

kukimbia, to run away (from), kupasua, to tear, split, chop,

trade.

(iii.),

mwenyi duka

money,

sovereign, pound, reale, riali (iii.), dollar (2 Ks.). rupia (iii.), rupee (Is. 4
=

(iii.),

(iii.),

half

(nusurupia

=

rupee),

thumuni groat

ana

an eighth (dollar), 4 aunas.

(iii.),

=

(iii.),

(thick).

marikani bafuta,

uzi

anna

unbleached

common

calico,

nainsook,

wire, thread, string. mark, sign, spot.
ni,

(iii.),

by (of the agent), (i.), old man.

mzee

(Id.).

kasuroboo, three-quarters (of any thing), lit. less a quarter, mizani (iii.), balance, scales, mawe ya mizani, weights, shuhuli (iii.), business, occupation, aina (iii.), class, kind, species. kuwia, to be creditor to.

mwongo

kuwiwa

mkono

ni, to

(iii.),

(iii.),

alama

J rupee),

nusu

In a shop

be in debt

to.

ku(?ai, to claim, to sue. kuvunc/a, to break (" change.") kuvmu/ika, to be broken, break-

able. kutoza, to tax, to fine, to exact. kuMani, to think, to suppose, to

presume, kufikiri, kuiafakari, to consider, reflect.

Head and

(i.), liar,

falsehood, bure, useless, free, in vain, to no

uwongo

(vii.), lie,

purpose, gratis, for nothing, (iii.), sort, kind, specimen, -baya, bad.

namna

-zuri, beautiful, nice, pretty,

(18

shuka doti

(ii.),

or

cubit

four hands, eight hands,

(iii.),

(iii.),

gunia

hand

in.).

(v.), sack,

chunia (iv.), iron, shaba (iii.), brass, sifuri (iii.), copper, -chache, few, a little, some, koti (v.), coat, jacket

Translate

Mwenyi duka huyo ni mt'u asiye haki. AkivumZa rupia Ati x mzee, thumuni, siku a'wapa wat'u pesa mbaya. hizi ina pesa nyingapi? Thumuni, mtoto, ni pesa kumi na Zamani nalipata pesa kumi na sabaa kwa si/a au ana nne. !

1 This, with mtumia, mama, taba, etc., must not be considered as disrespectful a mode of addrees as the English equivalent would be.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

70

thumuni. Sif/tani kwamba ulipata pesa hizo zot'e kwa 2 Fulani aniwia reale mbili thumuni, labuda umesahau. nami sina 3 cha kumlipa; Nalirnuona juzi, hamwambia "Ngojakidogo." Kweli u masikini wewe,ni heri wende ukafanye kazi pahali upate fedAa. Fulani ha/angoja sana. Kwamba nalikuwa na nueurupia ningelinunua marikano kidogo kushonewa koti. Nusu-rupia haitoshi kwa koti, u
!

!

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

k'itu ?

Translate It is a good thing to trade (to make trade is well), it brings much profit. If you begin with one sovereign you will get two before 5 many days. But you must reflect and calculate a great deal when you buy your merchandise. And, moreover, you must not (to) have false scales (scales of falsehood), or people will sue you [and] (again) they will run away from you [and] (they) will say, " He is a bad man, do not let us buy from him (his direction)." A good man cannot deceive his neighbours. You (pi.) are in debt to that shopkeeper you bought of him four yards (eight hands) of nainsook yesterday and (tr. neither) you have not paid him. It is not your business, why do you annoy us for nothing? We shall pay him to-morrow. Gold and copper are not breakable. Iron is a good thing. debtor is not always a liar. Chop this firewood (pi.). That kind of cloth will not do for a tunic, it is spotted

A

(ina alama-alama). 2

To

3

K'itu understood.

4

See Contracted Suffixes, Study XVI. " Translate, A few days hence," i.e. BaaJaya

translate into English idiom the sentence must be inverted. For Old English use of preposition before Infinitive see Luke vii. 24. 5

.

STUDY XI

71

SPECIMEN ADJECTIVES,

ETC.

VARIABLE PREPOSITION "OF." 8.

m'baya, bad (man) wabaya, bad (men)

mwoma,

good (man) P. werna, good (men)

mwema, P. :S.

mbaya, bad

good (tree)

miema, good

mibaya, bad

(trees)

S.

chcma, good (thing) P. vyema, good (things)

kibaya, bad (thing)

S.

baya, bad (name) mabaya, bad (names)

VI.

jema, good (name) mema, good (names)

S.

[jema], good (monster) P. [miema], good (monsters) S.

VII.

vibaya, bad (things)

wema, mwema, good

ya, of (house) za, of (Jwuses)

cha, of (thing) vya, of (things)

baya, bad (monster) mibaya, bad (monsters)

ubaya,

mbaya,

,

ya, of (trees)

(trees)

mbaya, bad (house) mbaya, bad (houses)

P.

wa, of (tree)

(tree)

njema, good (house) P. njema, good (houses)

S.

wa, of (man) wa, of (men)

bad

la,

of (name)

ya, of (names) la, la,

of (monster) of (monsters)

wa, of (string)

(string or condition)

(string or condition) P. njema, good (strings)

mbaya, bad

VIII.

S.

pema, good (place)

pabaya, bad (place)

pa, of (place)

IX.

8.

kwema, good (dying

kubaya, bad (dying or

kwa, of (death)

P.

mwema,

za, of (strings)

direction)

direction)

X.

or

(strings)


mbaya, bad (places)

mwa,

(of places)

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

This always agrees with tho noun that precedes

it.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

72

&a s S

E g

-S-S

.e'i i.i s>

S?

5 is "*

<*,

a

3

2^

S*f-

^

e

v

/

51J ,t:

g|

e s

l|iililli?i<Mi3 S ^H^ S g -?

_

*"

**

>*

^HS^^ *? ^ 2 *.

O O

*7>

O

^

^i.

^

-

^ '> S

>-

.3 .2 ^3 'S

***

hfc

i

"**

^S

f^ ^*

~ ^3

^

"*"t

5

o"

2

P

'N

-* 3 S" -S S & -^ S S

"*

l|il^|i}i >>S o

>X

>>

F*

QQ

>^ T

1

5

fe r

ill I

c

QQf^QQaJQgf^qgA^CJI

S

Illli

STUDY

73

XII

STUDY XII Muwili

(ii.)

The Body

KKwa

kuumia,

uso

Mngu

(iv.), head. (vii.), face.

God. Mwenyiezi Mngu, Almighty God.

jito (v.), eye.

mkono kidole

of

(vii. pi.), hair. (ii.),

sou (i.), mwanaadamu, Adam, human being, mau.

binadamu

(iii.), nose. shikio (sikio) (v.), ear.

p'ua

nywele

to suffer (bodily hurt).

(i.),

bega

hand, arm.

(v.),

maungo

(iv.), finger, toe.

kiungo

shoulder, back,

(v. pi.),

(iv.), joint,

kitena

(iv.),

Mdevu

(iv.), chin.

guu (v.), leg, foot. kanwa (v.), mouth.

ndevu

(iii.),

nguvu

(iii.),

ulimi (vii.) (pi. ndimi), tongue.
akili

mdomo

mbavu

beard, strength, sense, intelligence,

(iii. pi.),

(vii.), side, (vii.), ribs, side.

upande

(ii.), lip.

jino (v.), tooth. moyo (ii.), heart.

-eusi, black. -ekundu, red.

saud

(Zamu

(iii.),

voice, tune.

-eupe, white. a kusholo, left.

tumbo

-a

ngovi

kuume, right. kuumba, to create,

form,

to

shape.

kusimama,

(iii.),

(v.),

matumbo to

to stand (up), to stop

(of a watch, etc.).

kulekeza, to point, put opposite

to.

kunyosha, to stretch. kunyoa, to shave. kuiana, to comb. kunuk'a, to smell (trans, and

re-

member. kuuma, to hurt,

to pain (neut.), to bite (trans.). kutuniza, to hurt (tr.), to cause pain, to injure.

Bead and

blood,

stomach,

(v.), entrails,

(iii.),

mfupa

skin,

(ii.),

bone,

vein, nerve, muscle, ini (v.), liver, ubongo (vii.), brain.

mshipa

(ii.),

ukucha

(vii.), nail,

claw,

figo (v.) kidney,

shingo k'oo

neck,

(iii.),

(iii.),

kaakaa kilimi

neut.).

kuonyesha, to show. kufahamu, to understand,

member,

comb.

chanda (iv.), linger. chanda cha gumba (iv.), thumb.

throat, glottis,

(v.), tonsil,

(iv.),

uvula.

kisigino (iv.), heel, go/i (v.), knee, kifua (iv.), chest, p'umzi (iii. pi.), breath,

-gumu, hard, laini,

stiff,

smooth,

-ororo, soft.

Translate

nyeusi, meno yakwe ni meupe, ni kit'u chekundu. Maguu na mikono na ma-

Nywele zakwe ni

Damn bega

na

inidomo

na

ma to na

masikio

na

magot'i

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

74 1

ttmayo

2

mawili

3

mawili

(in two's), ela

kiwa na

uso na

kanwa na tumbo na moyo tunavyo 2 vimoja 3 vimoja tuu Una vyanda vingapi? N'na vyanda kunii. (singly). l

Una vidole vingapi ? N'na vidole ishirini. Ulimi hauna mfupa. Meno na kucha na mifupa ni vit'u vigumu lakini ngovi na ulimi na mafavu na kilimi na makaakaa ni vyororo. Mt'u mwenyi shingo ngumu hafai. Ngovi ya muwili na maguu yafaka oshwa, lakini ni'tu hunawa mikono na uso (his). Fulani guu lakvve (icill wash)

4

Sikio halipiti kitfwa. Ubongo wa binadamu 5 ulio na nguvu, akili, niuwili iidio 5 na na ^amu. moyo misbipa ndiyo Nywele za iliyo wanawake zafaka ku/anwa k\va kitena.

lamuuma.

ndio

G

ulio

wenyi

Translate

Stretch out your hand [on] this side. Tell him to show me his foot. It is the nose which smells odours [and] it is the tongue which tastes [the] sweetness of Fold [your] hands, children, and stand (yd) food. properly. It is [my] uvula which troubles me, it needs to be cut, I must go to the doctor (dakitari). God Almighty created man and gave him intelligence and strength. Men shave, women do not shave. He showed us the 2 of the sheep which was sold in liver, kidneys and ribs the market yesterday. Breath comes from the chest. The thieves injured [his] throat and back. Her skin is smooth. My right hand hurts me [but my] left has nothing the matter with it (translate "it has not a word"). It is his heels which will suffer from (kwa) those shoes. 1

" Objective pronouns with the Verb

To Have "

are expressed by

relative suffixes, instead of by the ordinary infix. Tunayo = we have them (nouns in Cl. ii. aud v.). 2 When one adjective, verb, adverb, or preposition qualifies or refers fo two or more substantives of different classes, it may either agree with the last of these substantives or take the concords of cl. iv. as here. 3

See note 1, Study X. This neuter verb can only be used transitively of pain to the When inflicted by another " umiza" is used. object's own person. " 5 is emSince the relative particle with the verb " To Have in is this indirect as an sense obtained the relative ployed objective, " it is it which is having," or "it is it which is with." way 4

STUDY

~

-?

t" -w

*

75

XII

.SH-^ni ^

^

r^j ,2 -5 1? .-

"flS

f^*

r^, ***

S

-5 'S

S

~

--sl'l 1C *^ * ,^ ^ S p

'^ *S .s "S

"S

-

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

76

1

~

o

.a

"o^

**

v .2

~

""^ >JS

"*!

g

'S^S

i

s

-i

^*

C^"*v

3 S o ^

*S

^'

G

f*\

rc r?

; 4

t a i

o .E**

og

.5*

us

3

t^_,

a

o_>

>> .

.

02

OQ

S

^

STUDY

STUDY Mtoni na bahari

On

(iii.),

(i.),

baharia

knvua, to (v.),

seaman,

mto (ii.), river, wimbi (v.), wave, mashua (iii.), boat,

(load).

nanga

(iii.),

(v.),

mtumbwi

ched

(v.),

anchor, canoe,

meli

vessel, boat,

passenger, passport,

depth,

cord, line (of coir). the opposite shore. kisiwa (iv.), island. mwamba (ii.), rock. nzio (vii.), fish-trap. nt'i (iii.), land, earth. (iii.),

(iii.),

Kisauni, Frere Town. Mswahili (i.), a Swahili. Mwarabu (i.), an Arab. Muhindi (i.), an Indian.

Maskati, Muscat.

(iii.), fare.

shehena

(iv.),

1

(iv.), ticket,

nauli

kilindi

sea.

ng'ambu

chombo (iv.), utensil, dhow. Jau (v.), dhow, abiria

kamba

ship, craft, vessel,

(ii.),

(iv.),

deep

(v.), sail,

jahazi

fish.

kusafiri, to travel, to start, to sail. kutweka, to hoist (sail, load). kutna, to furl (sail), to put down

kina

kasia (v.), oar. shuari (iii.). calm,

tanga

XIII

the river and by the shore

ocean, sea.

nrwana maji sailor,

Pwani

77

XIII

Amu, Lamu.

(v.), cargo,

mail-steamer, mvuvi (i.), fisherman, (iii.),

ukambaa

(vii.), rope (plaited), kuvuta, to pull, draw (row), kuvuka, to cross over, kuzama, to sink, to be drowned,

kttzamisha, to drown (trans.), kuogelea, to swim. kupakia, to ship cargo. ku
r/Aaruba

(iii.),

nahodha

(iii.),

storm.

captain, skipper. mlingot'i (ii.), mast. banriari (iii.), landing-place, harbour. rZira (iii.), mariner's compass.

sukani (iii.), rudder, helm. karibu (na, ya), near, soon, close by, nearly.

-kavu, dry.

kupokea, to receive, maji yajaa, tide is coming in. maji yapwa, tide is ebbing,

(iii.), net. -a pili, the other, the second. -kubwa, big, great. -dogo, little, small. -fupi, short.

kufa, to die.

-refu, long.

Bead and

nyavu

Translate

Bahari ni k'ubwa, hapana k'itu kiifungacho. Yule rnzee alikuwa baharia zamani, akasafiri hate, Maskati na visiwa vya mbali. Mito ya nt'i hii si mikubwa. 1

Kisiwani, an up-country

name

for

Mombasa.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

78

Mashua ya Mwarabu huyu ndiyo itupelekayo

l Kisauni Vutani makasia, watoto, maji yapwa, tungelifika 2 ni/upae ng'ambu, ela ham'kuvuta. Mimi ni mvuvi ni ni heri tutue mwingi, tanga. nyavu. Upepo Majahazi 3 ya Waswahili hufika Malindi na Amu na Unguja ilia hayafiki Ulaya. Mtumbwi hauna nanga wala sukani wzila

sikuzof'e.

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

i

papo. Translate

The fishermen 2 go (hwenda) every day to look for fish in the trap if they find them they are pleased. A captain whom our friends knew bound his child to the mast with a rope that he 5 might not be drowned. The little ;

6 is the one (he it is) from who who receives the tickets those journey by (in a) dhow. Cross over [to] the other shore, the tide is coming in. He who does not fish with a line, fishes with

European at the

(kule)

Custom House

a net. They left that poor man who was 7 nearly dying. You are tired already [and] (wala) we are not in sight of (have not seen) (dry) land yet. Hoist the sail [and] let us go to deep water, we shall not find waves or rocks, it is 8 "When the sailors are wanted (Fut.) (there is a) calm. you will not find them on the shore. Our boat is short and [our] oars are long. 1

"

few nouns ending naturally in " ni do not take the locative p'wani, jioni, mizani (?), roshani. The pronominal particle must agree with the pronoun antecedent

A

termination 2

in

number and person. " " "

" 3 Hufika = can go or " often go," as opposed to " yafika "they are going. See Study XIV. 4 See note 2, Study X. 5 The verb " pata " is often used as an auxiliary. Asipate

kuzama - asizame. 6 7

See Study XIV. See note on Adverbial Prepositions, Study Vide verb To Have," Study VII.

XX.

STUDY

79

XIII

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

aiufungao, we

he binds.

whom

atcrtfungao, ye or they binds.

he

wam'fungae, 1 whom they bind. wa&ufungae, thou whom they bind.

a/a'fungac/io, it (the thiwj)

which

wazifungazo,

they

(the

houses)

which they bind.

he binds. it

uiwfungao,

(the tree)

which

I

bind.

aliowafaka, they

When,

whom

he wanted.

may

word or

(the uh'fungafo, thing') which thou bindest. he to whom waliyempa, they gave.

therefore, the subject

number, the sentence

it

and object are alike in

bear a double meaning

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

For the use of a relative with other than the four tenses given on p. 75, and to avoid ambiguity generally, there exists in Swahili a convenient relative stem on to which the varying suffixes of nouns and pronouns can be attached amba ; this immediately precedes the verb. CLASS

mimi ambae sifungi, / who do not fast. wewe ambae hukwenda, you who did not go. 8. yeye ambae bajaitwa, he who has not yet been called. P. swiswi ambao turigelipenda, we who would have liked. P. nywinywi ambao m'likuwako, ye who were there. P. wao ambao wakali kulima, they who are still cultivating. IS. no ambao haufcik'atwa, that same (free) which will not be S.

cut.

P. IS. III.

IV.

iyo

ambayo

iiak'atwa, these same (trees) which will be cut.

P. zizo ambazo ni mbaya, these same (houses') which are bad. S. kicho ambacho chatusumbua, that same (thing) which annoys us. P. vivyo ambavyo havikufaa, these same (things) which did not suit.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

80 S.

ambalo hali/aanguka, that fame

lilo

(icord) winch will not

Jail.

P. yayo

same (words) vhich would

these

ambayo yangcJakwa,

be wanted.

VII.

S.

VIII.

S.

IX.

S.

uo ainbao

si

mbovu, that same papcndeza, that

papo ambapo kuko ambako walikimbia,

(string')

which

is

not rotten.

same (place) which phases.

same (direction)

that

ichither

they fed.

X.

P.

mumo

ambarao

tnlijififa, these

same

(places')

wherein we hid

ourselves.

STUDY XIV Shatitbani

shamba

(v.),

bus/ani

(iii.),

udongo

(vii.), soil,

m/anga

In the plantation or

kukauka, to dry up, become dry. kunyauka, to wither, shrivel.

vegetable garden, flower garden,

(ii.),

s.

earth, mould. sand, pi. light

earth. m'ti (ii.), tree, plant, nyasi (vii. pi.), grass, jani (v.), leaf. ua (v.), flower (-lawarirfi, rose

(ii.),

kuteka, to draw water. kulinda, to guard, keep watch. kutanda, to j)luck, gather.

kufimba.

)

kisima (iv.), well, ndoo (iii.), backet, tunda (v.), fruit, jembe (v.), hoe.

mwitu

field

forest, jungle,

to dig. kttfema, to cut down, to kuvuja, to leak. knjenga, to build. kumea, to grow, thrive.

fell.

mwiba

(ii.), (pi. miba), thorn. k'unde (iii.), beans. tuta (v.), raised bed for vege-

tables.

shoka (v.), axe. banda (v.), hut. kibanda (iv.), little hut.

kwanini ? why ? what for ? mk'ulima (i.), agriculturist, husbandman, farmer.

mmea

mbeyu

/ungu

crop, soldier ants, (iii.), small ants.

shina

(v.), root.

siafu

-biti,

(ii.), (ii.),

green, fresh, raw, unripe,

-bivu, ripe, mature, kulima, to hoe, to cultivate, to clear ground. kung'oa, to root out, uproot. kupanda, to sow, plant. kuvuna, to reap, kuzaa, kuvyaa, to bear, lo yield.

(iii.),

seed, grain.

a grain little, a few). mpanzi (i.), sower. t'embe

(iii.),

(Adj. a

mavuno (v. pi.), harvest. k'wekwe (iii.), weeds. magugn (v. pi.), tangle, undergrowth.

mwembe embe

(ii.),

mango

mango. mbuyu (ii.), baobab

tree.

(v.),

mtomoko

(ii.),

tree.

custard-apple tree.

STUDY XIV mkwaju

(ii.),

tamarind

81

mnanasi

tree.

-pana, broad.

mgomba (ii.), plantain mdimu (ii.), lime tree.

kama,

muhogo

(ii.),

pineapple plant.

(ii.),

mpera (ii.), guava tree. mlimau (ii.), lemon tree.

-embamba, narrow.

tree.

like, as,

such

as, (as

it

was).

mndu

casava.

Bead and

(ii.),

hatchet, handbill.

Translate

Ndugu zetu mlioweta wanakwenda kulima shambani. Mdogo wao hajui hatfa kung'oa k'wekwe, 2 ndiyo maana ya yule mktibwa kwenda, apate rufunza mdogo wakwe. J

2

miti gani shambani mwenu ? Kuna miembe, 6 minazi, luipera, migomba, midimu, mikwaju na mibuyu

Kuna

4

3

5

Tena kuna mihogo yot'e yazaa. Vizuri Sana ya, viazi.

na matuta Ai

1

!

sometimes contracted into

is

e

;

na minanasi na k'unde

Mna

e.g.

7

vyof'e

wete

m'fakavyo

for waite, kefa for

kaifa.

There are no degrees of comparison in Swahili. " Mdogo wao " "the younger (or youngest) of them," and "mdogo wakwe" for "his younger (or youngest) brother (or cousin)." See Study XVI. 3 When " shamba " takes the locative ending, a special plantation " or garden is referred to but in the expression " amekwenda shamba " -

stands for

;

" the country

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

cl. ix.

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

shambani kwa Mzungu,

plantation. in the direction of, or to

the European's plantation. cl. x.

cl. x.

shambani

mwa

mashambani

Mzungu,

mwa

Mzungu,

(a)

in

or

within

the

E uropean's plantat ion

(I) to or into the

.

Euro-

pean's plantations.

All names of trees are in cl. ii. The names of their respective fruits (in the singular) are found by omitting the class prefix. Theft-nits (themselves) are in cl. v. with "ma" plurals. Nazi, ndizi, 5

ndimu, are exceptions, being in cl. iii. Mgomba is the only tree which differs in nomenclature from fruit. 7

" Elliptical for

Mna

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

vit'u vyoi'e m'vitekavyo."

F

its

82

SWAHILI

GRAMMAR

Na michungwa [
8

isipokuwa

michungwa

!

hatuifaki,

haikumea huku, yale mazuri yaliwayo yafoka Unguja. Usiteke inaji kwa ndoo ivujayo. Translate

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

The owner

!

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

Only one

is ripe.

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

means together with.

STUDY XIV

83

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

84

w^

E"

1

-

'oo*

9

a "A

or H

<S

-2

a

OB

1

IP S

,0

s'e

s

rS variabl

Hu"

.

S s * 03

es

g>

I 3

C3

tc bo

a a cScS

3 3

g>

-

',:)

oS

O

STUDY XIV

b C ^

ti

HI o

f">S

.^^p

m '3 3 ?.

85

86

SVVAHILI

GRAMMAR

STUDY XV Safarini kiongozi

(iv.),

mnyap'ara

(iii.)

kuwika, fo crow (of a cock). kupiga (bunduki, etc.), to shoot,

veteran

kuinua, to lift. kukaza, to intensify. kukaza mwendo, to quicken pace.

head man

to

caravan). msafiri (i.), traveller,

mkubwa

(i.),

mtumia

chief, big elder,

man.

(i.),

(porter).

mkalimani asikari

(i.),

(iii.),

janmdari

(iii.),

mzigo

(ii.),

beramu

policeman, soldier,

load, burden,

banner,

k'ome (iii.). small flag, k'ambi (iii.), camp. p'osho (iii.), rations, food-money, k'ata (iii.), pad or head-cushion (v.),

stockade,

palisade,

fence,

huruma

(iii.),

pity,

compassion,

(ii.),

novice. sirikali

(iii.),

iaarisbi

(iii.).

the government. mail-bearer, mail-

kitete, kiioma (iv.), gourd, waterbottle.

nguvu

(iii.),

strength, force.

shimo (v.), hole, pit. mshare (ii.), arrow.

mercy.

mbono

nyeupe, way is clear. nJia imekufa, path is overgrown. killa, kulla, every, each (invar.). alfajiri (iii.), dawn, daybreak. mjinga (i.), simpleton, greenhorn,

runner.

for loads,

boma

kusimamia, to supervise, oversee. kuteta na, to scold* reprimand.

nr/ia

tent,

(iii.), flag,

fire.

kusemea

interpreter,

(v.), corporal,

hema

a Journey

(of

guide, leader,

(i.),

On

castor-oil plant,

kupiga i ago, to camp, kung'oa k'ome, to start the day's march,

uta

kuvunda k'ambi,

(iii.), shield. jimbi, jogoi (v.), cock.

to

break

up

camp.

(vii.),

mwendo

upindi (vii.), bow. journey, distance,

(ii.),

gait.

ngao

kuterekeza, to halt and refresh.

mzinga

kufasiri. kugeuza, to translate, kuvumilia, to endure, to bear, to

bunrfuki (iii.), gun, musket, basfola (iii.), pistol.

put up with, ku/angamka, to take courage, to

mkuki (ii.), spear. rungu (iii.), club, knobkerry. mtaimbo (ii.), crowbar.

be encouraged, to be cheerful, kuamka, to awake, to wake up. kuamsha, to waken.

(ii.),

cannon.

-zito, heavy. m'no, very, exceedingly.

rifle.

STUDY XV

87

Bead and Translate Wapagazi hawatfaki kutfukua mizigo, wasema

ni mizito.

Wainbie si mbali Wasipoifukua hawapati posho basi. tuenclako leo, wafakapofika wafapumuzika. Mnyap'ara ni mkali m'no, liana hururaa, sikuzot'e hutota na wat'u. Tena asubuhi kiongozi alikosa nc?ia, tukapo/ea mwituni. Tulipokuwamo m'le tulionana na wasafiri wengiae ambao killa mmoja ali/ukua beramu na buncZuki. Mkubwa wa mji ule yuaja kuzunguraza na mkalimani wetu ambae pekee awez* kufasiri maneno yakwe. Huyu mzee apenrfa kusikia habari ya p'wani. Atfaka tukae hapa siku nyingi, tupige rago kab sa na kujenga hemazetu. La Sipapendi, tena maji yamekwisha vifomani mwa asikari, na jamudari asema kwamba hawa^avumilia tukingoja. Wang'oe k'ome basi, sasa hivi, tuondoko tumeterekeza, yatosha, mlumia. :

!

:

Translate

The people

of these countries always build fences to * their villages. (loc. case) They fight with bows and arrows, spears and clubs ; [and] each one carries a shield. Although we are- tired, we must break up camp to-morrow when the cock crows (particp. tense) ; tell that simple fellow to wake us [at] daybreak. When the government mail-man comes (fut.), the soldiers will fire a cannon. This path is overgrown, we had better go back. If you are bitten 3 by a soldier ant, it will pain (you will suffer pain) ; but the small ants do not hurt [one]. strong

A

man (man having

The strength) can lift a crowbar. women's head-pads fell into a hole. Our porters would have been cheerful if we had not quickened the pace. Do not scold them, only supervise (them). Tell them if they get castor oil from these plants, they will be able to sell it when they return to the coast. See note 4, Study XIV. This is one of the few instances where the verbal prefixes of a sentient noun prefer the concords of the class it belongs to by its form rather than of the one it belongs to by its meaning. 1

2

3

"

"ni."

By"

referring to the agent, after a passive,

is

always rendered

88

SWAHILI GKAMMAR

^a. *ju

S "^ 3

g

3

"*

Q}

*-i

a I

"!!-

a

Qi

S

!

"s

43

li

"*"

"**

tr

""'

C

sa 1

5

O


S^ ~ 3 cJ

i-i

'S.

1s S,

*

z

~ ^

S^-^'gi is

no

Q M

i

O p 6 o H

6

H H

8

O S <:

O PM CO

^ ***/ eJ^s^/ K ^ O >

of

ali.

kub

Si 5 at 2

a

o!- ^* '^ CL c"~s r^

of*? K! ?*-

ff

f^

x*lX

i

r-4

11 s**i rf-r -

a i

# &|^ M

51

a

V e . pf

>> 0,'a.

s a a

.ft pap

kuk

^ ^ ^3 QQ

^

^ ^

STUDY XVI

89

STUDY XVI Hawa hawa hewa

(iii.),

net

Nyakati

air,

climate,

weather.

waka/i

(vii.),

majira

(v.),

mara

time, season,

appropriate time, a time (mara t'atu

(iii.),

=

interval of time, zamani (iii.)> time, saa (iii-), hour, watch, clock, (vii.),

f/akika

jumaa

(iii.),

minute, moment,

and

(iii.

v.),

ijumaa

(iii.),

(ii.)

mwaka

month, moon,

(ii.),

year, season of great

(ii.),

decades,

buiii

...

,

it

doubtless

.

.

.

zamani moja, once upon a time. hapo kale, long ago.

neema

grace, plenty, pros-

(iii.),

perous season.

muanga nuxu kiza

rains.

miongo

haina

rfalili (iii.),

week.

mweri

kucha, to dawn, to fear. kulwa, kutua, to set (of the sun). kutanda, to spread out, to bespread out. upeo wa ma
tlirce times).

murfo

Weather and Time

sig11 indication.

(ii.)

!

light.

brightness. darkness.

(iii.),

(iv.),

mbingu

sky, heaven. space, room, oppor-

(vii. pi.),

mshenri (i.). savage, heathen, masika (v.) (no sing.), great rains,

nafasi

mchoo

ulimwengu (vii.), inhabited world. wingu (v.), cloud.

vuli

lesser rains, latter rains,

(ii.),

(iii.),

(iii.),

tunity.

kusi (iii.), S.W. monsoon, kasikazi (iii.), N.E. monsoon,

nyota (iii.), star, planet. daima, ever, for ever, always, con-

kushinda, to stay, to spend the day.

mapema,

kukawia,

to delay, to loiter,

kung'aa, kung'ara, to shine, kuandama, to follow, succeed, to knzirfi exceed, to (intr.), increase.

kupungna, to decrease, diminish, kuonekana, to appear, to be seen, to become visible, kuongeza (trans.), to add to, to increase,

kupambazuka,

to

dawn.

tinually. early. -a kale, old, of old, ancient.

MCHAMMEDAN WEEK. Ijumaa (siku ya Jumaa), Friday. Jumaa-mosi, Saturday. Jumaa-pili, Sunday. Jumaa-tatu, Monday. Jumaa-ne, Tuesday. Jumaa-fano, Wednesday. Al'hamisi, Thursday.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

90

Bead and

Translate

Mwaka huu hakukunya 2 mwaka sana, lakini nichoo na 1

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

The sign of rain is clouds. since our father died (tr. since

Where have you I did not go

been,

anywhere

Two decades when he

have gone by

died our father).

child, all this time (muda) ? (pahali), I stayed just here (papa

my

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

Study XXI. 4 Nights take the name of the day that follows and not of the one that precedes. 5 Swahili time, like Jewish, is reckoned from sunrise to sunset (6 p.m.), and from sunset to sunrise (6 a.m.). Hence noon is the 6th hour of the day (saa site za m
STUDY XVI

91

Your mother called you two [or] u three times, Jtapa~). Once did you not hear ? I heard nothing, I was 7 asleep upon a time a large star appeared in the heavens. Peoplo of old followed it, and it became their (tr. to them) guide. In these countries the sun sets [at] six o'clock [in the] 8 evening ; [in the] morning it begins to dawn (kwacha) !

Next Sunday they will come still earlier come early). Good people are decreasThe sky is covered with clouds (tr. clouds are spread out). Famine has 9 come into the country. God has for ever given (added) grace and strength to (kwa) His people. [at] five o'clock.

will exceed to ing in the world. (tr.

are fond of omitting the conjunction " or" both connects words and sentences. " 7 Since the " me infix in verbs of posture (see note 3, Study III.) is used for time present, past time can only be expressed by intro" " ducing the past tense of the verb To Be before it, making it a 6

when

The Swahilis it

compound " 8

verb.

Kwacha "

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

Indie, of a monosyllabic verb).

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

92

II

-

P 02

CO

H

CO CO

g P PH

H

5z;

o o

STUDY XVI

93

SOME OTHER CONTRACTIONS " " hu " are contracted " respectively hi," prefixes ha," " " " " from nika," niki," ni ku by the following process

The verb

= nk

nik

In the same finally

way

k'

= h

the future prefix niia becomes

n'te,

and

t'.

mbwa =

Similarly,

For

=

full

ni

wa

nda = ni ya

" African Aphorisms." explanation see p. 20,

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

hai, alive, living

ni hai, I


uji

ridge safi,

clean, pure

ya

am

safi,

is

he

mtu aliye hai, a

alive

huu u t&mu,

this por-

sweet is clean

mbali, far, far

near yn[ko]mbali

n<7e,

he

is

away now

mlikwenda

outside

sasa, n<7e,

man

sweet por-

ridge

wa[po] karibu, they are

far

living

k'itu kilicho safi, a clean

karibu, near [soon]

away

ulio
uji

ye went

thing maji yaliyo karibu. water which is near miji

mbali.

ya

distant

towns mt'u wa nVe, an outsider

outside n'dani, inside

[yajpi

!

(var.)

which

?

u[ko]ndani 1 are you inside ? ni ipi ? which (house) is

mambo ya zipi

are

it ?

ndani, internal

affairs

ni

1

which (houses)

they

?

(and so on

throw/It all the clatset)

m&to

(lit.

eyes),

awake

tupu-tupu, naked

yu mafo, he

is

mato, he always sleeps with his eyes open

awake

alikimbia tupu-tupo, ran away naked

hulala

he

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

94

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

By

(1)

wewe

contrasting

one

statement with

mdogo, yeye ni mkubwa

ni

There are

is

another equivalent to "He

is

bigger than you." (2) By the use of the verbs kushinda and kupita (to surpass, to excel), also the verb kuzidi, to increase

stronger than HaHamed is the strongest of all.

Salim anamshinda Hamisi kwa nguvu, lakini Hamed anawashinda wotf'e,

Salim

Wao

They

ni

wangi

kupita

swiswi,

Mwaka

jana watoto wall-

kuwa wema, mwaka huu wanazidi, "

is

misi, but

are

more numerous

than we are. Last year the children were good, this year they are even better.

" zaidi," more, and the relative (3) By the adverb where there are "). kuliko," than (lit. '

Nyumba

hii ni ndogo,

ni

hii

ndogo zaidi, Ma/o yako ni mazuri kuliko yangu,

This house

is

small, that

is

smaller.

Tour eyes are more beautiful than mine.

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

and superlative

force.

Ni heri wende,

It is better you to go.

Bora

The most important

afia,

is

health.

(or well)

for

tiling

STUDY XVI

>^

fa

r/3

02

^ W

C P G

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

96

STUDY XVII Barani bara ziwa

mlima

(ii.

kilima

(iv.), hill.

jUo

-Up-country

interior of country. (v.), lake, pond.

(iii.),

),

mountain.

kijuto (iv.), stream. nikondo (ii.) wa maji,

current,

stream.

fombi (v.), ravine, nullah. genge (v.), cliff, precipice. n'ti ya tambarare, plain. kishaka (iv.), patch of jungle. nguu (iii.). peak of hill.

umande

moisture. haze.

(vii.), flew,

(v.), mist,

kwa

nini

mpiugo

what

?


shauri(v.), palaver, counsel, plan advice.

flanger.

k'ondo

branched palm.

mfaume

vita (pi.

to cliinb, to ascend. kuterem'ka, to descend, go down. to kill. kaua, kububujika, to well up, bubble.

kukwea,

m
(i.),

sitesheni
change,

quarrel, strife. kiDg, chief.

sorcerer, wizard, witch

moshi

gari la

kumimina, to pour (trans.). kuzoia, to hinder, prevent. kugeuka,

(i.),

enemy.

war.

doctor.

misheni

to turn (tr.

iv.),

(iii.)i

kutiririka, to flow, to trickle.

to

for ? why ? tree.

kaoila

hatari

(ii.),

(to-

ebony

(ii.),

a'/ui (iii,), foe,

(iii.)

Use of,

kunusa tumbaku, to take snuff. kuvuta tumbaku, to smoke. sharti, sharuti (fol. by subj.), "must," of necessity. pamoja na, together with.

kiko (iv.), pipe. saburi (iii.), patience.

mkoma

make

to employ. katafuna tombaku, to chew

bacco).

la maji (v.), spring, source.

kunge

kiitumia, to use, to

(v.), train.

(iii.), (iii.),

(iii.),

railway station. mission station.

bridge. tobacco.

tumbaku

(iii.),

mahindi

(pi.

v.),

maize, Indian

corn.

geuza).

kupatana, to agree, to be reconciled.

kuongoza, to lead, to guide. kakataa, to refuse.

mtama (ii.), millet, Kaffir corn. mpunga (ii.), rice (as it grows). nganu

(iii.),

mpira

(ii.),

wheat. rubber

tree,

india-

rubber.

Bead and

Translate

Msafiri ni masikini ajapokuwa mfaume. Eudae bara awe na saburi ; haini budi a/ak'uta hafari na ina-

sliarti

nibo

magunm, labudu

firi si

a/apata hasara pia. Siku hizi kusagari la rnosni likupelekalo

Sasakuna

kamazamani.

kulla upeneZapo k limani, fumbini, gengeni, au nt'i ya 1 "Kulla upen
:

;

heard of (the

affair) that

has happened.

STUDY XVII

!>T '

Lakwca juu, laterem'ka rf'iui panapo naito au vijuto, lapita kwa daraja, hakuna k'itu kilizuiacho Tena wazungu wamejenga sifesheni killa mabali gari lisi2

t'ambarare.

;

!

mamapo, kutoka

3

illi kwamba wasafirio wapate nafasi kungia na kama wapendavyo. 4 Mara kwa mara knna vita

barani. Kabila

5

wawa.

Watewi

6

nakabilahii juu yaj'ifo la Kisha wapigana, na wangi huuwaume na wake, niadui za wat'u.

hii ina k'ondo

maji au neno jingine. woi'e,

Translate

Here there is a mission-station, the people have planted maize and rice and wheat and millet. Also they have a plan to bring a stream of water from that big lake into their fields, in order (illi) to irrigate (Jcutia maji) [in the] dry season (time of fierce sun or north-east monsoon). 7

This (hayo) water is continually bubbling up, and pours over that patch of jungle to no purpose. The heathen 6 by the three peaks of hills chew [people] who live tobacco all day long. [He] who smokes tobacco must use a pipe. They agreed to guide us [to the] place where (psnyi) rubber and ebony trees together with the branched palm trees [grow], but when we got to (fika) their village, they refused. This nation has only a few cattle, they Water (icenyewe) live [in] a land of mist and dew. 6

mountain as

trickles [down] the 2

from 3

"

Where

there

palipo

na ").

<:

is,

or are

The adverbs "kama"

"

'

(lit.

(as),

far as the plain.

the place which has

"

contracted

"jinsi" (as or how), and

"kama

vile" (just as) require the relative suffix "vyo" to terminate the verb they precede, in order to complete the sense. There are other instances where plural concords of cl. iv. have an adverbial force vizuri,

vyema,

well, nicely.

vibaya, badly. vyengine, differently.

hivi, hivyo, vivyo, thus, so, likewise, vivi hivi, precisely so. vile vile, in like manner.

after time," " From time to time," " Now and again." in English we change the demonstrative k% this " to " in order to sharpen the contrast, in Swahili the same adjective that is repeated with a change in the tone of voice only. 4

s

" Time Where "

"

See Adverbial Prepositions, Study XX. Demonstratives may sometimes precede

their

nouns;

adjectives, never.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

O

other

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

98

DERIVATIVE FORMS OF THE VERB 1. The Causative. The simple verb, and some of the following verb forms, may become causative by changing the termination into -sha, -za, -sa, -ya, -nya or -vya. (a) -sha. Kupowfta (from kupata), to cause to get ; kvLSomesJia (from kusoma) to cause to read (hence to teach) knfnndisha (from kufunza) to cause to learn (hence to teach) ; kunyosAa (from kunyoka) to cause to be straight kurusfta (from kuruk'a) to cause to fly (hence to throw). Most verbs whose stems end in two vowels (fe) -za. form their causatives in -za. Kukataza, to prohibit (from kukataa), to cause to refuse ; kukweza (from kukwea) to raise ; kukimbza (from kukimbia) to cause to run away kufoza (from kutoa) to cause to give out (hence to tax, to ;

;

;

to lessen, to diminish kusahawza, to make forget. (c) -sa. Kutakosa (from kutakata) to cleanse ; kunwsa (from kunuk'a) to take snuff. (d) -ya. Kupon^a (from kupona) to cause to escape or get out of; kuonya (from kuona) to warn (i.e. to cause to see) kukanya (from kukana) to forbid (i.e. to cause to refuse or deny). (e) -nya. Kufungawya (from kufunga) to have (baggage, mizigo) tied up ; kugawaw^a (from kugawa) to have divided up. (/) -vya. Kunaw/a (from kunawa) to cause (hands) to be washed i.e. (to wash some one's hands, or face, or feet) fine)

;

kupungiua (from kupungua)

(trans.)

;

;

;

knlevya (from kulewa) to make (some one) drunk knjuvya (from kujua) to make known. NOTE. A verb may have two causative forms with different meanings. Ex. kuapa, to swear; knopwfta, to adjure, to administer an oath kuopt'za, to swear at, to ;

;

curse. to

NOTE. Frequently the causative idea would not occur an English mind which would employ a different verb

Ex. kupanrfteAa (to cause to climb) stands for altogether. to raise, to promote.

STUDY XVII

99

2. The Neuter (also called Resultant or Quasi-Passive) used (i) When a state resulting from an action is considered not necessarily implying an agent (ii) when we desire to predicate of a substantive that it is capable of receiving a given action. Terminations = ika, ikana (following an or u, in the stem) eka, ekana (following an e or o, in a, the stem) uka, ukana (following a penultimate u in a Ex. trisyllabic stem) (a) Kupatikana, to be obtainable; kupigika, to be beatable kuvundika, to become broken, to be breakable. " doable," to be done, to have (6) Kutendeka, to be happened kukosekana, to be missing, absent. kufumukana, to (c) Kuraruka, to be torn or tearable be separated, broken up; kuzumbukana, to be found, to ;

t

;

*',

;

;

;

;

;

come

to light.

The student must distinguish between Neuters and Reciprocals with -ana terminations also between Neuters and Transitives with -ika terminations. In each case the sense will decide. Ex. Kuonana (rec.), to see each other ; kuonekana (neut.), to be visible kufitamana (neut.), to be hidden; kupika (trans.), to cook; kuzika (trans.), to bury; kufitfika (neut.), to be concealable; kuangika (trans.), to hang up kualika (trans.), to invite kualika (neut.), to crack or split; kusimika (trans.), to NOTE.

;

;

;

;

erect, to set up. 3. The Applied or Prepositional has four uses: (I) To (II) supply the simple verb with a prepositional meaning To express completeness (with the word " mbali " (right away) suffixed); (III) To attach to the verb a new meaning (IV) To localize action. It is formed by inserting i (after an a, i, or u, preceding in the root), or e (after an e, or o preceding in the root), before the final vowel of the stem. ;

;

Examples of Use I. (a) Kupatia (from kupata), to procure for (some one) kupitia (from kupita), to pass by; kuangukia (from kuanguka), to fall down to, at, or before (some one or ;

something). (6) Kunenea (from kunena), mbea (from kuomba), to pray for.

to speak against; kuo-

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

100

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

kusomeshea, to cause to read from to cause to

fill

up

;

kujalizia (from knjaa),

with.

Examples of Use 11. or kutfupilia mbali, to throw right away (e~) Kutapia, kuishilia (or kupotelea) mbali, to be gone out of reach altogether, to be lost for ever; Kuulia mbali, to kill off out of sight. The prepositional syllable lia is occasionally separated from the verb and made an independent word. See Psalms ii. 3, Ixxxiii. 4 (Ed. 1904). ;

Examples of Use III.

(/) Some verbs reduplicate the termination to impart a different meaning from that conveyed by the simple prepositional form Ex. Kupiga, to beat ; kupigia, to beat for or with ; kupigilia, to consolidate a floor or roof by a special process of hammering peculiar to the Swahilis. Kuatfa, to leave; kuatia, to leave to or for; kua/ilia, to :

forgive, to remit.

Kwenda,

to

go

;

kwendea, to go

to (a

person) kwendelea, to go on, to make progress. Kupenda, to love ; kupendelea, to favour. NOTE. Some verbs have two prepositional forms which can be used interchangeably. Ex. Kuja, to come, makes kujia or kujilia kufa, to die, makes kufia or kufilia ; kufika makes kufikia or kufikilia. ;

;

Examples of Use IV. Limia hapa, cultivate here (
;

imeishia huko,

it

finished off there.

The Reciprocal. Transitive verbs are made reciproby adding -na to the root, intransitive verbs by adding

4.

cal

-na to their prepositional form. Ex. Kusaidia, to help ; kusaidiana, to help each other kushika, to hold ; kushi:

STUDY XVII

101

kana, to hold each other (or to hold together) kuimba, to sing (intrans.) ; kuimbiana, to sing to one another kulia, to cry, to call; kuliliana, to call to one another. Causative reciprocals are common Kusomeshana, to cause each other to read ; kufozana, to fine each other. When the stem ends in two vowels the syllable li or le must be inserted before the ana; ku/oleana, to give out to each other kufuliana, to wash for each other, to boat on each other (as waves). :

:

;

5. The Reflexive. This is formed by the insertion of the particle ji (selfj immediately before the verb stem. Ex. Kujipenda, to love oneself (i.e. to be selfish) ; kujifanya, to make oneself (i.e. to pretend j ; wajififia nini ? what are

for ? (prepositional reflexive) ; tutfawill force ourselves in (causative reflexive).

you hiding yourself jingiza,

we

The idea expressed by the G. The Subtractive. English prefix un- is conveyed in Swahili by inserting the vowel u (and in rare instances o) before the final a of the root of transitive verbs. Ex. Kufumba, to close (eyes, kufumbua, to open, to unclose (eyes, hands, kukunda, to fold; kukunrfua, to unfold; kuvaa kuvua, to take off (clothes), (nguo), to put on (clothes) hands, etc.)

etc.)

;

;

;

to undress. 7. The Reduplicated, or Modified Form. This is obtained by doubling the verb stem, and has the effect of weakening the signification. Ex. Kum'piga-piga, to beat him gently; Mtoto alia-lia, the child is fretting (not

kukunda-kunda, to crease (i.e. to make kulewa-lewa, to be giddy (from kulewa, to

actually cry ing ) little folds)

;

;

be drunk).

NOTE (1) Most of these forms may be another as well as upon the simple root.

made upon one

NOTE (2) Some verbs are only extant under one or other of the derived forms. NOTE (3) There are roots which have the appearance of being derived forms, but the sense shows that this is only apparent.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

102

TABLE OF DERIVATIVE FORMS OF VERBS The

following illustrate the various forms a verb

kufunga, to

kufungwa.

tie,

Simple. bind, fasten, shut, etc.

may assume

:

Causative applied. kufunganyia, to cause to bind with. kufungishia, to cause to tie for. kufungizia, to besiege with.

Passive applied.

Passive. to be bound.

kufungiwa, kufungiliwa, to be closed Neuter applied.

Causative.

kufungisha, kufunganya, to cause to bind, kufungiza, to besiege, to pen. Neuter.

kufungika, to be shutablo, to shut of

kufungikia, to close (of itself)

to.

to.

Reciprocal applied. kufungania, to be tied together with. Eeflexive applied. kujifungia, to tie oneself to.

itself.

Subtractive applied.

Prepositional.

kufungia, kufungilia, to shut for or with,

kufungulia, to untie

for.

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

Causative passive.

Reciprocal.

kufungana, to bind each other.

kufungishwa, to bo made to

Neuter reciprocal. kufungamana, to be tied together.

cut off by the tide. Subtractive applied passive. kuf unguliwa, to be opened to.

fast, to

bo

Neuter reciprocal applied. kufungamania, to be bound together by. Reduplicated passive. to be tied here and

Reflexive.

kujifunga. to bind oneself.

kufungwa-ftmgwa, there.

Subtractive neuter applied.

Subtractive.

kufungua, to untie, unfasten, open. Modified.

kufunga-funga, to

tie

here and there.

kuftmgukia, to open (of

itself).

Subtractive reflexive. kujifungua, to untie oneself, to relieve oneself.

Subtractive neuter. kufunguka, to be openable, to

open

(of itself).

Subtractive reflexive applied. kujifungulia, to open for oneself.

Subtractive causative.

kufungusha, to cause to open. Subtractive reciprocal.

kufunguliana, kufunguana, to open to each other.

Causative reciprocal.

kufungamanisha, to bind by contract, Causative neuter. kufungizika, to be besieged.

STUDY XVIII

103

STUDY XVIII Nyama m win/ fa

Beasts,

hunter, sportsman.

(i.),

Animals

kuparuza, to be rough.

m
kupeleleza, to spy out, to

ndovu

mbuni

ba
elephant. i'ui (iii.), leopard. fisi (v.), hysena, jackal. ngamia (iii.), camel. (iii.),

p'unda farasi

ass,

(iii.),

(iii.),

nyumbu

ndiwa k'anga

donkey.

mule.

nyati (iii.), buffalo. kifaru (iv.), fam(iii.), rhinoceros. p'unda milia (iii.) zebra. k'ongoni p'aa

haartebeest.

(iii.),

(iii.),

m'bwa (iii.), dog. m'bweha (iii.), fox. makao (v. pi.), dwelling, (v.), flock,

mdudu k'obe

(i.),

(iii.),

p'embe

lair, den. herd, crowd.

insect, vermin. tortoise.

corner,

kuwinda,

(Hi.), dove,

hunt, to chase, to

stalk.

bawa

(v.),

mkia

(ii.), tail.

p'opo

(iii.),

kipande p'ole

bat, butterfly. a piece, a slice.

(iv.),

p'ole,

slowly, gently, slow

gait.

kiiungule (iv.), rabbit. t'umbiri (iii.), monkey. k'ima (iii.), black-faced monkey. nyani (v.), ape. nyoka (iii.), snake, serpent. satu (iii.), python. (iii.),

mamba

kufanya khofu, to be afraid, kutisha, to frighten, to terrify, kufokea, to appear, to turn up, to happen. kupiga mbio, to run. kusongea, to approach, to draw near.

(iii.),

bug.

m'bu (iii.), mosquito. nyuni ndege (zTbar) (iii.), bird. silaha (iii.), weapon, arms. risasi (iii.), lead, ball (cannon), bullet.

baada ya,

of.

monitor

jongoo (v.), millipede. ng'ge (iii.), scorpion. mjisi kafiri (iii.), wall lizard. m'<wa (iii.), white ants.

kuruka, to jump, to spring, kupumka, to fly, to fly away, to

(iii.),

kiroboto (iv.), flea. t'andu (iii.), centipede.

kicho

deserve,

croco-

lizard.

kusheta, to bruise, to crush, kuharibu, to spoil,

to

(iii.),

dile.

k'unguni

like.

worthy

pigeon. guinea-fowl. wing.

(iii.),

mburuk'enge to

kunguruma, to roar, to thunder, kutambaa, to creep, to crawl, kufanana na, to resemble, to be

kusitehili,

ostrich. kite.

(iii.),

ngwena

horn, tusk, ivory,

(iii.),

duck.

(iii.),

anga (iii.), air, atmosphere. nguwe, nguruwe (iii.), pig.

gazelle.

t'ia (iii.), giraffe.

kundi

(v.),

mwewe

horse.

(iii.),

examine

closely.

(iv.),

khofu

(iii.),

dread. after (of time). baadae, afterwards, after

be

bila, without,

except by. raara, immediately,

it.

fear,

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

104

Read and

Translate

1

Mwindaji alikwenda bara kuwinda nyama wakubwasimba, na ndovu na nyati na kifaru. Alianrfika (wrote on, i.e. made a written agreement with) wapagazi mia wa kikamba kufuatana nae. Alifukua farasi wawili na nyumbu watono. Ndiani alipiga t'ia mmoja, k'ongoni watatu na p'aa wane illi awapatie cliakula wat'u wakwe. Baada ya mwendo wa siku silashara walifikilia mahali penyi t'umbiri na nyani wangi. Walipokuwa wakitezama nyama hao jinsi waruk'avyo raiti hafa miti, walisikia simba 2 kunguruma karibu nao. Wo/'e walifanya khofu isipokuwa mwindaji mwenyewe ambae alifukua banduki k'ubwu 3 ya kiznngu makusudi apate kupiga nyama wakali (ol nam'na hii. Aliposongea karibu kupeleleza, simba mkc alitokea 2 mbele yak we. Mara akalekeza bunduki yakwe, 4 akampiga risasi mbavuni, akaanguka akafa pale pale. Lakini wengine wawili simba waume walioandama nao 5 waliposikia kulia kwakwe, wakafoka mbio mwituni. Hapo

kama

)

1 The " -ni " of the locative is occasionally omitted to give a general and indefinite sense as opposed to a particular and special ibrce which the locative termination conveys.

See Adverbial Prepositions, Study XX. syllable Jsi has various uses Kibweta, little box (a) Diminutive Prefix 2

The

3

;

kidude, a

little

thing.

Language and Nationality Prefix Kisawahili, the Swahili language; Kimasai, the Masai language; Kingereza, the English language Viazi vya Kizungu, European potatoes Wapagazi wa (b)

;

;

Kitaita, Taita porters. (c) Descriptive or "Sort" and "Kind" Prefix Nguo za kifaume, mwendo wa kiume, manly royal garments (i.e. of a kingly sort) gait mambo ya kike, feminine matters maneno yo kitoto, childish language; kiusouso, face downwards; kilulifuli, in eager haste; ;

;

;

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

same man 5

The

;

pa pale (or pa pale pale), that very same place, etc. concords of " mahali," have a time as well as n place

significance.

STUDY XVIII

105

wa bunduki

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

ndipo yule ni^ukuzt

akasema Kazi

hii yatisha,

The python

is a large snake, he can crush a donkey or Leopards and 113 senas prowl about (iembea \
a small zebra.

him (tr. cause him Apes and big monkeys resemble men.

of (ya) the tortoise takes far.

to arrive)

He who

creeps [about] in the darkness deserves io be shot. Camels are huge beasts that carry heavy loads one camel can carry a load of ivory of (ica referring to mzigd) 380 Ibs.

[weight].

106

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

NUMERALS

STUDY XVIII

OABDINALS Class VI.

107

108

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

NUMERALS Ordinals.

(continued)

STUDY XIX

109

STUDY XIX Asipitali

Hospital, Dispensary

dakiteri (v.), doctor. Jabibu (v.), physician. mganga (i.). native witch doctor,

kuchemua,

to sneeze.

baridi (iii.), a cold, baridi yabisi (iii.), rheumatism, marad/ii (v. pi.), disease,

kuhara, to have diarrhoea. kuharisha, to relax. kutapika, to vomit. kupoa, to get well, to recover. kupoza, to heal, to cure (of God). kupona, to get over it, to pull through. kuponya, to deliver, kuioboa to break kupasua, through, to pierce, to lance,

ndui

kufaa. to benefit,

medicine man.

uganga

(vii.), profession practice of medicine.

Jawa (Hi.), homa (iii.),

and

medicine, drug, fever,

t'ete (iii.), small-pox,

to

to

be

t'ete maji, chicken-pox,

kutulia,

nkoma

tranquil, to be comforted, kutuliza, to alleviate, to comfort,

(vii.),

leprosy,

safura (iii.), anaemia, kifua (iv.), chest (complaint),

kidonda (iv.), sore, ulcer, donda (v.), large sore, ipu (jipu) (v.), boil, kiipu
jaraha (v.), wound, kijaraha (iv.), the wound (in foul diseases), p'ele (iii.), the itch. * buba

mbuba,

(iii.),

the yaws or

mti

(iii.), skin disease, tertiary stage of former. funza (iii.), jiirircr, maggot.

kuugua, to be ill. kuuguza, to see through an ness

ill-

hence, to nurse. knganga, to apply medicine, to treat medically. kuumwa ni, to feel pain in, to be bitten or hurt by. kufura, to swell. kuiva, to be ripe, or well-cooked, to develop, to come to a head. kukohoa. to cough. *

still,

kupumbaa, to be foolish, stupid, kulea, to bring up, to adopt, to nurse. kukanyaga, to tread on. kutonesha, to touch a sore place, to cause to "drop" or lit. " run." tone

(v.),

drop,

usaha (vii.), pus, matter. u
frambcesia. *

keep

usingizi kit'anda

(vii.), sleep,

(iv.), bedstead, kip'ofu (iv.), blind person, bubwi (v.), dumb person, kiziwi (iv.), deaf person. kiwe<e (iv.), lame person,

hirimu (iii.), young man. makohozi (v.), phlegm, cough,

maumivu (v.), aches, pains, makamasi (v.), mucous, mafua

(v.),

msahala bilauri

catarrh,

(ii.),

ya

aperient,

kupimia,

measuring

glass. f'upa (iii.), bottle.

kUambaa

(iv.),

bandage.

Diseases peculiar to Negro races.

HO

SWAHILI GBAMMAB

dasiluri fashion.

desfori,

mashaka

(v.

(iii.)

pi.),

custom,

afflictions,

trouble. binti (iii.), daughter. tejiri (v.), rich man. msairZia (i.), helper.

upumbavu

(vii.),

mpumbavu

(i.), fool, idiot, stupid. heat, perspiration, kadh'awakadha, various, other. -tupu. empty,

jasho

(v.).

tupu-tupu, naked, sababu (iii.), cause. kwa sababu, because, foolishness,

folly.

Bead and

cheer up I hope you will soon be better.

p'ole

!

!

Translate

Bwana, mt'u huyu anaugua sana, muwili wot'e unafura. Mwambie aje basi nimwangalie. Jambo, mzee, u hali gani ? Mimi ni mgonjwa Bwana, mgonjwa sana. 1 P'ole masikini Mngn afakupoza mararfM yako uliyo nayo, upoe. Mimi ni /abibu /uu, apozae wat'u ni Yeye Mwenyewe. A' ni mgonjwa sana Bwana, sijui mararf/ti haya kama ntapona,

!

si
ndani.

Tu^akupa <7awa illi upate usingizi, kisha baadae ufaona hujambo, u/akwenda 2 zako nyumbani kwako. Ahasanfa Bwana, abasan/a, ri'/akaa. N/ajaribu kutuliz^

3 moyo wangu. Una nini mtoto we' ? A N'na masLaka mangi, kwanza n'na funza maguuni, pili na/omwa ni inwiba Mashaka yako si mazito sana mtoto, ya/aondoka kidoleni. karibu na//*ani. Nf?oo huku kwangu niku/oe funza na mwiba pia, neno dogo hili, lafanyika mara moja. Bwana 4 dakitari, waitwa ni kipofu huyu. Asema aumwa sana ni ma/o tangn alipokwenda kwa yule mganga wa kinyika. !

Ni upumbavu wakwe basi,Daliouuonyaasiende. Waganga

wale hawajui lo lot'e isipokuwa kudhuru wat'u na kuwa5 wako Janganya. Mwambie ak'e/i, /'akuja sasa hivi, 1

upon

" " cannot bear the meaning put Etyniologically the word p'ole it is rather the tone that conveys it. it here ;

" " * very common ellipsis. The omitted word, ndia (ways) never inserted. 3 Familiar abbreviation of " wewe." 4 Translate by Active Voice. " " " Kuna " " 5 " for there are." are there or "

A

They

pana

be used, but convey a more general and less definite sense.

is

might

STUDY XIX

111

wengine waningojeao, wenyi ukoma na safura na marad/ti

6

rati

na

kadha'wakadha. Translate

a Government hospital where white people are nursed. Black people go to the Mission Hospital, which is (iliyoko) on the island. There (huko} medicine is given daily (killa siltu) to every one who comes, whoever he may be. Those who are ill receive medical treatment Besides this (zaidi ya (Jiuganywa) and are cared for. liaya mambo} the doctors train (hufunAisha) intelligent (having intelligence) young men [in] this work of mercy. These helpers wash sores, dispense (hutoa) medicine, take out (ng'oa) teeth, and bandage (funga) wounds. Those who have colds, coughs, chest complaints, rheumatism, catarrh and fever live [in] one house, smallpox patients (having s.p.) [in] another (house), and those who are suffering from (wauguo) boils, (or) abscesses, (or) the itch, (or) big sores, or yaws live [in] a third (house). The daughter of (tr. his daughter) the lame rich man came yesterday with a malignant boil; to-day it came to a head and the doctor lanced it. Much pus came away

This

is

These two

(toka).

each

dumb men have

fever.

(killa mt'u} five drops of this drug (of) to perspiration, and tell them to go home and

Give them cause

(too.)

go to bed It is the custom here that every one who wants (lala). medicine must 7 bring a bottle empty and clean AVhy do you not keep still ? Because you 8 hurt my sore place. My adopted (wa kunilea) mother has (feels) pains all over her body; she coughs and sneezes continually. Do not " go into that house lest you get chicken-pox. !

u This and many other Arabic words do not follow the Swahili rule of accentuating the penultimate. ' " " " is favourite expression for " bring kuja na (to come with). 8 When transitive verbs express an action that affects a man's person or being, the idea of possession is conveyed by inserting the personal objective infix in the verb, excluding the possessive adjective from the sentence. Ex. Umenikanyaga guu, you have trodden on me (the foot) itekuumiza kitwa, it will hurt you (the head). 8 "Lest "is translated by the Negative Subjunctive of "kuja" used as an auxiliary followed by the " ka " tense of the principal verb.

A

;

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

112

ADVERBS AND ADVEEBIAL PHRASES Adverbs generally follow the words they modify, be they verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Pure adverbs especially of manner are not very numerous, but they can be extemporized to an almost unlimited extent by prefixing the preposition Tcwa to both nouns and infiniEx.

tives of verbs.

kwa

kwa

furaha, joyfully,

kuteka,

laughingly.

ADVERBS OF TIME wa manane, midnight

sasa, now. sasa hivi, hivisasa, 71010 at once. ha
usiku

mara nibili, twice, etc. mara nyingi, often. mara kwa mara, time after time, from time to time, again and

mwisho,

again.

mara (precedes

verb),

immedi-

ately.


.

ago. leo, to-day. jana, yesterday. jnzi, flay before yesterday. juzi-juzi, the other day.

kesbo, io-morrow.

kesho-ku<wa, day after to-morrow. njtondo, three day* hence. nyuina, after, later.

mapema,

kwanza,

first, firstly,

katikati, in the middle. barfo, not yet, slill, as yet.

bado kidogo, soon, present'y baadae p'unde, later on, in a few minufet.

mbele, before, first, earlier. baarfae, afterwards, later. hafa, until, ecen. palepale, that very moment (past). p'unde, just now, a little while ago. p'iudi, when, in a little while.

papo kwa papo, moment moment. pnpo hapo, immediately. hapo kale, long ago, a lotig

1y

time,

ago.

hadma, hotimac,

finally, in

the

end.

zamani, formerly.

mpaka,

late at night.

(in

last, lastly.

asubuhi yakwe,

usiku sana,

before

the first instance).

early. asubulii, in the

morning. the next morning, on the following morning. asubuhi sana, early in the morning. alfajiri, at dawn, at daybreak. a/A uliuri, at noon. nifana, in the daytime. alasiri, in the afternoon. jioni, in the evening, at dusk. nsiku, at night, in the night.

(lit.

2 a.m.).

siku

until.

liizi,

now-a-days.

sikuzo^'e, ahcay*. killa siku, daily, every day, re<jnlarly.

eiku

kwa

siku,

fitfully. siku liafa siku,

after day, another.

now and

again,

day by day, day from one day to

STUDY XIX daima, continually, perpetually. '/ahari,/or ever. milclc, for ever ami ever (retrospective and anticipatory), halafu, afterwards, presently.

113

kabla or kabula (followed by

j

a

"

tense), ere, before.

tangu (followed by

"po"

teiiac),

since.

-po- (adverbial infix), ichen.

ADVERBS OF PLACE hapo, there (place in mind).

juu. up above, upstairs.

hukojuu, up

there.

down below, downstairs. pale
l"m\,

on the ground. ndani, inside, within. ndc, oiilxiiJe, icithout. mbele, in front, at the head, on nt'i,

before.

katikati, in the middle, in between. mbeleni, in the future.

nyuma. behind. mbali,/;- away. karibu, near, nigh. k'ando, aside, apart, to one side. k'ando all k'ando, alongside, round, all along the side.

hapa, here.

pale, there, over there. huku, here, in this direction. huko, there (place in mind). kule, there, in that direction. humu, in here. humo, in there (place in mind). m'le, in there, inside tJiere.

papa hapa, just here. kuku huku, just there.

mumu

humu,

just in there.

pale pale, on the same spot. kule kule, in the same direct inn. po pot'e, anywhere. pengine, elsewhere. pia pia, all over the teliole. ko<'e kot'e, everywhere. -po- (adverbial infix), where.

ADVERBS OF INTERROGATION -je ? (suffixed to verb), ?

lini?

when

kwa

how ?

(introduces question), what wapi ? (-pi ?) where ? whither ?

joe

1

gababu

reason

tangu

lini?

when?

!

gani? how in this? kwani? why? wherefore? mbona? why? wherefore?

jinsi

gani

?

for

how long ayo?

!

no

sivyo, not so, not thus.

!

siyo, no, not

so.

ADVERBS OF AFFIRMATION naam,.ye. ndiyo, yes,

ndivyo,

it is so, it is

thus.

it is go.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

since

ka^iri gani? in what measure? in ichat proportion ? kiasi gani ? at what price ?

ADVERBS OF NEGATION la

what

?

II

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

114

ADVERBS OF MANNER AND DEGREE so.

hivi, vile, hivyo, yivyo, thus, vile vile, just so, just the same.

vivyo

vyepesi, easily. sharfi, necessarily.

hivyo, precisely the s:ime.

kama,

such

as,

-vyo

.

kama

mbalimbali, separately.

as.

wazi, plainly, clearly, obviously.

...

vyo, as

.

.

\as

vjo \asorhow vyo jinsi . vile vyo (just as ... kama vile vyo 'ere as \kadiri ya . vyo, according as .

.

.

.

.

no,

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

in proportion as

.

and adv.)> (adj. straight, level, equal.

sawa

so.

.

.

so.

right.

sawa sawa, properly, tu, only,

simply (always at the

end of a phrase), kweli (may precede verb),

truly,

really.

kwa

p'ole p'ole, slowly, gently. rarafibu, cart-fully.

kweli, thoroughly. haraka, quicldy, hurriedly. ghafula, suddenly, abruptly. sana, very, very much, thoroughly. in 'no, exceedingly, a great deal. haba, a little, very little. kidogo, a little rather. p'unde, a little. kidogo-kidogo, by degrees. hate kidogo, not even a little, not

kwa kwa

z&idi, more.

vyema, well, nicely. kadbalika, in like manner. vizuri, beautifully, nicely.

vibaya, badly, ill. bure, to no purpose, freely, for nothing. upesi, quickly, rapidly. upande, on one side, crookedly.

kusikiiika, sorrowfully.

any.

majonzi, sadly.

KV a urefu,

kabisa, altogether, entirely, not at

lengthwise.

kwa upana, breadthwise. kwa bidii, enthusiastically,

all.

ener-

kamwe, not

at

all,

never.

halisi, exactly, precisely, genuinely.

getically.

kwa nguvu, by force. vyengine, differently.

pekeyakwe, by himself. yayo kwayayo, all over again.

The

different uses of Icweli must not be confounded. kweli (adj.). a true, just man ; mtu kwa kweli (adv.), alimsifu kwa kweli (adv.), he did indeed praise truly (in truth) a man him or lie praised him thoroughly.

NOTE.

Ex. Mt'u

wa

NOTE. Halisi can be used adjectively to mean Ex. Ni baharia halisi, he is a thorough sailor.

"a

thorough."

STUDY XX

115

STUDY XX Madarasa mkufunzi (i.), teacher. mzazi (i.), parent. mafunzo mafundisho

kudarisi, to hold a class. kuhishimu, to honour, to respect, (v.

pi.),

teaching, instruction (v.), native governor (also

liwali

wali).

darasa

wisdom.

(iii.),

hukumu

kufoa kosa, to blame, reproach,

authority,

(iii.),

kuamrn, to command, kukubali, to receive, to accept, to agree to, to allow, kufuliza, to go on, to persevere, to precipitate.

(v.), class.

hikima

School

com-

mand.

kusifu, to praise,

kuonea, to oppress, to ill-treat, kujumlisha, to add (addition),

maarifa (\r. pi.), knowledge. am'ri (iii.), an order, a command. hisbima (iii.), honour, respect. had (iii.), handwriting, document. hisabu (iii.), sum, calculation.

kukua, to grow (applies only to animal kingdom),

rahamani

kunena nwongo,

kibao

(iii.),

map, chart.

slate

(iv.),

(originally of

wood).

mbao

boards, forms. kosa (v.), fault, mistake, trans(vii.),

gression.

chuo cha majina (iv.), register. (iii.), geography. ushindani ukaidi (z'bar) (vii.),

jiografia

obstinacy. kiburi (iv.), pride. hasira (iii.), anger, indignation.

kinanda

(iv.),

iokaa fimbo

(iii.),

lime.

present, gift. chuoni, to send

(iii.),

kupeleka

to

kujKahidi, to endeavour. kufanya bidii, to take pains. kuhifimu, to finish education. kuarifu, to inform (by letter). to.

to

give

to

lie,

to

tell

lies.

kupiga kupiga

kofi, to k'ofi, to

clap hands, box on the ears,

kusikifika, to be sorry, kuimba, to sing, kusbinda, to win, to conquer, to beat, to use kutukana, insulting language, to abuse, knona haya, to feel ashamed, kutangulia, to be ahead of, to take the lead, to precede, kufukiza, to irritate, displease, offend.

ji/iha(ft (iii.), effort,

bWii

school.

kuagiza,

kumaliza, to complete, to finish,

-kai(7i,

(iii.),

(iii.),

zawadi

kuzidisha, to multiply,

obstinate, stubborn, -zima, whole, entire, horfari, strong, clever, capable, -tukutu, mischievous, fidgetty.

cane, stick. prize, reward. consolation prize.

(iii.),

thawabu tuzo

musical instrument

harmonium, organ).

(piano,

kupunguza, to subtract,

instructions

(iii.),

zeal,

siasm, ilimu (iii.),

endeavour. enthu-

pains,

learning, doctrine, study, knowledge. arZabu (iii.), politeness, good

manners, chaki (iii.), chalk.

SWAH1LI GRAMMAR

116 kawaida

wivu

(iii.), etiquette, custom, the correct thing," unwritten law. bakishishi (iii.), a gratuity, dole. aibu (iii.), shame, disgrace. sense of shame, haya (iii.),

(vii.), jealousy, envy. waziwazi. plainly, obviously.

"

wimbo

haja

(iii.),

song, competitiun,

(iii.),

running,

great

rapidity.

matukano

(vii.) forgiveness.

request, desire, need.

(iii.), promotion, honour, preferment, degree, order.

(vii.),

idleness,

(v., pi.), insults,

vulgar

insulting language. thamani (iii.), price, value.

(Zaraja

uvivu

hymn,

(v., pi.),

race,

mbio

modesty.

msamaha

(vii.),

mashindano

sifa

(iii.),

mapenzi

laziness,

praise,

(v., pi.),

ruhusa, rukhsa

sloth.

commendation, love, will.

(iii.),

leave, per-

mission.

-vivu, idle, lazy.

Bead and

Translate

Mwana

Mwalimu miuoja umleavyo, ndivyo akuavyo " kihindi anaanza (opened) " skuli katika mji wa kale Wanafunzi wakwe hawafuilli kufundisha kizungu, nzwi ha/i wala hisabu. Ameandika vijana ishirini na vi ne katika chuo cha majina ela nasikia hawafulizt kuja killa siku, nae mwenyewe hana hukumu juu yao. Ohuoni inwetu swiswi (a< our school) twafunzwa kujumlisha, Tuna rahamani kupunguza, kuzidisha na kugawanya. ukutani, tupate kuelewa habari ya ulimwengu tuuke/io 2'ena tuna vibao na peseli ilimu hii yaitwa jiografia. na kalamu na mbao mweusi na chaki vyo/'e vipaeavyo. jMkufunzi wetu ni hodari kwa kupiga kinanda atuimbisha nyinubo nznri killa namna. Siku k'uu ya ku/olea thawabu tu/aziimba mbele ya wazungu woi'e na kundi zima la killa mtoto kuwat'n. Ku/akuwa na mashindano eiku ile shindana na wenziwe kwa kupiga mbio na kuruk'a na !

wa

mambo

mengine.

tuzo, wat'u vrote

Wenyi kushinda hupawa

zawadfi na

Yawapasa wazazi wo/'e kuwaleta watoto wao chuoni mwetu. Usbindani na uvivu Sharti killa m'tu oa matukano hayakubaliwi kabisa. wakipiga

k'ofi.

afanye bidii kwendelea mbele.

STUDY XX

117

Translate

The beginning

of all wisdom is to fear God and to His commandments. The liwali's son (his son the liwali) does not study any longer, he has finished his education. His father sent him to school when he was quite small and he himself persevered, and endeavoured [to get on], so that (hata) he got great praise (many praises) from his master the other day when he left school. If a boy transgresses he must ask forgivebut if he hides his ness, and he (nae) will be forgiven faults and tells lies he will be disgraced (jpata aibu\ and These girls have no (woo) his parents will be sorry. manners nor respect, they play [about] all day and (tena) have no one to teach them. If they were allowed (got leave) to come to school they would not be [so] mischievous and obstinate as they are (Jcama vile walivyo). Love is

keep

(fihika)

;

a thing of (having) great value in the world. By love we can help those who are oppressed, and instruct those who have no knowledge. It is not the correct thing here to ask for gratuities. He who does this (thing) has

no sense of shame. If your companion is ahead of you do not be displeased. The young men who get promotion I can are those who honour their parents and teachers. see plainly that you will not be able to complete your task this week.

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

katika,

in,

into,

among, about,

out of, on. hate, even, until, as far as. mpaka, until, till, as far as. kutoka, toka, fokea, from, since. tangu, from, since, for (tangu siku nyingi, for many days). na, with, together with.

kwa

(instrumental) by, by means of, with, for, to, through. ni, by (said of the agent). pasipo, without. bila, except, without.

(i)sipokuwa -a (var.), of.

(var.), save, except,

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

118

Frequently the same preposition is used with two entirely opposite meanings, each being imparted to it by the verb with which it is employed. Ex.

Ametoka katika nyumba, Amengia katika nyumba, Nalitoka kwa mwalimu,

lie

came out of

the house.

went into the house. 1 came out of the teacher's Tie

[house],

Nalingia

kwa mwalimu,

1

went

into

the

teacher's

[house].

ADVERBIAL PREPOSITIONS

These are formed by combining in one phrase an adverb and the variable preposition -a (of). Pronouns following these require to be in the possessive case. Ex. mbele yangu

nyuma yakwe kinyume chako

= before me. = behind him. = against you.

over, against, about, with regard to.
baada ya, after (time). k'ando ya, by, by the

kabla ya, before (time), kwa ajili ya,/or the sake of. kwa sababu ya, because of, on account of. badala ya, instead of, in exchange

kinyume cha, against, contrary to, side of. upande wa, on the

juu ya, upon, above,

of,

k'ando k'ando ya, on both sides of, round about. karibu ya, near, near to, nearly. kati ya, during. kati kati ya, in the middle or

midst

of.

.

.

.

zak?i ya, beside, in addition to. mabali pa, in lieu of, in place of,

instead

of.

mfano wa,

for.

side

beside.

like,

similar

Occasionally na (with)

to.

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

na,

mbali naswi karibu nae pamoja nao

=far away from

= near him. = together with

us.

them.

STUDY XX

119

CONJUNCTIONS Several verb tenses have a conjunctive force. Ex. (1) The Subordinate Tenses of the Indicative, Imperative, and Subjunctive with "fca" (and). Ukafanya (and you made), kafanye (and make), ukafanye (and that you, may make). " ki " Akifanya, if Jte (if). (2) The Participial with makes. (3) The Negative Participial with "sipo'' (if not). Wasipofanya, if they do not do [it]. (4) The "Even should" or "Although" Tense with

"japo." (5)

Nijapofanya, although or even should

The "Though" Tense with "nga"

Tungafanya

or

ingawa twafanya, though we

I do.

.

.

.

or " ngawa."

do.

.

.

.

Other conjunctions not bound up in verbs are na, and, but (this combined with the pronominal suffix of a noun " also " mfaume nae preceding it in fact or thought means :

akenda, the king went also). pia, also, too (stands at the end of a phrase or sentence), tu, provided that, if so be that, if only, so long as (stands at the end of a phrase or sentence), lakini, but (see note subjoined), walakini, but. but (except) not strongly adversative. ena, again, moreover, furthermore, besides,

ilia, ela,

bali, but, rather, but rather, basi, therefore, then, now, so.

and so, that is how it was. kwaniba, kama, kana kwamba, that, whether, if. ya kwamba, ya kuwa, that. illi, illi kwaniba, in order that, to the intent that, so that, ndiposa, therefore,

au,

au

.

.

.

au, or, either

...

or.

nor. wala, nor, neither pamoja na haya, nevertheless, notwithstanding, kisha, then, .

.

.

kwa kuwa, kwa maana ya, kwa sababu for as much as, the reason being.

ya,

kwani maana,

haia, and, even, kwa ajili ya hayo, wherefore. k'wenda (followed by " ka " tense), supposing that, isipokuwa, howbeit, but.

mithali na (u

.

.

.),

supposing (you were to

.

.

.

),

for,

may be

because,

that,

(followed by Subj.).

120

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

NOTE ON "AND" AND "Box" "

"

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

Juma na mkewe,

Juma and

(or with) his

icife.

" It means " but as a contrastive particle

Juma

ni mzuri sura zakwe, ni m'ovu,

mkewe

na

Juma

is handsome as to his countenance, but his wife in

ugly.

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

NOTE. place.

Na

used to introduce a subjunctive phrase na us pray. When it precedes a vowel the " a " be elided to form one word. Ex. Naje for na aje. is

tuotnbe,

may

:

let

Ilia, ela, but.

The root-meaning

"

"

except

must

lie

borne in mind.

Wat'u woJ'e wamekaja,

ilia

wewe hukuja, Juma ni mzuri, ela mkewe si

mzuri,

Everybody came, but you


not come.

Juma

is

handsome,

but

his

irife is not.

This is always used by way of qualiLakini, but. fying what has been stated in the previous .sentence, <.r what is implied by it

Juma

ni

mzuri, lakini ni

kiwete,

Ulinambia ya Juma, lakini ya mkewe hukunambia,

Juma a

You

is

handsome, but

cripple. told me about

not about his

but. The use of this is Isipokuwa, " as " ilia with an extension of meaning.

In

/.<

Juma, but

icife.

much

the same

STUDY XXI

121

STUDY XXI Dini

Maumba (i.). Creator. Bwana Jesu Masihi, Lord

kuamini, to believe, to trust. Jesus

Christ.

Roho Mtakatifu, Holy Mwokozi (i.), Saviour. Malaika (iii.), Angel. Sheifani

(i.),

Chris-

tian.

Muhammedan.

Muisilamu (i.), Jmamu(v.), Mubammedan Bishopu (v.), Bishop. Kasisi

Christian

(v.),

priest.

minister,

presbyter.

Shemasi

Mtume Nabii

Deacon.

(v.),

Apostle. Prophet.

(ii.),

(v.),

Kafiri (v.), Unbeliever, Infidel. Msb.iri.ka

(i.),

Partner, communi-

cant.

Kanisa

(v.),

msikiti

(ii.),

Maan(ttko

The Church. church, mosque. Writings, pi.),

(v.

(iii.),

Koran.

Injili (iii.), Gospel.

Waraka

(vii.),

Epistle.

Taureti (iii.), Law (of Moses). sharia (iii.), l*w. Zaburi (iii.). Psalms (Prayer-

Book).

Maagano ya Kale (v. pi.), Old Covenant or Testament. Maagano Mapya

Christian.

kusilimu ki sawahili, to become a Muhammedan. kusali, to pray, to say prayers. kuongoka, to change, to l>e converted. kubapu/izi, to baptize. kuhuburi, to preach (to). kutuma, to send (used only of

persons). kubasbiri, kufabiri, to prophesy, to foretell.

kuisbi, to live. kuwa hai, to be alive. kushariki, to share, to cate.

communi-

kushukuru, to give thanks. kuiukuza, to glorify, to praise. to to kushuhudia, witness,

Scriptures.

Kuruani

kusatiiki, to believe, to credit. kuaburZu, to worship.

kuokoa, to save, to deliver. kukomboa, to redeem, to ransom. kutamani, to covet, to desire. kusilimu ki-masihia, to become a

Spirit.

Satan, devil.

(v.),

Mmasihia, Mnasara

Religion

New

testify.

kupiga

shahada,

Muhammed by

to witness

reciting

to

the

creed.

kuwaza, to think, to consider. kuinama, to bend, to stoop, to bow down.

sura (iii.), chapter (of Koran). ishara (iii.), sign, miracle, wonder.

kulaani, to curse. kuapa (kula kiapo), to swear. kuitika, knitikia, to answer to a call, to respond (as in church). kuteajabu, to wonder. kufariki, to die, to decease.

zaka (Hi.), tithes. hakika (iii.), proof, certainty. msalaba (ii.), a cross.

kuzika, to bury. kufufuka, to rise from the dead. kutangaza, to publish, to set

(v.

pi.),

Covenant or Testament. Mithali

(iii.),

Proverb,

simile,

allegory.


(iii.),

repentance.

forth, to

announce.

SWAHILI GRAMMAS

122

kufawala, to rule, to reign, to control, to govern.

Ushirika

kufariji, to comfort, kusalibiwa, to be cruci6ed.

asili

kufubu, (kuju/a), to repent,

utakufu

imani

faith, belief,

(iii.),

Kama
(iii.),

wokofu

mawazo (v.), thoughts, sanamu (iii.), idol, image, picture,

worship, service,

laana kiapo anasa ajabu

salvation, deliver-

(vii.),

ance.

ukombozi (vii.), redemption, famaa (iii.), desire, passion, lust, unyenyekevu (vii.), humility. Islam

Islam.

raha (iii.), rest, ease, luxury, uongofu (vii.), conversion, nia (iii.), mind, heart, disposition, n'afusi

self,

(iii.),

(iii.), hell, the cold grave, ahera (iii.), hades, the world to come.

person, soul,

ad/tabu

spiritual being.

pi.),

life,

(iii.),

marufuka

(iii.), spirit, soul. tozi (v.), a tear,

(v.

(iv.), oath,

kuzimu

roho

maisha

curse,

(iii.),

(iii.), worldly pleasures. (iii.), wonder, surprise, kifo (iv.), mauti (v. pi.), death, mortality. kaburi (v.), grave, tomb, maiti (iii.), dead person,

Mohammedanism,

(iii.)>

Muhammcdan

(iii.),

Fast.

sacrifice, alms,

ibarfa

source,

(vii.), glory, shahir/i (v.), a witness.

creed,

religious offering,

(iii.),

Holy

(vii.).

root,

origin,

(iii.),

nature.

goodness,

sadaka

utakatifa

Communion,

punishment, torturo.

(v.

pi.),

prohibition,

forbidden things,

dhambi

existence,

(iii.

and

v.), sin.

lifetime.

Bead and

Dim

Translate

ya kweli ndiyo ituongozayo

kwa Mngu na

kutn-

Twaamini kwamba Mmasihia ndiye rnwenyi

fariji roho,

kmva nayo

Muisilamu hutnwita Mnasara, hay a huserua, Kafir i akufaae si 2 Muisilamu asiyekufaa maana, ajapo shikana sana Da 3 na knd&arau dim yakwe yeyo wenyi dini nyengine

kafiri

;

dini hiyo. lakini pamoja na

J

;

" Si"

=

This is a common ellipsis in bye-words and not stand for, " [Give me] ." " reminding Reciprocal verbs are usually followed by na (with) " con- " us of the frequent English prefix (or infix) (com-), with. Equivalents for reciprocals may readi.y be found in words of this to Ex, to combat shindana, contend, to compete, Figana, category. to conflict; shikana, to be connected; patana, to be reconciled, (n consent, to make a contract jadJiliana, to contradict gandamana, to 1

is

better than.

and proverbs, and seems

to

.

2

.

.

.

.

.

'

;

;

;

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

own

religion,"

STUDY XXI woi'e, liaoni

vibaya kaniwe kuwatumia

kufairfiwa nao tn.

vilivymo

kwa

ndiye

123 ruakaliii, akijiona

Muumba wa mbingu na

Mwenyiezi

kutufilia msalabani, ni

Mngu.

n/'i

na vjot'e

Aliyetukomboa,

mwanawe pekee, Bwana wetu

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

Man's lifetime is short and (iena) his thoughts are Saying (Inf.) prayers will not take away sin, neither will bowing (Inf.) down to idols cleanse the soul. evil.

Muhammedans say To pray,

salvation

:

Muhammed by

there are five things necessary to to give tithes for alms, to witness to reciting the creed, to fast [in] Ramadhani,

The New Testament teaches us that to go to Mecca. are not saved by good works, nor by tears of repentance ; but by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who died for our sake and offered His body as (kuwa) a sacrifice to God for the sins of the whole world. They who believe [in] Him have their nature changed (hugeuzwa asili) by the Holy Spirit, so that they love (icaka-} the things which they formerly hated, and hate those which they

and

we

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

124

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

INTERJECTIONS Emotion

much expressed by

is so

gesture in Swahili Particularly is this The following are a

that Interjections are at a discount. true of the more educated classes. few Interjections in common use :

a

!

oh no

hebu (hwebu), please do you ? !

!

a-a

!

!

ahasanta thank you ai oh (of pain). aka what next !

!

well

it is

I

!

!

!

!

look you know ! that will do enough. chapu chapu look sharp liurry

ati

!

basi

I say

!

stop

!

!

!

!

!

1

up ewa

!

!

all

right

very good

!

ee wallah yes, by God ee O halloa hi haraka haste hasten ! !

!

!

!

!

!

!

what

!

!

behold

!

!

(followed by Xeg. Ind.), oh that oh that would to God laifi lau kwamba (followed by Pres. Ind.), oh that well (great surprise). lo' ngoja kwanza wait a njinute ole wangu alas woe is me .

.

.

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

!

sa'

!

!

!

!

make

haste 1

!

yes

salala

!

1

!

!

!

!

haya get on come along haya basi there now there

hima

there then

!

!

!

1

ewe

howe kumbe ngawa

won't

!

!

sumile

!

here I

p.

!

am

!

plague upon you

!

!

make way

!

See

!

!

Ill," African Aphorisms."

!

!

move

!

STUDY XXI

125

NOTE ON REDUPLICATION Reduplication is common in undeveloped or partially In Swahili it affects syllables, developed languages. words, and phrases, and its uses may be classified as follows 1.

:

To

Ex. Papale, just there

;

kubwa-kubwa, very large

;

intensify or emphasize.

pale-pale, on that

moto-moto,

very spot

;

decidedly hot; pana-pana, very broad; to beseech earnestly; kuponda-ponda, to

(ku)sihi-sihi,

crush to pieces. 2.

To modify.

Ex. Maji-maji, watery, thin, liquid;

mawe-mawe, stony, pebbly, having little stones (ku)k'atak'ata, to cut about, to make little cuts; (ku)zunguka;

zunguka, to walk about

;

(ku)lewa-lewa, to be giddy ; be

kulia-lia, to fret; (ku)ugua-ugua, to feel unwell, to out of sorts ; kunuk'a-nuk'a, to have a slight smell. 3.

To show continuous

action.

Ex.

Kuruka-ruka,

to

(ku)sukuma-sukuma, to go on pushing, driving, agitating (ku)tuma-tuma, to be always sending on errands kubadili-badili, to be for ever changing. keep jumping

;

;

;

Ex. Mbili-mbili, two at give a distributive force. " " of a usiku-usiku, every night, night ; kidogo a little here there kikao wat'u and ; huku, kidogo huku, hamsini, kikao wat'u hamsini, fifty in a row (or batch or 4.

a time

To ;

kiweke

k'ando,

k'ando, as each one is full, put

it aside.

company);

kijaacho

kijaacho

kiweke

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

126

THE FORMATION OF VERBAL NOUNS Verbal nouns may be formed 1. Prom primary verb stems, active or passive, (a) By simply prefixing a sonant m' (mu or mw) to denote an agent and by prefixing u (w or mw) to form an abstract. Ex. mrithi. beir, inheritor

kurithi, to inherit

uritM, inheritance

m/unga

kutanga, to herd, to tend

(uftmgaji), shepherding

shepherd muhi/aji, needy person mwenda, a goer (ii.),

kuhiteji, to want to go

slave

kutumwa,

muonewa, oppressed per-

kuonewa,

mtumwa,

ubitaji,

kwenda,

want

mwen.d(o), conduct

to be sent to be oppressed

gait,

goir

utumwa, slavery

eon

muweza, one who (God)

By

(&) suffixed.

is

able

kuweza,

to

power,

the same process as above, with the particle "ji" Ex. kuimba, to sing kuomba, to beg

muuaji, murderer mtendaji, doer

ktrna, to kill

mwindaji, hunter

kuwin
"vu"

(uwezo),

ability

mwimbaji, singer muombaji, beggar

(c)

uweza

be able

(wimbo), song, hymn uombaji, begging, beggary uuwaji, murder

kutenda, to do

(tendo), action (ninda), hunting

"

the same process a above with the particle " fu or suffixed, and an occasional change or elision of terminal

By

vowel nWanganyifu, deceiver

ktuZanganya, to deceive

udanganyifu,

muaminifu, believer muongofu, convert

kuamini, to believe kuongoa, to lead, to con-

uaminifu, faithfulness uongofu, conversion

m'haribifa, destroyer

to kuharibu, corrupt kupofea, to be

deception,

deceit

vert

mpo<3vu, prodigal

destroy, lost

or

wasted ralegevu, desultory person

mlekevu, upright person

kulegea, to be slack, loose kulekea, if) be straight,

uharibifu, destruction, corruption upo/evu, prodigality,

waste ulegevn, desultorinesa ulekevu, uprightness

upright mtulivu, person who subimts to discipline mtakatifu, holy person, eaint

kutulia, to be quiet, calm,

resigned kutakata, to be cleansed,

pure

utulivu,subrni8sion,quietness utakatifu, holiness, purity

STUDY XXI

127

(d) By the same process as above and a change of with an occasional softening of final consonants. Ex. mwivi, thief mshoni,

tailor,

seamstress

final vowel,

kuiba, to thieve

wivi (wizi), theft

kushona, to sew

ushoni,

sewing,

needle-

work to rob

mnyang'anyi, robber

kunyang'anya,

mpenzi, lover, loved one mpanzi, sower mlinzi, keeper, guard mfuasi, follower, disciple

kupenrZa, to love

kupanda,

unyang'anyi, robbery upenzi (mapenzi), love

sow

to

upanzi, sowing

kulinda, to keep, guard kufuata, to follow

ulinzi, protection, keeping

ufuasi, discipleship

(e) In a few instances sentient nouns are formed by prefixing " ki " to the verb kinyozi, a barber kiongozi, a leader kipofu, blind person

kunyoa, to shave kuongoza, to lead kupofuka, to be blind

kizushi, upstart, intruder

kuzuka, to come to the surface, to

2.

Prom

final vowel.

happen

causative stems by the same process and a change of

Ex.

mzamishi, baptizer muan<7isb.i, writer, scribe

muashi

unyozi, shaving uongozi, leadership upofu, blindness, spoiled sight

(z'bar),

mason

builder mpishi, cook mtumishi, servant

kuzamisha, to cause to go under water kuandisha (kuandikisha), to cause to write kuasha C?), to cause to build (masonry) kupisha(?),tocausetocook kutumisha, to cause to

uzamishi, baptism uandisbi, writing uashi,

masonry

upishi, cookery utumishi, service

serve mzishi, undertaker

kuzisha, to burial

mtozi, exactor

kiUoza, to exact (cause to

uczi, exaction

mwokozi, saviour mlezi, nurse, rearer

give out) kuokcza, to cause to save kuleza (1), to cause to

(wokofu), salvation ulezi, nursing, rearing

muombezi, mediator

kuombeza,

prepare

for

uzishi, burial

bring up

cause

to

to

uombezi, intercession

intercede

mpendezi, one who pleases

msimamizi, overseer

to

kupendeza, please (cause to love) kusimamiza, to cause to

upen^ezi, favour, pleasing

usimamizi, stewardship

oversee mlevi, drunkard mponyi, deliverer

kulev[y]a, to intoxicate kuponya, to deliver (cause to escape)

ulevi,

drunkenness

uponyi, deliverance

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

128 3.

From

prepositional stems,

mtetea, a champion espouscr mnenea, a reprover

mtangazia, one who publishes to m/olea, a giver mtengezea, a provider

by the same process

kutetea, to fight for

kunenea, to speak to, to scold kutangazia, to publish to ku/olea, to give to kutengezea, to provide or prepare for

Prom

reciprocal stems (abstract or collective nouns ma ") maonano, a meeting kuonana, to see one another, to meet makut'ano, a crowd kukut'ana, to come together magawanyikano, separation, divikugawanyikana, to be separated sion from each other mapatano, agreement kupatana, to ajjrce kupatanisha (caus. recip.), to mapatanisho, atonement 4.

with the prefix "

reconcile

maagano, covenant mapenrfano, mutual love mashindano, contention,

kuagana,

to

covenant

kupentfana, to love each other

emula-

kushindana, to contend

tion

maimbizano, antiphonal majibizano, catechism 5.

Some

mtume, apostle

sin
kuimbizana, to

sin"- to

each

otlicr

kujibizana, to answer each other

passive verbal nouns change the final a to e (or sent one)

mshinde, conquered one m<eule, chosen one

kiumbe, created one

kutumwa,

to be sent

kushindwa, to be conquered kuteuliwa or ku/auliwa, to chosen or elected kuumbwa, to be created

be

Common nouns, concrete and abstract, may be formed from verbs by prefixing sonant m', ki, ma, or u (w before a vowel) m'samaha, forgiveness m'sa'/a, help

m'sangao, astonishment m'sala, praying mat kinoo, grindstone kivuko, ford, crossing kifiniko, lid, covering kiigizo, pattern, copy

maombi, prayers

kusamehe, to forgive kusauZia, to help kusangaa, to be astonished kusali, to pray kunoa, to grind, to sharpen kuvuka, to cross (water) kufinika, to cover kuigiza, to copy, to imitate kuomba, to pray

STUDY XXI malipo, recompense, reward mateso, affliction mavazi, style of dress

129

kulipa, to pay kutesa, to afflict

kuvaa, to wear

mavao, clothing

kulala, to Bleep kutata, to be entangled kuvuna, to reap kufa, to die kuasi, to rebel kuiba, to thieve

malazi, sleeping-place matata, complications, tangles mavuno, harvest ufu, death uasi, rebellion wivi, theft

kutisha, to frighten

kukumbuka,

utisho, alarm, fright

remember

to

ukumbusho, reminder

Verbal nouns of Arabic origin usually change root vowels and take no prefix kusifu, to praise kuahu/i, to promise kubariki, to bless kuhasibu, to count

sifa, praise

a promise baraka, a blessing hisabu, a sum aharZi,

kuabu/Zu, to worship kusubiri, to be patient kusali, to pray kufurahi, to rejoice

worship saburi or subira, patience sala, prayer furaha, joy faraja, comfort ibarfa,

kufariji, to comfort

GENERAL NOTES ON NOUNS AND THEIR CLASSES 1. Many nouns in "ma" (mostly concrete) have a singular meaning and are in cl. iii. Ex.

maradufu, thick

mashua, a boat. masikini, a poor man.

marehemu, the

late so

marikabu, a ship. malaika, an angel. marirZadi, a dandy. ma.\ti, dead person.

Study 2.

calico,

mashariki, east,

and

raagaribi, west.

so.

mail

See note

I.

Others, also in

5,

(pi.),

wealth,

property

" takes plural concords (" mail also from cl. v.). majilisi, seat (outside a house

used

for palavers).

"ma," having a plural form and

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

taking only plural concords (of

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

130 mafuta,

oil.

maud, death.

maji, water.

majira, time. majonzi, grief. maju/o, repentance. mara<77d, sickness. marirf/iawa, abundance.

maziwa, milk. marashi, perfume. manuk'ato, perfumed ointment. mapenzi, love, will. maisha, life. mazoea, habit, custom, use. mashizi, soot.

maana, meaning, reason, cause. manufaa, profit. mafrikio, hatred.

"Vita"

(cl. iv. pi.),

war,

is

majaaliwa, enabling (divinely bestowed). mail, property (also in cl. iii.). manyezi, abhorrence, disgust, mate, saliva, mamlaka, authority, power.

an instance of this in another

class.

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

k'iu (yangu), (my) thirst. ch'umvi (Mi), (this) salt,

k'ima

(my)

(wangu), monkeys.

black

ch'aga (zetu), (our) store-houses.

kinda (young bird or animal) has a "

4.

mkono

(cl.

ii.),

arm,

hand

(of

mlango (cl. ii.), door ukuta (cl. vii.), wall kikapu (cl. iy.), small basket unyasi (cl. vii.), blade of grass dharnbi (pi. cl. iii.), sin (collecdance, drum kijembe (cl. iv.), pocket knife pesa (cl. iii.), pice (cl. iii.),

mbingu

(cl. vii. pi.),

(cl. ii.), tree,

ckungwa

arm

heaven

wood

(cl. iii.),

(cl. v.),

etc.)

lango (cl. v.), large door, gate, entrance kuta (cl. v.), high wall k'apu (cl. iii.), large basket manyasi (cl. v.), grass, weeds

madhambi

oranges (of river, creek,

individual

v.),

(cl.

sins

goma

tively)

kono

(cl. v.).

meaning

body)

mti

plural

Several nouns are in two or more classes with

variations of

ngoma

ma "

(cl. v.),

big

drum

jembe (cl. v.), hoe mapesa (cl. v.), small change

mawingu kiti

(cl.

(cl. v.),

iv.),

clouds chair

stool,

(of

wood)

machungwa oranges

(cl.

v.),

large

STUDY XXI 5.

131

Sentient nouns may be found in nearly all the taking the respective plurals of those classes.

classes

Ex.

CLASS mtume, apostle m/elea, a laying

II.

mitume hen

mi/e/ea

CLASS III. mbari, relative,

mbari

kinsman

p'epo, evil spirit k'ala, ichnumen

p'epo k'ala

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

'

vibarua vipungu

viumbe viroboto

CLASS V. Yahu(/i, Jew asi, rebel /ajiri, rich man shekhe, chief, elder ka^/d, judge

Mayahii'/i

maasi ma/ajiri

mashekhe ma.ka.il Id

makuhani

kuhani, priest

CLASS VI. jana, big lad

mijana

CLASS VII. udfiri,

u/awatawa, poultry

lice

(used collectively)

No invariable rule can be given for the concords of other parts of speech used to qualify such nouns ; these sometimes follow cl. i. (e.g. malaika wale watakatifu), " and sometimes the " irrational class to which the word Others again belongs (Ex. Jimbi hili lawika sana). require some "sentient" and some "irrational" concords

Ndugu zangu watatu wanakuja. Wajolize walimwona. Kijana kike huyu akwita). See note 1, Study VIII.

(Ex.

1

Probably so called from a chit or ticket of identification.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

132

TRANSLATIONS OF THE EXERCISES STUDY

I

The master and the mistress. I and and your child. I and you and he. your sister. Good day (very) good day

my

My !

!

How

master. You mistress and

Good morning.

are you, Sir? Are you (Quite) well (thank you). I am quite well (thank you). And are feeling well? you quite well? I am very well (thank you). Are you better ? I am better, thank you. Madam, how are you ? (Quite) well (thank you). And are you all right ? I am all right (thank you). Is your brother better? He is better,

Madam.

your son feeling? He is Good evening, good news Good-bye

And how

very well indeed. This Sir. Good-bye, Madam.

is

is

!

!

U hali Sabalkheri Jambo, bibi Sijambo, bwana Hu jambo, bwana? Sijambo, gani ? Ni hali njema. Bwana wangu hajambo ? Hajambo sana. ahasanfa? Hajambo! Nduguyo yu hali Bibiyangu nae hajambo? !

!

!

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

herini.

STUDY

II

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

KEY TO EXERCISES

133

water as well, boy? My fellow (servant) brought it, Ma'am. That will do, now you can go and bathe. Come back quickly. Yes, Ma'am. My fellow-servant wants hot water and soap. Very well, he shall have (them).

You

are

making a great deal of noise, boys I want pice that I may buy

;

Ma'am,

sleep.

then, take (these) pice.

unale'a

Jee, mtoto,

Go

to

Here,

Thank

you, Ma'am.

Bado, Bibi,

mwenzangu

quickly.

/aa?

we want

food.

anakwenda kununua mafuta. Atfarudi lini? Atarndi sasa hivi, Bibi. Jee, unafua nguo ? Ndiyo, Bibi, n'nafua. Uruefua na ki/ambaa? La! Bibi nimesahau. Jee, u
Ndiyo, Bibi, n'tapata. Mwenzangu zamu yak we kutumika. Vyema, alete chakula basi, twatfaka kula. Nyainaza, mtoto, wafanya, k'elele sana, haifai. Vyema, Bibi, f'anyamaza sasa. Lete faa upesi, twafaka kutezama k'itu. Basi, waweza

amekuja

kwenda

?

sasa, Bibi, ni

sasa.

STUDY

III

Has the teacher come ? Not yet, Ma'am, he is coming now, I see him in the street. Good morning, Bwana. Good morning, Bibi. Boy, bring (some) chairs. Bwana, sit down. Thank you, Bibi, lam seated. Now I want (a) pea and (some) paper. Here, Bwana, please take (this)

Do you want me to write? Yes, Bibi, try to write pen. now. Have you finished to write (writing) ? Yes, teacher, I have finished. What Well, now, I want you to read. book shall I read? Eead (the) First Book. Eead (the) word*--.

1

Then

Yes, teacher,

tell

it

is

me their meaning. quite clear to me.

Is it clear to

you ?

Do you know

the

do (know). Good, Bibi, read again, then Eead out loud that I may (get) to hear. spell the words. Pronounce the words well that you may learn to read

meaning?

I

nicely.

Mbona mwalimu amechelewa La

leo?

Labuda hawezi.

yuaja sasa. Sabalkheri, mwalimu, u hali gani ? Ni hali njema. K'et'i (Bwana). Tafa^Aali, Bibi, nipa chuo " when Lit. you finish." !

1

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

134

iiawe twaa chuo ukasome. Sasa \veka chuo mezani ukaTakuuliza masuali. Vyema (Bwana) nami nifasikize. Basi sasa, umejibu vizuri. Na furahi jaribu kujibu. sana. Jee, waaka wino? Ndiyo naaka, na peniseli pia. Mwanafunzi ajaribu kusemalugha ya kisawahili. Aweza kusoma harufu. Alianza lini ? Nalimfundisha msiari wa

kwanza

jana.

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

never mind

!

Shuka, nakusihi, sasa hivi.

ko

wapi?

Yuko

sebuleni.

Nduguyo Mwambie

akuafu/a. Yuaje ukumbini.

Vyumba vyafaka kupewa, na ghala pia. Jee, mlango wa orofa u wazi? La! Umefungwa. Ufungue, basi. Mtoto shuke

kungia ndani.

/ini.

Mwalimu ameleka m/ana ku<wa.

aliteka? kiooni.

Vyema, angie ndani akaMbona Muulize. Asema, alimwona p'anya akitezama Wako p'anya tele nyumbani ? Wako tele sana.

u/ak:i

STUDY V Come and

let

us

sit

down

at the table, tea will be

brought directly. The tablecloth is not clean, why (is that) ? I hear that Juma spilt some coffee here this

KEY TO EXERCISES morning.

Call

Ma'am, here I

Juma

am

!

(lit.

Juma You am come),

135

are called. Yes, did you call me?

!

I

Yes, I did call you. Is it true (that) you spilt coffee on the tablecloth to-day ? It is not true, Ma'am. Coffee was but I did not do it (lit. " not I "). Who was (lit. spilt " is it then ? Perhaps it was the cat. I saw her in the ") room. Can a cat spill coffee ? She can if she is thirsty and wants to drink. That will do, go away now. Tell Ali to bring sugar and bread and honey. Where are the saucers ? They are in the cupboard, they forgot to put them on the table. Bring them quickly, the tea will be cold. It is absolutely cold already. It will not do, boys, to be late like this. Now I want spoons and cups. ;

Bilauri na sahani zafakwa mezani, wat'u waja kula chakula cha mfana hapa leo. Jee, nilete vijiko na uma pia ? Ndiyo na/aka kuaneftka meza fayari sasa. Jee,

watekunwa maji ? Ndiyo, watekunwa rnaji yakiwa safi. Twaa sinia ukapakue chakula, kieha piga k'engele kuwaita wat'u. Umesahau kuweka kawa juu ya sahani. Mwambie mpishi apashe moto k'uku wa jana. Jaribu kukuncZa nguo ya meza sawa sawa. Waweza kuancZika meza vizuri nguo ikiwa si safi ? La haifai Tulionda asali tukaiona
!

sukari. alia.

wa

Kwamba

Tuondoke,

ilikuwa sukari angeliteka, lakini sasa Mtoto akilia ha/apata mkate

arfaate.


STUDY VI The cook

Why

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

do

it

then?

!

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

136

No!

meat?

I

am

frying it. Have you cooked rice as cooked any. Give me a knife to cut

well? I have not up the vegetables. not rotten, you do Look, the milk is the fire. Soot has

Jee unatia

go

lakiui

;

kwa nguo,

The vegetables are know anything

not

rotten. They are (at all about it).

Take the saucepan off boiling over. got into the milk. It does not matter.

munyu na

mJuzini

pilipili

sikutia katika

mboga.

?

Ndiyo, kido-

TJsikoroge

maziwa

kwa kijiko. Tezama, umeteketeza hukuona moto ? La Sikuona k'itu. Jee, mtoto

kisu,

koroga

!

anakunanazi? Bado, afokuna kisha. Mpishi ameiukua mbuzi. Jee, wapika kwa makaa? La! Twapika kwa k'uni. Tukifaka kuoka twafinika sufuria kwa niakaa ya moto. Mbona mtoto hakuondoa maivu? Labuda alisahau. La Maji yachemka, jee kandarinya ifayaika ? Najua hai/ayaika. Ilifanywa makusudi kupika maji. Naona moshi yatoka dirishani. !

STUDY Come

VII

along, let us go out for a little walk.

Let us go

I want to go in the shade then, here the sun is very hot. I do not know to the Fort, which road shall we take ? the way, but some one told me that the Main Street leads I am told (or I hear) that the Gate of the to the Fort.

City stood (was) here formerly. Perhaps it is true, I was I hear a noise, the porters are fightnot there. Listen You had better not go to look, there are a lot of ing. !

people and a lot of dust. (And)^then it is going to rain, better return home. No do not let us go in yet, the rain is not coming, the wind is blowing too much. Let us go to the Custom-house then and see the trollies.

we had

!

A

Make way Make way trolly is coming at great Take care, there is a stone speed, move out of the road. There is the teacher here, it has fallen from the wall. !

!

talking to a poor man shall we (go and) speak to Yes, let us .speak to him, he is a good man. Some children are following us tell them not to come. If a slave runs away we call him a runaway (or renegade).

he

is

him ?

:

KEY TO EXEECISES

137

Warfakwa waume tu wapiga ngoma kuweta. Wana wake wanachoka, liawawezi kwenda. Labuda waiafuata baadae ? La wamekosa gari, watfak'eti nyumbani saea. HawatfacheleHaidhuru, waweza kwenda kesho asubuhi wa ? Ndiyo, watfachelewa kidogo lakini wanawaume watfaWat'u wakut'ana kwetu, watafutfa nini ? Twawangoja. ambiwa kwamba ni masikini, watfaka chakula. Ni heri !

tuwape chakula wasiibe. Wakiiba waiatiwa gerezani. Ziko t'ope na t'akat'aka tele hapa, tupite k'ando. Jee, utfaweza kufika kwenu kesho-kutfwa ? Naam, tu^aweza tusipok'uta upepo wala mvua. Walipiga mbiu langoni asubuhi kusema kwamba waturnwa wadio bwanazao wafaadka huru.

STUDY

VIII

welcome him. Welcome, Bwana, not disturb yourself, Bibi, (please) do not get up. I am only come to bring news. What news ? Are all well? All are well, thank you. The tidings are only of (good) health. Moreover your father and mother send warm greetings, they want news of you. All are well here. We want news of (the place) you come from. With us, there has been heavy rain, so much so that every one is rejoicing. For rain means abundance (of That is true, Bwana, and let us trust (pray) that food). it will come here as well. Please God it will come. Boy bring biscuits and lemonade for the visitor. (There's a knock at the door.) May I ome in? Come in Do come inside. Sit down, gentlemen How do you do ? We are well, thank God. These guests come from Europe. They have brought a letter for (our) master. Call that lad (and tell him) to take this letter quickly. Look, boy, go with this letter to Abdullah the The teacher teacher, he will give you an answer himself. is talking to his Uncle and Aunt.

My

father's friend has

know him, he come inside. Do I

is

come

to visit us,

not a stranger.

!

!

!

Mt'u apiga hodi.

kusema " Karibu,"

Mwambie atengia

angie ndani.

hapana

budi.

Yafosha Jina lako

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

138 n'nani

kuja

Hunijui, ni mgeni kwenu.

?

kuomba

huwezi

wali, ni kula wali.

Niwia

radhi, n'na-

Ukiwa mgonjwa, unwe maaiwa. Twaa

mgonjwa mimi.

AfudAali pesa hizi, ukanunue maziwa. Ahasanfa, Bibi, sipendi maziwa, t'antmua kikombe cha kahawa. Wako wagonjwa tele mjini siku hizi. Ndiyo, lakini zamani walikuwa

Nduguyo anakuja, arfakani ? Atfaka kuonana nawe. Atfangoja hate, kesho usipoweza kusema nae sasa. N'azaidi.

ngoje basi, yuaja sikuzof'e. Asema kwamba jamaa zakwe wam'^ukia, iena wanazua neno juu yakwe.

STUDY IX waistcoat wants stitching. Take it to the tailor the Main Street. That tailor does not sew well. Perhaps if he borrows a machine he could do it. I will tell him. Your tunic is torn, you must take it off. What shall I do ? I cannot wear my father's tunic.

My

in

Thank you, (tunic), it will do for you. friend, it will do nicely. Truly, without a friend a man cannot live in the world. I have lost handkerchief. No ! It is not lost, this child found it this morning here Take mine

my

my

on the verandah. I am very glad because my mother gave it to me some time ago. The girls' skirts want washing ask them if they have bought some soap. The girls are not here now, they are gone for a walk in the town. Are they gone far ? I do not know where they went. I will send this neighbour to look for them. ;

Vilemba vya wapagazi vinapoiea, wasema kwamba wevi walikuja jioni wakaviiba. Wakiwaona wale wevi Si vyema kuiba. watfawapiga na kuwatia p'ingu. Tumvike leso kijana kike huyu, yatosha. Hatfaona Aialala wapi usiku ? Atfalala baridi, jua ni kali mtfana. na ndugu zangu wake, wao wafam'funza. Jirani yetu

Mwavuli wako uko joho, a
amepimiwa vvapi ?

KEY TO EXERCISES Mwalimu wenu

alikuja

sikuweza kunipa. pumuzika.

kuomba

Haid/mru,

viatu

139

vyangu jana, lakini nyumbani na; ku-

a/ak'e/i

STUDY X Europeans are very fond of oranges, they are always How are the coming to the market to buy them. Zanzibar oranges sold nowadays? They are (sold) dear, three pice each, for this reason, they are not easy Our friends were looking for a goat to obtain (many). What would they to purchase, but they did not see one. have done with a goat ? they have no place to put it. (Quite) true, they have no place; probably they would have killed it for food. A goat has a lot of meat (on it), If you buy it cheap it is sufficient for many persons. very profitable. Look, sir do you want some bananas ? How much are your bananas ? Four for a pice, sir. Oh I can't buy those bananas, they are rotten. Let us go to that poor man, he is selling many things young cocoanuts, dates, sweet potatoes, vegetable marrows, pumpkins, limes, and even onions and rice. Ask him how he sells the rice what price per pound ? Don't touch that bull, he is very fierce. !

!

;

Soko ya samaki si mbali, jee uJakwemla kuiangalia? Ndiyo, lakini sikulipa unga huu. Unga ule ni ghali, twende kwa mt'u mwengine. Mt'u yule amezoea kudaJnzi alishinganya Wazungu. Una haki ni mwivi. ndana nami juu ya kasuku. Yeye aliteka pesa nyingi, lakini mimi nalijua kwamba yule kasuku alikuwa mgoBasi niku/ukua nj\va, na ena hakuwez* kusema neno. Alikasirika sana, na sasa, kikapu changu, nikamuatfa. nikipita, sikuzotf'e afanya neno kunisumbua. Fujo hili

maana yakwe n'nini? Mwanamke huyu masikini anapata hasai-a mai yakwe jot'e yanaanguka nae hawezi Madobi na masaramala na mafundi wof'e kuyazoa. hupatikana sokoni. lot'e

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

140

STUDY XI That shopkeeper is a dishonest man (man who has not honesty). If he changes a rupee he gives (people) bad pice. Look here, old fellow, a groat is worth how

A groat, (my) (has how many pice) nowadays? Some time ago I child, is sixteen pice, or four annas. got seventeen pice for a groat. I do not think you got all those pice for a groat ; perhaps you have forgotten. I owe so-and-so two dollars, and I have nothing to pay much

saw him the other day, and I said to him, " Wait You are indeed poor you had better go and work somewhere that you may earn (get) some money him. a

I

little."

;

;

If I had half a rupee I so-and-so will not wait long. would have bought a little unbleached calico (and) have (had) a coat made for me. Half a rupee is not enough for a coat, you will want more ; perhaps for a rupee and a half, or three-quarters of a dollar, they will let you have a very small coat. Ask the owner (of the shop). Is any Give u four hands of one there ? Come in, welcome That will do for a coat, will it not ? twill calico, sir. it is good cloth, it comes It will do quite well, my boy !

;

from Europe. And you yourself, do you want something ? I want some nails and some sacks and some brass wire.

Kufanya biashara ni vyema, yaleta fai
kwa

k'anzn, ina alama-alama.

KEY TO EXERCISES

141

STUDY XII His hair is black, his teeth are white. Blood is (a) red (thing). Legs and arms and shoulders and lips and eyes and ears and knees we have in twos, but head and face and mouth and stomach and heart we have singly. How many fingers have you ? I have ten fingers. How

many and

and toes have you? I have twenty fingers The tongue has no bone. Teeth and nails and

fingers

toes.

bones are hard things, but the skin and the tongue and the cheeks and the uvula and the tonsils are soft. A man with a stiff neck (i.e. obstinate) is no good. The skin of the body and the legs needs to be (thoroughly) washed, but a man will only dip his face and hands in water. The ear is not So-and-so's leg hurts him. A man's brain is that which has greater than the head. intelligence, his body that which has strength, his heart and veins are where the blood is (lit. are those which have blood). Women's hair needs to be combed with a comb.

Nyosha mkono wako upande huu. Mwambie anionyeshe gun lakwe. Ni p'ua inuk'ayo harufu, ni ulimi Kunrfani mikono, watoto, uoncZao famu ya chakula. msimame sawa sawa. Ni kilimi kinisumbuacho, cha/aka kuk'atwa Yanipasa kwenda kwa dakifari. Mwe'nyiezi Mngu aliumba binadamu akampa akili na nguvu. Waume wanyoa, wanawake hawanyoi. Alituonyesba ini na mafigo na mbavu za kondoo aliyeuzwa sokoni jana.

Fumzi

Wevi walimuumiza k'oo na mazatoka kifuani. Mkono wangu wa kuume Ngovi yakwe ni laini. waniuma, wa kushofo hauna neno. Ni visigino vyakwe vifakavyoumia kwa viatu vile. ungo.

STUDY The

XIII

there is nothing that binds it. That formerly a sailor ; he travelled as far as Muscat and distant islands. The rivers of this country old

sea is vast

man was

;

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

142

This Arab's boat is the one that always are not large. takes us to Frere Town. Pull hard (the oars), boys, the tide is going out ; we should have reached the other side (by now), but you have not been rowing. I am the fisherman who throws the net. The wind is strong (much) we had better furl the sail. The vessels of the Swahilis go as far as Malindi and Lamu and Zanzibar, but they do not reach to Europe. canoe has no anchor, nor a rudder, nor a compas. He who will travel by the mail-boat must pay the fare. Where are the Indians today? They have crossed over to the landing-place to ship a cargo in their dhow. The vessel that left here the other day met with, (lit. was struck by) a storm. Many passengers were drowned in the sea, not being able to swim; Where the wave (breaker) is, just there is the entrance (to the harbour). ;

A

Wavuvi hwenda uzio,

killa siku ku
wakiwaona wafurahi.

samaki katika

Nahodha nimoja, waliye-

zetu, alimfunga mwanawe mlingot'ini kwa asipate kuzama. Mzungu mdogo kule ForodAani ndiye apokeae vjeti kwa wale wasafirio katika marfau. Vukani ng'ambu ya pili, maji yajaa. Asiyevua kwa

mjua ra6ki

kamba

mshipi,

avua kwa nyavu.

Walimuatfa yule masikini

kufa. Umekwisha choka, wala hatukuona nt'i k'avu bado. Twekani tanga, twende kinani; hatu/aona mawimbi wala miamba, kuna shuari.

ambae alikuwa karibu na

Watfakapotfakwa mabaharia, ham'/awak'uta pwani. ehua yetu ni fupi, tena makasia ni marefu.

Ma-

STUDY XIV Oar in the

brothers field.

whom you were

calling have gone to hoe

The younger one does not even know how

up weeds

that is the reason of the elder one teach his younger brother. What trees are there in your plantation ? There are mango trees, cocoa-nut palms, guava trees, plantain trees, lime to ptill

going that he

;

may

KEY TO EXERCISES

143

tamarind trees and baobabs all bear fruit. Besides, there are cassava and pineapple plants, beans and beds of sweet potatoes. Very good indeed You have everything you want, then, except orange trees. Yes, and orange trees we do not want because their fruit is no good. Why? The oranges which I ate here the other day were very sweet. That may be, but the (their) trees did not grow here; those nice eating ones (which are eaten) come from Zanzibar. Do not draw water with a bucket that leaks. trees,

!

Wak'ulima wapandao mbeyu mbaya hawatevuna mavuno mazuri. Mwenyi bus/ani hii hutupa sikuzotf'e maua mazuri. Hakuna matunda mangi katika ntf'i hii kuna maembe na mapera na mananasi na ndizi tfu-basi Lakini kuna mengine z&idi ndimu na nazi na machungwa na k'waju na matomoko na malimau, uliyasahau haya. Jirani zetu hawajatfimba kisima shambani mwao, ;

1

wakali wakijenga kibanda. Ndia yenu ni p'ana, yetu ni iiyembamba. Mwitu uliokuwapo hapa umetemwa wotf'e kwa mndu. Nyasi na mimea yotf'e inakauka kwa jua kali, ha
Moja

tn ni bivu.

STUDY XV The

porters do not want to carry the loads, they say If they do not carry them they get no food money then. Tell them it is not far where we are going to-day, when they arrive they (will) can rest. The

they are heavy.

headman

is

he is always very severe, he has no pity And then again this morning the ;

scolding the men. guide missed the

When we were

way and we got we came

lost in the jungle.

across some other each carrying a flag and a gun. The chief of that village is coming to talk to our interpreter, who is the only one able to translate his language. This travellers

in there

who were

BWAHILI GRAMMAR

144

man loves to hear the news of the coast. He wants us to stay here for some days, to camp out altogether and I do not like (this) place, and put up our tents. No besides the water is finished in the soldiers' gourds, and the corporal says that they will not put up with it, waiting much longer. Let them start on the march now at once then and get off; we have had a halt, that is enough, my old

!

good fellow.

Wat'u wa n^'i hizi hujenga inaboma mijini mwao. Hupigana kwa nyuta na mishare, mikuki na rungu

;

killa

mmoja huJukua

ngao.

Tujapochoka yatupasa

kuvunrfa k'ambi kesho jimbi likiwika

;

mwambie yule

Taarishi atekapokuja, asikari injinga atuamshe alifajiri. Ndia hii imekufa, ni heri tururfi. watfapiga mzinga. Ukiumwa ni siafu, u/aumia ela fungu hawautnizi. Mt'u mwenyi nguvu aweza kuinua mtfaimbo. K'ata za wana;

wake zilianguka shimoni.

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

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

KEY TO EXERCISES now?

It is ten o'clock in the morning. possesses a silver watch and a gold chain.

145 So-and-so

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

tangu

alipokufa

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

Now

a train which takes you anywhere you like It goes uphill, it precipices or plains. goes downhill where there are rivers or streams it crosses by a bridge, there is no obstacle that it cannot surmount (lit. there is nothing that hinders it). And in addition to this the white man has built railway stations at every place where the train stops, so that those who there

is

hills, valleys,

;

are travelling may have an opportunity of getting in and getting out just as they like. Now and again there is war up-country this tribe quarrels with that tribe over a spring of water or some other matter. Then they fight and a great many are killed. All sorcerers, wizards, and witches, are the enemies of mankind.

Hapa pana

wamepanda mahindi na Kisha wana shauri kuleta K

misheni, wat'u

mpunga, ngauu na mlama. SWAHILI GRAMMAR

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

146

mkondo wa maji katika ziwa

mwao

lile

kubwa mashambani

kutia maji wakaJi wa kasikazi. Hayo maji hububujika daima na kumiminika bure juu ya kishaka kile. Washenzi wak'efio k'ando ya nguu t'atu hutafuna ttimbaku m/ana kurfwa. Avutae tumbaku sharti atumie illi

Walipatana kutuongoza mahali penyi mipira na mipingo pamoja na mikoraa, lakini tulipofika mjini mwao, walikataa. Taifa hii ina ng'ombe chache tu, wenyewe huketia n
kiko.

STUDY XVIII

A

sportsman went up-country to hunt big game such as lions, elephants, buffalo and rhinoceros. He wrote on a hundred Wakamba porters to accompany him. He took two horses and five mules. On the way he shot one giraffe, three haartebeest, and four gazelles in order to procure food for his men. After sixteen days' march they came to a place abounding with monkeys and apes. While they were watching how these creatures jump from tree to tree, they heard a lion roar near them. They were all afraid except the hunter himself who was carrying a large European rifle for the purpose of shooting fierce beasts of this kind. When he went near to examine, a lioness appeared in front of him. He immediately levelled his gun and shot a bullet into her side; she

dropped down and died on the spot. But her two male companions who accompanied her, when they heard her At this juncture his guncry, ran out of the jungle. carrier was seized with fright, and saying, " This sort of work terrifies," he ran away Thus the poor hunter was The lions leaped on him, left alone without a weapon. Insects which inhabit tore him in pieces and ate him. !

mosquitoes, scorpions, centipeople's houses are these The ones that repedes, fleas, bugs and wall lizards. appear constantly and cause great destruction of property are the white ants.

KEY TO EXERCISES

147

Satu ni nyoka mkubwa, aweza kushetfa p'unda au T'ui na mafisi hutembea-fembea p'unda milia radogo. iisiku mmoja-mmoja, vibok'o hwenda kwa kundi. Mbweha

wana makao yao mwituni, ela mbwa hupenda kuk'etfi nyumbani mwa bwana zao. Nyuni wotf'e na p'opo wana mabawa wapuruka-puruka angani. Mabatfa, k'anga, mwewe na nrfiwa waweza kupuruk'a mbuni ni nyuni wakubwa ;

;

Ngwena hana ulimi. Mburuk'enge ana mkia mrefa, hula mai. Nyama ya nguuwe na vitangule ilikatazwa kwa wat'u wa kale. P'aka na simba wana

hawapuruki.

ndimi za kuparuza. Pole p'ole ya k'obe humfisha mbali. Nyani na t'umbiri k'ubwa hufanana na wat'u. Atambaae asitfahili kupigwa bunduki. Ngamia ni nyama wakubwa, watfukuao mizigo mizito ngamia mmoja aweza kurfukua mzigo wa p'embe wa ratfli mia t'atu u thamanini.

kizani

STUDY XIX Sir, this

him

man

is

very

ill,

his whole

body

is

swollen.

here, then, that I may examine him. Good morning, good fellow, how are you feeling ? I am ill, sir, very ill indeed. Poor fellow, cheer up God will heal you of the sickness you have and you will get better. I am only a physician. He who works the cure is (God) Himself. Oh but I am very ill, sir, and I do not know whether I shall pull through this disease or old are Please God, you will pull through. not. you now ? Maybe I am about fifty-five, sir. Well, stay will give here with us a few days and keep in bed.

Tell

to

come

my

!

!

How

We

you some medicine to make you sleep and then presently you will feel better and will go back home again. Thank you, sir, thank you, I will stay and I'll try and make myself happy (lit. comfort or quiet my heart). What is

I have a great many the matter with you, child ? Oh troubles first of all I have jiggers in my feet, then I've been pricked by a thorn in my finger. Your troubles are not very serious, my child they will soon be got over, I think. Come here to me and let me take out both the jiggers and the thorn it's only a little matter, it can all 1

;

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

148

be done in a minute. Doctor this blind man is calling you. He says he has suffered great pain in his eyes since " !

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

lie

Hii ni Asipitfali ya Sirikali wauguzwapo wat'u weupe. weusi hwenda Asipiteli ya Misheni iliyoko kisiwani. Huko dawa hutolewa killa sikii kwa killa mt'u ajae awae yotf'e. Wauguao hugangwa na kutfunzwa. Zaidi ya haya madakitari hufundisha hirimu wenyi akili, kazi hii ya hurutna. Wasairfia hao huosha vidonda, hufoa dawa, hung'oa meno na kufunga majaraha. Wale wenyi baridi, makohozi, vifua, baridfi yabisi, mafua na hooia huk'etfi nyumba moja, wenyi fete nyumba ya pili, na wale wauguao maipu, au t'ambazi, au p'ele, au madonda au mbuba huk'eti nyumba ya tatu. Bind yak we yule kiwe/u leo kinaiva, dakifari iajiri alikuja jana na kiipu tfungu

Wat'u

;

akakipasua. Usaha

wana homa. dawa ya kutoa wili

kulala.

Ni

mwingi ukatoka. Hawa mabubwi wa-

Wape

killa mt'u

matone matfano ya hiyo

jasho, kawambie warudi nyumbani na dasifuri hapa, killa mt'u atekae rfawa sharti nini hutulii ? tupu na iliyo safi.

na /upa Kwa Kwa sababu wanitonesha jaraha. Mama wa kunilea aona maumivu mwilini moi'e, akohoa na kuchemua <7aima. Usingie nyumba ile usije ukapata fete za maji. aje

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

KEY TO EXERCISES

149

and he (himself) has no authority over them.

At our

we

are taught Addition, Subtraction, Multiplicahave maps on the wall, that we tion, and Division. may get to understand about the world we live in this study is called Geography. Then again we have slates and pencils and pens and a blackboard and chalk everything that is necessary. Our teacher is very clever at playing the harmonium ho makes us sing all sorts of

school

We

pretty songs. On Prize Day (lit. the great day for giving out prizes) we are to sing them before all the Europeans and a whole crowd of people. There will be races, too, on that day, each boy competing with his fellows in running and jumping and other things. Those who win will get presents and prizes, while all the people clap. All parents ought to send their children to our school. Obstinacy and laziness and vulgar language are not allowed under any circumstances. Every one must take pains to make progress.

Mwanzo wa hikima yot'e ni kumcha Mngu na kushika Mwanawe liwali hasomi lena, amehirimu.

amri zakwe.

Babakwe alimpeleka

skuli alipokuwa

mdogo

kabisa, nae

mwenyewe akafanya bidii na kujitfahidi, hate akapata sifa iiyingi k wa mwalimu wakwe juzi, alipoondoka maeZarasani. Mtoto akikosa, sharti afake msamaha, nae atesamehewa ; lakini akifife kosa lakwe na kunena uwongo, afapata aibu, Watoto hao wanawake nao wazazi wakwe watfasikiJika. hawana adabu walahishima huteza miana kutfwa, fenahawana mt'u wa kuwafunza. Kwamba walipata ruhusa kuja kusoma hawangekuwa watukutu na ushupavu kama vile walivyo. Mapenzi ni k'itu chenyi thamani k'uu duniani. Kwa mapenzi twaweza kusaidia wale waonewaona kuwafunza wale ambao hawana ilimu. Si kawaicfa huku kuomba Mwenzio bakishishi, afanyae neno hili hana haya kabisa. Hirimu wapatao daraja ni akikutangulia usifukiwe. wale wahishimuo wazazi wao na wakufunzi wao. Naona waziwazi kwamba hufaweza kumaliza kazi yako ijumaa ;

hii.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

150

STUDY XXI True religion is the one which leads us to God and comforts our souls. We believe that it is the Christian who has this religion. The Muhammedan calls the Christian unbeliever (or infidel) ; but at the same time he holds (says) that, " An unbeliever who suits your purpose is better than a Muhammedan who does not."

The meaning

of this is that, although he is very tenacious of his religion 'and despises all other religionists except his own, he is not at all above making use of (these so-

The called) unbelievers, if he finds profit in doing so. Creator of heaven and earth and of all things therein is God Almighty. He who redeemed us by dying for us ou the Cross, is His only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Saviour of all the inhabitants of the world. He who instructs our minds and controls our spiritual beings is the Holy Spirit/ who is worshipped and glorified together with the Fatherland the Son. In the Church of Christ there are three orders bishops, priests (or presbyters) and deacons. The work of them all is to preach the gospel and to feed the flock of God. This flock is the whole company of faithful people. Christ ordained two sacraments for His followers -Baptism and the Lord's Supper this latter is also called the Holy Communion. The Bible contains the Law of Moses, the books of the Prophets, Psalms, Proverbs, the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles and various Epistles. All these books testify to Jesus Christ that He is the Son of the Most High ; His disciples also received Him (as such) being convinced by all the miracles He did in their presence while He was in the world. But the greatest thing of all is His wonderful resurrection from the dead which demonstrated plainly that He is the complete conqueror over death and hades and all the powers of hell. :

Maisha ya binadamu ni mafupi, fena mawazo yakwe maovu. Kusali hakuondoi dhambi, wala kusujudia sanamu hakutakasi roho. Waisilamu hunena kwamba kuna ni

KEY TO EXERCISES

151

mambo matfano yapasaya kwo wokofu kusali, kufoa zaka kwa sadoka, kupi ga shahada, kufunga KamadAani na k wenda Maka. Maagano Mapya yatufundisha kwamba hatuokolewi kwa vitendo vyema, wala kwa mafozi ya foba ilia kwa imam katika Bwana Jesu Masihi aliyekufa kwa ajili yetu, akafoa na muwili wakwe kuwa sadaka kwa Mngu kwa madhambi ya ulimwengu mzima. Wale wamwa;

minio hugeuzwa asili ni Koho Mtakatifu, hatfa wakapenda yale mambo ambayo zamani waliyatfukia na kuiukia yale Dini ya Islam huitwa amhayo kwanza waliyapenrfa. " Nrfia i ahisi," maana, wale waifuatao hawaiakwi kua/a aua^a za rfunia wala famaa za muwili. Mt'u akisilimu

madhambi kama unafiki na udanganyifu si marufuku kwakwo. Afanyae haki hubarikiwa, avundae sharia ya Mngu hulaaniwa. Maandiko yaknbaliwayo na kusadikiwa ni waongofu wa Islam yaitwa "Kuruani" chuo chenyi sura mia u arubaafaashai'a. Katika mlango wane, wa si /a, wa sabaa na wa arubaini-na-nane ilimu ya masliei/ani na malaika hutangazwa. Waaminifu woi'e kisawahili

hukut'anika msikit'ini killa siku ya ijumaa ndipo

awa

hubiripo imamu. Wasawahili hunena, "Shukuru uliyo " Adhabu nayo," na /ena ya kaburi ajua maiti."

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

152

TABLES OF MONEY, WEIGHTS AND MEASURES COINAGE Silver coins.

Eupee.

Value 16 annas or 64

i Eupee. i Eupee. 1

8

32

4

,,16

2

,,8

Eupee.

Bronze coin.

pice.

Value j anna. An Anna is four pice. Pesa nne ni anna moja. Sixteen anna make one rupee. Anna sitfashara, au kuiui na si/a, ni rupia moja. Eoboo ya zamani ni pesa thinen wa thalathini, i.e. thalathini na mbili. The meaning of " roboo " is, one quarter ; thirty-two pice or eight annas is the quarter of a dollar. (The old Pice.

reckoning.) Pesa thalathini na mbili, au anna nane, ni roboo ya riale, ni hisabu ya zamani.

Eoboo rupia ni pesa

Thumuni

sitfashara.

pesa sitfashara, maana, ni thumuni ya riale, i.e. the eighth part of a dollar. Thumuni rupia ni pesa nane, i.e. the eighth part of a rupee. ni

MEANS 1.

OF MEASURING CORN, ETC.

Kibaba, which

may

Eoboo kibaba,

i.e.

be divided thus ^ kibaba.

Nusu

kibaba, i.e. \ kibaba. Kibaba kasir roboo, i.e. f kibaba. i.e. vibaba viwili. Pishi, i.e. visaga viwili au vibaba vine. 4. Jizila, i.e, pishj

2.

3.

Kisaga,

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

153

WEIGHTS 1.

Eatili, equals 1

2.

Mani,

3.

Farasila,

i.e.

pound.

ratili tatu. i.e.

ratili thalathini

na

sita (36 Ibe.).

MEASUREMENTS OF LENGTH 1

.

2.

Shubiri, i.e. a span. Dhiraa, i.e. a cubit

equals "shubiri mbili" (two

Hpans). " dhiraa 3. P'ima, i.e. a fathom nne," or equals " shubiri nane" cubits or eight spans). (four " The word " wari is also used by the Indians, it means

a yard, and equals two cubits.

Ni dhiraa

nibili.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

154

SPECIMENS OF SWAHILI LETTEK- WRITING. Letter No.

I.

janabi (mpenzi wangu), sheikh (mtukufu),

Ilia

ali

mukhutaram (ambao asiyefaa kuuwawa), alakhi (ndugu yangu), ali muaddt (mwenyi kutimiza ahadi), Hamis bin Shaibu bin Hamis

mukaram (mwenyi kutukuzwa),

ali

Salamahulahutaala (rehema ya Mwenyiezi Mngu aliyetukuka juu ya watu), Salamu aleika (amani na iwe jnu yako), Warakhamatulahi wa barakatu (na rehema ya Mwenyiezi Mngu na baraka), wabadu (baada ya haya), tangu sikn uliyoj-afiri hata leo sitasa pata barua yako wala si wajibu wako katna hayo na walio mbali huonana kwa barua na barua ni nusu ya kuonana na Mombasa tarehe ya leo hakxina ziada ya khabari ilia mvua nyingi sana na nyumba nyingi zimevundika kwa sababu ya mvua kadhalika na pepo jingi sana na siku hizi kumefanya ugumu sana wa vitu mtele na kitoeo naswi tunafurahi sana kwa sababu ya mwezi huu ni mwezi mtukufu wa maulidi ya nabii salalakhualthi wa salama (rehema ya Mwenyiezi Mngu na iwe kwakwe na amani), na liakhi (ndugxi yangu), Ali bin Omari amepata mtoto mwana mume na mwezi huu ukisha nimeazimu kusafiri kwenda koma shamba siku mbili tatu na watu wote nyumbani wakusalimu sana na jamaa zako wote wakusalimu sana tena nataka jawabu ya barua hii ya kunijulisha hali yako nisalimia jamaa huko pia wote nawe takabadhi darizaui il Kiliti,

moja ya kanzu na nusu darizani kofia na vikoi vitatu mikononi mwa hamili li barua tafudhali niuzia kama vitakavyomkini aidha na khabari ya ndia hata sasa hatujajua mwisho wakwe. Wasalainu. Wakatabahu. Muhammad bin Maalim bin Bwana Kombo biyedihi. Ta'rihi Alifu thalatha mia wa aruba wa ishirini, 1324. Rabiu, Hawaii thamania.

SWAHILI LETTERS

155

Letter No. 2.

ALHAMDULILLAHI WAHADAHU. Ilia janabi

alimuhibbi aliakram alimukaramu alazizi

Bwana

fulani bin fulani hadahulahu taala, wabadu nakurifu hali zetu njema wa thamma nawe kuwa kadhalika ya afia, na zaidi ya khabari klieri nalipoona mtu ajae huko nimeilazimu nafusi yangu kukuarifu hali yangu na kuuliza hali yako basi usiwate kuniarifu hali yako nami kadhalika ya khabari ya huku ni kheri hakuna ilia iii

alakhi

mvua nyingi mwaka huo twataraji itakuwa kheri tunafurahi sana. Maana katika miji yetu isipokuwa mvua hatuoni vyema na baraka huwa chache tena tunapata khabari ya kuwa Ulaya ya Paris imekuwa mvua nyingi mno kisha nti inatetema zinaanguka nyumba nyingi na watu wangi waliokufa wapata watu alifu tano basi tunasikitika sana kupata khabari hiyo lakini ndiyo kheri inaana kulla neno aletalo Mngu ndiyo kheri. Nawe usiwate kuniarifu khabari za huko upande wa kwenu hala hala. Wasalamu. Wakatabahu, Mula Alii bin Abdirrahaman Ta'rihi ithenashara Kabii Liawal. niia

na aruba

wa

ishirini.

biyedihi.

Sanati thalatha

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

156

Letter No. 3.

ALHAMDULILAHI WHADAHU. (Addressed to a lady.) Ilia jinabi alimuhibba alakarama alimukharama alaaza alaziza indana alukhti fulana binti fulani hadahulahu taala wabaadu nakuarifu hali zetu ngema wa thamma nawe kuwa kadhalika ya afia wa zaidi ya khabari khevi nali-

poona mtu ajae huko kwenu nimejilazimisha nafusi yangu kukujuza hali yangu na kukuuliza hali yako na huku

mjini kwetu tuna furahi sana kwa mvua nyingi lakini masikini wanazidi hamn sana maana imetoka khabari ya kuwa mwaka huno kodi ya raajumba itaongezwa basi masikini wasikitika sana maana hali zao ni nzito hawana

watafanyaje hawana jinginelo la kufanya khabari nawe usiwate khabari za huko upande wa kwenu nami

vit'u lakini

ikenda

mno ni kuomba Mngu ndiyo

kuniarifu kadhalika. Wasalamu. Nisalimia watu wote

kwa huko wakubwa na wadogo waume na wake na huku watu wote wakusalimu salama Wasalamu. Wakatabahu, Mula

nyingi.

Alii bin Abdirrahamani biyedihi. Ta'rihi ithenaashara Rabii Liawal. Sanati thalatha

niia

na aruba

wa

ishirini.

CALENDAR

157

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

assimilated into the language.

The Swahili names

for their lunar

months are as

follows

Mfunguo Mfunguo Mfunguo Mfunguo Mfunguo Mfunguo

The

Mosi

Tatu

Mfunguo Sabaa Mfunguo Nane Mfunguo Tisia or Kenda

Nne

Eajab

Tano

Shaban

Si/a

Ramadhan

Pili

seasons are briefly or Musimu, period

Kasikazi

November

to

of

N.E.

monsoon

from

March.

Maleleji, short period of calms between the former

and

the Kusi or period of S.W. monsoon lasting from April to

September.

Kipupwe, part of Kusi, period of cool winds in June and July.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

158 Demani,

" fair winds " in

"variable

T'anga

Mbili, October.

Maleleji, second breaks.

August and September. winds" in September

period of calms before N.E.

and

monsoon

The " rainy seasons " are three, but only the " mwaka " " or really dependable. They are Mwaka (" former " " " in lesser or Mchoo great rains) April" May, rains) (" in July, Vuli (" latter rains) in October or November. " (For fuller information see African Aphorisms," p. 28.) is

:

EXAMPLES OF SYNONYMS (DIFFERENT WORDS WITH SIMILAR MEANINGS)

NOUNS "

sum-

notice," English mons. mbiyu, proclamation (by town

notisi,

hila, guile, duplicity,

udanganyifa, deception.

crier).

proclamation,

iilani,

public

notice.

ha'kimu, judge,

muamzi, arbitrator. ka
tk&n&, thoughts, doubts. azima, intentions, thoughts. mawazo, tliouglits, ideas, opinions, reflections. fikira, consideration, tliouglits.

magistrate.

dhambi

(pi.), sin.

kosa, fault, mistake,

crime, iniquity, upotofu, iniquity. uMalimu, wrong, unrighteousness, kuasi, transgression, rebellion, ithimu, guilt, guiltiness, ubaya, wickedness, badness, uovu, maovu, evil, badness, ba/ili,

ukhaini, treason, treachery,

ukhiana, guile, deceit, khatia, fault.

,

difficulty,hardship, trouble.

udhia, trouble, bother, annoyance, difficulty.
msiba, affliction, calamity. mateso, sufferings. mashaka, misfortune. rZ/tiki,

trouble, distress.

huzuoi, grief, sorrow, anxiety. hamu, grief, sadness. majonzi, mourning, grief, sadness.

SYNONYMS AND HOMONYMS

159

VERBS kumiliki, to reign, to govern, to possess.

kutewala, to rule, to govern.

kuweza, to be able. kuwabi, to be able (to go to a place, etc.), to spare time keep an engagement.

ku'iiriki,

for,

to

damp, kufanya damp,

baridi, to be [spoiled to be mildewed.

by]

ku/ftani, to think, to suppose, to

presume, kuazimia, to think

of, to

intend,

to resolve,

kuwaza (kuaza),

to

ponder, to

reflect,

kafikiri,

to

consider,

to

think

over,

kuona, to imagine.

(kn)teleza, to slip or slide down.

kukwea, to mount, to climb (step by step), kupanda, to ascend, to go up. kutekabadM,

feel, cool or

kuzizima, to be, or

kushuka, to come or go down, to descend, ku/eremka, to go or come down, to descend (easily),

kulinda, to keep, to watch, ku/unza, to take care of. kubifatfd, to preserve, to spare, to keep, to defend. kuweka salama, to protect, to preserve.

kuokoa, to save, to deliver, kuponya, to cause to escape, to deliver, to save.

ku/aabisha, to vex, to perturb, kuudhi, to trouble, to bother, to

kusumbua, feel,

to

think,

to

to receive,

kupokea, to receive, to take.

annoy, to disturb,

to harass,

kntesa, to persecute, to molest.

A LIST OF HOMONYMS (WORDS HAVING DIFFERENT MEANINGS WHICH ARE NEARLY OR QUITE ALIKE IN SOUND) kafa, page of book, (kuji)kala, to strain,

k'aa, crab.

kaa, ember. (ku)kaa, to dwell, to stay.

mkata. poor man. dish

cover

k'amba. prawn. kamba, cord (of cocoa-nut fibre). kanga, spur of cocoa-nut palm.

(ku)kawa,

k'anga, guiuca-fowl.

kitoto, small child,

(ku)kanga, to

kitoto,

k'ata, head-pad.

of

(of

plaited

street,

alley,

grassV to delay.

narrow crooked path.

fry.

ladle kata, (threequarters cocoa-nut). (ku)k'ata, to cut.

kawa,

a clap (with the hands), part of the hand, double handful.

k'ofi,

kofi, flat

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

160 k'ombe, shell. (pi. ma-), large

kombe

flat dish.

(ku)taja. to mention, t'aja, tribute, tax.

k'onde, field, cultivated land. (pi. ma-), fist.

f'ama, sweepings, scourings. /ania, end, finis.

rubbish,

off-

kooti, court, court of justice, koti (pi. ma-), coat.

(ku)iama, to move, migrate. kushika tama, to consider hold the cheek).

(lit.

konde

(ku)kua, to grow. (ku)wa, to be. kuwa (conj.), seeing that, since.

tanga, a

sail.

matanga,

sails,

mourning,

f unr-ral

rites.

k'uku, fowl.

kuku(huku) over there, just kuukuu, old, worn-out.

there.

(ku)tenga, to wander, mfanga, sand. t'anu, oven, furnace.
maziwa (uo sing.), milk, maziwa (pi.), lakes.

faa,

majuto, large rivers, majufo, repentance, remorse.

in

leaven, matter.

come

!

(irr.

growing

imp. of kuja).

nt'a,

wax.

nf a,

point, end.

n<'i,

earth, ground, land, ear rings.

nt'i,

nti,

a chart

(?).

p'aa, gazelle, paa, roofing. (ku)paa, to ascend.

kutawa,

to

(ku)piga k'ofi, to clap hands, (ku)piga kofi, to box the ears (i.e. with the open hand). a top.

pia, also, as well, all.

be in seclusion.

(ku)teka, to draw (water, etc.). mateka, captives' booty, kufeka, to laugh, to smile.

(ku)tema, to clear forest, to spit, (ku)tema, to cut asunder, 1o slash, to hew, to cut oft'. (ku)tenga, to alight, to perch (ku)tenga, to separate, t'enga, sea-monster. t'ete, f'ei'e,

.

small-pox, sparks.

(ku)tetea,

p'ia,

fermented

i'awa, louse. tree

(?),

ndoo, pail, bucket. !

yeast,

i'avu (za maguu), calves (of logs). t&va. (pi. ma-), cheek.

razor.

mangrove swamps.

ndoo

t'aa, long-tailed fish.

t'&tu,

mwembe, mango-tree, mt'u, man. mtn, tamarisk

lamp, obedience,

tatu, three.

mto, river. m
wembe,

f'aa,

to

fight

for,

to

champion. (kuXetea, to walk lame, to halt, to totter, to cackle (hen). t'eo, sling, f'eo,

sieves,

catapult.

winnowing

trays.

HOMONYMS tezo,

game, plaything.

t'ezo,

adze.

(ku)topa,

to

throw,

to

throw

away.

(kuXupa, to leap. kui'upa mpaka, to overstep the

tini, fig.

under, underneath, below.

t'ini,

161

limit. t'uu, ant-hill.

toka

!

go away

!

),

only, merely.

/okaa, chalk, lime.

Utatu, Trinity. (ku)tua, to put down, to set (of sun).

kufua, to rub to powder J'ua, blemish, flaw. tui, fat,

" milk " fatness, marrow,

(of cocoa-nut). f'ui, leopard.

(ku)tukia, to happen, to befall. ia, to hate.

tumo, errand.
/upa, file. <'upa, bottle, phial.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

ut'ahi, sourness, fermentation.

ko
k'oto,

swivel-hook and

line.

kikoto, switch.

tundu, cage, nest. t'undu, hole.

kitundu, nest. fundo, pocket, purse. mfundo, grudge, old

cause

of

quarrel.

tandu, centipede. tandu, spider's web. t'andu (pi.), film on cooked

rice.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

162

PART

III

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS adj. for adjective.

adv.

appd.

,,

cf.

,,

contrn. cop.

dem.

demonstrative. infix.

inter. intj.

inv.

,,

man.

,,

n.

,,

part. per.

ph.

conjunction. contraction.

distributive.

inf.

num.

prep. pron.

contrast.

distr.

n. redup.

applied.

copula.

ctr.

n. prop.

poss.

compare. comprehensive.

compr. conj.

pi. for plural.

adverb.

interrogative. interjection. invariable.

manner. noun. proper noun. reduplicated noun. numeral. participle.

personal.

phrase.

ref.

,,

possessive. preposition.

pronoun.

ref.

,,

reflexive.

pron.

,,

reference pronoun.

rel.

,,

sop. sing. suf.

,, ,,

v. intr.

v. n. v. pas.

v. prepl. v. rec. v. red. v. ref. v. sub. v. tr.

var. voc.

separable. singular. suffix.

verb.

v. v. c.

relative.

,,

verb causative. verb intransitive. verb neuter. verb passive. verb prepositional. verb reciprocal. verb reduplicated. verb reflexive. verb subtractive. verb transitive. variable. vocative.

In this Vocabulary, words beginning with a capital lett-r are complete in themselves: those with a hyphen before them require

some variable prefix. Nouns are always given in the singular form when one

exists.

Derivative forms of the verb are only given in a few instances the student is referred to Study XVII., where the subject is dealt with in detail. Verbal nouns, obviously derived, are usually omitted, Numerals unless there be some variation in meaning or in form. placed after a noun indicate the class it belongs to. ;

SWAHILI-ENGLtSH VOCABULARY

163

interpret, to predict, to

A! A-a

Oh!

(intj.), !

No

(intj.),

!

!

prep.), of (agrees with the thing possessed). AbatJi (adv.), continually, for ever,

-a (var.

always, perpetually. (Ku)abiri (v. intr.), "to

make a

journey one way, by sea

or

(n. 5),

passenger, one

who

crosses over.

(Ku)aburfu

to worship, to

(v. tr.),

adore.

Ada

custom, usage, habitual

(Ku)abidi (v. intr.), to promise. Ai! (intj.). Oh! (of pain).

(n. 3), manners, politeness, good behaviour. (Ku)tia adabu, to teach good manners by correction. Adhabu (n. 8), punishment, tor-

Ajabu

shame, disgrace,

dis-

(Ku)a'ii (v. tr.), to

accompany out

of the house.

(Ku)adbibu

(v. tr.), to

punish, to

A<7ili (n. 3), truth,

correct

con-

duct, right. Atfui (n. 3) (also plural maadui), enemy, foe, adversary.

dread, danger, horror (mostly used

(n. 5), terror,

(n. prop.),

Africa.

(Ku)afikana (v. rec.), to come to terms, to make a compact or covenant. Afiuni (n. 3), opium. deliverance, mercy. (Ku)afu (v. tr.), to save, deliver, rescue. pr< serve, (n. 3),

Afudhali (adv.), preferably, better,

for

payment. (iutj.),

ancient. (n. 3), end, latter end. (Ku)akhiri (v. intr.), to delay, to remain behind.

(Ku)akbirisha postpone.

Akiba

(n.

tr.),

to

give

in-

structions to, to direct. (v. tr.), to prophesy, io

put off,

to

provision,

5), officer, captain, superintendent. Akili (u. 3), intelligence, wits, intellect, sense, shrewdness, -ako (var. poss. adj.), thy, thine,

-akwe

(var. poss. adj.), his, her,

hers,

Ala

its.

(n. 3),

Alama

(n.

sheath, scabbard. 3),

mark,

spot,

sign,

redup.),

little

token.

Kuwa na

(v.

store,

3),

(v. tr.), to take leave of, to bid farewell to.

(Ku)aga

(v. c.), to

reserve. Aki(7a (n.

Alama-alama

(Ku)agna

what next!

(Xu)aka (v. tr.), to build, -a kale (var. adj.), of old, olden,

ratlier.

(Ku)agiia

wonder, astonish-

3),

Akhiri

torture.

disaster, in pi.).

(n.

Ajali (n. 3), fate, destiny, bad luck, calamity. Ajili (n. 3), sake, cause, reason. (Ku)ajiri (v. tr.), to hire, to engage

Aka!

ture.

Afarika

(n. 3),

honour, reproach. Aili (n. 3), guilt, guilty party. Aina (n. 3), kind, sort, species,

ment.

Adabu

Afua

(akhera) (n. 3), Hades, Invisible World present and future.

class.

(n, 3),

practice.

Afa

!

Ahera

Aibu

land.

Abiria

treat

medically (vide Nyika lagula). Ahadi (n. 3), promise, agreement. AhasaiUa (n. 3 and intj.), thank you thanks.

'(n.

spnts.

alama-alama.

to

be

spotted. Alasiri (n. 3 & adv.), afternoon (3 p.m.), in the afternoon.

SWAHILl GRAMMAR

164

&

Alfajiri (alifajiri) (n. 3

adv.),

dawn, daybreak, at dawn or daybreak.

& adj.),

Alfu, alifu (n. 5

alhamrfu

lillahi,

thousand,

God,

praise

thank God. Alhamisi

3

call

tr.),

to

invite,

intr.),

to

crack, to

(v.

(v.

;

to

click, to split.

Alufeni (alfeni) thousand.

Ama

&

(n.

adj.),

two

(v. intr.),

to lie

on the

(v. pass.), to

be suckled.

(Ku)amwisna (v. c.), to suckle. Amali (n. 3), trade, occupation, endeavour.

Amani

(Ku)amba

peace,

3),

(n.

tranquillity, (v.

security,

intr.),

to

say,

to

speak. to

cleave, to embrace. (v. rec.),

to tell, to speak, to inform. (Ku)anibua (v. tr.), to peel, to re-

rind or husk, to pare.

(Ku)amini

(v. intr.),

up, to rouse oneself. (v. tr.), to greet, to salute, to pay respects (in the

morning). (v. tr.), to greet, to accost or recognise in

5),

commander,

officer,

captain, chief.

Amri

a

judge a case,

dispute, to

give

judgment.

Ana

anna, penny, four pice. Anasa (n. 3), worldly pleasure. (Ku)andaa (v. tr.), to prepare tasty (n. 3),

(v.

to accom-

tr.),

pany, to follow. Mwezi ukianrfama, at the new moon (when the next moon succeeds this). (Ku)ancfomislia (v. c.), to cause one to follow another. (v. tr.), (1) to lay O'der, to place on, plaster; (2) to write; (3) ordain. (Ku)anga (v. intr.), to count,

(Ku)andika in

or to

to lo

reckon. (v. n.),

to

be caught

or entangled (in falling).

(Ku)angamia (angamika)

(v. n.),

to perish, to be lost.

Anga

(n.

5),

atmosphere,

air,

climate, ether.

(Ku)angaza(nuUo) (v. tr.), to look up, to fix the eyes, to watch,

observe, to visit.

(Ku)angika (v. tr.), to hang up, to hang on a peg, to fasten up, to suspend, to keep in suspense, to be reckonable.

-angu

passing. (n.

(v. tr.), to

settle

keep the eyes open. (Ku)angalia (v. tr.), to look, to pay attention, to behold, to

awake,

wake

Amiri

to

to look out, to stare about, to

(Ku)amkia

visit, to

(n.),

(Ku)amua

to

(v. intr.), to

(Ku)amkua

awaken,

to

to

to believe, to

trust.

(Ku)amka

order,

Lamu.

(Ku)angama to stick to

each other, to cling together, to be joined. (Ku)ambia (v. prepl.), to say to,

move

(Ku)amsha

Amu

set

harmony.

Ambari (n. 3), Ambergris. (Ku)ambata (v. tr.), to stick, (Ku)ambatana

to

tr.),

(v. tr.), to

(Ku)andama

chest, to suck.

(Ku)amwa

to order, to

(v. c.),

dishes.

(conj.), or, but.

(Ku)ama

command. (Ku)amrn (v. command.

rouse out of sleep.

&

adv.), Thursday, (n. (5th day Jewish reckoning), on Thursday.

(Ku)alika

(Ku)amirisha

command, (u. 3), order, authority, right, power.

(var.

posg.

adj.),

my,

mine. (v. sub.), to unhook, to hatch eggs, to take down, to

(Ku)angua

unfasten.

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULAEY (Zu)anguka (v. to drop down. (Ku)angushia

n.), to fall

down,

(v. prepl.), to of.

knock

tr.

and

iutr.),

to

begin, to commence, to start, to open. -ao (var. poss. adj.), their, theirs. (Ku)apa (v. tr. and intr.), to swear, to take an oath. (Ku)apisha (v. c.), to adjure, to administer an oath. (Ku)apiza (v. c.), to swear at, to curse. -a pili (var. num. adj.) (ord.), the

second, the other.

Arazaki

(n. prop.), Provider (used only of God). (Ku)arifu (v. tr.), to inform (espe-

cially by letter). Arnbaa (num. adj.),

four.

Arubaa
adj.),

teen.

Anibaini (num.

Arujuwani (Ku)asa

Asa

by

"

purple. kuatisha). supposing (followed

(v. c.), (vid.

(conj.), if,

Asali

adj.), forty.

(n. 3),

ka"

(n. 3),

asali

ya

tense). asali ya nyuki, honey miwa, treacle, cane ;

Asbara (num. (n. 5),

(Ku)asi

adj.), ten.

to leave

mu-

off.

(v. prepl.), to leave to or for or with, to commit to. (Ku)atika huru (v. n.), to be re-

(Ku)atia

leased or set free. (Ku)atilia (v. prepl.), to forgive, to absolve, to pass over. Ati (intj.) I say look here I suppose so !

!

!

I

Adhuhuri

(n. 3), midday, noon, 12 o'clock in the day. (Ku)atua (v. tr.), to break, to tear in two, to rend, to cleave, to smite. Au (conj.), or, even.

to

(v. tr.),

examine, to

survey, to visit, to search, to view, to see after. (Ku)aulia (v. prepl.), to look after for (some one).

Aula Auni

even. help, succour. (Ku)auni (v. tr.), to help, to succour. (conj.), or, (n. 3),

Auteni

(n. 7),

home

(see

watani),

rebel, apostate. and intr.), to rebel,

(v. tr.

Asili (n. 3), origin, root source. Asiye-neno, innocent person. AsubuM (n. 3), morning, this morning; (adv.) in the morn ing. Asubuhi sana (adv.), early in the

morning. (adv.), on the following morning. (Ku)ata (v. tr.), to leave, to leave

to

Azima-mbi

(n. 3),

wicked schemes,

evil devices.

(Ku)azima

(v.

tr.),

to

lend,

to

borrow.

(Ku)azimia purpose

;

(v. intr.),

to intend, to to lend to,

(v. prepl.),

to borrow from.

Asubuhi yakwe

abandon.

to ponder, to (Ku)aza (v. meditate, to think. Azima (n. 3), resolve, purpose, intention. intr.),

to be disobedient. Asikari (n. 3), soldier, policeman.

off,

(v. rec.),

let

habitation.

syrup.

Asi

be, to

let

tually (divorce). (Ku)atisha (kuasa) (v. c.), to wean, to break off, to make leave

(Ku)aua four-

to

release, alone.

(Ku)atana

inscrip-

tion, superscription. (v.

(v. tr.), to set free,

to

down by means Anuwani (n. 3), address, (Ku)anza

(Ku)ata burn

165

cease,

to

desert,

to

(Ku)azimu

(v. intr.), to

intend, to

purpose. Azizi (n. 3), rarity, something dear, beloved, cherished,

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

166 B Baa

(n. 3), evil,

nuisance

Baadae

(pi.

calamity, plague,

Bakora (n. 3), walking stick. Bakuli (n. 5), basin, bowl. Balanga (n. 3), disease that makes the skin white.

mabaa).

(adv.), afterwards, later

on.

age of puberty.

Baadae p'unde (adv.), after a little, presently.

Baada ya

(advl. prep), after.

Baadhi (n. 3), a certain number, some (persons). Baba (n. 3), father, uncle (see Note 10, Study VIII.). Baba wa kambo, step father. Babu (n. 3), grandfather, ancestor. Bar/alaya (advl. prep.), instead of,

Bali (conj.), rather but, on the contrary. Balozi (n. 5), consul, commissioner. Bamba (n. 5), thin plate or disc of counsel. iron, tin, etc. ;

(Ku)bana

Banda

large shed or hut,

(n. 5),

booth tabernacle.

Bandari

(n.

Ban'fia

change. (Ku)badilisha

(Ku)bandika (v. tr.),

to transform,

to transfigure, to change. (Ku)badilika (v. n.), to be changed, to be altered, to be transformed.

Bado (adv.), not yet, not as yet. Bado kidogo (adv.), not just yet, after a bit. Bafe (n. 5). large snake, adder. Bafufa (n. 3), fine longcloth, nain-

landing-place,

3),

puppet. bandia, doll.

3),

(n.

Mtoto

wa

(v.

tr.),

attach

place or

a

lay

or

thing;

to

to

put a plaster on.

(Ku)bandua break off

Bao

(v. sub.),

to chip, to

remove a plaster. game played on a board

(n. 3),

;

to

with holes. Bap'a la uso (n. (Ku)bapn(izi

Bara

5), forehead. (v. tr.), to baptize.

(n. 3), interior

of a country

;

(adv.), up-country, inland.

sook.

(Ku)bagua

(v. tr.), to

separate, to

classify, to sort out, to choose. Bahari (n. 3), sea, large lake. Baharia (n. 5), seaman, sailor. (n.

3),chance, luck, fortune.

envelope. (Ku)bahafisha, to guess, to divine. Bahili (n. 3), miser, avaricious person. (Ku)baini (v. iutr.), to distinguish. (Ku)bainisha (v. c.), to reveal, to make manifest. (n. 3),

(Ku)bainika

(v.

n.),

to

become

manifest, to be revealed. (Ku)bainiki (v. tr.), to manifest. (Ku)baki (v. intr.), to remain over, to be left. BakishisM (n. tuity.

squeeze

(finger).

(Ku)badili (v. tr.), to change, to alter, to exchange (v. intr.), to

Bahasha

to

tr.),

(v.

harbour.

in lieu of.

Bahafi

reach the

(v. intr.), to

(Ku)baleghe

Baradhuli foolish

rude

3),

(n.

fellow,

man.

Barafu (n. 3), ice. Mvua ya barafu, hail. Baraghumu (n. 3), trumpet, warhorn.

Baraka (n.3), blessing, prosperity. Baraza (n. 5), verandah. "

Baridi

coolth," cold(n. 3), cold, a cold. ness, dampness Mt'u baridi, person of equable ;

temperament. Baridi yabisi

(n. 3),

(Ktribariki (v.

(Ku)barikia

God

tr.)

(v.

to bless

;

rheumatism.

to bless.

prep.), to pray to knock down to

(auction). 3), gift, tip,

gra-

(Zu)barikisha (v. of God oply),

c.),

to bless (used

SWAHILI-ENQLISH VOCABULARY (Ku)barikishia (v. prep.), to pronounce blessing (auctioneer) on thing knocked down to bidder. Barikisi (n. 3), barracks.

Barua

(n.

note,

letter,

3),

bill,

chit.

Barud

gunpowder.

(n. 3),

(v. intr.), to

prophesy, announce, publish. (Ku)basiri (v. intr.), to understand, to be wise, intelligent. Basil (intj.), enough, that will do! (Ku)bashiri foretell,

Basi

(conj.), fore, now.

Bastola

then, so, well, there-

Biblia (n. 3), Bible.

Bidbaa Bidii

(n.

(adv.), without cause, for nothing, gratuitously, iu vain. 3), glass, tumbler. (n. 3) (pi. bani), son.

Bilauri (n.

Bin

Binadamu

(n.

(Ku)bingiria

(n. 3), tin.

righteousness.

wing, pinion. 5), door-keeper,

(n.

piles,

hemorr-

knot or fold in loinhence pocket or puree. (v.

to roll

n.),

(of

itself).

(Ku)bingirika (v. n.), to roll, to roll down, to roll away. (v. c.), to

(Ku)bingirisha

take or

away, to remove, to

roll

along.

Bind

hoids, (var.

adj.),

bad,

hurtful,

noxious.

(Ku)beba (v. tr.), to carry a child on the back in a cloth.

Bega (n. Behewa

Adam,

(n. 5),

roll

janitor.

-baya

son of

being. Bindera (n. 3), banner, red turkey

cloth,

Batili (n. 3), crime, iniquity, un-

3),

3),

human

Bad

(n.

zeal,

BilasM

Bindo

Bawasili

enthusiasm,

3),

diligence, pains, ardour, effort. Bikira (n. 5), maiden, virgin. Bila (prep.), without, except by.

twill, flag.

(n. 3), pistol.

5),

merchandise, trad-

(n. 3),

ing goods.

Bate (n. 5), duck. Ba/a mzinga, turkey.

Bawa (n. Bawabu

167

5),

shoulder.

(Ku)bembea

3),

(v.

tr.

&

en-

intr.), to

swing, to rock. Bendera (n. 3) (see bindera). (Ku)jibenua (v. ref.), to lean

-bid (var. adj.), raw, green, unripe, underdone. (01. 4 concord, kiwid).

-bivu

(var.

cooked. Bizari (n.

adj.),

3),

Boga

(n. 5),

Boma

(n.

ripe,

well-

curry-powder.

pumpkin. 5),

stockade, fence, hedge.

fortress, palisade,

upon.

(Ku)benuka

!

Bisikofi (n. 3), biscuit.

courtyard, closure, upstairs lobby. Bai (n. 3), bargain, price. (Ku)vuno(a bei, to undersell. (n.

(n. 3) (pi. banati), daughter. (Ku)bisba (v. intr.), to knock at the door, to announce oneself at a house by calling " hodi " Bishipu hi. 5), bishop.

(v.

neut.),

to bend,

bulge out, be crooked, be leaning.

Beramu

(n. 3), banner, flag. Betoto (n. 3), owl. Biasbara (n. 3), trade. Bibi (n. 5), lady, mistress, grand-

mother, wife, madam. Bibiharusi (n. 5), bride.

Bomba

cylinder, funnel of steamer, pump, pipe. (Ku)bompa (v. tr.), to pull down, demolish, destroy. Bonde (n. 5), valley. (n. 5),

(Ku)bonyea to pit, to

Bop'o

(v. neut.), to

be

sink in,

soft.

(n. 3), gulf, gulley, valley,

deep place.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

168 Bora

(inv. adj.), best, noble, great,

Boriti (n. 3),

Borohoa

beam,

pole, rafter.

stew, hotch-potch, pottage, mashed beans. (Ku)boromoka (v. neut.),to slide or slither down, to slip, to glide, to fall down. (n. 5),

-bovu (var.

or

(Ku)bubujika (v. intr.), to bubble up, to burst forth.

dumb

tree, calabash. (v. tr.), to

throw down,

to cause to fall, to

dump down.

(Ku)bwaga

(n.

Bwanahamsi, bridegroom. Bwana Jesu Masihi, Lord Jesus Christ.

Bwete

small box or desk.

(n. 5),

Madagascar. Bumbuazi (n. 3), bewilderment, astonishdumfoundedness, ment. (Ku)bunda (v. tr.), to boat down,

(Ku)burudika

(v.

neut), to be relieved of thirst, to be refreshed.

pledge,

token. 3), fortification, castle,

defence, bulwark. (Ku)buruta (v. tr.), to drag. (n. 3),

prudence, under-

sense, standing, subtlety, caution, discretion. Bushuii (n. 3), cloak of camel or goat's hair (burnoose, blanket). Bustani (n. 3), garden.

(Ku)busu

(v. tr.),

to kiss.

(Ku)cha (v. Kucha). (Ku)cha (v. afraid

tr.),

dawn

to

intr.),

to

fear, to

(see

be

of.

(n. 3), tea.

4), stable or

(n.

shed for

(Ku)ch'acha (v. intr.), to ferment, to turn sour. -chache (var. adj.), few, small, little.

(Ku)chafulia

(v. tr.), to spoil.

(Ku)chafuka

(v.

neut.),

to

be

excited, to be hurried.

ing, reconciliation.

Busara

(var. prep.), of (4th cl. con-

cord).

cattle.

(Ku)buni (v. tr.), to design, to found, to invent, to originate. Bunzi (n. 5), hornet. Bure (adv.), in vain, to no purpose, free, for nothing, gratis. Buriani (n. 3), leave-taking, part-

Buruji (n.

Cha

Chaa Chaa

to annihilate.

BunJuki (n. 3), musket, gun. Buni (n. 3), coffee-berries.

(n. 3), earnest,

Ch

:

(n. p.),

Buruhani

sir,

person.

Sina bndi, I have no escape from hence I must. Buibui (n. 3), spider.

(Ku)burudi,

murder.

master, lord,

5),

BucZi (n. 3), escape.

Bukini

to

(Ku)bwaga vimba, gentleman.

framboefcia.

(n. 5),

kiss each

Buu (n. 5), worm, maggot. Buyu (n. 5), fruit of the baobab

Bwana

adj.), rotten, corrupt.

Bua (n. 5), stalk, stem, blade. Buba (mbuba) (n. 3), the yaws

Bubwi

(v. reo.), to

(Ku)busiana other.

important.

Ch'aga

7

(n.

pi.),

barn, grain-

stores.

Chai

(n. 3), tea.

Chaka

(n.

4),

summer-heat,

drought, desolation. (Ku)chakarisha (v.

intr.),

to

flutter.

Chakula

(n. 4), (something) to eat,

food, meal, eatable.

Chamba

hiding-place, den, secret-place for way-

(n. 4)

shelter,

laying.

Chambo

(n. 4), bait.

Chandfa (n. 4), finger. Ohani/a cha gnmba (n,

4),

thumb.

SWAHILT-ENGLISH VOCABULARY (var. adj.), young, immature, unripe, embryonic. Ch'ango (n. 3), intestines, bowels. (Ku)chanja (v. tr.), to cut, to prick, to cleave (used of vaccination and of native tattooing),

-changa

to

split up, to

chop

(as

fire-

(n.

heap, pile

3),

(n. 4),

wooden

Chuki

anger, irritation. 4), room, chamber,

(n. 4),

Chumba

(n.

bedroom. Chumbani, in prison, in confinement.

Ch'apa (n. 4), stamp, mark. (Kuipiga cha'pa. to print. (Ku)checha (v. tr.), to trench (the

be in

prepl.), to

(v.

fear of.

(Ku)chelewa

(v. intr.),

tr.),

to

Chuagu

(n. 4), cooking-pot (earthenware), vessel. (n. 5),

orange

(large).

Ch'ungwa (n. 3), orange (small). Chunyu (n. 3), brine, gait-crust,

to be late.

Chembe (n. 4), arrow-head. (Ku)chemka (v. intr.), to boil,

(v.

flay, to skin (see kutuna).

Chungwa

soil).

(Ku)chelea

(n. 3), salt.

(Ku)chuna (Zanzibar)

plate.

(lit.

Ant-hill).

Chumvi (Zanzibar)

wood).

Ghana

Ch'uguu

169

salt desert.

Chuo

book.

(n. 4),

Mwana

to

bubble up.

wa

chuoni,

scribe,

scholar.

(Ku)chemua (v. intr.), to sneeze. Chengo (n. 5), halting-place, rest-

Chuo cha majina,

register,

mark-

book.

ing-place.

Chenza (n. 5), tangerine, orange. be quick Chep chep (intj.), !

look alive

Cheo (n. 4), measure, honour, position. Chetezo

degree,

(v. pass.), to

be feared.

account-book,

(adv.) for ever, evermore. (Ku)dai (v. tr.), to claim from, sue,

demand (Ku)rfaia

from.

utensil,

to

plead

Daima (adv.), continually, always, perpetually.

(Ku)daka

vessel,

prepl.),

(v.

(legally).

which, that,

(Ku)choka (v. intr.), to be tired, to be weary, to be fatigued.

intr.),

(v.

to

catch,

seize.

Dakika (n. moment.

3),

instant, minute,

Z>akiki (adv.), completely, abso-

tool.

Ch'onge Choo (n.

5),

Dahari

fish.

it.

(n. ~4),

young cocoanut.

(n.

record.

Chichi (n. 3), old word for Chichiri (n. 3), bribe. (var. rel. part.),

5),

DaftUari

Chicha (n. 5), fibrous part of grated cocoa-nut from which " the " tui has been squeezed.

Chombo

73afu (n.

(n. 4), cen-er.

(Ku)chewa

Cho

1)

!

!

(n. 3),

canine teeth.

lavatory. (Ku)cfiora (v. tr.), to carve, enor grave, make deep lines 4),

marks. Choyo (n.

4), selfishness, greediness, churlishness, parsimony. Cb.ua (chnla) (n. 4), frog. (Ku)chubuka (v. n.), to be grazed.

lutely. .Dakifari (n. 3), doctor, physician. .Dalili (n. 3), sign, token, trace.

7>ama (n. 3), sheet (of a sail). .Damu (n. 3), blood. Kujdandamana (v. n.), to swarm. (

(Kui'/angana (v. n.), to ceived, to be deluded.

(Ku)danganya

(v. tr.).

be de-

to deceive,

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

170

impose on, to mislead, to

to

disappoint. (n. 3), stairs, steps, stair-

Daraja

case, bridge.

Uaraja

(n. 3), degree, promotion, preferment, honour, order.

Daraka (n. 3), responsibility. Kutwaa
Daxi

despise. storm, stroke. scornful derision, (n. 3), laughter, ridicule. (Ku)dnihaki (v. tr.), to deride, to mock, to ridicule. (Ku)dhii (v. iutr.), to waste or pine away, to be in distress.

Dhiki

sible.

Zterasa (n. hour.

5), class, lesson, lesson-

upper

(n. 3),

storey,

house

top, roof. 7>ariri (n. 3),

(v. tr.), to

(Ku)dharau

Dharuba Dhihaka

(n. 3),

(n. 3),

t

traits,

(Ku)dhikika (v. n.), to be troubled, perplexed, tormented. (Ku)dhili

(v. tr.),to

Dhiraa

embellish. /)arubini (n. C), telescope, bino-

yard (nearly). (Ku)dhoofika (v.

D&n

weak

(n.

native boat, dhow,

3),

dug-out.

7>auwa

cause, lawsuit, case,

litigation.

D&vra. (n. 3), medicine, remedy, lawsuit (see cure, physic, (Jauwa). (Ku)dawaa (v. intr.), to hesitate, to be in suspense or doubt, to be doubtful, to be perplexed.

D&w&ti

(n. 3),

writing-desk, box,

cash-box.

i'emani (n. 3), period of fair winds, between S.W.&N.E. monsoons, about August, cool season.

Dengu Deni

3

&

5), debt.

Mr/eni, debtor. Mwenyi deni, creditor. JJesturi (dasituri) (n. 3), custom, habit, customary. Dliabihu (n. 3), offering, sacrifice. Dhahabu (n. 3), gold.

Dhaifu

(inv. adj.),

weak, wretched,

(n.

3

(Ku)dhamini curity

sponsor

Dhamiri

for, for.

&

misery, wretchedness. hurt, injure (v. intr.), to matter. Haidhuru, nevermind, it does not matter.

Dhuli

(n. 3),

(v. tr.), to

to

;

ilia (n. 3), compensation, reward,

revenge, amends, blood-money. Dibaji (n. 3), preface. />ini (n. 3), religion.

Dira

mariner's compass. to cut, shear. Dirii (n. 3), metal shield, buckler. (Ku)diriki (v. intr.), to spare time, (n. 3),

(Ku)dira

(v. tr.),

keep an engagement

;

(v. tr.),

to meet, await.

Dobi

(u. 5),

washerman.

-dogo (var. adj.), small, little. Dodoki (n. 5), loofah gourd, fruit of climbing plant the " loofah."

Donda Donge

Dod

5), sin, crime.

(v.

become

(n.

ft),

which makes

large sore.

(n. 5), clot,

lump, cake,

bit,

morsel.

poor, miserable.

Dhambi

intr.), to

half-

Dirisha (n. 5), window. Divei (fr. duvin) (n. 3), wine.

(n. 3), lentils.

(n.

cubit, arm,

or faint.

(Ku)dhuru

(n. 3),

3),

(n.

despise, set at

belittle.

nought, abase,

embroidery. (Ku)darizi (v. intr.), to embroider,

culars.

perplexity,

trouble, distress.

tr.),

to give se-

be

or

surety

(n. 3), conscience, conceptions, thoughts.

(n. 3),

eight hands

(of cloth),

nearly four yards. .Dua (n. 3), prayer, intercession, petition.

Jtaara

(n. 3),

duwara).

windlass, crane (see

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY Dude

(n.

-embamba

thing, what-is-tbe-

b),

Embe

namo. 7>uka

(n. 5),

(Ka)<7umu

to continue,

(v.

to

tr.),

prick,

pie ice.

Uungu (n.

watch-hous a watch-

dodo,

(v. intr.),

itwa, (some one) has

to call

Enda zako!

,

plantation watchers shelter, against wild beasts.

tower,

l>ua.i

Amekwenda gone

3),

mango (Embe

to go, proceed, set out, walk.

persevere, abide.

(Ku)dunga

(var. adj.), narrow.

(n. 5),

large mango). (Ku)enda or (Kw)enenda

shop.

(v. intr.),

171

mean,

him.

(see

Note

2,

XIX.), go thy way. (Kw)endea (v. prepl.), to go for, or

Study to,

or

towards.

paltry, trifling, worthless, despicable. JJunia (n. 3), earth, world.

(Kw)endelea

7)ura 7>utu

(Kw)endeleza (v. tr.), to spell to cause to continue, to (v. c.),

(inv.

adj.),

talking parrot. substance, shape. 7>uwara (n. 3), wheel, trane, windlass, globe (adj ), round. (u. 3),

(n. 5),

;

make

(v. prepl.), to

go on,

progress, continue. ;

make

to last on.

(Kw)endesha

(v. c.),

to

make to

go,

drive, guide.

(Ku)eneai (v. intr.), to spread, penetrate, permeate. (Ku)eneza (v. c.), to spread over,

E

cover, distribute. -e (var. poss. suf.)

(shortened form

of -akwe), his, her,

mind

its.

Ee! (iutj.), oh! Ee wallah (intj.), yes (by God) !

!

all right.

(Ku)egesha (v. tr.), to land, bring to land (a boat). Ehe (intj.), what what then ? -ekundu (var. adj.), red, crimson, !

!

but, except, that (slightly adversative). (Ku)elea (v. tr.), to be clear or (conj.),

(v. intr.), plain, to enlighten to float. Yanelea, that is clear to me. (Ku)elewa ni..., to understand all ;

about... (Ku)eleza (v c.), to explain to, to make clear or plain to.

(Ku)eleka (v. tr.), to carry. Elfu (num. adj.) (see Alfu), thousand. Elhasili (adv.), ultimately, finally,

-ema

(var. adj.), good.

Ema

(n. 5),

large wicker basket or trap for catching fish.

(v. intr.),

to falter,

carefully.

-engine (var. adj.), other, another, -enu (var. poss. adj.), your, yours, -enyi (var. prep, or pro.), having,

Mwana owning wa kuomba, prayed-tbr child; Mwana mwenyi kuomba, praypossessing,

;

ing child.

Enywi

scarlet.

Ela

(Ku)enga-enga

(voc. pro.), ye, you.

Enzi

(n.

-epasi

(var.

majesty, power, 3), sovereignty, dominion, rule, authority. (Ku)e'pa (v. intr.), to turn back, duck, draw back, double, adj.),

light,

slight,

easy, thin, quick, versatile. Kwa wepesi, quickly, speedily.

(Ku)epua (v. tr.), to remove, turn away, withdraw, put nway, take away. to avoid, shun, (Ku)epuka (v. tr.), be far from, go away from. na (Ku)epukana (v. n.), to be separated from. (Ku)epusha (v. c.), to put or thrust away.

SWAHILI GKAMMAR

172

-erevu (var. adj.), cunning, clever,

shrewd.

etc., subtle,

(v. tr.), to

i(fi.

(Ku)erevuka (v. n.), to become cuuning, clever, etc. eshe (contd. form of aishe), that he may finish.

Fakhari

-etu (var. poss. pro.), our, ours, -eupe (var. adj.), white, light, bright, clear, clean, guileless. -eusi (var. adj.), black, dark,

(Ku)fanana

dingy.

Ewa

!

Ewe!

(n.

(Ku)fana

O! holloa!

(intj.),

hi!

(v. n.), to

liken,

for.

(Ku)fa ganzi (v. iutr.), to go to sleep (of a limb), be callous, be seized with cramp, be distracted with grief.

(Ku)faa (v. tr. & intr.), to suit, do, become, benefit, succeed. (Ku)fadhili (v. tr.), to show favour to.

Fadhili

(u. 3), favour, kindness, condescension, grace.

(Ku)fafanua (v. tr.), to see clearly, discern, distinguish report, consider.

male

bull,

of

animals, warrior. ;

(v.

consider.

(v.

intr.), to

tr.),

as

in

" Fahamni."

Fahamu

(n. 3),

memory, Faharasa

under-

to

remember, The final " u " often

disappears,

(v. intr.), to succeed,

(pi.

imp.)

(v.

lantern. tr.), to

make, do,

towards

act

(un-

become mildewed. take

birfii (v. intr.), to

pains, make oneself.

an

(Ku)fanya khofu

effort,

exert

be

(v. intr.), to

afraid, fear.

(Ku)fanyia (v. prep.), to deal with, act towards (favourably). (Ku)fanyika (v. n.), to be well " doable," be made, to be feasible.

(Ku)fanyiza

Faradhi

Faragha

(v. c.),

(n. 3),

to repair.

everyday food.

privacy. comfort, rest. horse. (frasi) (n. 3), Farasila (n. 3), thirty-six pounds

Faraja Farasi

(n. 3), leisure,

(n. 3),

(36 Ibs.). (Ku)fariji (n.

tr.),

to comfort, con-

sole.

(Ku)farikana

(v. rec.),

to

be sepa-

rated, alienated.

mind,

intellect,

intelligence.

(n. 3),

3),

(Ku)fanywa (v. pass), to be made. (Kujjifanya (v. ref.), to pretend to be, make oneself out to be. (Ku)fanya baridi (v. intr.), to (Ku)fanya

(Ku)fahanm

compare,

alike.

favourably). ;

5),

to

recip.),

(v.

(v. tr), to

make

perform,

(Ku)fa (v. intr.), to die, perish (Ku)fiwa (v. pass.), to be bereaved. (Ku)fia (v. prepl.), to die to or

stand

na

prosper.

F

(n.

be successful,

resemble, to be like. (Ku)fananisha (v. c.), to draw a similitude from.

Fanusi (n. (Ku)fanya

Fahali

excel-

to succeed.

(Ku)fanikiwa

1

glory,

3),

lence.

(Ku)fanidisha

abbreviated form of

(intj.),

Ee wallah

be profitable

to.

index.

Faif/a (n. 3), profit, gain, advantage,

(Ku)fariki

(v.

intr.), to

die,

de-

cease.

Fasaha

(inv. adj.), clean, correct.

(Ku)fasiri

(v. tr.),

pure,

to translate,

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY (Zu)fatahi

Fatashi

to open. opener, provider,

(v. tr.),

3),

(n.

supplier.

(Zu)faulu

to tack (in

intr.),

(v.

(Zu)filisi (v. tr.), to bid at auction Filisi k'ubwa, highest bid.

(Zu)filisiwa (v. one's goods

Fedha (n. 3), Fedheha (n.

silver, 3),

honour, shame. (Zu)fedhehe (vr.

money.

confusion, tr.),

to

dis-

shame,

ridicule.

(Zu)fedheheki (v. n.), to be put to shame, ridiculed. Feeli (n. 3), wonder, sign, omen. Fereji (Feleji) (n. 3), drain, rainpipe, channel, stream. (Ka)fia (v, prepl.), to die to or for.

Fimbo

redeem, ransom. (n. 3), ransom, compensation, blood-money. (v. tr.),

to

inverting. (Ku)finya (v. Fira (fia) (n. adder.

em-

bezzle. to die to or

for. (v.

pass.),

to

be be-

reaved (see Fiwa). Figo (n. 3), kidneys, reins. 3),

of

species

hyaena.

(n. 5),

(v.

large

to

arrive,

thoughts, reflections, understanding, consideration. (Zu)fikicha (v. tr.), to rub between the fingers. (v. 3),

(v. intr.),

think over.

become

tr.),

to hide, conceal.

(v. n.),to

be hidden,

to hide, (v. prepl.), conceal from. Fl^ina (n. 3), conspiracy, treach-

(Zu)jiMa

ery, calumny, trigue. (n. 5),

disloyalty,

in-

slender sticks or poles

Fiwi (n. 3), bean. Forodha (n. 3), custom-house. Foromashi (n. 5), wooden box with partitions, cash-box (made of teak).

lias come io us. (Kuifikilia (the same as Fikia). (Zu)fikiliza (v. c.), to fulfil, cause to arrive.

reflect,

to

used in building.

(Ka)fikia (v. prepl.), to come up to, attain to. Tunafikiliwa ni ageni, a guest

(Zu)fikiri

intr.),

corrupt or vile.

Fito

Fiili (n. 3), doing, deed, action.

(K'i)fika (v. intr.), attain, reach,

venomous snake,

3),

concealed.

(Zu)fifiliza (v. tr.), to cheat,

),

by

to pinch.

tr.),

cause to die, slay. Fisi

(Zu)fitamana

(Ku)filia (v. prepl

form,

Firigisi (n. 3), gizzard. (Zu)fisha (v. c.), to cause to arrive,

(Zu)fi
fade away, be faint.

to

tr.),

(Ku)flnika (v. tr.), to cover. (Zu)finikiza (v. c.), to cover

(Zu)fifia (v. n.), to fall, disappear,

Fikira

have be

(n. 3), rod, stick.

FL/ia

Figili (n. radish.

to

distrained,

(Zu)finanga (v. fashion, frame.

(Zu)fisidi

(Ku)filiwa

pass.),

;

bankrupt.

sailing).

to be (Zu)fazaika iutr.), (v. troubled, be worried, dismayed.

(Zu)fidi

173

to

consider,

(Kn)fua (v. tr.), to beat (clothes (in washing), forge (iron, etc.). Zufua maji, to bale out water. Mfua chuina. a smith. (Ku)fuasa (v. c.), to teek out, reproduce, copy a design.

(Ku)fuata

(v. tr.),

to follow, suc-

ceed, accompany.

(Ku)faataaa (v. rec.), to follow each other, go in file. (Ku)fufuka (v. n,), to rise from the dead. (Zu)fofuliwani, resurrection.

SWAH1LI GRAMMAR (Ka)fuga

to

(v. tr.),

keep or rear

animals.

Fujo

(n.

confusion, muddle,

5),

disorder, tumult.

(Ku)fuka smoke,

(moshi),

fume,

(v.

intr.),

throw

off

to (as

Fukara

(n. 5), poor man, beggar. (Ku)fukia (v. tr.),to fill up (hole), hide (in a hole). (Ku)fukiza (v. c.), to fumigate, perfume (uvumba). (Ku)fukua (v. tr.), to dig (a small

(v.

drive

to

tr.),

(n. 3), vest, flannel. Fulani (n. 3), some one, so

a certain person (inv. such and such (a thing).

so,

;

and adj.)

(v. intr.),

prepl.),

(v.

on

to hasten to beat

waves or wind),

rise

ni, to

(Ku)fuliza

(v. c.),

wound

(v. ;

(v.

to

c.),

teach,

instruct.

Fundo

(n. 5), knot,

by knot ia

purse (formed

loincloth), pocket.

la guu, ankle. (v. tr.), to tie,

(Ku)funga

1r.),

to

hit, shoot,

shut,

(v. ref.), to bind onepromise or contract).

(For other derivatives of the Study XVII.). (Ku)funga-funga, (v. red.), to tie

Fungo

(n. 3),

to besiege. civet cat.

Ftmgu

(n. 5),

portion, part

(v. c.),

;

sand-

bank, shoal. (v. sub.), to Tindo, untie, unfasten.

(Ku)fungua (a. 3),

(Ku)funua

be closed,

Fanza

open,

antelope (small). sub.), to uncover,

(v.

(n. 3),

(v.

tr.),

to

grasp.

Amefumbata mkono, he

has

ravine, gorge, nultorrent that runs through

(n. 5),

lah ; a gorge.

n.),to be

(v.

(n. 5),

hidden

parable, allegory. (v. sub.), to open,

unclose. spear, dart, lance. sub.), to uusew, to dismiss.

(Ku)fumua (v. unpick, undo

;

(v.

self, ht:nce to learn.

fist.

(Ku)fumbika

maggot, jigger.

tr.), to teach, impart knowledge to. (Ku)jifunza (v. ref), to teach one-

(Ku)funza

(Ku)fumbata

(n. 5),

bind in law,

disclose, reveal. (v. n.), to

be hidden.

(Ku)fumbua

to

verb, see

Fano

to close, stop,

shut, hide.

(Ku)fumbana

closed his

self (by

in places.

weave, sew. (v. tr.),

Kufunga shariani, i.e. to condemn.

(Ku)fungiza

without stopping, persevere.

(Ku)fumba

workman,

money. (Ku)fundisha

on

be choked by. to make go on

(Ku)fuliwa

(Ku)fama

skilled

5),

up

against.

Fumo

(n.

expert smith, mechanic,artisan. (Ku)fundikiza (v. tr.), to lay up

(Kn)jifunga

skelter.

Fumbo

Fundi

prison, fast.

Falifuli (adv.), in crowds, helter

(Ku)fulia

dash

fasten, bind, gird, attach, im-

Fulana

(Ku)fulia with.

(v. red.), to

in pieces.

Fundo

hole).

(Ku)fukuza away.

Fumbi

up, scattered.

(Ku)funda-funda

heat).

(as

(Ku)fumukana (v. n.), to come to an end, be separated, be broken

-fupi

(var. adj.), short, brief.

(Ku)fupiza (v. c.), to shorten. (Ku)fura (v. intr.), to swell, bo puffed up. Furaha (n. 3), joy, gladness, pleasure.

(Ku)furahi (v. intr.), to rejoice, be glad, be pleased. (Ku)furika (v. n.), to boil over, overflow.

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY Furukani

(n.

sacred

3),

books

(Muhammedan). (v. tr.), to

(Ku)futa

wipe, cancel, ;

Gari

etc.). (n. 3), foot

(measure). (Ku)futika (v. n.), to be eradicable, be cancelled.

cart, carriage,

5),

waggon.

Gari ya moshi, train of smoke).

(lit.

carriage

(n. 3), clove.

(Ku)gawa

divide up,

(v. tr.), to

distribute, part.

(Zu)gawanya (v.

c.),to

go shares

;

to

molt

to divide. (Ku)gema (v. tr.), to tap cocoanut trees for palm-wine.

(n. 3), first meal fast, breakfast.

after

Genge

(Ku)futuka

n.),

(v.

(feathers, hair). (n. 3),

span.

great (Ku)fuza (v. intr.), to progress, advance, go further (see fuliza). (v. tr.), to sweep. (v. tr.), to abuse, insult.

(v. tr.),

(n. 5),

prison (from Portu" guese Ecclesia "). (n. 3),

(v. n.), to turn round, change. (Ku)geuza (v. c.), to change, alter,

(Ku)fyagia

(Ku)geuka alter,

(Ku)fyonya (v. intr.), to mock, make a mocking noise. (Ku)fyua (v. tr.), to snap or break off.

(Ku)fyuka

(v. n.), to

(n. 5),

snap, go off. trap, gin (made with

a stick and cord).

steep place, preci-

pice, cliff, rock.

Gereza

(Ku)fyolea

Fyuko

&

3

(n.

train, trolley,

Garufuu

sword,

Futuri Fuforu

waver, prevaricate,hesi-

tate, slip.

obliterate, blot out futa uvumbi, to dust. (Ku)futa (v. tr.), to draw out (as a

Futi

cillate,

175

translate.

Ghadhabu

(n. 3),

anger, wrath. to

(Ku)ghadhibika (v. n.), angry, be indignant.

be

Ghafi (inv. adj.), gross (weight). (Ku)ghafilika (v. n.), to be in a hurry, make haste, be pressed for time. Ghafula (adv.), suddenly, abruptly, hastily.

(Ku)gaagaa roll,

on the

to wriggle.

(v. intr.),

move

to

and

fro, lie

about

floor.

Gae (n. 5), potsherd. Galawa (n. 5), canoe

(see

nga-

(n.

5),

rind,

peel,

skin,

husk, bark.

(Ku)ganda

(v. intr.),

to congeal,

curdle, freeze.

(Ku)gandamana

(v.

rec.), to stick

together, cleave, adhere.

cally,

sort?

apprehension, sad-

(n. 3),

apply medicine.

(inv.

inter,

adj.),

Ghanima

(n.

Gharika

(n. 3), flood. (v.

what? which?

Ganjo (n. 5), ruin, desolation. (Ku)ganza-ganza (v. iiitr.), to va-

n.),

bo sub-

to

merged, be immersed wrecked. (Ku)gharikisha

what

abundance,

3),

plenty, good fortune. Gharama (n. 3), expenses, costs, value, woith.

(Ku)ghariki

Gando (n. 5), claw (of crab, etc.). (Kn)ganga (v. tr.), to treat mediGanil

Ghamu

ness, grief.

rawa).

Ganda

Ghala (n. 5), store, store-room. Ghalibu (n. 3), native home, ghalibu (adv.), probably, most likely, commonly.

flow,

(v.

overwhelm,

c.),

;

to

to

IHJ

over-

flood.

Ghasia (n. 3), tumult, confusion, hurry, noise, throng. Ghorofa (n. 3) (see orofa).

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

176 Ghubari

(n. 5),

Ghufira

(n.

rain-cloud.

pardon, forgive-

3),

ness.

Ghururi

(n. 3), vanity. Gtodoro (n. 5), mattress, padded quilt, rug. Gofu (n. 5), ruin, desolate place. Gogo (n. 5), log of wood.

Goma

(n. 5),

big drum.

Haba ya

kitu, a

Habari

(n.

mere nothing.

news, tidings, story, information, history.

Hadaa

3),

3), guile,

(n.

deception,

cunning.

Hadhari Harfi

(n. 3),

caution, warning. limit,

3),

(n.

measure. Haditbi (n.

restriction, fable,

tale,

3), story,

to quarrel. to scold,

anecdote, fiction. Hafifu (inv. adj.), light, flimsy, light-minded.

(Ku)gonga (v. tr.), to knock, beat. -gonjwa (var. adj.), sick, ill. Gonyezi (n. 3), languor. Gora (n. 3), piece of cloth. (Ku)gota (v. intr.), to knock, beat.

Hai (inv. adj.), alive, living. Haiba (n. 3), beauty, glory. Haina budi, Doubtless Hai/asa (followed by inf. of verb),

(Kuteombana (Ku)gombeza

(v. rec.), (v.

tr.),

reprimand.

Goti

knee.

(n. 5),

Goya

(n. 5),istone

-gumu

(n. 3), llint.

.

(v.

intr.),

to

groan,

(v.

(n. 5),

sack, sacking, bag.

(Ku)gura (v. intr.), to move (from one place to another), change one's abode.

Gurudumo

(n. 5),

wheel.

to

emigrate

;

(n. 3), right, righteousness, justice, truth. (n. 3), proof, certainty. (Ku)hakikisha (v. c.), to test, try,

prove.

Hakimu

(n. 5), judge, governor used for doctor). Hako, he (or she) is not here (or

there).

Halafu

Gwaride (n. 3), marching, drill. (Ku)gwia (v. tr.), to lay hold of,

Halali

lawful, perlegitimate. Hali (n. 3), state, condition. Halimu (inv. adj.), affable, mild.

H (contrn. of Kika) (see speciverb, Study II.). Nika-

men

nka-k'a-ha. pref. 3rd p. sing.).

(inv. adj.),

a

little.

few,

little,

small;

adj.),

(inv.

licit,

(khalifu)

commit

to

intr.),

Ha- (Neg.

by and by.

(Ku)halifu

catch, seize, grasp.

afterwards, pre-

(adv.),

sently,

missible,

(n. 5), foot, leg.

(n. 3),

tr.),

(also

(Ku)gusa (v. tr.), to touch. (Ku)gut'uka (v. intr.), to start, jump, move suddenly, (ku)gut'usha (v. c.), to startle.

Haba

(v.

to banish.

tr.)

Hakika

grumble, sigh.

Ha-

.

.

Haki

tough.

Guu

has not yet (n. 3), want, desire, request. who has done Haji (n. 5), person " the " Haj or pilgrimage to it

(Ku)hajir

(var. adj.), hard, difficult,

(Ku)guna Guiiia

.

Mecca.

(porous).

Gumegume

.

Haja

elegant gait. water-bottle

(u. 5),

Gudulia

.

(v.

tr.

a

and

crime,

transgress, rebel, swerve from right course of action. Halisi (adv.) (see adverbs, Study XIX.), precisely, exactly.

Hali-uudi ment.

Halua

(n.

(n. 3),

Hamadi Hamali

3),

perfumed

oint-

a sweetmeat.

(n. 3),

(n. 5),

possession.

a porter, a coolie.

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY Hamu

sorrow, grief, woe. (ham'na), there is not in

(n. 3),

Hamuna it,

Hanamu

(kwa) (adv. man.), diagonally, obliquely. Handaki (n. b), ditch, trench. (Ku)hangaika (v. n.), to be eager, be enthusiastic, be assiduous, be energetic.

Hapa

(adv.), here, in this place,

on this

spot.

Hapana, Haknna,

there

is

(or

no doubt, doubt-

bu<7i,

less.

Hapo (adv.), then, there. Hapo kale (adv.), long ago, once upon a time, of old. (Ku)hara (v. intr.), to have diarrhoea.

Harabu

(n.

liarin,

3),

injuriousness,

(adv.), illicit,

unlawful,

HasWi

(n. 3),

Hasira

(n. 3),

be calcul-

from right course

envy. anger, wrath.

(Ku)hasiri (v. intr.), to suffer loss, lose, be out of pocket. Hate (prep.), until, till, as far as,

Hate kidogo, not even a Hate sasa, even now. up

(n.

3),

courts of temple

(n. 3), footsteps, footprints.

(n. 3), (1) air,

heat, impetuosity,

Mote

(see

climate ; (2) these (first

(n.

(or she) 2,

Study

3),

sense

is ill, sick,

III.).

of

shame,

modesty, respect.

Haya,

heat, perspiration, prickly heat, fierceness. (Ku)haribu (v. tr.), to spoil, de3),

adj.),

class).

Haya

(n. 3),

fervour.

little.

till now. Hateri (n. 3), danger, risk. Ha
Hawezi, he

(Mecca).

(1)

come

!

(intrj.),

(2)

(dem.

come along adj.),

!

these

(fifth class).

Hayawani

3)

(n.

brute

beast,

beast, cattle.

stroy.

(Ku)aaribika (v. n.), to be spoiled or destroyed. Hariri (n. 3), silk. (Ku)b,arisb.a (v. tr.), to relax, act as an aperient. (n. 3), letter (of alphabet),

(n.

3),

smell,

odour,

perfume. Harusi (n. 3), marriage, wedding. (adv.), especially,

strictly

speaking, particularly.

Hasai (n. Hasara

v.),

(n.

Hazama

eunuch. 3),

loss,

injury.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

damage,

(n. 3),

nose-ring. treasure.

(intrj.),

just look

Hazina

Hebu

!

Hema

(n. 3),

(khema)

!

(n. 3), tent.

Heri

(kheri) (1) (n. 3), happiness (2) (inv. adj.), well, better.

Hesi

character.

Harufu

Hasa

(v. n.), to

able, swerve of action.

Eve; (dem.

forbidden.

Harufu

culate, number.

Hawa

(n.

!

(Ku)hasibika

Hatua

Haramu

Hari

!

(adv.), quickly, hastily,

in haste.

Harara

!

hurt.

Haraka

Haram

(adv., strongly negative), not at all God forbid (Ku)hasibu (v. tr.), to couut, cal-

to; (conj.) even, so that, and.

are) not.

Hapana

Hasha

177

(n. 3),

;

screw.

Hi-, contracted prefix, from niki-

=

nki = k'i = M). (Niki Hi'/aashara (num. adj.), eleven.

HiiVaya Hifathi

present, gift. protection, security. to (Ku)bifatbi, protect, preserve, deliver. (n. 3),

(n. 3),

Hii (dem.

adj.), this (third class).

M

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

178 Hija Hiki

Howe

pilgrimage.

(n. 3),

(dem.

this

adj.),

(fourth

Hu-

class).

Hikima

wisdom, clever-

3),

(a.

ness.

Hila

cunning, craftiness,

3),

(n.

cheating, guile. Hili (dem. adj), this

(fifth class).

(Ku)jihiliki (v. ref.), to ruin one's self.

Hima

(v. tr.), to carry, endure, support, uphold, sustain. (Ku)himilika (v. n.), to be bear-

able, be tolerable. (v. tr.), to

Hirimu

youth, young man. charm, talisman. 3), sum, calculation,

(n. H),

Hirizi (n.

3),

Hisabu (n. amount.

Kwa

hlsabu ya, according to. (Ku)Msal)u (see hasibu "), ( v. ' '

tr.),

number, reckon.

to

(Ku)hitaji (v. desire.

(Ku)hitimu

(v.

finish

to

intr.),

one's education.

Hivi (1) (dem.

these

adj.),

(2)

(fourth

class).

Hiryo

mem.

(2)

Hiyari

now, this

(adv.), just

adj.),

manner

;

these same.

(khitiari),

(n.

3),

choice,

Hiyari yako, as you please. to

(v. tr.),

to disgrace, put

shame, dishonour.

word used

to

announce

arrival at a door, equivalent in " English to may I come in."

Homa

fondness.

(Ku)hubiri (v. tr. & intr.), to preach, proclaim, inform. (Ku)hudhuria (v. intr.), to appear, stand.

(Ku)hui

c. pass.),

to

to bring to life. to conic to life,

(v. tr.),

(Ku)huika

(v. n.),

live. (v. c.), to

give

life to,

Huja

(n. 3), reasoning, objection, doubt, concern, reason, cause. (Ku)hujiana (v. c.), to have dialings with. Huko (adv.), there, over there. Huku (adv.), here, in this direc-

Hukumu

judgment,

3),

(n.

sentence, verdict, ordinance, rule. (v. tr.),

authority, to

condemn,

sentence, judge.

(Ku)hulu (v. intr.), to succeed. (Kujhuluku (v. tr.), to create. Homo (adv.), therein, in there. (adv.), herein, in here.

Hum

(adj.), free

(mahura

is

the

only plural).

Huruma

(n. 3),

(n. 3), fever,

(Ku)hurtunia

compassion, pity,

ague.

Hori (n. 3), small dug-out canoe, hollow wooden tray, bay, sound, creek, a calm,

(v.

prepl.), to

take

pity on, have compassion on.

(Ku)lmsika

Ho'Zari(inv. adj.), strong, efficient, capable, able. Horfi,

Hua (n. 3), dove. Huba (n. 5), love,

mercy.

pleasure.

Ko)hizi

hu).

Humu

in this

(1) (adv.),

=

k'u

(Ku)hukumu so;

(adv.), thus,

Hivi sasa minute.

= nku

(contr. of niku) (niku

tion.

to need, want,

tr.),

=

(Ku)huisha quicken.

hasten.

(hunter's

1

(Ku)hudhurishwa (v. be made to meet.

(adv.), quickly, hastily. (v. tr.), to praise.

(Ku)himidi (Ku)himili

(Ku)himiza

then

there

!

cry).

(v.

intr.),

to be im-

portant, be fitting, be proper,

be incumbent. (Ku)husu (v. intr.),

to

be related

to.

(Ku)hus'ir7u (v.

Huyu

(dem.

tr.),

adj.),

to envy. this (one

person).

Huzuni

(n. 3), grief,

sorrow.

or

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY

(Ku)iba Iba//a

(v. tr.), to steal, pilfer.

worship, service,

3),

(n.

Ibilisi (n. 3), devil, tlie accuser.

Id&di

(n.

(Ka)inamisha (v. c.), to bow or bend down, lower. (Zu)inga (v. tr.), to scare, drive away. Ini

adoration.

(v. tr.), to put down, down, lay or cast or pour down, bow down.

strike

complement. L/i (n. 3), feast, festival. I'/ili

3),

(n.

Injili (n. 3),

manners, good be-

haviour.

(Ku)ifya

(v. tr.). to

tantalize, put

mercy. k'uku) (n.

.">),

egg

(fowl's).

lilani (n. 3), proclamation, public notice.

Ijara

3),

(n.

wages, salary, pay,

reward.

Ijumaa

(n. 3),

week, in a week,

Friday. Ikibali, acceptance, answer

God, D.V. (Ku)inua (v.

lift

up,

Ipu (n. 5), boil, tumour. Ipu tnngu (n. 5), malignant boil. (Ku)isha (Kwisha) (v. tr. & intr.), to finish, complete, terminate. (v. prepl.), to finish off

(Ku)ishia or at.

Ishara

(n. 3), sign,

omen, wonder,

(to

(Ku)isbi

(v. intr.),

to live, endure,

last.

Ishirim (num. adj.), twenty. Islam (n. 3), Muhammedanism, Islam. (Zu)ita

(v.

to call,

tr.),

invite,

summon. Ithimu

Ilia (prep.), but, except. order that.

Illi (conj.), in (n.

Muhammedan

5),

priest. (n. 3), faith, belief,

creed,

trust, goodness. adj.) (also noun), strong, firm, solid, tough, durable. imara (v. tr.), to confirm, (inv.

(Ku)tia strengthen.

(Ku)imba (v. (Kwimba). (Ku)imbiana

tr.

(v.

&

intr.), to

tr.),

to

worship.

(v.

tr.

&

prepl), to respond to a call. (Ku)iva (v. intr.), to ripen, come to a head (boil, etc.), be fully

developed, be well cooked. (n. 5), cinder, ember, ashes. (Zuji)ivya (v. ref.), to attempt something in which one is not likely to succeed.

Ivu

sing

(Ku)inama (v. intr.), to stoop down, bow, bend. (Ku)inamia (v. prepl.), to bow to,

(n. 3), guilt, guiltiness.

(Zu)itika or (Zu)itiMa

sing

antiphonally.

down

to

(v. n.), to arise, get up (after stooping or lying), rise.

study.

Imara

tr.),

miracle.

(Ku)ikiza (v. c.), to lay across, place over. Ila (n. 3), defect, blemish, nimu (n. 3), doctrine, teaching,

Imani

willing, please

(Ku)inuka

prayer).

Imamu

Gospel.

God

elevate, raise.

(Ku)igiza (v. tr.), to imitate, copy. Ihisani (n. 3), goodness, kindness, li (la

Inshallab.,

bad humour.

into

(n. 5), liver.

(Ku)inika

number, amount,

3),

179

Ja

(adj.), like,

(Ku)ja

similar

(v. intr.),

-ja- (verb, inf.),

Jaa

(n.

5),

to, as.

to come,

not yet.

rubbish-heap, dung-

heap, ruination.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

180 (Ku)jaa

(v.

intr.),

to

be

full;

Kujawa ni, to be filled with Xujazwa ni, to be filled up ;

with . . by. to (Ku)jaali (Kujali) (v. tr.), enable, prosper, appoint, grant, ordain. Jabali (n. 5), rook, rocky mountain (cf. Gibraltar, i.e. Jabal.

(n.

5),

potentate,

mighty

one.

dhow.

Jahanam (n. 3), Gehenna, hell. Jamaa (n. 3), relative, family, society.

Jamala

a favour

to.

How ? Wlial ? How now ?

-je ? (inter, suf.).

Jee

?

part.).

(inter,

What? Jembe

hoe, spade, plough.

(n. 5),

(n. 5), bier.

(Ku)jenga

(v.

tr.),

to build, con-

Jambia

(n.

dagger. matter, affair, thing.

(n. 5), (n. 5),

a greeting. Jamil (n. 3), company, assembly, !

community. Jamu'/ari

(v. n.), to bo built up, be erected, be established, be buildable.

(Zu)jengekana

Jengo

(n. 5), building. (Kn)jetea (v. intr.), to rely on, have confidence in, depend on.

-ji- (ref. inf.), self. tr.), to answer, reply pass ((Ku)jibiwa. Jibwa (n. ;">), dog, bitch. Jiko (pi. meko) (n. 5), fireplace, hence kitchen. Jimbi (n. 5), cock, " chanticleer." Jimbi likiwika, cockcrow.

(ZtL)jibu (v.

obliging act. 5), covered basket.

(n. 3),

Jamanda

(n. 5), corporal.

Jamvi (u. 5), large coarse mat. Jana (n. 6), big hulking lad. Jana (n. & adv.), yesterday. Jana (n. 5), larva of insect. Jani (n. 5), leaf, grass, herb. Janzi (n. 3), paralysis, cramp. -japo- (verb inf.), even if, although, under such circumstances (see -ngawa). Jaraha (n. 5), wound, sore. Jaribu (n. 5), test, trial, temptation (plur. prefl.).

(Ku)jaribu (v. tr. & intr.), to try, attempt, tempt, test. Jarife (Jarifa) (n. f>), large fishingnet.

Jasho

answer, matter,

(Ku)jaza (v. tr.), to fill. ((Ku)jazi (v. tr.), to grant, accord

struct.

(Kuljadiliana (v. intr.), to argue, dispute, contradict, question. Jana (n. 3), glory, power, majesty. Jahazi vessel, craft, (n. 5),

Jambo Jambo

5),

(n.

affair.

Jeneza

el-Tir).

Jabari

Jawabu

(n. 5), heat, perspiration, sweat. Jasi (n. 5), ear-ornament. Jauri (Jeuri) (n. 3), violent dealing, oppression, insult.

Jimbo

(n.

;

5).

district,

region,

suburb, field. Jina (n. 5), name. Jinamizi, oppressive fooling caused by night-mare, or by a place which gives a creepy sensation. (pi. meno) (n. 5), tooth. Jinsi (n. 3), sort, kind, species. Jinsi...vyo (adv.), as, so. Jinsi gani? What sort? What

Jino

do you mean ? geography. Jioni (n. 3), evening, dusk Jiografia,

;

(adv.),

to

exert

in the evening. Jirani (n. 3), neighbour. (Ku)jitahirfi (v. intr.), oneself, take pains.

Jitihadi

(n. 3), diligence, effort, pains, endeavour. Ji/o (pi. ma/o). (n. 5), eye Jito la gnu, ankle Jito la maji, source, spring of water, fountain. ;

;

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY Jit'u

(n.

6),

worthless

fellow,

vagabond. Jiwe (u. 5) (pi. mawe),, stone, rock. Jizila (n. 3), dry goods measure, 60 p'ishi. Jogoi (n. 5), cock, chanticleer (see Johari (n. 5), jewel. Joho (u. 5), great-coat, overcoat. Joka (n. 5), large serpent, monster. (u. 6), big,

crumsy

vessel.

(Ku)jongea (v. intr.), to move near to, approach.

Jongomeo

(n. 5),

large river.

(Ku)juvya or (Ku)jnvisha (v. c.), to make known, show how, teach. Juzi

(n.

day last

;

;

& adv.), day before yesterMwaka juzi, year before Mwezi

juzi,

(n. 3),

hades

few days ago, the other day. (Ku)juzu (v. intr.), to be imperative or compulsory, be binding on, behove. Juzuu (n. 5), section of Koran, pamphlet.

Jozi (n. 3), a pair, couple, brace. Jua (n. 5), sun Jua la vitwani, ;

noon.

(Ku)jua (v. tr.), to know, be acquainted with, understand. Juhudi (n. 3), zeal, effort, vigour, energy. (Ku)julikana (v. n.), to be known, be notorious, come to light. (Ku)julisha

(v. c.),

Juma (prop, n.), a Jumaa (n. 3 and

to

make known.

boy's name. 5),

week

;

Siku

ya jumaa, Friday; i.e. the great day of the week (Muhammedan). Jumaa mosi, Saturday (1st day).

Sunday (2nd

day). t'atu, Monday (3rd day). ne, Tuesday (4th day). i'ano, Wednesday (5th pili,

day).

Jumla

house, large house. noble, prince. sum, total, the whole.

(n. 5),

(n. 5), (n. 3),

(Ku)jumlisb.a up.

Jura

K -ka-

(verb,

and (used in

inf.),

subordinate tenses). K'aa (n. 3), crab

Kaa

(n. 5),

ember

;

Eaa

la moto,

hot ember.

(Ku)kaa (v. intr.), to dwell, stay, remain, tarry. Kaba (n. 3), lining on shoulder of " Kanzu." Kabaila (inv. adj.), noble, free, distinguished. Kabaili (n. 5), prince, noble.

Kabari Kabila

(n. 3), wedge. (n. 5),tribe, clan.

(Ku)kabaili (v. intr.), to ba opposite to, in front of, face. (Ku)kabilisha (v. c.), to turn towards, incline.

Kabisa

com(adv.), entirely, pletely, quite (neg.) not at all. Kabla or Kabula (adv., followed ;

For Thursday, see Alhamisi.

Jumba Jumbe

before

Juzijuzi (adv.), a

Jongoo(n. 5), millipede (1000 feet), large black insect with red legs.

Jumaa Jumaa Jumaa Jumaa

month

last.

Jimbi).

Jombo

Juto

181

(v. tr.), to

add,

sum

over,

re-

prep.),

before, ere, previous to.

Kaburi (n. Kadhalika

5),

tomb, grave.

(adv.), likewise, similarly, soon.

Kadh'awakadaa

(n. 3), idiot.

Juu (adv.), above, up, upstairs. Juu ya (advl. prep.), on, upon, on the top of. (Ku)jua (v. intr.), to repent, gret, be sorry.

by "ja" tense and advl.

(adj.),

such and

such, various.

Kadhi

(n. 5),

judge, magistrate.

Kar/iri (n. 3), measure, proportion ; Kadiri ya (adv.), in proportion to,

according

to.

SWAHILI GRAMMAK

182 Kafara

5), sacrifice, offering,

(u.

alms. Kafi (n.

5),

Kahawa

K'ame

paddle.

(n. 3), coffee.

pointed

ap-

ferably.

(adv.),

much

much,

so

rather, pre-

.

species of

mongoose with bushy tail and no perfume. (n. 3),

Kalala (n. 5), fibrous sheath of cocoa-nnt flower used as firewood. (n. 3),

pen, style.

Kale

(adv.), long ago, formerly ; -a kale (var. adj.), olden, ancient. -kali (adj.), sharp, fierce, sour, acid, severe, savage, ferocious, cruel. -kali (verb inf.), still (conj.), per;

haps, supposing, peradventure, lest.

(Ku) jikalia (v. ref.), to sit doing nothing, settle down Kalibu (n. 3), furnace, mould,

(Ku)kama

(v. tr.), to

milk.

(adv. adj.), as, like, as as,

vile (adv.), just cisely, the same as. (n. 3),

K'amange

hard subapplied to a

(n. 3), grit, ;

person incorrigible, able, unruly.

(Ku)kamata hold

of,

as, pre-

necklet.

stance in food

Kamba Kamba

if,

rather than.

Kama Kama

(v. tr.),

intract-

to seize, catch

snatch.

(n. 3),

(n. 3),

camp.

Kambo Baba wa kambo, father.

threaten,

(inv. adj.), perfect, entire,

-kamilifu (var. adj.), perfect, complete in all its parts.

(Ku)kamilisha (v. c.), to perfect or complete.

(Ku)kamua

(v.

tr.),

to

make

wring,

squeeze.

Kamwe

(adv.) (strongly negative), never, not at all.

Kana (see Kama) (also conj.) Kana kwamba, whether. (Ku)kana own.

Kanda

(v.

tr.),

deny,

long

5),

(n.

to

step-

;

dis-

matting

bag.

(Ku)kanda

(v.

tr.),

to

knead,

massage.

Kandarinya (n. 5), kettle. K'ande (n. 3), store, provision. (Ku)kanJika (v. tr.), to daub, plaster (a wall). (adv.), aside apart; (advl.

prep.) Kando ya, by the side of, beside, along side of. K'andok'ando (adv.), round about, on both sides of, till around.

K'anga

(n. 3),

Kanga

(n.

5),

guinea-fowl. spur of cocoa-nut

palm.

(Ku)kanga

Kan go

(v. tr.),

to fry, grill.

frying-pan. wrath.

(n. 3),

K'ani (n. 3), Kaniki (n. 3), dark blue cotton cloth.

prawns. cord (of cocoa-nut

(n. 3), lobster,

fibre).

K'ambi

Kamili

K'ando

crucible.

such

of re-

whole, complete.

Kaifa (Kefa) more, how

Kalamu

(said

has

to reproach, to plot,

tr.),

(v.

denounce,

up

water

fix on.

verse.

Kama

become

n.), to

dried

(adj.),

spot where ceded).

(Ku)kamia

3), order, office, method, rite.

(n.

-kaidi (var. adj.), obstinate, per-

K'ala

(v.

dry.

Kafiri (n. 5), unbeliever, infidel. Kahaba (n. 5), harlot, whore.

Kaida

(Ku)kambuka

Kanisa

(n. 5),

church.

Kanju (n. 5), cashew apple. Kanuni (n. 3), rule, canon, law. Kanuni (adj.), obligatory, compulsory, canonical.

Kanwa

(u. 5),

mouth.

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY (v. tr.), to forbid (c. of to deny), deny to be true, convince of error. (Ku)kanyaga (v. tr.), to tread

(Ku)kanya

upon, trample down.

Kanzi

(n.

treasure,

store,

3),

treasury.

K'anzu (u. 3), tunic (made of thin white calico). K'apu (n. 3), large basket.

Karadha Kutoa

lend karadha, karadha, to borrow.

(u. 3), irritation,

quarters

kasu

roboo,

dollar

Kasuku

;

K'ata

Kata

annoy-

(n. 3), gift,

present.

(n. 3), feast.

clerk, secretary. Karate, (n. 3), playing-card. Karatfasi (u. 3), paper, cardboard, card. (Ku)karibisha (v. c.), to welcome (lit. cause to come near). Karibu (n. 3), near relative, kins(n. 5),

man. Karibu (adv. ;

pi.), near, close, at (adv. time), soon.

Karibu (advl. prep., followed by " " " ya or na"), near to, close by.

(Ku)karipia (v. tr.), to remonstrate with, reprove, expostulate, scold, censure, chide.

Kasa (n. 3), turtle. Kasabu (u. 3), cloth woven of gold thread.

Kasha

three

quarter,

i.e.

Kasu

minus;

less,

(adj.),

roboo,

Eiali

;

a

less

Ks. 1J.

(n. 3), parrot.

(n. 5), (n. 3),

(n. 3),

page of a book. head-pad. water ladle (made of

three-quarters of a cocoauut). (Ku)k'ata (v. tr.), to cut Kuk'ata Ndia ya neno, to decide; kuk'ata, a short cut. ;

Karama Karamu

hand

Kasu

Kaia

ance.

Karani

(Ku)kasiri (v. tr.), to anger, offend, provoke. (Ku)kasirika (v. n.), to be angry, be offended. Kasisi (n. 5), Presbyter, priest.

;

credit

to

Kutwaa Karaha

loan,

3),

(n.

183

box (of teak or other wood) made by a joiner = rough box). (contr. sanduku (n. 5),

fine

;

(Ku)kashifu (v. tr.), to bring to light or expose evil.

Kasia (n. 5). oar. Kasi'U (adv.), on purpose. Kasikazi (n. H), north, N.E. inonsoon, period of N.E. monsoon. Kasiki (n. t>), pitcher, large stone water-pot.

Kasirani

(n.

3),

anger, sorrow.

grief,

wrath,

(Ku)jikafa

(v. rcf.),

(Ku)kataa

(v.

(Ku)katawa

to strain.

tr.),

to

refuse

pass.),

(v.

to

;

be

refused, to be rejected. Karani (n. 3), linen, flax, hemp. (Ku)kataza (v. c.), to prohibit, forbid to do a thing; (Ku)katazwa (v. pass.), to be for-

bidden.

Kati (adv.), through ;

the

in

Mt'u

m'ddle,

wa

kati,

mediator.

Kati ya (advl. prep.), in between, in the middle of. Katika (prep.), in, from, out of, ou, about, concerning, during. to be cut, be (Ku)katika (v. n.), broken, cut short. Katikati (adv. & advl. prep.), in the centre or midst. at,

Katili (var. adj.), murderous. Katili (n. 5), murderer.

Katu

(n. 3),

(Ku)kauka

chewing gum.

(v. n.),

to dry, dry

iij>,

wither.

Kauli

(n. 3),

Kaumu

word, utterance.

army, troop, prank, people. K'auta (n. 3), grit, -kavu (var. adj.), dry Nyama ndavu, stale meat. (n. 3), hott,

;

SWAHILI GRAMMAR Kawa

(u. 3),

Kesho-kutwa

plaited dish-cover.

(Ku)kawia

(Ku)kawa,

to loiter, tarry, delay kuharibika, it will

(v. ;

Haikawi soon

(Ku)k'eti

be

form,

day

adv.), to sit,

take

sitting

posture,

live,

dwell. (n.

3),

custom,

etiquette, fashion,

good de

keti,

corum.

(Ku)jiketia (v. ref.), to settle down in a place, sit idle.

Khar/aa Khafifu

delayod. (v. c.), to cause to stay, establish, intensify, tighten, make secure, increase effort. (Ku)kaza meno, to gnash or grind the teeth. (Ku)kazana (v. n.), to hold firmly

be

together, strong.

intrinsically

slight,

Khalifa

(halifu)

(v.

felon,

5),

criminal, malefactor, rebel.

Khamsa (num.

adj.), five.

Khamsini (num.

adj.), fifty.

Kb.amisfaasb.ara

(num.

adj.),

fifteen.

Khasa

(adv.), especially, in truth.

Kharadali

Kazi (n. 3), work, labour, employment, service, business, occupation.

Kefa (seeKaifa)

(adv.),

how much

more, rather. Kekee (n. 3), gold or silver bracelet, native tool for taring hole. K'elele sound, noise, (n. 3), tumult, clamour, din.

(Ku)kema (v. tr.), to establish. K'eme (n. 3), cry, noise. (Ku)kemea (v. tr.), to rebuke, put down, reprimand. Kenda (inv. num. adj,), nine. K'engele bell, (n. 3), gong Kupiga k'engele, to ring.

;

(Ku)jikengeua

(v.

ref.),

to turn

deliberately out of the way.

(Ku)kengeuka (v. n.), to aside, go astray, swerve. K'engewa (n. 3), hawk. (v. tr.),

turn

to irritate,

prick.

K'ereng'ende

(n. 3), deceit.

(iuv. adj.), light,

trifling.

(Ku)kaza

(Ku)kereketa

he lives at... Amehe has sat down.

Yuak'eti...,

(Ku)kawilisha (v. c.), to delay, hinder, cause to be late. (Ku)kawilishwa (v. pass.), to be

Kesha

&

intr.).

(v.

up a

spoilt.

Kawaida

(u.

after to-morrow.

intr.),

(n. 3),

partridge,

(n. 5), watch, vigil. (Ku)kesha (v. intr.), to watch, keep awake. Kesho (n. & adv.), to-morrow, on the morrow.

Khafamu

(n. 3), mustard. (n. 3), bridle, reins.

Khafi (had), (n. 3), handwriting, document. Khatia (n. 3), guilt, fault, error.

Khema

(hema) (n. 3), tent. Kheri (heri) (n. 3), blessedness, happiness (adj.) well, better. (Ku)khini (v. tr.), to be false to, break one's word to. Khisa (n. 3), part, portion, ad;

vantage.

KhUiari (hiyari)

(v.

3),

choice,

pleasure.

Khofu

(hofu) (n. 3), fear, fright,

apprehension. (Ku)khofu (v. tr.), to fear,

(Ku)khusika proper,

be

(v.

intr.),

fitting,

be

to be suit-

able. (v. tr.), to set aside f >r a special purpose. Khuiuba (n. 3), sermon, homily,

(Ku)khusu

exhortation. (It is not thought necessary to give obvious diminutives of

well-known nouns formed by "

the prefix Ki.") Ki, a prefix (see Note 3,

XVIII.)

Study

185

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY mem(n. 4), belt, bar, lock ber or part (of body). or to pass (Ku)kia (v. intr.), step

Kia

Xidogo-kidogo

;

little

resurrection. 4), inside

(n. 4),

Kiambaza

ball, pill, pillule, tabloid.

wall,

(n.

Xidude (n. " what is

partition.

Kiambo Kianga

seat of a chair.

(n. 4),

4), sunshine weather.

by degrees,

(n. 4), finger, toe. Kidonda (n. 4), sore, wound. Kidonge (n. 4), lump, clot, little

over.

Kiama

(adv.),

little.

by

Kidole

small thing,, a

4), a it."

(after

Kielelezo (n. 4), pattern, example,

(n. 4), measure, price, proportion, rate. Kiatu (n. 4), shoe, boot, sandal.

Kifafa (n. 4), epilepsy. Kifani (n. 4). sort, kind. Kifano (u. 4), image, likeness, model. Kifaranga (n. 4), chicken.

(n.

rain), fine

Kiapo

model.

oath.

(u. 4),

Kiasi

Kiazi

sweet potato.

(n. 4),

Kibaba

measure

4),

(n.

for

dry

Kibanda

little

4),

(n.

shed or

hut, hovel.

Kibanzi

splinter

4),

(n.

young

;

locust.

Kibao

(n.

wooden Kibarua Kibe (n.

a

4),

slate

or

small

tablet.

(n. 4),

day-labourer.

4), hide and seek. Kibiriti (u. 4), sulphur, box of matches (not a single match).

Kibok'o

(n. 4), (1) hippopotamus strokes hippo hide (3) with hippo-hide lash. Kibuhuti (n. 4), grief. Kibula (n. 3), north. Kiburi (n. 4), pride, self-esteem, ;

(2)

;

haughtiness. Kibuzi (n. 4), kid, young goat. Kibweta (u. 4), small box.

Kicho

;

4)

(n.

small

desk or

box.

Kidevu

(n. 4), rag, tatter. (n, 4), chin.

Kidividi

(n.

4),

black ornament

for lobe of ear.

Kidogo

(adj.

rather.

shell. Kifulifuli (adv. man.), in crowds, helter-skelter, pell-mell.

Kifumbu (n. 4), long round grass bag for squeezing grated cocoanut. (n. 4), button, fastening, knot, band, bond, prison. Kifunifuni (adv. man.), flat 0:1 the face, face downwards. Kifuvu (n. 4), see kifufu.

Kifungo

&

adv.), a little, few,

small

4),

(v.

plied to bicyles bulators.

Kigelegele

Kigeugeu

(ink-well).

Kidemu

Kifo (n. 4), death. Kifua (n. 4), chest, chc&t complaint, breast, bosom. Kifufu (n. 6), empty cocoanut

story-

telling.

recess or niche in house. Kii/au (n, 4), small boat or vessel

Kidawafi

rhinoceros.

(adv.), in royal style.

Kifiniko (n. 4), lid, cover.

Kigari

young cocoanut

4),

(n.

(n. 4),

Kigae (n. 4), potsherd. Kigano (n. 4), story, tale,

(u. 4), fear.

Kic/aka

Kifaru

Kifaume

goods, about one pint.

Kigoma

cart,

ap-

and peram-

1

shout of joy. chameleon. kettle-drum, small

(n. 4), (n. 4),

(n. 4),

drum. Kigongo (n. 4), cudgel, stick. Kiguguta (u. 4), empty Indiancorn cob.

Kigumba (n. 4), arrow-head. Kiguu (n. 4), lameness (lit. small leg).

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

186 Kigut'u

lame

4),

(n.

or

maimed

Kigwe

Kikozi

4),

(n.

band of

soldiers,

regiment.

person, (n. 4), cord,

string,

lace,

braid.

Kikuku Kikuta Xikuto

(n. 4), bracelet, stirrup. (n. 4), little wall.

Kihcrehere

(n. 4), regret, remorse, sorrow, anxiety, penitence. Kiigizo (n. 4), copy, pattern,

(u. 4), monster, jackal, dragon, large hyaena. Kilabu (n. 3), club.

model. Eiini (n.

Kilalo 4), centre, heart, inside,

pith, pupil (of eye) ii..yolk of egg.

Kiinima/o Kijakazi Kijaluba

(n. 4),

sorcery.

(u. 4),

young slave

(n. 4),

metal snuff-box.

Kijana

(n. 4),

girl,

youth.

Kijaraha

Kiini cha

;

young

(n.

4),

the

girl.

child, boy,

wound

(in

disease).

Kijasi (n. 4), paper ornament for lobe of ear. Kijembe (n. 4), pocket knife.

Kijibwa

young, dog, puppy. small village.

(n. 4),

Kijiji (n. 4),

Kijiko

(n. 4),

Kijimo

(n. 4),

spoon.

dwarf.

Kijisu (n. 4), little knife. Kijiti (n. 4), stick, piece of wood,

small knife. Kijito (n. 4), spring, source.

Kijitu (n. 4), mannikin.

Kijoyo (n. 4), half-liking. Kijongo (n. 4), hump-back. Xijukuu (n. 4), grandchild. Kijuto (n. 4), brook, rivulet. JJikao (n. 4), seat, row, group,

company. Kikapu (n. 4), small basket. Kike (adj.), female, feminine. Kiko (n. 4), tobacco-pipe. Kikoa (n. 4), repast given by turns in

different houses, collection

made

for

XikonJoo

newly-married couple. young lamb. loin cloth with 4),

(n. 4),

Kikoi (n. coloured border.

Xikombe (n. 4), cup. Kikomo (n. 4), end, termination. Kiko/o

(n. 4),

switch.

whip, scourge, lash,

(n. 4), sleeping-place, resting-place. Kilele (n. 4), point, summit. Kilelet'a (n. 4), top. apex, pinnacle. Kilema (n. 4) blemish, defect,

deformity. (n. 4), turban, Kileo (n. 4), intoxicant. Kilete (n. 4), rowlock.

Kilemba

Kilima Kilimi

(n. 4), hill, (n. 4),

tip.

mound,

knoll.

uvula.

Kilimia (n. 4), pleiades. Kilindi (u. 4), depth, deep, deep water. Kilinga p'op'o, Dengue fever

(Aden ague). Kilio

(n.

4),

yell, crying,

cry, lamentation, weeping, wailing.

Killa (kulla) (adj.), every, each, all.

Kima

(n. 3),

black

monkey

;

(u. 4)

price, value.

Kimba

(n. 4.), corpse,

dead body,

carcase.

(Ku)kimbia

(v. intr.), to

run away,

escape, play truant. (Ku)kimbilia (v. prepl.), to fly to, take refuge in. Pa kukimbilia, place of refuge, shelter. (Ku)kimbiza (v. c.), to drive away, aid and abet in escaping. flee,

Kimetemete (n. 4), firefly, glowworm. Ximia (n. 4), fishing-net.

Kimo (n. 4), size, height, stature-. Kimungu (n. 4), weevil. Kimwae (adj.), abundant, plentiful.

Kimya

(n.

&

adj.), silence, silent,

mute, speechless. Kina (n. 4), depth, deep metre (in poetry). still,

sea

;

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY

187

Kina(Bibi), (women)folk.

Kinyongo

Kina (Bwana), (men)

scruple, qualm. Kinyozi (n. 4), harbor.

folk.

(Ku)kinai (v. intr.), to be surfeited. be "blase," be satisfied, -kinaifu (var. adj.), abundant, wealthy. Kinamasi (n. 4), clay, clay soil. KLnanda (n. 4), generic term for any musical instrument, piano, (n. 4),

(n. 5),

(of animals). rec.),

(v.

firebrand,

argue,

sudden

chance. (v. tr.), to

protect, pre-

Kingalingali (adv.), on the back,

Kuanguka kingalingali,

to fall backwards.

(Ku)kingama

(v. tr.),

(v. pass.), to be thwarted, be opposed. shield. K'ingio (n. 3), King'ombe (adv.), in a bovine or brutish manner.

(Ku)kingamiwa

K'ingoni (n. 3), edge, rim, border.

ravenous beast.

(n. 4),

(Ku)kini or (Ku)kinika (v. intr.), to be possible or probable.

Kinofu Kinono

(n. 4), (n.

chop. 4),

falling,

fatted

animal. (n. 4), small grindstone, whetstone. Kina (n. 4), mortar, mill. Kinubi (adv.), belonging to the Nubians; (n. 4), musical instrument such as the Nubians

(n.

(n.

4),

lump,

hump

4),

oil

beverage, drink-

able, drink.

Kinyaa

(n. 4),

wound,

sore.

Kipande (n. 4), piece, slice, chip. Kipara (n. 4) bald patch (on the head), patch of hair.

Kipawa

(n. 4), gift,

present (pre-

Kipele

(n. 4),

pimple.

(n. 4) lean-to hut. (n. 4), little darling.

Kipenu

Kip'ia (n. 4), pinnacle, battlement, storey.

Kipimo

(n. 4),

Kipindi

(n.

4

point,

measure.

& adv.), time, season,

some time ago. Kipini

(n. 4),

handle, nose-jewel,

ear-stud.

Kipofu (n. 4), blind person. Kipupwe (n. 4), cool season, July. Kiraka (n. 4), patch, piece of cloth. tr.),

to confess, own.

Kiriba (n. 4), water-skin. (Ku)kiriM (v. tr.), to insult, despise, annoy, disgust. (Ku)kihirika (v. n.), to be vexed, be grieved, be provoked, ba irritated.

(Ku)kirimu (v. tr.), to bestow upon, grant, confer a favour on.

use, harp.

back.

Kinweo

wonder, curiosity

4),

(Ku)kiri (v.

Kinoo

Kinundu

(n.

Kipenzi to lie across,

athwart.

Kingugwa

Kioja

dough.

mushroom, fungus.

ferable in plural).

serve, conserve.

prone.

(n. 4),

young

4),

(Ka)kinga

(n. 4),

Kioga

Kiongozi (n. 4), leader, guide. Kioo (n. 4) mirror, fish-hook. Kipaku (n. 4), blot, birth-mark.

strive, contradict. (n.

backwards.

Kinyunga

Xionda

(Ku)kindana

Kinga

con-

small tower, candle-

stick.

Kinda

against,

(prep.),

Kwenda kinyume, to go

trary.

terror.

guitar, etc.

Kinara

KLnytune

grudge, offence,

(n. 4),

pollution. Kinyezi (n. 4), horror. (n. 4), filth,

Kirisimasi, Christmas. Kirobo
Kisa

(n. 4), tale, legend.

Kisaga (n. 4), measure (about two pints).

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

188 Kisahani

4),

(11.

saucer,

small

plate.

Kisala Kisale

(n. 4),

short prayer, collect.

(n. 4),

remainder, remains,

or forest, thicket.

Kishindo (n. 4), noise, report, roar, booming-sound, tumult, (n.4),

nape of neck.

Kisigino (n. 4), heel. Kisiki (n. 4), trunk or stump of tree (fallen). Kisiki cha mvua, rainbow. Kisima (n. 4), well (of water).

Kisiwa (n. 4), island. Up-country term for Mombasa island. Kisu (n. 4), knife. Kisuli (n. 4), giddiness, vertigo. Kisulisuli (n. 4), whirlwind.

Kiiabu (n. 4), book. Kitako (n. 4), hinder part, remainder. Kitako cha mto, bed of river. Ki
4),

(worn over shoulders). Kitambo (n. >4), space of (adv.), some time ago. KKana (n. 4), comb. (n. 4),

pickaxe.

(n. 4), lisp.

Note

Study VI.). seat, chair 4), kirefu, lounge chair. Kirtati (n. 4), little blue 2,

(n.

;

Kiti

bird

(cordon bleu?). Kilo (n. 4), gem, jewel, precious stone.

Kitoka Kitoma

(n. 4),

(n. 4),

hatchet, axe. calabash, gourd,

water-bottle.

Kitongoji (n. 4), suburb. Kitato (n. 4), small or child, infant, babe.

young

(n. 4), alley, narrow passage, winding tortuous path. Kitovu (n. 4), navel. Kitu (n. 4), thing, something,

KUoto

substance.

rag, duster, napkin, cloth, towel, bandage. Kifambi (n. 4), coloured cloth

Kitanda

(n. 4),

Kitendawili (Kitandawili) (u. 4), riddle, enigma. Kifepukuzi (n. 4), sprout, shoot. JLitete (n. 4), gourd, water-bottle. Kitetemo (cha ni) (u. 4), earthquake. Kiteweo (n. 4), relish, sauce (see Kiti

uproar, panic.

Ki/ambaa

KUeku

Ki/embe

leavings.

Kisasi (n. 4), revenge, vengeance. Kisauni, Frere Town. Kisha (adv.), then (when that is finished), afterwards. Kishaka (n. 4), patch, of jungle

Kishogo

panied by groaning. Of. Gen. " bowels did 43. 30, yearn." Ki/eko (n. 4), laugh, smile.

4),

bush. Ki/uko (n.

4), fear, fright.

time,

Kiftikuu (n.

small

Kitumbua (n. 4), kind of crumpet, native bun or cake. Kitumwa, in low (or slave) style. Kitundu (u. 4), cage, nest.

bedstead.

(n. Kitango-pepeta round cucumber.

Kitua (cha mti) (n. 4), space occupied or covered by shrub or

KKangu

(n. 4).

4),

great grandchild.

Kifungule

(n. 4), rabbit.

Kitunguu

(u. 4),

onion, bulb.

Ki/anu (n. 4), splinter. Kitanzi (u. 4), loop, noose. Ki/a/a cha asali (n. 4), honeycomb.

Kituo (u. 4), resting-place, camping-ground. Kitushi (n. 4), abuse, reproach. Kitwa (n. 4), head.

Kite (n. 4), effort, straining, intense affection. (Ku)piga kite, to bear down, to strain the inner

Kiu

man,

to

make an

effort

accom-

(n. 3), thirst.

Kiumbe

(n. 4), creature, created being, mortal. (n. 4), soaring bird.

Kiumbizi

SWAHILI-ENGLI8H VOCABULARY Kiume (adj.), male, masculine. Kiunga (n. 4), plantation. Locative form, Kiungani, has come

Kizibo (n. 4), stopper, plug, hence a cork. Kizingiti (n. 4). threshold, door-

stand for grassy surroundings of plantations. " " Kiungani (where the Kiunga is), name given to a district in Z-inzibar, once a suburb called after a plantation made there. to

step.

Kiziwi (n. Kizuka(n.

innovation. Kizuzi (n. 4), something unreal,

undependable, false, vain. K'oa (n. 3), snail. Ko'be (n. 3), tortoise.

lower part

Koii

Kiusouso (adv.), face downwards, on the face.

Kivumi

4),

(n.

fame. KiwancZa site,

(v. prep.), to stare at, fix one's eyes on.

outcry. (n. 4), ferry, crossing.

Kivuli (n.

Kofi (n. 5), handful (double), flat of hand (Ln. 6. 29) (n. 3), a clasp (with hands) vide "Piga." Kofia (n. 3), hat, cap, bonnet.

shadow, shade. 4),

noise,

;

report,

of ground,

(n. 4), plot

K'oga

(var. adj.) (n. 4), udder sick, old, done for, good lor ;

nothing.

Kiwe/e

(n.

4),

cripple,

lame

person.

Kiwewe

(n. 4), amazement, aston-

ishment, bewilderment, terror, shudder.

Kiwi (n. 4), evil. Kiwi cha mafo, flinching from light (of eyes), dazzled sight, photophobia.

Kiwiko-cha-mkono

(n. 4),

wrist

mildew (Ku)fanya become mildewed.

(n. 3),

k'oga, to

enclosure, courtyard.

Kiwele

(n. 3), tax, rate levied.

(Ku)kodolea (ma/o),

(n. 4), cry,

Kivuko

;

or

make up (a

Koko

fruit),

swamp. (Ku)kokoa

(v. tr.), to gather, col-

(Ku)kokota

(u.

4),

storm-cloud,

seaward. Kiza (n. 4), darkness, dimness Kumefunga kiza, darkness lias ;

set in.

Kizazi (n. 4), generation. Kizee (n. 4), old woman. Kizibao (n. 4), waistcoat, blouse, bodice, jacket.

kernel (of

(n. 3), thicket, jangle,

Kiwingu

Kiwingu joshini, squall

fire).

(n. 5), stone or

(Ku)kokomea jamb.

;

;

K'ogo (n. 3), back of head. (Ku)kohoa (v. intr.), to cough. (Ku)kohoza (v. c.), to bring on a cough. Koikoi (n. 3), stork. Koja (n. 3), chain. (Ku)kojoa (v. intr.), to urinate. (Ku)koka (moto) (v. tr.), to stir

Kiwiko-cha-guu, ankle. Kiwiliwili (n. 4), trunk of body, body. viper

idol.

(n. 4), giddiness,

dizziness.

of back.

Kivirio

deaf person. image,

4), fetish,

Kizushi (n. 4), upstart, intruder,

(n. 4), joint, something ailded, as spice, relish, zest. Kiungwana, in gentle style. (n. 4), loin, hip,

4),

Kizunguzungu

Kiungo Kiuno

189

lect. (v.

to

tr.),

wedge,

(v. tr.), to drag, (v. intr.), to trail, drag.

draw.

koo (v.), to have death-rattle, i.e. to die. Koko/o (n. 3), gravel, pebble.

(Ku)kokota

Koma

(n. 2),

(Ku)koma

departed

(v. intr.) to

eud, cease, leave

(Ku)komba

(v.),

spirit.

come

to

an

off.

to

hollow or scoop out.

scrape

or

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

190 K'omba

Kono

(n. 3), lemur.

Komba-mwiko Kombe (n. 3),

cockroach.

(n.),

bhcll

flat

(n. 5)

;

K'onok'ono

Kombo

remainder, residue,

(n. 5),

something

posterity,

K'ombo

left.

crooked,

(adv.),

bent,

(v.

to

tr.),

redeem,

K'onzi

Kombora

Kome

(n.

small

3),

(n.

bomb. caravan

shell,

f>),

flag.

(Ku)komea (v. tr.), 1o lock, bar. Komeo (n. 5), wooden lock, bolt, bar. (Ku)komesha (v. c.), to bring to an end, cause to cease. (n. 3),

(Ku)konda

(v. intr.), fist

5),

become

(straight for-

cultivated

3),

land,

(n. 3),

kernel or stone of

fruit.

K'ondo

(n. 3), battle, tention, strife.

quarrel, con;

;

ram.

handful

(n. 5), species of cactus yielding a strong fibre. K'ongo (n. 3), old cocoanut tree K'ongo za Mbuba, symptoms of the yaws. ;

Kongo! (mwezi), exclamation on seeing the new moon ; arm (distinguished " Mkono " is which " hand." (v.

tr.),

(n. 3)

from also

to destroy,

up by the (Ku)kongomana (v. rec.), pull

roots.

to

meet

together for consultation, confer together. (n. 3),

haartibeest.

Kongwa (Kongo)

breeding animal

(n. 5),

yoke.

us

give credit,

cheat, deceive. K'ope (n. 3), eyelid; (Ku)pesa k'ope, to wink, blink. (Ku)kopesha (v. tr.), to borrow, lend. (n. 5),

cup, goblrt,

pipe

vessel,

(for

water). Korofi (adj.), wicked, bad, base. (Ku)koroga (v. tr.), to stir. (n. 4),

cocoanut not fully

developed. (v.

to

intr.),

snore.

groan.

Korosho (n. 3), cashew nuts. Korrathi (n. 3), leek. (n. 5),

mistake, fault, trans-

gression.

(Ku)kosa

(v. tr.

err, fail,

Kongo

oft',

fist,

(v. tr.), to

(Ku)kopa

Kosa

MwanaK'onrfoo (n. 3), sheep k'ondoo, lamb K'on Joo mume,

K'ongoni

5),

(Ku)koroma

field.

cut

(n.

Koroma

(Ku)kongoa

to wink,

laying-hen.

drinking to

ward). (n.

3),

Kopo (Kopwe)

throat.

thin. (n.

(n.

intr.),

K'oo, throat, glottis.

Koo

ransom.

K'onde

(Zun.),

;

(single).

(Ku)komboa

K'onde

(n. 3), snail

(Ku)konyeza (v. make a sign.

curved.

Konde

(of sea or lake),

see K'oa.

dish.

K'omio

arm

(n. 3),

shoot, branch.

&

intr.), to miss,

mistake, sin.

(Ku)kosekana

(v. n.), to

be absent,

missing. (Ku)kosesha, (Ku)koseza

make fall

(v. c.),to to sin, cause to miss or

short of.

K'osi(kikosi) (n. 3), top of back, between the shoulders.

Kotekote (adv.), on all sides, in every direction, in every way. Koti (n. 5). coat. Kooti (n. 3), court of justice, law courts.

Ko/o

(n.

3),

spice from Arabia;

rap with knuckles, swivel-hook and line for deep K'o
(n. 3),

sea.

Koto

(n. 3),

play-hour for slavee.

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY K'ovu Kozi

Ku-

(n. 3), scar,

Kulla

scab.

(n. 3), falcon (crested). is the infinitive prefix

is

-ku

;

tive infix.

grow, de"Kulia juu
(v.

;

the ground

(Ku)jikua lx>ast;

to

be proud, to

(Ku)jikuza

make much (Ku)kubali

(v.

of oneself. to

tr.),

(v.

acknowledge, receive; to

agree

-kubwa

to

ref.),

to, assent,

adj.),

(viir.

accept, (v. intr.),

approve. big,

great,

Kubikubi*(adv.), snugly. Kucha (n. 7, pi.), claws, nails dawn, dawning, day(n. i) for cast break, (elliptical " usiku all ;

padlock.

(n. 3),

(Ku)furu

night

kucha"), dawn.

till

(v. intr.). to

use

apostatize,

blaspheme, lan-

profane

guage.

Kuku

3),

Kuku huku

(Ku)kumbatia

to

(v. prepl.),

em-

brace, caress. (la mnazi) (n. 3), frond Kumbi cocoanut palm mnazi, cocoanut fibre. Kumbifu (n. 5), withered frond cocoanut palm. Kumbikumbi (n. 3), white ants the winged stage. ;

(Ku)kumbuka

to

(v. tr.),

K'umbuu

of la

of in

remem-

(n. 3),

girdle

;

K'umbwe

morsel of food. (num. adj.), ten Kumi-na-

(n. 3),

Kumi

;

moja (num. adj.), eleven. K'umvi (n. 3). chaff, husks. Kuna, there is, there are (impersonal pronominal with verb To have, English To be). (Ku)kuna (v. tr.), to grate, scratch

,

(v.

tr.),

to

wring

(v. tr.), to

shake

off,

beat.

crease,

bean (reddish-brown

(n. 3),

" flwi larger than "). (n. 3), flock, herd, drove,

swarm. (v. subt.), to

(Ku)kmWua

(Ku)kukutika

(v. n.). to

palpitate

(heart).

Kola-muwi

(v. tr.), to

Kundi

out, drain.

(Ku)kuk'uta

;

down,

wrinkle.

Kunde

(Ku)kukumiza

lie

;

rest.

(Ku)kundakunda

fowl; K'uku mke,

hen.

Kule

(Zu)kumba(v.tr.), to come against come upon, befall, overtake.

(Ku )kun
(adv.), here ; (adv.), just here. (n.

impallah, ante-

(Ku)kuncZa (v. tr.), to fold, double (Ku)kunrfa uso, to frown, scowl

(adv.), there.

K'uku

(n. 3),

lope.

scrape.

Kufuu (n. 3), equal, fellow. Kuhani (n. 3), priest.

Kuko

each

ber, recollect.

tall, large.

long Kufuli

K'ulungu

Kumbi

said to a child.

:

(v. ref.),

(distr. adj.),

(killa)

every.

the 2nd person sing, objec-

(Ku)kua

191

(n. 3),

hush-money.

(adv.), there, yonder,

over

there.

Kulekule (adv.), just there. (Ku)kulia (v. tr.), to overpower, affect strongly, gain mastery over, conquer.

Kaliko (lit. " where there are ") (rel. adv.^ than, more than.

unfold,

undo, open out, simplify; Ku kundua maisha, to lengthen life. unroll,

(Ku)kunga

Kunge

(v. tr.), to

(n. 3),

hem.

mist, haze.

K'unguni (n. 3), bug. K'unguru (n. 5), check cloth worn hence the by the prisoners :

prisoners themselves.

(Ku)kung'uta (v. tr.), to shake out (Mom. Kuk'nta).

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

192 K'unguu

raven, antelope

(n. 3),

(Ku)knnguwaa

to

intr.),

(v.

stumble, trip.

Kunguwazo

cause

3),

(n.

of

person who instructs young persons in the duties of married life. K'uni (n. 3), firewood. Kunradhi, excuse me, forgive me, do not be angry. (Ku)kunyata (v. intr.), to wear a deprecating air, have a deplor5),

(n.

ing, down-trodden look.

(Ku)jikunyata

(v.

(v.

to

ref.),

be to

n.),

to

itch,

tr.),

to

scratch,

irritate.

(Ku)kunytia

(v.

pinch.

Kura

share

(n. 3), lot, lots.

(Ku)piga

;

and plaited (see Makuti). K'utu (n. 3), rust. 9),

(n.

day long -kuu (var.

till

-kuukuu

(var.

since.

Kuwili

(v. intr.),

&

with. to gather,

tr.),

collect.

Kushofo (n. 3), the left (hand). Kusi (n. 3), south, south-west monsoon. Kusfubani (n. 3), thimble. Kusudi (adv.), on purpose. (Ku)kusufZia propose.

(v. intr.),

K'uta

wall.

(n. 5),

adv.),

happen

that.

Kwamba

(v.

si...,

if

it

were

not

for...

Kwamba

hakufanya..., not done...

K'wang'a

if

he had

hyrax.

(n. 3),

(poss. pro.), to (or house, to (or at) me.

at)

(Ku)kwangua (Ku)kwangura

(v.

Kwangu

my

tcrape out.

tr.), to 1

(intr.

course Kwa nini

large wall. tr.),

(poss. pro.), to

thy (or his) house, to (or at) thee (or him). Kwamba (conj.), if. whether, (or at)

adv.),

why?

of

!

to to, befal.

(Ku)kut'ana

to intend,

(prep, intrumental), with, by, at, at the house of, to, also, as well as, etc.

Kwani

(v.

to stumble.

double, twice over, over and above. (Ku)kuza (v. c.), to exalt, magnify, make great, promote, cause to grow. (Ku)knza (v. tr.), to sell. Kuzimu (n. 3), the cold grave, (adj.

Ewako- kwakwe

(Ku)kuta

worn-

Kuume (n. 3), right (hand). Kuwa (conj.), iu that, seeing,

assembly. to prepl.), (v. (Ku)kurubia approach, draw near to. (Ku)kusa (Ku)k'utislia (v. c.), to bring upon, cause one to meet

Knfa

old,

adj.),

out (not applied to persons).

Kwa

(n. 3),

main,

Hades.

kura, to cast

(v.

chief,

adj.),

Kurasa (n. 7), pages (of book), folio. Kuruani (n. 3), Koran. Kusanyiko (n. 5), congregation,

(Ku)kusanya

west, all

sunset, sunset,

great.

(Ku)kuwaa

bowed down, depressed. (Ku)kunyea

of the frond or of cocoanut palm tree. These are cut off the mid-rib (n. 5), slip

Ku^wa

offence, stumbling-block.

Kungwi

Kuti

leaf

(species of), hart.

meet with,

rec.),

Kwanza

?

what

for

?

why ?

(adv.), firstly, primarily,

before (followed by the to

meet

together.

(Ku)kut'anika (v. n.), to gather together, assemble.

"ja"

tense).

Kwao

(poss. pro.), to (or at) their house, to (or at) them, equivalent to " their home."

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY Kwapa

(n. 3),

Kware

(u. 3),

arm-pit. quail, a very large kind of partridge.

(Ku)kwaruza

intr.),

(v.

be

to

sababu

gani

why ?

?

for

what reason ? Kwato (n. 7), hoofs.

climb up,

to

(Ku)kwea (v. tr.), mount, go (or come) up. K'wenda (conj.), if, supposing " ka" tense). (followed by (Ku)kwejuka (v. intr.), to fade, lose colour. (v.

to raise, pro-

c.),

with

;

right

(v. n.), to

(of

be eatable, to " maviatu,

jembe,'' etc.). (v. c.),

to feed.

Laa (imp. of kula), to Laana (n. 3), curse.

eat.

(v. tr.), to curse. yes here I am at your service (answer of a slave when

(Ku)laani

Labeka

shine (by polishing).

the

kulia,

hand. (Ku)lika

(Ku)lisha

(Ku)kwatua (v. tr.), to polish, to rub; (Ku)kwatuka (v. n.), to

(Ku)kweza

prepl.), to eat

(v.

Mkono wa be worn out

rough, grating.

Kwa

(Ku)lia

193

!

!

called).

Labuda (adv.), perhaps, possibly. Ladu (n. 3), native sweetmeat (in form a yellow

ball).

(Ku)jilafua (v. ref.), to be foolish, brutish, gluttonous.

mote, make go up. K'wekwe (n. 3), weeds.

Laini (adj. inv.), smooth, soft,

K'weleo

tongs, pincers. Kweli (n., adj. & adv.), truth, true, truly, indeed; Mt'u wa kweli, a true man Mt'u kwa kweli, (he is) in truth a man,

(Ku)lainika

a thorough man; Nimt'u kweli, he is really a man, no doubt about him. Kwa kweli (adv.), thoroughly, indeed and in truth. Kweli kweli (adv.), really, verily,

(some one). Laki (n. 3), lac, 100,000. Lakini (advers. conj.), but, never-

delicate, fine.

(n. 3),

;

in earnest.

Kwema

(adj.

be smooth.

to take

kwa,

de-

Laiti! (interj.), oh that! alas! (Ku)laki (v. tr.), to go to meet

theless,

still,

yet.

(Ku)lala (v. intr.), to lie down, go to bed, recline (not necessary to sleep).

cl.

0),

a good or

nice (place or condition).

Kw'enda

(v. n.), to

(Ku)jilainisb.a light in.

(conj.),

supposing that,

may be that. Kwenu (poss. pro.),

to (or at) your

house, to (or at) you,

home." K'were (k'ware)

"

your

(Ku)lalamika (v. intr.), to bemoan, bewail, lament.

Lami (n. 3), tar, glue. Lango (n. 5), large door,

gate,

branch of a family. Latifu (inv. adj.), meek, tender, kind.

Laukwamba

(n. 3), quail.

Kwetu

(poss. pro.), to (or at) our house, to (or at) us, "our

ind.)

only

Laumu

home."

(followed

oh

(interj.),

by that

pros, !

if

!

(n. 3),

(Ku)laumu demn.

blame, reproach. to blame, con-

(v. tr.)

,

(Ku)laza (v. c.), to lay

La

!

(adv.),

no

1

(denial

refusal).

(Ku)la

(v. tr.),

to eat.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

and

down, lie on the back, put to sleep. Lazima (adj.), obligatory, necesflat

sary, essential, indispensable.

N

SWAHILI GRAMMAE

194

(v. c.), to compel, oblige, constrain, force. (Ku)lazimu (v. tr.), to be binding

Lilam

upon. (Ku)lea

(Ku)liliana (v. rcc.), each other.

(Ku)lazimisha

(v. tr.),

to bring up, rear,

adopt, nurse, educate. (n. 3), fraud, dishonesty. (Ku)legea (v. intr.), to be loose or slack, flag, relax effort.

Leba

(Ku)legeza (v. up, forsake. Leila (n.

c.),

to let go, give

Like

5th

against). tr.),

to lean

upon

(or against), set in a direction,

(v.

(Ku)lima hoe,

till

aim, take

(v. intr.), to

Lengelenge (n. 5), blister. Leo (n. & adv.), to-day. Lepe (n. 3), slumber, drowsiness,

to

cultivate,

(v. intr.),

to wait or

tr.),

the

soil.

to

sub.),

(v.

result of waiting,

enjoy to eat

e.<j,

first-fruits.

hoe for (v. prepl.), to (or at or with). (Ku)limka (v. n.), to bo \\ isc, (Ku)limia

shrewd, intelligent, prudent. (n. 5), lemon.

(Ku)linda

(Ku)lenga aim.

to

noise.

(v.

(Ku)limbua

(Ku)lemelewa (v. be pressed upon, weighed down, oppressed. to

call

for.

Limau

pas.),

to

crossing-place. to make cry,

c.),

make a

cause to

press upon, oppress.

(Ku)lemewa,

;

cl. s.),

(n. 3), ferry,

(Ku)liza

stay

face, be (Ku)lekea opposite to, turn towards. (Ku)lekeza (v. .), to point to (or towards), put opposite to (or (v.

lile,

auction Lile (dem. that; Lile kwa same thing over again. (n. 3),

(Ku)limbika

eve, vigil. (v. tr.), to

3),

(Ku)lemea

adj.,

(v. tr.), to keep, propreserve, guard, mount guard over, watch, note. Lindi (n. 5), depth, hole, pit.

tect,

(Ku)lingana (v. rec.), to bo like each other, resemble, compare

;

doze.

to cry unto, call upon. (Ku)linganisha (v. c.), to compare one with 'another, to join to-

handkerchief or (n. 3), large square of coloured cloth worn

Lini?

by women.

(Ku)lipa

Leso

(Ku)leta (v. tr.), to bring, fetch, send, conduct. Lete (irreg. imp. of kuleta).

(Ku)levya (v. c.), to make drunk, rear, bring up. (Ku)lewa (v. intr.), to be drunk, intoxicated, tipsy.

(Ku)lewa

(v. pas.), to

be brought

up, adopted, educated.

(Ku)lewa-lewa (v. red.), to be giddy, reel, sway, shake. (Xu)lia (v. intr.), to shout, weep, ring, creak.

(Ku)lialia (v. intr.), to grizzle, whine.

Libasi

whimper,

(n. 3), garment, clothes. Lijamu (n. 3), bit (harness).

(v. tr.),

gether. (inter, adv.),

pay

(v. tr.),

when?

to pay,

pay bark,

for, re-pay.

(Ku)jilipiza (v. ref.), to pay oneself back, take revenge. Lisani (n. 3), facirg of Kanzu.

Liwali

(n. 3), governor (not applied to Europeans). (Ku)liwata (v. tr.), to tread upon, trample under foot.

(Ku)liza (Ku)liza

(v. tr.), to sell to. (v.

c.),

to

make

cry, to

cause to weep. Lo! (interj.), there! what look!

(Ku)loga (v. enchant.

(Ku)loweka

tr.),

(v.

soak, steep.

tr.),

to to

!

just

bewitch,

put

in

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY Lozi

almond.

(n. 5),

Lugha Lulu

language, tongue.

3),

(11.

(n. 3), pearl.

Lumbwi

(n. 3),

chameleon.

195

Madhibahu (n. 3), altar. Madhihabi (n. 5), sect, following. Madhubuti (n. 5), confirmation, proof, security.

Madoadoa (n. o), spots (dappled). Mafua (n. 5), catarrh, cold. Mafuatano (n. 5), following, con-

M

gregation.

M, a sonant letter prefixed to nouns in tho first and second classes.

nouns in the

prefix of

Ma, plural

fifth class.

Maa
metal

(n. 3),

ore.

covenant, compact, agreement.

Maagano

(n.

5),

Maagizo (n. 5), instructions, commandments. Maaguzi (n. 5), prophecy, interpretation, explanation, utterance of an oracle.

Maamzi

5),

(n.

judgment, sen-

(n.

meaning, reason,

5),

Mtu wa maana, important

or

excellent person.

kwa

maana

(n.

(conj.),

writing, scrip-

5),

tures.

Maanguko Maarifa

(n. 5), fall, falling.

(n.

knowledge, in-

5),

(adj. inv.),

celebrated,

(mawao)

(n.

5),

east,

sun-rising.

Mabaputizi

Maburuki

(n. 5),

baptism.

(inv. adj.), blessed.

Macnoka (n. Madaha (n.

5), 5),

weariness.

wooing manner,

ingratiating behaviour.

Madarasa

(n. 5), school.

Madanganya

change,

(n. 5),

alteration. (n. 5), obstacles.

Magugn

tangled under-

5),

(n.

Mahaba

(n. 5), love, affection.

(n.

5),

deceitful

behaviour. (n. 5),

5,

(n.

bells

pi.),

on

feet.

Mahali

place

(n. 8),

;

Mahali pa

(advl. prep.), instead of.

Manama, ointment. Mahana (n. 3), kind Mahari

(n.

of leprosy.

dowry paid by

3),

bridegroom to father-in-law. (n. 3), eunuch.

Mahali

(n. 5),

(n.

song.

5),

Indian

corn,

maize.

(n. 5), rebellion.

Maawio

Mageule, mageuzi

Mabindi

well-known.

Maasi

(no sing., u. 5), division, schism. distribution. Magawio (n. 5),

Mahasai

formation, science.

Maarufu

hence evening.

sunsetting

Magawanyikano

Mab.alb.ali

because, for, the reason being, that is why.

Maandiko

Mafuta (n. 5), fat, oil, grease. Mafunuo (n. 5), manifestation. Magaribi, Magharibi (n. 3), west,

growth, weeds.

signification.

Maana,

;

Magogo

tence, verdict, justice.

Maana

Mafukizo (n. 5), incense (general). Mafundisho (n. 5), teaching, doctrine, moral lessons. Mafungo (n. 5, pi.), limbs Kumsbika mafungo=to collar him.

Mahuluko (n. 5), created things. Mai (pi. of ii) (n. 5), eggs. Maimbizano (n. 5), chorus, refrain,

Maisha

5),

life,

outward

manifestation, of life, lifetime, existence, durability, manner of living.

Maid

(n. 3),

Majaliwa injury, harm.

i

(n.

dead person.

(n.

enabling.

5),

fate,

destiny,

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

196 Majani, Mani

(n.

5),

grass

(lit.

leaves), herbs.

Majaza (n. 5), gift, present. Maji (11. 5), water, waters; Maji ya Kimo, deep water. Maji-maji

watery, liquid,

(adj.),

wet.

Maji-mafu, neap tides; Maji male, ppring tides. Maji mafomu, drinking water, fresh water.

Maji ya water

barirft,

ya

m'unyu,

Maji yajaa, in-coming tide Maji yapwa, out-going tide. Majibizano (n. 5), question and ;

answer, catechism. sing., n. 5), answer,

reply. Majilisi (u. 3), stono scats outside

house. Majilisi-shauri, council, palaver. Majira (u. 5), appropriate time, season.

Majivuli

(n. 5, pl.|, Majivuno (n. 5),

shadows. ostentation,

Majuruhu Majuio

(adj.),

(n.

5),

grief,

distress,

repentance, pcni-

(n. prop.),

Mecca.

Mak'aak'aa (n. 5), soft palate, roof of mouth. MakarZara (n. 5), (God's) appoint-

ment or ordaining. Makamasi (n. 5), mucous, phlegm.

Makamu

important. dwelling-place. (n. 5), abode, dwelling, lair, den, residence. (adj.), great,

(n. 3),

Makapi (n. 5), chaff. Makasi (n. 5), scissors. Makazi (n. 5), dwelling, dwelling.

(n.

remnants, re-

5),

mains, crumbs. (n.

5),

brightness of

sky in early morning, Aurora, dawn. (o. 5),

Makusanyiko

annoyances. meeting5),

(n.

place, place of assembly.

MakusurZi

(n. 5),

purpose; (adv.)

purposely, on purpose. Makut'ano multitude, (n. 5),

crowd, assembly.

Makuti

5, (n. pi.), cocoa-nut leaves (plaited for roofing). Makuu (n. 5), great things, pride,

self-sufficiency.

Malaika

(n. 3), angel (n. 5) small hairs on body, plural of ;

laika. (n. 5), sleeping-place. Maleleji (n. 5), periods of calms

soons.

Malham

(n. 3),

Mali

3 or

(n.

gum,

resin.

5), riches,

property,

estate, possession.

(Ku)maka (v. intr.), to wonder. Makaa ya mawe, coals.

Makani Makao

Makombo

between N.E. and S.W. mon-

wounded.

tenco, regret, remorse.

Maka

makini,

Malazi

pride, boasting.

Majonzi (n. 5), bereavement.

Kwa

ness, steadiness;

with decorum, solemnly. Makohozi (n. 5), phlegm, cough.

Makuruhu

brackish water.

Majibu (no

Makimbilio (n. 5), refuge. Makini (n. 5), tranquillity, quiet-

Makungu cold water, fresh

Maji

;

Makengeza (u. 5), squint. Makerubu (n. 5), cherubim. Maki (n. 3), thickness.

Malimbuo

(n. 5), first-fruits.

(n. 5), changes and chances of this world. Malipo (n. 5), reward, payment,

Malimwengu desert.

Malisha (n. ground. (Ku)maliza

5),

pastures, grazing

(v. tr.),

to complete,

finish.

Malkia (n. 3), queen. Malubani (n. 5), oil. Mama (n. 3), mother;

Mamae

mt'u, the mother. stylo of

Mamavyaa, mavyaa, mother-inlaw, on the woman's side.

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY Mamba

of

(n. 3), crocodile, scales fish, etc.

Mambo

3)

(n.

time

jambo),

(sing,

matters, affairs, cumstances.

things,

cir-

Mamlaka

(u. 3), authority, power, rule, dominion.

liana

(n. 3),

Manani

manna.

(n. prop.), the

Beneficent

Ohihammedan name Man
(n. 3),

for

turmeric

;

God).

Rangi

handkerchief,

3),

scarf.

Manemane (n. 3), myrrh. Manga (n. 3), Arabia. Mangazimbwe (n. 3), phantom, mirage. (n.

(adv.), early,

na

Asubuhi

;

in

good mapema,

early in the morning. MapencZano (n. 5), mutual love. Mapenri (n. 5), will, pleasure, desire, love.

Mapesa (n. 5), small change. Mapigano (n. 5), fighting, battle, combat,

Mapindi

fight. (n. 5), windings, sinuosi-

ties.

Maponyea

ya, yellow. Man
Mango

Mapema

197

round

3),

stone,

pebble. Man! (vide majani).

Manufaa (n. 5), profit, advantage. Manuk'ato (n. 5), perfume, scent. Manyezi (n. 5), horror, disgust,

(n. 5, pi.), make-shifts, substitutes for food in famine time. Mara (n. 3), time, occasion ;

(adv.) immediately. (adv.), from time to time, time after time, now

Mara kwa mara

and again. Mara moja (adv.),

once, at once, just once. Mara mbili (adv.), twice. Mara t'atu (adv.), three times, thrice.

gentle rain,

Mara nne (adv.), four times. Mara nyingi (adv.), many times,

light showers, drizzle. Manyoya (n. 5), feathers, down, fur, wool, hair.

Mara
abhorrence.

Manyonyota

Manyunyu

(n. 5),

(n.

Marahaba

showers.

(n. 5),

Maombezano

5), intercessory

(n. 5, pi.), increase, pro-

duce, addition. Maonye (n. 5), warning.

Maovu

dawn. adornment,

5),

or-

Mapatanisho (n. 5), reconciliation, atonement. (n. 5),

agreement, com-

pact.

Mapatilizo (n. tribution.

Thank you

!

5),

vengeance,

(n. 5, pi.), fine rain, drizzling shower. Marashi (n. 5), ecent, perfume. Marehemu (adj.), the late . . .,

deceased.

(n. gratification,

naments, decoration.

Mapatano

(interj). !

MarkZAawa

(n. 5), lap. (n. 5),

Mapambauko Mapambo (n.

!

well

Marejeo (n. 5), return, coming back. Maridadi (adj.), finely dressed.

(n. 5), evil.

Mapaja

it is

Marasha-rasha

prayer, litany.

Maombi (n. 5), prayer. Maonano (n. 5), meeting together. Maondo (n. 5), temptation. Maongeo

often.

re-

5),

satisfaction,

compensation,

abundance. Marijani (u. 3), red coral.

Marikabu Marikano

(n. 3), ship, vessel.

coarse un3), (n. bleached calico. to (Ku)marisi (v. tr.), investigate, search,

Marisau

examine (n. 5),

closely.

email shot.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

198 Marufuku

(n. 5), prohibition, for-

Mateko

(n. 5),

bidden things; Kupiga marti-

Ma
fuku, to prohibit. 5), leavings, remnants,

Matembavu

Masazo (n.

remains.

Mashairi (n. poem.

poetry, verses,

5),

Mashaka

(n. 5), trouble, misfortune, difficulty.

Mashangirio

(n.

rejoicing,

5),

festivities.

Mashapa

Matelizo (u.

;

5), plaster.

charm worn crosswise over shoulders ami side

(n.

5),

(adv. ph.) at the side.

;

Mafamko (n. 5), pronunciation. Mafamvua (n. 5), fringe, border of garment.

Matandiko

blankets,

(n. 5), rugs,

bedding.

(n. 5, pi.), floats. (n. 3), east, sun-rising.

Mashariki

Masha Allah! willeth

desire

the seat, buttocks.

(n. 5), request, petition,

(interj.),

what God

Matandu Matanga

(n. 5), spider's (n. 5), sails,

funeral

web.

mourning,

rites.

Mashindano

Mafango (u. 5), slanders. Matata (n. 5), tangle, complica-

Mashifaka

tion; Yuna matata, he cult to deal with. Ma/aza (n. 5), rice gruel.

!

(n. 5), conflict, coinpetition, race, contention, debate, strife. (n. 5),

accusation.

Mashua (n. 3), boat. Mashuke (n. 5), ears of corn. Mashupatu (n. 5), flat broad strips Mashurubu

(n.

5),

whiskers,

moustache.

Mashufamu

slanders, (n. 5), proaches, defamation.

TS.ata.yo

(n. 5), reproach, cen-

sure.

re-

5), saliva.

Mate(n.

Mateka

of plaited grass.

id diffi-

(n. 5), booty, spoil,

cap-

tives.

Matembezi (n. 5). walking, walk. Mateso (n. 5), afflictions, distress. Matilaba (n. 5), desire, ambition,

Masia, kwenda masia, to walk about with the mind preoccupied, not observing one's surroundings, abstractedly.

pursuit, wish, quest. 3), east wind, east. Ma
Masika (n. 5), great Masikani (n. 3 or

5),

abode. Masikini

Jf&tindo (n. 5), slaughter-house. Ma(i
poor

(n.

3),

rains.

dwelling, person,

(u. 5, pi. of usiku),

nights

(mashizi) smuts, blacks.

Maso

(n.

(n. prop.),

(irreg.

pi.

5),

soot,

muscat.

of uso) (n. 5),

edges (of knife, etc.). Masuluhisho (u. 5), atonement, reconciliation.

Mata

bows. wonders. 5), stubble, wood-

(n. 5) (sing, uta),

Mafaajabu (n. Ma
5),

for "

To be awake."

Matoleo

(n. 5), cast, sun-rising. (n. 5), offering, oblation.

Matukano

(reckoned individually). Masizi

Maskati

fice).

Mafokeo

pauper, beggar.

Masiku

Matilai (n.

5),

(n.

insults,

re-

proaches, abuse. Mafukio (n. 5), hatred.

Matakizo

(u.

5),

provocation,

offence.

Matule

(n. 5),

Matumbo

(n.

confusion, shame. 5), entrails, bowels,

intestines.

Matumizi

Mafungu Matushi insults.

service. (. 5), use, (n. 5), bitterness. (n.

5),

bad

language,

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY mafweo

Mai'wio,

(n. 5),

west, sun-

setting.

Mazao

(n.), censer. (n. 5), burial.

Maziga Maziko

Maume na make,

Maziwa

masculine and feminine matters.

Maumivu

(n.

pain, suffering,

5),

aches, sorrows. (n. 5), the back, backbone, spinal column. Kupa maungo, to turn one's back on.

Maungwana

(n. 5),

gentle man-

ners.

breasts,

milk,

5),

(n.

lakes.

Mazoea

5),

(n.

(inv.

Maungo

adj.),

custom, habit; tame, friendly,

gentle.

Mazungnmzo

(n. 5),

conversation,

amusement. Mbali (adv.), far, far away, far distant, distinct, different. unlike, dissimilar, separate, distinct. Mbambakofi (n. 2), African tree off,

Mbalimbali,

Mausio

commandments, (n. 5), behests, commands. Mausufu (adj.), well-known. Mauti (n. 5), death. (n. 3),

burial place, grave-

bearing remarkable seed-pods.

Mbambo

Mavao

(n.

dress,

5),

garments,

style of of dress.

(n.

5),

manner May! (n. 5), dung. Mavunda-vyombo (n.

5),

dress,

breaker,

who smashes crockery. Mavungu (n. 5), prey. Mavuno (n. 5), harvest, reapone

ing.

(n.

7),

boards,

7),

(n.

benches,

planks.

Mbao mweusi, black

habiliments.

Mavazi

ubambo)

(sing,

wing-bones.

Mbao

yard.

Mbari

Mbaruwai Mbavu (n.

board.

kinsman, relative.

(n. 3),

(n. 3),

swallow.

7) (sing, ubavu), ribs,

side.

Mbawa (n.

7) (sing,

ubawa), wing,

feathers.

Mbawaa

3),

(n.

gazelle,

hind,

antelope.

Mavyaa

(n. 3),

Mawaa

(n.

mother-in-law.

5,

blemishes,

pi.),

faults.

Mawao

fruits,

(n. 5) (sing, ozao),

progeny.

Mauguzi (n. 5), sick-nursing. Mauli
Mava

199

Mbawazi Mbazi (2)

(n. 5),

east

maawio).

(v.

Mawato (n. 5), liberty, release. Mawazo (n. 5), thoughts, opinions, ideas.

Mawe

of

Mawe ya

jiwe) (pi. mizani, weights (of scales). foundations. (n. 5), Mawele (n. 5), small edible grain ;

Maweko

or cereal.

Mawindo

(n.

5),

game, hunted

(n. 5), clouds ; yametanda, the sky is overcast (with yametefuka, yameclouds) tanduka = (the clouds) have cleared awav.

Mawingu

;

compassion.

mercy, compassion

;

bean-plant.

Mbega

(n.

3),

Colobus monkey,

dandy. Mbele (adv.), in

front,

before,

primarily, previously, forward. prep.), in front of,

Mbele ya (adv. prior

to.

Mbeleni, in the future, on before.

Mbeyu, mbeu Mbigili

animals.

(n. 3), pity,

(n. 3),

(n. 3), seed, (n. 2), thistle.

Mbi (mbwi),

enclitic

grain.

denoting

badness. Mbili (num. adj.), two. Mbili kasu roboo, If (lit. two less

a quarter). Mbili-tatu, two or three, a few, some.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

200

Mbili kimo. dwarf, pigmy. Mbiliwili (n. 2), thistle.

Mbingu

7)

(n.

heaven,

it

mawingu, it

takata,

uwingu), Zina heavens cloudy Zime-

(sing,

sky,

;

is

;

has cleared.

Mbinja (n. 7), whistle, whistling Kupiga mbinja, to whistle. Mbio (n. 3), running, race, speed Kupiga mbio, to run. Mbiombio (adv.), very fast, at high speed. ;

;

MbisM

1),

(n.

jester,

caviller,

scornful person.

clamation. to issue decree, proclamation. dive Kwenda mbizi,

Kupiga mbiu,

make

to

Mbizi

(n. 2),

;

to dive.

Mboga 2,

(n. 3),

vegetable (see note

Mbona? (inter, adv.), why? what reason ? how is it ?

for

Mbu

(n. 3),

castor oil plant. (n. 3), mosquito, gnat. (u. 2),

Mbuba

(j>uba) (n. 3), disease, the yaws.

Mbuji

a

skin

clever

person, skilled, skilful, able, capable, adept. Mbuni (n. 1), inventor, founder, author, composer.

Mbuni

1),

(n.

(n. 3), ostrich.

M'buni (n. 2), coffee-plant. Mburuk'enge (n. 3), monitor, baobab tree. goat; Mwana-mbuzi,

(n. 2),

Mbuzi(n.

3),

(n.

about

lesser rains

3),

July.

orange

2),

(n.

(see note 5,

tree

Study XIV.).

Mchuruzi (n. 1), small tradesman, middleman. Mdalasini (n. 3), cinnamon. BLZanganyifu (n. 1), deceiver, imposter.

Mdauwa, mcZawa

1),

(n.

adver-

defendant.

Mdeni (n. 1), debtor. Mdhabidhabina (n. 1), busybody. (n. 1), sinner.

Mdhamini, sponsor, surety.

Mdimu Mdomo

(n. 2),

lemon-tree.

beak, mouth,

(n. 2), lip,

bill.

Mdudu

(n.

insect,

1),

worm,

vermin.

Mdumu

(n. 2),

Mduwara

jug,

mug.

(inv. adj.),

round,

cir-

cular, spherical. to grow, intr.), (v. spring up, thrive (only used of vegetable kingdom). (Ku)mega (v. tr.), to make neat handful of food for eating. Meko (n. 5) (sing, jiko), kitchen,

(Ku)mea

(Ku)meleza

iron utensil for scraping cocoa-nuts. M'bwa (M'mbwa) (n. 3), dog. Mbwa (equals ni wa, contracted (n.

3),

(v.

to

c.),

cause to

grow or spring up. Meli

kid.

Mbuzi

Mchoo

fire-place, stove.

lizard.

Mbuyu

Mbwiji (mbwiaji) (n. 1), beast of prey (from gwia). Mcha Mngu (n. 1), one who fears God, godly man. Mchaji (n. 1), one who fears. Mchiro (n. 3), mongoose.

Mdhambi

apple (or pupil) of the eye, something greatly prized and cared for.

Mbono

;

sary, legal opponent, litigant,

Study VI.).

Mboni

of

whom? Mbwako (equals ni wako). Mbwao (equals ni wao) etc. Mbweha (n. 3), fox, jackal.

Mchungwa

Mbiyu, mbiu (n. 3), buffalo-horn, announcement made by beating buffalo-horn, hence pro-

whose?

pronoun),

poss.

(n. 3),

mail steamer.

(Ku)memetnka

(v. intr.), to glitter,

sparkle, shine.

(Ku)mena despise.

(v.

tr.),

to slight, to

SWAH1LI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY Yenenzi

(n. 5), conduct, behaviour,

walk. (v.

to

tr.),

break or

divide (of food).

(Ku)meta

(v.

intr.),

to

shine,

glisten. (n. 3), table.

(Ku)meza

to cause to

(v. c.),

grow

or spring up.

Mfano

pattern, likeness, similitude,

2),

(n.

image,

figure,

simile.

Mfano wa, as,

Mfariji

such

like, similar to, to.

according

Mfaransa

(n.

chief, emperor.

Mfenesi

(n. 2),

Mforosaji

sycamine dead person.

(n. 2),

(n.

1),

tree.

(n. 2), flock,

any beast of

pasture.

Mfuko

(n. 2),

Mfulizo

ing

grudge, bad kiKukulia mfundo

(n. 2),

;

feel-

=

to

owe a grudge. Mfungo (n. 2), fasting-gift sent during Samadhan. Mfunguo (u. 2), month (see Page of Metals). Mfupa (u. 2), bone. Mfuzi (n. 1), forger of silver. Mfyozi (n. 1), abusive person.

Mganda Mganga

1),

witch-doctor,

medicine-man.

Mgemi

(n.

Mgeni

(n. 1), stranger, guest, foreigner. (n. 1),

tain tree.

;

Kwenda

(n. G, pi.), (n. 3),

swollen rivers.

marriage.

Mikojo (n. 2, pi.), urine. Mila (takes cl. 2 concords in the plural, n. 3), sect. (n. & adv.), eternity, for ever, eternally, through eternity. (Ku)miliki (v. tr.), to govern, reign, rule, possess, to afford.

Mil'ki

(n.

3),

dominion, power,

territory governed, possession.

Mimba tion

pregnancy, concep(Xu)fungua mimba, to

(n. 3), ;

give birth.

Mimbari

(n.

3),

pulpit, reading-

desk. (sep. pron.), I,

(Ku)mimina

(v. tr.),

me. to pour,

pour

out.

1), man who taps cocoa-

nut trees for palm- wine.

Mgomba

yawn

3),

(n.

Mikaha

Mimi

(n. 2), sheaf. (n.

& adj.), hundred; Mia two hundred. Miateni, mifeni, two hundred. (n.

MUele

bag, pocket.

(n. 2), haste.

Mfundo

preacher.

mbili,

Mijuto

follower, disciple,

adherent.

Mfugo

needy person.

(n. 1),

Mic/irara (adv.), ever, always. Mie(miye) (proii.), familiar form of tnimi-

1), traitor.

(n. 1),

Mfuasi

pulpit.

(n. 2),

(n. 1),

miayu, to yawn.

(n. 1), potter.

Mfitini (n.

Mhirabu

Miayu

jack-fruit tree.

Mfilisi (n. 1), auctioneer.

Mflnanzi

factor, rebel.

Mharibifu (n. 1), destroyer. Mhimili (n. 2), beam, girder.

Mia king,

1),

at-

tached to arrow-head. Mgwisho (n. 2), long tail of black hair used by witch-doctors. Mhalifu (n. 1), transgressor, male-

Mhubiri

comforter.

(n. 1),

Mgongo (n. 2), back. Mgonjwa (n. 1), sick person. Mg'umba (n. 2), iron hook

Mhiiaji

Frenchman.

(n. 1),

Mfaume(mfalme)

Mfu

quarrelsome per-

(n. 1),

son.

(Zu)menya

Meza

Mgomvi

201

visitor,

banana or plan-

Mingurumo'(n.

2, pi.),

thundering,

alarms, terrors. Miongo (n. 2), decades.

Miraji

(n. 3)

feast-day, holiday.

Mishabaka (misharabaka) pi.),

carving.

(n.

2,

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

202 Misheni

mission, mission-

(n. 3),

Misiri (prop,

n.),

Egypt.

Mitanga

(n. 2, pi.), light earth.

Mithali

(n.

3),

hypoMi-

proverb,

thesis, parable, allegory thali na, supposing.

;

Mitilizi (n. 2, pi.), eaves of roof,

ground under the eaves. Miuja (n. 2), perils, dangers,

Miwa

spectacles,

2),

(n.

eye-

(see

palm-leaf slips, plaiting mats, etc.

(n. 2, pi.),

used

in

small roots, suckers,

(n. 2),

tendrils.

Mja

(n. 1), slave; Mjakazi female slave. Mjane (n. 1), widow.

(n. 1),

Mjanja

cheat,

(n.

sharper,

1),

(n. 2),

Mjenzi Mji (n.

(n. 1),

Mjinga

(n.

whip, lash. builder.

town, village, hamlet. 1), fool, simpleton, stupid, duffer, green horn. kafiri Mjisi (n. 2), small house 2),

(n. 1), fellow-slave.

MjombV

(n. 1),

Mjuvi

Mkiwa

(n. 1),

(n. 1), (n.

1),

Mkoba Mkoko

(n. 2),

Mkoma

(n.

messenger. one who knows

tree.

mangrove leper

1),

;

(n.

2),

Mkombozi (n. 1), redeemer. Mk'ondo (n. 1), enemy, adversary. Mkondo (n. 2), current, stream, flood, torrent,

Mkongojo

Mkono

way,

trail.

(u. 2), staff. 2),

(n.

hand, arm, hand

(measure), cubit. Mkorofi (n. 1), rogue, person.

Mkufu

wicked

(n. 1), chief, elder.

(n. 2),

chain. teacher.

(n. 1), 2),

(n.

spear. 1),

agriculturist,

husbandman, farmer.

Mkumbuu

(n. 2), girdle, belt.

(n. 2), tropical tree with small green or yellow fruit. Mkunga (n. 1), midwife. Mkungu (n. 2), sweet almond tree. Mkungu (n. 2), bunch.

Mkunazi

(adj.),

sharp, clever.

ornamental box

(round).

burst

fish.

pocket, wallet.

branched or hyphene palm-tree. Mkoma manga (n. 2), pome-

Mkuki (n. Mkulima

dweller.

(n. 1), interpreter. 2),

poor man.

a

(u. 2),

grand child.

(n. 2),

Mkalimani Mkanju (n. Mkaragazo " "

line

be prob-

intr.), to

(v.

(n. 1),

Mkufunzi

(also Mjua).

Mkaa (n. 1), Mkakamava Mkakasi

which yield making mats.

(n. 2),

maternal uncle, a

Swahili.

Mjukuu Mjumbe

opponent, enemy. species of palm-

1),

2),

able (see Yamkini).

Muubwa

lizard.

Mjoli

(n.

granate-tree.

swindler.

Mjeledi

(n. 1), fugitive.

fibre for

Mkizi

Muwaa).

(Ku)miza (v. tr.), to swallow. Mizani (n. 3), balance, scales. Mizi

Mkimbizi

(Ku)mkini

glasses.

Miyaa

;

Mkeka (n. 2), mat. Mkia (n. 2), tail.

tree, leaves of

Muwa).

(see

Miwani

stocks (for feet).

(n. 2),

Mkate (n. 2), loaf of bread, bread Mkate m
Mkindu

2, pi. of Muujiza).

(n.

poor man.

(n. 1),

MMndani (n.

billows, breakers.

Miujiza

Mkata

Mkatale

station.

cashew-nut, tree.

(n.

2),

downpour,

of monsoon.

Mkunguru Mkut'ano

(n. 2),

climatic attack.

crowd, meeting, assemblage, company, congregation.

(u. 2),

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY Mkuu

(n. 1), chief,

great man.

Mkwaju (n. 2), tamarind tree. Mkwasi (n. 1), rich man, prince. Mkwavi (n. 1), a niasai.

Mkwe

(n. 1), parcnt-in-law, sonin-law, daughter-in-law. Mia (also mlaji) (n. 1), cater. Mlafi (n. 1), glutton. Mlango (n. 2), door, gate, entrance.

Mlango

(n.

chater,

2),

lineage,

branch of family.

tribe,

is

pur-

poseless, lax, slack, lazy. (n. 1), upright, straight-

Mlekevu

forward person. Mlele (n. 2), long tail feathers of a bird. Mlevi (n. 1), drunkard. Mleza (n. 2), buoy, harbour mark. Mlezi (n. 1), nurse, a bringer-up of children.

Mlikuu

(n. 1),

(n. 2),

Mlimbolimbo

great-great grand-

mountain. (u. 2), thorn bush

Mlimau (n. 2), lemon tree. Mlimwengu (n. 1), inhabitant 2),

1),

mast, flagstaff. guard, keeper,

guardian, watchman. Mlio (n. 2), cry, sound, noise (of bird, beast, etc.). (n.

1),

shepherd, feeder,

provider. gutter, shoot, cataract, trench, ditch, water(n.

2),

spout (?). Mlizi (n. 1), professional mourner. Mmande (n. 3), land-breeze that blows in the early morning.

Mmea

(n. 2),

pine-apple plant.

;

Mneni

(n. 1), orator,

speaker.

Mng'aro (n. 2), brightness. Comoro Mngazija (prop, n.), islander.

Mngereza (n. 1, Englishman. Mngqjezi

(n. 1),

pi.

Wengereza),

minister, servant.

Mngu (n. 1), God (pi. waungu). Mngumi (n. 2), whale. Mno (adv.), exceedingly, very much, greatly. (n. 1), silent

laciturn

person.

Mnyanga'nyi (n. 1), robber. Mnyap'ara (n. 1), headman

of

caravan. (n. 2), old cat.

(n.

2),

worm,

prison-

chain.

Mnyororo Mofa (n. 3), small native cake or bun, originally the oven in which they were baked. Moja (num. adj.), one, single. Mola, God. Molina, our Lord (Mohammedan (n. 2), chain, fetter.

Mlingoti (n. Mlinzi (n.

Mmasihia

auction. auctioneer.

Mnandi (n. 2), cormorant. Mnara (n. 2), tower, minaret. Mnasara (n. 1), Christian. Mnazi (n. 2), cocoa-nut palm tree Mnazi-mkinda (n. 2), young cocoa-nut palm tree. Mnenea (n. 1), accuser, one who

Mnyoo of

world.

Mlizamo

Mnanasi

Mnyau

(used for hedge).

Mlishi

(n. 1),

Mnyamavu

child.

Mlima

(n. 2),

Mnadi

speaks against.

Mle (adv.), in there, inside it. Mlegevu (n. 1), desultory, plegmatic person, 'one who

Mnar/a

203

(n. 1),

Christian.

growth. M'miji (n. 1), citizen-member of a federation. Mnaanaa (n. 2), mint. (u. 2), crop,

name for God). Membee (n. prop.), Bombay. Mori (n. 3), grease, tallow, fat. M'osha (n. 1), corpse-washer. Moshi (n. 2), smoke (mioshi, pi.) ; (Ku)fuka moshi (v. intr.), to smoke (of chimney, etc.). Mosi (num. adj.), one (in counting).

Moto

(n. 2, pi. myoto), fire, heat Kazi moto, quick work. Mou, old form of maguu Nashika ;

;

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

204

mou, slave's expression of humble submission.

M'oyo (n. 2, pi. myoyo, also nyoyo) heart organ of life, inind, courage, pluck (Ku)shiriki moyo, to give way to one's desires, to be proud, overbearing, ,

;

self-satisfied.

Mpagazi

1), porter,

(n.

carrier,

bearer.

Mpaji

generous

giver,

1),

(prep.), until, as far as,

Mpaka

(n.

boundary, limit,

2),

border;

(Ku)rupa mpaka,

exceed the

to

limit.

Mpamba (n. 2), cotton plant. Mpambe (n. 1), serving maid. Mpango (n. 2), host, rank, troop. Mpanzi (n. 1), sower, planter. Mpapayu

papaw

(n. 2),

Mpatanishi

tree.

(n.

1),

peacemaker,

(n.

1),

missionary,

mediator.

Mpelekwa

Mpelelezi (n. 1), spy. Mpentfezi (n. 1), flatterer, ingratiating person. Mpenzi (n. 1), beloved, loved one, favourite, dear one. (n. 2)

guava 2),

(n.

trees.

red

one who

(n. 1),

is

de-

ficient.

Mpunga as

it

2), rice (in

(n.

the husk

grows).

Mpuuzi (n. 1), headed person

silly,

empty-

.

shore (from the sea

(n. 3),

point of view). (var. adj.), new. (n. 2), swaying rolling motion as of a ship at sea. MritM (n. 1), heir, inheritor.

Mrama

Mrongo (n. 1), liar. Mrututu (n.i2), green

vitriol, sul-

phate of copper.

Msaada

(n. 2), help, succour, assistance ; (Ku)mtukulia (mt'u)

msaada, to help, succour, support (a person). Msafara (11. 2), caravan. Msafiri (n. 1), traveller, pilgrim.

Msahafu

(n. 2),

manuscript copy

(n.

1),

adversary,

ebony

tree.

Mpini (n. 2), handle. Mpira (n. 2), rubber tree. Mpira (n. 2), caoutchouc, indiarubber, hence india-rubber ball of any kind. Mpishi (n. 1), cook. Mpita-ndia (n. 1), passer-by.

Mponyi (n. 1), deliverer. Mpopoo (n. 2), areca-nut palm. Mpotevu (n. 1), prodigal, delin-

MsaWia

pur-

aperient,

(n. 1),

helper, assistant,

succourer.

Msaji (n. 2), teak tree, teak wood. Msaalkheri! good evening good night Msala (n. 2), prayer-mat (oval). !

Msalaba

(n. 2), cross.

wicked, perverse,

(n.

pardon,

2),

forgiveness,

indulgence,

respite,

absolution.

Msamba

(n.

msamba,

when Msana

2)>

leg(?); (Ku)piga

to kick

out the leg

bathing. (n. 2), piece of

skilled

handiwork.

Msangao (n. 2), astonishment. Msemi (n. 1), speaker, spokesman. Mshahara (n. 2), wages, salary. Mshairi

quent. (n. 1),

2),

(n.

gative.

Msamaha

opponent. (n. 2),

Msahala

!

pepper

tree.

Mpingamizi

Mpotofu

per-

(n. 1), fool.

of Koran.

sent-one.

Mpingu

Mpungufu

who

(M)pya

person.

Mpilipili

Mpumbavu

Mp'wa

(n.

Mpak'a up to.

Mpera

capricious person, one verts others.

(n. 1), poet.

Mshare (mshale)

(n. 2), arrow.

8WAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY Mshari

(n.

wicked

1),

person,

evil one.

Msonge

(n

crowd, throng.

2),

.

Msonobari

(n.

pine-tree,

2),

Mshinde

vanquished per-

(n. 1),

son.

Mshindi Mshindo

(n. 1),

Mshinsi

(n. 1), visitor per

conqueror, victor. (n. 2), thud, detonation, dull report, heavy sound.

diem

(from Shinda). (n. 2), vein, nerve,

muscle,

Msonsi (n. Msiaarabu

(n. 2), belt, girdle,

band,

hair-dresser.

1),

precocious,

(adj.),

sharp.

Ms/ari

(u. 2), line.

Msubukuo

(u. 2), blow on cheek, grazing of the cheek. Msufi (n. 2), a cotton tree (ctr.

Mpamba).

Msuko

blood vessel.

weaving, plaiting,

(n. 2),

shaking.

Msukosuko

(n. 2),

Mshirika (n. 1), partner, communicant, associate. Mshi
Msuluhisbi

(n.

Mshoni (n. Mshono (n.

Msumari (n. 2), nail, tintack. Mtsumeno (n. 2), saw.

fishing-line.

1), tailor,

sewer.

2), seam, join. (n. 2), candle.

Mshumaa

(n. 1), fool, obstinate

Mshupavu

fellow, rebellious person. (n. 2), tootli-brush. Msi-, prefix, equivalent to Eng.

Mshwaki

"

" less suffix Msiwana, childless Msikiteko, joyless. ;

;

Msiba

(n. 2), calamity, affliction,

visitation of

Msichana

God. damsel, maiden,

(n. 1),

Msikujua (n. 1), ignoramus. Msilimu (n. 1), Mohammedan.

Msimato (n. 1), sightless person. Msimamizi (n. 1), overseer, supervisor. (n. 2),

by-word, proverb,

reproach.

MsinaMari

tempest, storm.

1),

peacemaker,

reconciler.

Msuluhivu

(adj.), clever,

Mswahili, Msawahili a Swahili.

Mtaa

(n. 2),

capable.

(n.

prop.),

quarter, district (of

a town).

Mfaimbo

(n. 2), crow-bar. Mtaji (n. 2), deal (in playing) wa Mtaji ngoma (n. 1), musical composer. Mtakatifu (n. 1), saint, holy ;

person.

Mfali

virgin.

Msikiti (n. 2), mosque, church, chapel, school. Msikizi (n. 1), hearer, adherent, one of the faithful.

Msimbo

fir-

tree, deal.

person.

Msbipi

reader, lay-reader,

(n. 1),

catechist.

Mshenzi (n. 1), heathen, savage, country bumpkin, uncivilized

Mshipa

Msomi

205

(n. 2), silver

Mtama

(n.

anklet.

millet,

2),

Kaffir-

corn.

Mta-mate

Mtamba Mtambo

(n. 1), spitter. (n. 2), heifer.

(n.

machine, trap,

2),

spring-engine.

BOana

(n. 2),

daytime, daylight,

Mlana kutwa, midday, day all day long till sunset. ;

Mtanda

(n. 2), strip of dried meat Boer's beltong). M/anga (n. 2), sand, soil, earth, (cfr.

(n.

1),

witless

per-

son.

Msingi (n. 2), foundation. Msira (n. 2), miser. Msifadi (n. 1), expert, adept, skilled worker.

mould.

Mtanganyiko (n. 2), gathering or meeting together, confluence. Mtangazia (n. 1), announcer, advertiser.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

206 Mtangulizi (n. leader, one in

M
(n.

predecessor,

1),

front.

pious,

1),

godly

MtewanJa

(n. 2),

wooden sandal.

Miawi, witch, wizard, sorcerer,

(n. 2),

Miele

(n.

(n. 1),

1),

(n.

Mtengenezea

one

who

acts,

(n.

1),

;

preparcr,

and adj.), day after Mtondo goa (n. 2 and adj.), day after that. Mtoro (n. 1), runaway slave, fugitive. (By implication, also

Mtondo

(u.

2

:

robber, plunderer, pirate.) Mtoto mcha(n. 1), child nga, infant. Mfozi (m/oza) (n. 1), exactor, exM/ozi wa tortioner, collector

Mtoto

(n. 1),

doer, maker, author,

poet.

boat with square

2),

sails.

;

;

ushuru, tax-gatherer, publican

mteremezi

Mterehemezi, (n. 1), compassionate, merciful person, one who is friendly. Mtesi (n. 1), adversary, persecutor.

(Bible).

Mt'u

(n. 1),

nti),

n.

2,

earth-

quake. Mteule (n. 1), chosen one, elect. Mteusi (n. 1), feast-maker. Mti (n. 2), tree, wood, timber, a skin disease peculiar pole ;

races

negro

;

stage

of

"mbuba." M^'i (n.

2), pestle (wooden). Mtii (n. 1), one who is obedient, submissive. Mtikati (n. 2), noon, midday. Mtilizi (n. 2), gutter, conduit, piping, guttering (pi.), eaves, ends of eaves (where water trickles down). ;

(n.

Swa.),

2),

heart, core

(old

;

M'tu mume, man, male

(adult).

Mfti

laying-hen.

(n. 2),

person, man, someone,

human being. Mt'u mke (n. 1), woman, female (adult)

champion; Mtetea

(n. 1),

Mtetemo(wa

Mtima

custard-apple

2),

(n.

to-morrow

provider.

to

(n. 1), giver.

tree.

gadder-about.

worker Mtenda-kazi 1), (n. Mtenda-upuuzi, evil-doer. Mtende (n. 2), date tree.

Mtetea

Mto

M/olea

rice

Mtomoko

(n.

;

(n. 2), river.

in groin.

husked

of action.

Mtepa

thunder.

cushion, pillow

(un-

trap.

2),

boiled).

Mtembezi Mtendaji

(u. 2),

(u. 2),

(n. 1), blind man, blind person. Mtoki (n. 2), swelling and pain

seedling.

Mtego

Mtenzi

(n. 2), fig-tree.

Mtofu wa mato sprout, shoot,

2),

(n.

M/o

slip,

magician.

man

Miini

Mtitimo

person.

M<e

ULtindo (n. 2), cutting, pattern, shape, cut, end.

Mftiku

?)

?).

worthless person. exalted personage, in high rank. (n. 1),

M^ukufu

man

a tree (tamarisk

2),

(n.

(willow

(n. 1),

-

MtuKutu

obstreperous, fidgetty, unruly person. 1),

(n.

Mtakuu

(n. 1),

Mfukuzi

(n.

great grandchild.

1),

carrier,

bearer,

porter.

Mtulivu

(u.

1),

one who

is

sub-

missive, disciplined, tranquil, obedient.

M/umba (n. 1), Mtumbwi (n.

sweetheart, fiance'. canoe, dug2),

out.

Mtume

(n. 2), apostle, messenger, ambassador, emissary, sent-one,

M/umia

(n. 1),

old man.

SWAHILI-ENGLISn VOCABULARY Mtumishi

servant, domestic,

(n. 1),

retainer.

Mtumwa

Mtundaufu

(n. 2),

species of wild

man

(n.

1),

male,

in contradistinc-

woman.

Mumu-humu

this

(;idv.), in

same

place.

shepherd. earthen water pot. a string of things (n. 2), strung together, a number, a (n. 1),

(n. 2),

Ku mumunya

(v.

to suck,

tr.),

mouth without

retain in the biting.

Munmnye

vegetable

5),

(n.

marrow.

lot.

Mtushi

Mdu

abusive person.

(n. 1),

Mftizi (n. 2), gravy, broth, sauce. M^wa (n. 2), white ant.

Mtwana

man

(n. 1),

is

faithful, trustworthy.

Muamu

1),

(n.

brother-in-law,

1),

arbitrator, judge.

(adj.),

following, suc-

ceeding (said of next moon). Muandazi, or Mwandazi (n. 1), preparer of food, baker, cook. Muandishi (see Mwandishi), (n. 1). Muanga (pi. mianga), (n. 2), light. Muangaza (n. 2), enlightenment, (n. 1), builder.

(pi.

mida)

(n. 2),

(n. 1), caller

to prayer. (n. 2),

Muhabeshia Muhindi (n. Muhifoji

cedar

tree.

an Abyssinian. an Indian. needy person.

(n. 1), 1),

(n. 1),

Muhogo (n. 2), Cassava. Muhula (n. 2), appointed time. Muhtmzi (n. 1), smith, workman. Muhuri (n. 2), seal, signet. Muimbaji (n. 1), singer, songster. Muisilamu (n. 1), Mohammedan. Mukateba (n. 2), document, writing, bond.

Ku mulika

(v. tr.), to

throw light

on, illuminate, lighten, shine. (n. 1), maker of nice

Mnmbuji

things.

Muoga

(n. 1),

Muombaji Muombezi

coward. beggar.

(n. 1),

intercessor,

2),

(n.

Muombi (n. 1), one who prays. Muonewa (n. 1), one who is oppressed.

Muongezi (n. Muongofu (n.

amuser.

1),

convert, believer.

1),

Muotezi, ormuoteji (n.

1), lier-in-

wait.

Musimu

(n.

2),

N.E. monsoon, (lit. the mon-

soon).

interval

of time, time.

Muedini, or muadini

Muerezi

Munyu (u. 2), salt. Ku mung'unjruka

the hot season

light-hole.

Muashi

hatchet,

billhook,

2).

mediator.

sister-in-law.

Muamzi (n. Mnandamo

(n.

chopper. (v. n.), to bo putrid, decomposed, rotten.

slave.

Muajiriwa (n. 1), hired person.' Muaminifu (n. 1), one who

MucZa

waume)

(pi.

tion to

jasmine.

M/unga M/ungi Mtungo

Hume

husband,

(n. 1), slave.

207

Muuaji (n. 1), murderer. Muujiza (n. 2), miracle.

Muumba (n. 1), creator. Muungwana (n. 1), person

of

gentle birth, free man.

Muwa

(n.

2),

sugar cane;

pi.,

miwa.

Muwaa pi.

(n. 2),

dwarf fan palm;

miaa.

Muali

(n. 2),

flame

;

pi.

miyali.

Muwanga (sec nmanga). Muweza (n. 1), one who

is

able

body,

flesh,

(used of God).

Muwili, mwili form.

(n. 2),

Mvi (n. 2), arrow. Mvi (n.7, pi), grey or white hair. MvinJe (n. 2), the casuarina. Mvinyn (n. 3), wine. Mvite (prop, n.), Mombasa.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

208 Mviringo

round, round-

2),

(n.

ness, sphere.

M'vo

Mwanga Mwango

(n. 2), flood.

mivo)

(pi.

Mvua (n. 3), Mvuke (n.

rain.

steam,

2),

vapour,

incense.

Mvuli

young man.

Mwa

following

(pi. myaka) (n. 2), year, season of great rains Mwakani, in the year's time. Mwakani, in the south. ;

teacher,

1),

pro-

man. Mwalio (n. 2), wound. Wood put at the bottom of cooking pot to fessor, learned

(n.

inviter

1),

to

a

feast. (n. 2), rock.

pole of native house.

Mwamnda

(n. 2),

garden

fruits.

Mwamzi (n. 1), judge, arbitrator. Mwana (pi. wana) (n. 1), child, son, daughter, mistress, queen. (n. 1), scholar, pupil, disciple.

Mwanafunzi

Mwanamke (pl.wanawake)

(n. 1),

woman, female.

Mwanamume (n. 1),

wanawaurae)

(pi.

1),

virgin,

not yet left

her father's house.

briuger).

Mwanzi

reed, bamboo, 2), myanzi. Mwanzo (n. 2), beginning. Mwao (n. 3), under support; Kwa .mwao, properly, well done. Mwarabu (n. 1), an Arab.

cane

;

(u.

pi.

Mwari (n. Mwavuli

2), pelican. (n.

Ku mwaya

(pi.

(n.

1),

wandani

follower,

mwaga (v. tr.), to Ku mwaya

or

wen-

(n.

1),

lunatic,

idiot.

Mwandishif(n.

mwaya

;

tears talk ;

raaneno,

to

ku at

random.

Mwele

(n. 1),

sick person,

Mwembe (n. 2), mango tree. Mwembembe (n. 1), wild bee. Mwenda (n. 1), he who goes. Mwenendo, mwendo gait,

(n. 2),

conduct,

living,

going,

walk,

1),

Mwenge

(n. 2), torch. (pi.

wenyeji)

townsman,

citizen,

(n.

1),

subject,

inhabitant, host.

owner

;

(n.

1),

possessor,

Mimi mwenyewe, my-

self.

or

dani) (n. 1), friend, companion, fellow acquaintance.

MwanfZa-wazinro

umbrella, sun-

2),

throw away matozi, to shed

Mwenyewe

successor, companion.

butler.

Mwanzamkwa (n. 1), Name of God (equals Maker and Up-

Mwenyeji

Mwanamwali (n. maiden who has

Mwandani

<>f

life.

man, male.

Mwandamizi

teeth.

instrument

2),

spill,

Mwamba (pi. myamba) Ridge

between

shade.

prevent food burning.

Mwalishi

(n.

narrow

defile,

2),

(n.

alley, space

witchcraft.

Ku Mwaka

(n.

echo (usually

2),

(n.

Mwanza

locative), in, within, to, into. mwaika (v. intr.), to be spilt.

Mwalimu

luminary.

Mwanya as

fisherman.

(var. prep. cl. 10,

lamp-stand,

2),

(u.

mwengo).

under a bed. (n. 1),

witch.

(n. 1),

Mwangwi

(n. 1),

Mvumo (n. 2), borassus palm. Mvungu (n. 2), hollow space, Mvuvi

Mwanrfo (n. 2), pasture-fields, hamlet of skepherds' huts.

writer, scribe,

enyi) (n. 1) Mwenyi deni, creditor Mwenyi duka,

Mwenyi (sec

;

;

shopkeeper.

Mwenyiezi (lit. Mwenyi enzi) (adj.), having majesty, power, Almighty (always coupled with God).

SWAHILI-ENQLISH VOCABULARY Mwenzi

(n. 1),

companion, fellow,

comrade.

Mwewe (n. 3), kite, hawk. Mwezi (n. 2), moon, month Mwezi mwandamo, next month.

209

Mzungu (n. 1), an European. Mzushi (n. 1), one who invents. Mzuzi (n. 1), a tale-bearer.

;

Mwiba Mwiko

(pi.

(pi.

N

miba) (n. 2), thorn. miko) (n. 2), large

form of Ni.

N', abbreviated

spoon.

Mwimbaji Mwindaji

(n. 1)

(n.

;

1),

sec muimbaji. hunter, sports-

man.

Mwinyi (n. 1), Lord. Mwiro (n. 2), trunk, proboscis. Mwisho (n. 2), end, termination. Mwito (n. 2), call, calling, election.

Na

also;

and,

(conj.),

(prep.)

with.

Naam

(adv.), yes (classical).

Naanaa Nabii

mint.

(n. 3),

prophet. 3), caution, discretion.

(n. 6),

Nadhari Nadhiri

(n.

(n. 3),

vow

;

Ku-weka

Ku nadhiri, to make a vow ondoa nadhiri, to pay a vow. Ku nadi (v. tr.), to sell by auction. ;

Mwitu

(n.

forest,

2),

jungle,

wood, bush.

Mwivi (pi. wevi) Mwoga, muoga

(n. 1), thief. (n.

1),

coward,

poltroon.

Mwokozi

(u. 1),

Saviour.

Nafaka

corn, cereal, grain. space, room, opportunity, leisure, time. Nafiki (n. 5), hypocrite.

Nafasi

(n. 3),

(n. 3),

Mwongo (n. 1), liar. Mwoni (n. 1), teer.

Ku

Myanzi or inianzi, pi. of Mwanzi. Myongo, see miongo. Myongoni mwa (prepl. phiasc), among, in the company of.

Nafusi, nafsi (n. 3), person, self, soul, individual, soul-subject of

Mza

(n. 1), seller.

Mzabibu

(n. 2),

Mzaha

(n.

vine, grapes. scorn, levity,

2),

ridicule.

Mzalia (n. 1), native or coastborn slave. Mzalishi (n. 1), midwife, accoucher.

nafisi

means

to provide tr.), development.

(v.

for

life.

Nafuu

(n.

salvation, deliver-

3),

ance.

Nahao (n. 3), grammar. Nahodha (n. 3), captain of (n. 3),

Mzaliwa-mbele (D. 1), first-born. Mzamishi (n. ]), baptizer (lit. one

Ku

svho causes to sink). (n. 1), parent. (u. 1), old man, elder, chief. Mzeituni (n. 2), olive tree.

Namba (n. 3), turtle. Kami (conj. pron.), and

Mzazi

Mzee

Mzi (n. 2), rootlet, sucker, feeler. Mzigo (n. 2), burden, load. Mzinga (n, 2), canon, native beehive.

MzisM Mzoga

uncircuincised.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

(v. pass.), to bo relief, to be inlaid.

nakishiwa

carved in

I,

with

me.

Namna

(n. 3), sort,

Namna-namna,

kind, pattern

;

all sorts.

Nanasi (n. 5), pine apple. Nane (num. adj.), eight.

Nanga burier, undertaker. (n. 2), carrion, corpse of (n. 1),

vessel.

defilement, pollution. Nakishi (n. 3). cuiving, engraving, art of curving. Ku nakishika (v. n.), to be well carved.

Najisi

(n. 3),

anchor.

Ku nang'anika as with

Nani

(v.

n.),

to shine,

oil.

? (inter, pron.)

who ? whom ?

210

S\VAHILI

Ku nanua

(v.

tr.),

to

loosen,

undo.

Nao

(conj. pron.), and, or with,

them.

Ku

nasibisha

Nasibu

(v. c.),

to naturalize.

accident, mishap,

3),

(n.

chance. TSa.tha.ri

common

3),

(n.

sense,

discretion.

Nauli

(n. 3), fare,,

passage money,

freight.

Ku navya

(v. c.),

to partially

wash

another.

Ku nawa

tr.),

(v.

to

wash the

(n. 3), notoriety,

(n. 3),

exposure,

;

small tubers attached t> the roots which have a sweet aro-

matic smell. Genus cyperus, sweet cane of scripture. 3),

(n.

horizontal roof-

inside. NfZao, cont.

;

(advl. prop.), in, into,

(n.

3),

bird,

Zanzibar

(n. 3),

(n.

(n.

thus

3), ;

Ndizi

(n.

pigeon,

NfZiwa

manga,

3),

3),

he-goat. surfeiting, excess,

drunkenness. NfZeremo (n. 3),-

rejoicing,

they)

(lit.

banana,

;

plantain

Mgomba).

(see

Ndoa

it is.

dove,

tamo pigeon. Ndiyo (udv.), yes mambo, arc so.

nurriagc. 3), big-toe, claw.

(n. 3),

Ndole

(n.

Ndongo (n. 3), land, earth, Ndoj (n. 3), bucket, pail.

soil.

Ku

ja),

dreim, vision.

(n. 3),

NcZovu

(n. 3),

Ndugu

(n.

elephant.

brother, sister, cousin, relative Ndugu baba 3),

;

mama mmoja, own

brother or sister Ndugu mama mmoja baba mbalimbali, or rice vtrsd, half-brother or sister.

Ndugu cousin or

dialect.

Ndeo

(adv.),

;

baling ladle. (adv.), out, outside; N'de (advl. prep.), outside of.

NtZenge

Ndivyo

mmoja,

form of Ni yao.

(n. 3),

Ndege

;

Ndoto

(n. 3), calf, heifer.

Ndani ya

NYZe ya

Ndimu (n. 3), lime, fruit. Ndimu za kali, sour limes Ndimu

come.

form of Ni yako.

rntr.

NfZangu, coir, form of Ni yangu. Ndari (adv.), iuside, within

Ndau

straight course, sound

action,

judgment. Ndimi, see Ulimi.

NrZoo (Irreg. imp. of verb

sticks.

Ndako, NcZama

;

turtle-dove

cocoanut.

Ndaa (n. Ndaa k'uu, great scarcity. Ndago (u. 3), weed, rush having

Ndakaka

;

NfZia (n. 3), way, pith, road, street Ndia ya kukata, a short cut. Also, course of

NcZiwa

form of Ni ya. famine 3), hunger,

cotr.

perforated car-lobe,

(n. 3),

for insertion of ornament. Ndi, pronominal copula, used in conjunction with pronouns it forms the Amphatic Present of the Verb To be Ndimi, it is I.

Ndiposa (conj.), therefore.

publicity.

Nazi Nda,

Ndewe

za tamu, sweet limes.

hands, face, or feet. Ku nawiri (v. intr.), to shine.

Nazaa

GRAMMAR

ex-

pression of joy, merry-making. Nrferi (n. 3), eagle, vulture. Ndevu (pi. n. 7), beard; TTdevu, ia a single hair of the beard.

mke, ;

sister,

Ndugu mume,

fomilo brother

male cousin.

Ndui Nduli

(n. 3),

(n. 3),

smallpox (sec Tete). angel of death.

Nduma-kuwili (n. 3), doublemouthed snake (so-called). Ndume, third concord of mume. Nduni (n. 3), new wonder, pretty novelty.

Nduu

(n. 3),

ground-nut.

SWA HI LI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY Ndwele, Ndwee

(n.

sickness,

3),

disease.

Ndweo Neema

(n. 3), pride.

(n. 3), grace, prosperous season, plenty, favour, luxury.

Ku neemeka

prosperous, favoured.

Ka neemesha gracious

Nemsi

(n.

high

to

become

(v.

n.),

to

be

blessed or

(v. c.),

to bless, be

3),

luxury, opulence,

estate.

Ku nena

(v. intr.), to

speak, utter,

say.

Ku nenea

(v.

prepl.),

to speak

(v. n.),

to be possible

to say, pronounceable, nene (var. adj.), thick, stout, dense, fat, corpulent. Ku nenepa (v. intr.), to become fat or stout (of persons).

Neno

(u. 5),

word, saying, thing,

matter.

Nga as,

or

Ngaa

just

(adj.),

a

just so much like even

little,

;

Huna ngaa

pesa moja ? Have you not even a pice ? Ku ng'aa, or ng'ara (v. iutr.), to shine, glitter, be bright or conspicuous. Ng'ambu (u. 3), the other side, opposite shore (of river, etc.). Ngamia (n. 3), camel.

Ngano in. 3), tale, story. Nganu (n. 3), wheat. Ngao (n. 3), shield, -ngapi? (var. adj. of quan.),

how

much ? how many ? Ngarawa (n. 3), small

canoe (familiarly called galawa).

Ku ng'ariza (v. c.), to polish. Ngawa (n. 3), large civet cat. -ngawa, or -nga (verbal

infix),

although, notwithstanding, in spite of existing circumstances.

Ngawa (conj. and interj.), though, Oh that, if only (followed by negative).

that

it it

Ku

hakuchi,

ng'azia

(v.

show

prepl.), to

light to, illuminate, lighten. Ngazija (n. prop.), Great Comoro, -nge, -ngeli, -gall, infixes of the conditional mood. (n. 3),

ng'ge. -ngi (var.

scorpion

;

Kitumbo

qnan.),

adj.

many,

much.

Ku

ngia (v. in, enten

intr.), to

go or

See Note

9,

come Study

XVI.

against, accuse.

Ku neneka

Oh

would dawn, would that were morning. Ngazi (n. 3), ladder.

Ngawa

Ng'ge

prosper.

to,

211

Ku

ngilika

(v.

n.),

to be open,

accessible.

-ngine (var. adj.), other. Ngisi (n. 3), cuttle-fish. Ku ngiwa ni khofu, to be seized ftar, experience, feel. jingiza (v. ref.), to introduce oneself, intrude, meddle. Ng'ngwe (n. 3), border, boundary ;

by

Ku

(pi. 7), line,

Ngoa

cord.

(n. 3), lust,

carnal appetite,

envy, longing; Ku lilia ngoa, to long for. Ku ng'oa (v. tr.), to uproot, pull up, root out, destroy. k'ome, to pull

Ku ngoa

up the

caravan flag, start the day's march. Ku ngoja (v. intr.), to wait, have patience. ngojea, to wait for, wait upon. keti kingojo, to keep watch, wait, lie in wait.

Ku Ku

Ngoja kwLiiza, wait a

bit,

wait a

minute.

Ku Ku

(v. n.), to be rooted up. ng'olea (v. prepl.), to root out by, with or for, etc.

ng'oka

Ngoma (n. 3), drum, dance, ball Ku piga ngoma, to beat drum Ku teza ngoma, to dance. Ng'ombe cattle.

(n.

3),

;

;

ox, cow, bull,

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

212 Ngome

(Q.

castle

Ku

fortress,

fort,

3),

hence prison.

;

ng'ong'o

intr.), to

(v.

speak

Ng'ongo (n. 7 pi.), strips of miyaa, with harsh inner edge. (n. 3), skin, hide, leather.

Ngumi

Ku

dowuwards.

(n. 3), fist

piga ngumi, to

cuff,

Kn nguruma

intr.), to

(v.

roar,

or

nguru

(n.

(n.

3),

salt fish

3),

nguruwe

(n.

3),

pig,

swine, hog. (n. 3), pillar, post, stake,

column, support.

Ngwa, God

(used in ejaculatory

prayers).

Ni

(n. 3), crocodile.

(prep.),

by (precedes the agent

after a passive verb). Ni (simple copula or weak verb To Be), is, are. -ni (obj. infix first pers. sing.), me.

-ni? (abbreviated form of Nini?),

what, whatever

Ujapopawani, whatever you might be given. -ni (locative termination to substantives having the force of almost

any

;

preposition

of

place).

Nia

(n.

3),

mind, intention, dis-

position, heart.

Nikali

(first per. sing, continuation tense), I em still. Nili (n. 3), laundry blue. Nili (idiomatical Part. Tense of

To

ground-nuts (Zan-

3),

(u.

Nne (num.

adj.), four.

Ku noa (v. tr.), to sharpen, whet. Ku nona (v. intr.), to get fat (of Nondo

Ku Ku

(n. 3),

clothes-moth.

nong'ona (v. iiitr.), to whisper. nong'oneza (v. tr.), to whisper

to.

power,

strength,

authority, might, force.

Ngwena

as

ornaments).

imported from Arabia.

Nguzo

council,

Njozi (n. 3), walnuts, vision. Njuga (u. 3), bells (worn

animals).

Ngurumo (n. 3), roaring, thunder. nguu (n. 3), peak of hill, height.

Nguwe,

secret

3),

zibar dialect).

thunder.

Nguvu

(n.

Njugu

box.

Nguo (n. 3), cloth, stuff, material, clothes.

Nguu,

Njama

mystery.

nasally.

Ngovi

Nini? (pron.), what? Nira (n. 3), yoke.

Be), I being.

Nimilete (n. 3), lemonade. Nina, I have. Nina (n. 3), old word for mother. Ninga (n. 3), green dove.

Nokoa Nodsi

(n. 5), overseer,

foreman.

public notice. -nsha (idiomatic perfect of kwisha see Note 1, Study IV. Nt'a (n. 3), wax, secretion. Ni'a (n. 3), point, end. Ht'i (n. 3), earth, ground, land. (n. 3),

;

Nt'i (n. 3), earrings. Nt'i (adv.), on the ground. (n. 3), chart.

Nd N/

i ya t'ambarare, plain, flat, open country. Ku nuka (v. intr.), to smell, stink, emit an odour or per-

fume.

Ku nuka Numbi

(v.

tr.),

by the

ceive

(n. 3),

to smell, per-

nose.

draught or haul of

fish, fishing-line.

Ku nuna

(v.

intr.),

to grumble,

scowl, growl, grunt, pout. Nundu (n. 3), hump iu cattle, etc.

Nugnu

(n. 3),

Ku

porcupine.

nung'unika (v. intr.), to grumble, murmur, complain.

Ku nunua

(v.

tr.),

to buy, pur-

chase.

Ku nunuliwa

(v.

pass.),

to

be

bought.

Nuru

Ku

(n. 3), light,

nusa,

snuff.

tumbaku

brightness. (v.tr.), to take

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY Nusu

(n.

Nusu-saa,

half;

3),

half an hour.

Nusura (adv.), nearly, within a hair's breadth of.

Ku nusuru (v. tr.), to protect. Ku nwa (v. tr.), to drink, absorb (imperative, Nwaa).

Ku jinwea

(v.

to

ref.),

quench

one's thirst at.

Ku nweka, to be drinkable. Ku nwesheleza (v. c.), to water, drench.

nwisha, Ku nwesha (v. c.), to give drink to, make to drink. Ku nya, to fall, as rain Mvua yanya, it rains. Ku nyakua (v. tr.), to pick or snatch up, catch away. Nyama (n. 3), meat, flesh, animal, game Nyama wa mwitu, wild animal, beast of the forest. ;

;

Ku nyamaa

(v. intr.), to be silent, quiet, hold one's peace. Ku nyamaza (v. intr.), to stop

by effort Ku nyamazisha (v. talking,

silence, quiet,

Ku nyambnka pieces, peel

of will. c.), to put to

Ku nyang'anya

(v.

tr.),

Nyanya (n.

n.),

to

be

;

Ku

booty, plunder,

(n. 7), grass.

(v.

stealthily,

to come creep, to go

intr.),

steal,

softly.

Ku

to be sticky, as paint not yet dry. Nyati (n. 3), buffalo, wild-ox. Ku nyatuka (v. n.), to be hurried,

nyata

excited.

in-

to be humble, supplicate, entreat. (n.

3),

wood on

rollers, a'

which

logs

of

boat

is

launched.

Ku

nyesna (v. c.), to raiu down, shower down. Ku nyenyereza (v. tr.), to secrete.

Ku

nyete

to

intr.),

(v.

be con-

self-opinionated, selfimportant, exult, triumph. Ku nye^'esha (v. c.), to increase ceited,

self-respect, encourage.

Nyie (abbr. form of Nyinywi). Nyika (n. 3), desert.

Ku nyima

(v.

tr.),

to withhold

from, refuse to give

to,

deprive

of.

(n. 3),

snake.

be straight,

(v. n.), to

-nyonge

(var. adj.),

weak, mean,

Nyongo

(n.

3),

the back (of the

body), bile, gall.

teka). (sing. TTnyasi, a blade of

nyata

worm

direct.

(v.

(n. 3), spoil,

grass)

(v. tr.), to

Ku nyenyekea (v. intr. and prepl.),

Ku nyoka

grandmother (also,

nyanyuka

Nyasi

beauty, joy.

(n. 3),

formation out of another.

worthless, insignificant.

captive (see

Ku

Nyemi

Ku nyenya

dry up, subside.

tattered or torn.

Nyara

itch,

Nyoka

ape.

3),

to

intr.),

(v.

irritate, tickle.

to rob,

tomatoes).

Ku

Ku nyea

fall to

plunder. (n. 3),

dry up,

Ku nyoa (v. intr.), to shave. Ku nyoea (v. intr.), to evaporate,

still.

(v. n.), to off, itself.

n.), to

(v.

shrivel, wither. Nyavu (n. 3), net.

Nyenzo

Ku

Nyani

Ku nyauka

213

(v. intr.),

Ku

nyong'onea

(v. intr.),

to feel

numb, languid. Ku nyonya (v. tr.), to suck. Ku nyonyesha (v. c.), to suckle.

Ku nyosha

(v. c.), to

straighten,

stretch.

Ku jinyosha

down. Nyoshi (n. 7, pi.), smoke. Nyota (n. 3), star, planet; Nyota yenyi mkia, comet. Ku nyonyoa (v. tr.), to pluck (v. ref.),

feathers of bird.

to lie

SWAHILI QBAMMAB Nyoya

(n. 5),

feather.

Nyoyo, see moyo.

Ku nyua

to bite off. Nyuki (n. 3), bee. Nynma (adv.), behind, afterwards, later,

(v. tr.),

back, backwards.

Nyuma ya

(adv.

prep.),

after,

bungalow. Nyumbn (n. 3), mule. villa,

out by suction. (v. tr.), to

sprinkle.

Nyusbi (n. 3), eyebrows. Nyuta (pi. of uta). Unywele, (n. 7, pi.), hair a single hair. or Nwinywi, Nywinywi (pron.), ye,

;

you

ogopa

swim. wash, give

intr.), to

ogesha (v. a bath to.

Ku Ku

to

c.),

(v. iutr.),

to fear,

be

oka (v. tr.), to bake, roast. okoa (v. tr.), to save, deliver,

preserve.

Ku okoka

(v. n.), to

be saved,

Ku

okota (v. tr.). to pick up. rake individual together, articles.

Ole (n. 7) (also wele), woe, fate, God's ordaining or appointing. Ole mbwangu (interj.), woe is alas.

me,

Ku

olea (v. intr.), to float. Ku olesha (v. c.), to float or sail a boat. Ku oleza (v. c.), to make to swim.

Ku omba ask

(pi.).

(v.

to pray, beg.

tr.),

beseech.

for,

Ku ombea

Nzao (n. 3), bullock, calf. N'zi (n. 3), a fly. Nzige

Ku

(v. intr.), to bathe.

ogelea (v.

escape.

Nyumbu-bara (n. 3), \vildebceste. Nyundo (n. 3), hammer. Nyungu (n. 3), cooking-pot. Nyuni (n. 3), bird. Ku nyunya (v. tr.), to suck, draw

Ny wele

oga

afraid.

behind, at the back of. Nyumba (n. 3'), house, cottage,

Ku nyunyiza

Ku Ku Ku

(v. prepl.), to

pray

for,

intercede.

(n. 3), locust.

Iszlo (n. 3), a large water-jar.

Ku omeka (v. tr.), to stick in. Omo (adv.), forward, in the fore part of a vessel.

Ku omoa

O

Ku ona

-o (var. poss. suf.) (abbrev.

form

of -ako), thy.

Ku

oa

(v.

to

tr.),

look, behold,

direct eyes.

Ku

oa (v. tr.), to marry (said of the bridegroom): Ku olewa

(v. pass.), to

be married (said

(v. rcf.), to

meet, see

one another.

Ku onekana

come

soft.

break up, through being

(v. n.), to

(v.

by

(v.

Ku onana

Ku

oamisha

spoil

to see, fiiid, tr.), feel ; Ku ona haya (v. intr.), to feel ashamed. Ku jiona(v. ref.). to think oneself to be, boast.

Kn

(v. n.), to be soaked or steeped, swell iu water or be-

Ku

to

observe,

Ku oama

disintegrate, steeped.

tr.),

(v. n.), to

be visible,

appear, be seen, known.

of the bride).

Ku oamana

(v.

soaking, to bring to land.

c.),

to

soften,

steep in water, soak. Oga (n. 7), fear, cowardice.

ont?a (v.

tr.),

to taste,

try,

tempt.

ondoa (v. tr.), to take away, remove. Ku ondoka (v. n.), to get up, go away, depart, start, appear on the scene. ondolea

Ku

away

from.

(v.

prepl.), to take

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY Ku

onea at

tr<

(v.

tr.),

Ku

;

to oppress, illmashaka, to

onea

afflict.

Ku ongea crease,

Ku

(v.

tr.

and

become many

ongeza

(v.

much.

or

to

c.),

to in-

n.),

add,

in-

augment. ongezeka (v. n.), to be capable become more. ongca (v. tr.), to soothe, to

Ku

cza

(v.

215 to

intr.),

rot,

be

rotten, putrid, spoil. Ku oza (v. c.), to marry,

perform ceremony (eaid of

marriago officiating

person or parcnte,

guardians).

crease,

Ku

of increase,

Ku

a

lull

plea

child,

lead

gently,

e.

Ku ongoka(v.

n.), to be con verted, bo lel aright, to turn out well. Ku ongokewa, to bo blessed. Ku cngopa (v. intr.), to lie, to tell lies.

Ku

take

parent.

onyesha

(v. c.), to

show, indi-

Ooo (derisive intcrj.), ha ha. Oowa, hush-a-bye, lullaby. Ku opoa (v. tr.), to draw up out of a well, extricate. Orcfa or Ghorofa (n. 7, no pi.), top story, upper story, upper

chamber.

(v. tr.), to sprout,

grow

;

to grind quickly Jito lanipaaza, grit or sand in my

Kupaaza (v. tr.), and coarsely there

eye; Padiri

Pafu

is

Kusaga

is to

grind finely.

(n. 5), padre, priest.

(n. 3), lung.

Ku pagaa

tr

(v.

(Ku)pagara (v. charms (hirizi).

),

tr.),

to

seize,

to

wear

pepo, to be possessed of devil.

Pahali

Paja

(n. 8), place.

(n. 5), thigh, hip, lap.

Kujota moto

(v. intr.), to

oneself by

fire

b *sk or

Ku

;

ota

jua, to bask in the suu.

Ku ctama

(v. n.), to sit

on one's

heels, squat, crouch. otamia (v. prepl. ), to sit (of a

Ku

hen), hatch. -ot'e (adj.

),

all (see p.

).

otea (v. prep.), to lie in wait

waylay, lurk. -ovu (var. adj.), evil, bad. for,

(n. 7),

(n. 5), forehead.

P'aka

(2) to dream.

Oya

ascend,

Paji(lauso), (or Kipaji cha uso)

able.

Ku

to

iutr.),

(Ku)pagawa ni

-ororo (var. adj.), soft, smooth. Ku osha (v. tr.), to wash, cleanse. Ku osheka (v. n,), to be wash-

warm

(v.

mount. ;

cate, point out.

ota

of sloping roof, roof.

Ku paa

the lead, direct, guide.

Ku

(var. prep.), of (8th el. concord). Pa (pronoml. particle, 8th cl.), it, place. Ku pa (v. tr.), to give, give to (requires indirect obj. particle to be conjugated with it). Paa (n. 3), gazelle (n. 5), side ;

(v. tr.), to lead,

ongoza

Ku onya (v. tr.), to warn, show. Ku onya (v. intr.), to be transKu

Pa

small handful.

(n. 3), cat

Paka vue, wild (Ku)paka (v. tr.),

;

Paka mwitu,

cat.

to smear, faub,

paint, anoint, rub, spread upon. (Ku)pakaza (v. c.), to anoint. (n. 5), basket made from the green cocoa-nut leaves. (Ku)pakata (v. tr.), to take on the lap or knee. (Kujpakia (v. tr.), to take iu cargo or loads, put on board. (Ku)pakua (v. tr.), to serve up

Pakacha

(food), dish.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

216

Pale (dem. pron.), there, in that place (origly. demon, adj. 8th. cl.).

Palepale, papale (redup. emphat. pron., for off), just there, or then ; on that spot, at that

very moment. (Ku)palia (v. tr.), to permeate, hoe, dig up.

choke, to

(v. prepl.), dig round a growing crop or plant. (Ku)paliwa sauti, to be choked.

(Ku)palilia

Pamba

(n. 3), cotton,

(Ku)pamba

(v.

cotton wool.

tr.),

to

adorn,

decorate, beautify, bedeck with

ornament.

(Ku)pambanisha

(v. tr.), to con-

trast.

(Kn)pambanua

(v. tr.), to differ-

entiate,

separate, distinguish, make distinct to between, from. (Ku)pambauka (v. n.), to dawn, break(day), begin to get light.

(Ku)pambanukana

(v.

n.

rec.),

to be contrasted with.

Pambizo

(n. 3), the surrounding border or edge or ornament of anything, as a table, or a building, or a church, precincts. P'ambizoni (naut.), in wedge (n. 5),

ornament, decora-

(adv.), together (lit. place).

one

Pamoja na (adv.

prep.), with, together with. Pana (see note on verb To have, p. 58), there is, there are.

-pana (var. adj.), broad, wide; Panapana, flat, level. (Ku)pana (v. rec.), to give each other. (n. 3),

(Ku)panda

ostentatious. (v. n.), to be spread arranged in order. (Ku)pangisha (v. c.), (1) to make people sit in rows (2) to let or lease (a house) to (some-

(Ku)pangana out,

;

one).

P ango

(v.

(v. tr.), to plant,

sow,

set.

to

climb,

to

tr.),

wip^,

rub. to

widen, (v. tr.), broaden, stretch, open wide.

(Ku)panua

Panya (n. 3), rat, mouse. Panyamavu (n. 8), quiet

place,

peaceful spot.

(Ku)panza

(v. c.),

up on

to slide

to.

Panzi

grasshopper, cater-

(n. 5),

pillar.

their

(poss. adj.), their, at

place. (n. 3), shark.

Papahapa (adv.), here (adv. red.), just here, on this

Papa

same

;

spot.

(Ku)papasa

(v.

tr.),

touch, feel, with touch.

(Ku)papatika

(v.

to grope, a lingering

intr.),

to

flap

the wings, flutter. (Ku)papatua (v intr.), to flourish,

open out. (Ku)papatuka

trumpet.

(Ku)panda (v. intr.), mount, ascend.

(n. 3), hole, den, cave.

(Ku)pangusa

P apa

tion (of house).

Pamqja

Panda

hire (a house).

(Ku)jipanga (v. ref.), to set oneself out to be, aspire to, be

Pao

shape.

Pampo

farasi, to ride a horse. (Ku)pandisha (v. c.), to raise, promote, hoist up. Pande (pi. of upande, cl. 7). Panga (n. 5), sword (pi. of upanga, cl. 7). (Ku)panga (v. tr.), to put or set out in rows, put in array, arrange in order, to rent or

(Ku)panda

(v. n.), to

blossom.

Papayu (n. 5), Pawapaw fruit. Papayuka (v. n.), to be lightheaded, delirious.

Papo (dem.

pron.), there,

then

;

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY

217

(v. rec.), to apree, to terms, be reconciled,

Papohapo (pron. red. emphat.), (near by), just then, just there. Papo hapo (adv.), a t that very moment, at that very place. (Ku)papura (v. tr), to tear violently, lacerate, rend.

(Ku)patana

Para (n. 5), bald-headed man. (Ku)para (v. tr.), to scrape.

Patasi (Zanzibar) (n.

Parafujo (n.

Parap-anda

(Ku)parua

(v.

tr.),

to

scamp

(Ku)pamza (v.

intr.), to

be rough,

Imroh, to grate.

pass.),

(v.

to

be

obliged. (v. c.), to cause to get, afford, yield (Ku)pasha fedha, lend money ; to (Ku)pasha msaada, to help.

(Ku)pasha

;

(n.

asm. Pasi (n

3),

3),

energy, enthusi-

an iron; (Ku)piga

pasi, to iron.

(Ku)pasi

(v. intr.),

to excel,

do

well.

Pasipo (prep.) (lit. where there is not), without. Pasipckuwa na. Pasiwcko. Pasina, without there being, there not being.

Pasiwe, there

let

there

not be, but note 2,

(see

Study X.). (Ku)pasua (v.

tr.), to split, rend, tear (lengthwise). (Ku)pasuka (v. n.), to burst, split, be rent or torn (longi-

tudinally).

(Ku)pata

5),

(v. tr.), to get, acquire,

obtain, procure, succeed, to be able.

(Ku)pata (v. intr.), to cut, be sharp (knife). Pate (n. G), twin.

to

(v. tr.),

chisel

put in a

(Ku)pa/ika (v. tr.), to put, place. (Ka)patikana(v. n.), to be obtainable, procurable (Ku)patikana ;

meet with, have happen

to one. to punish,

tr.),

visit (retribution).

(Ku)patiza (v. tr.), to take advantage of. Pato (n. 5), advantage, profit, gain. (v. pass.), to be got bold of (said of sun, or moon, when eclipsed) (see (Ku)shikwa). P'au (n. 3), slanting poles in rcof, rafters, beams. (Ku)paua (v. tr.), to bind rafters to ridge poles, make notches in rafters in order to do this.

(Ku)patwa

Pauni (n. 3), pound, sovereign. (Kn)pawa, (Ku)pewa (v. pass.), to be given, receive.

(Ku)paya

(v.

intr.),

rave, talk wildly. foolishly,

was not

to reconcile,

niche.

(Ku)patiliza (v.

(KvTpasa (v. tr.), to behove, " mutt," be necessary, become.

(Ku)paswa

c.),

make

conciliate.

ni, to

(work).

Pashau

(Ku)patanisha (v.

(Ka)patika

trumpet (espctrumpet of the

(n. 3),

eially the resurrection).

consent, be of oiie mind, a contract.

(see Tapasi).

a screw.

3),

come

be

to

talk

delirious,

(Ku)paya (v. tr.), to graze (as boat on rock). (Ku)paza (v. c.), to raise, lift up.

Pazia (n. (Ku)pea

3), curtain, screen, veil.

(v.

tr.),

to

sweep (see

fyagia).

Pekee

(inv. adj.), alone, solitary,

only.

Pekeyangu

by myself. itch. Almost all pimples are called and spoken of by this name. (etc.),

P'ele (n. 3), the

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

218

(Ku)peleka (v. tr.), to send, convey, take (used of persons and things).

Peleka barua hii this letter to

chuoni,

lo

.

kwa .

.

;

send

take (Ku)peleka .

.

to

(Ku)peleka mkono

(v.

.

,

school tr.),

;

to

touch, interfere with, handle. (Ku)peleleza (v. tr.), to spy, inquire into, examine. P embe (n. 3), horn, ivory, tusk, corner.

(Ku)penda (v. tr.), to love, like, be fond of, will, wish, approve, prefer.

(Ku)jipenda

(v. ref.), to

be

selfish,

self-centred, study one's comfort.

own

to (v. (Ku)pendelea prepl.), favour, be partial to, choose, (v. c.), to please.

(Ku)jipendekeza, to court favour, be ingratiating. P'endo (n. 3, pi.), love, will, fondness.

;

blink.

(Ku)peta (v. tr.), to bend, crook. (Ku)petana (v. rcc.), to be bout, crooked, perverse. P'ete (u. 3) ring.

-pevu (var. adj.), old, full-grown (v. n.), to

(Ku)pevuka grown, old.

be

;

full-

Pezi (n.

5). fin (of fish). -piT (var. inter, adj.), which?

Pia

(n.

3),

(conj.),

spinning-top as well as

top,

also,

;

too,

(tee note on -ote, Study X.). Pia-pia (adv.), all over, throughout. (v. tr.), to beat, strike,

knock (this verb tikes its meaning largely from the noun it is

coupled with

Study

:

see note 14,

V.).

(Ku)piga bunduki, to fire a gun (Ku)piga hodi, to announce ;

Pengine (var. adj.), other (place), hence elsewhere, somewhere else.

(conj.), on the other hand, supposing, in case. P'engo (n. 3), no'ch, gap (between teeth, where one is lost,

Pengine

or space made by filing). Pentekosito (n. 3), Pentecost,

Whitsunday. (Ku)penya (v. tr.),

cool

P'eponi (loc.), winds, Paradise, heaven.

(Ku)piga

prefer.

(Ku)pendeza

winds

Pera (n. 5), Guava. Pesa (n. 3), pice, J anna. (Ku)pesa (kope) (v. tr.), to wink,

to penetrate,

bore into.

(Ku)jipenyeza, to squeeze oneself into.

Penyi (lit. a place having), whore there is or are.

i.e.

P'epe (n. 3), chaff, husks.

(Knipepea (v. tr.), to fan, blow. (Ku)peperusha (v. c.), to blow about, blow away. to sift, (Ku)pepeta (v. tr.), winnow. P'epo (n. 3), evil spirit

;

(n. 7, pi.),

one's arrival by calling Hodi to knock at the door (cquiv.) ; (Ku)piga kofi, to slap, smite, strike, bos on the ears (with

!

the open hand)

;

(Ku)piga

kofi,

to clap hands ; (Ku)piga marufuku, to prohibit ; ya msikiti, to excommunicate; (Ku)pigapiga (v. red.), to beat a little,

throb

(Ku)piga rago, to camp (Ku)piga randa, to plane; (Ku)piga utari, to tow. (Ku)pigana (v. rec.), to fight, ;

;

contend, wrestle. (v. c.), to blend, mingle, mix. (Ku)pigilia (v. prep.), to make a solid floor or roof by beating with large flat hammers. (Ku)pigizana (v. rec.). to resemble, t ) be alike. Pigo (n. 5), stroke, blow.

(Ku)piganya

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY (Ku)pika (v. tr.), to cook, boil. Pili (num. adj.), two (in count-

219

(v. intr.), to get well, recover (Ku)poa moto (v. intr.),

(Zu)poa

;

ing); -a pili (var. ordl.), the second, the other.

become cool, lose heart. (Ku)pofuka (v. n.), to be spoiled

Pilipili pepper manga, black (Arabian) pepper; Pilipili hokho, red (African)

(Ku)pofuka mato, to be blind. Pojo (n. 3), species of small pea or

pepper.

(Ku)poka

Pilipili (n.

(Ku)pima

3),

;

(v.

to

tr.),

measure,

weigh, take measurements

of.

(v. pas. appd.), to

(Ku)pimwa

bo

measured for (coat, etc.). (Ku)pinda (v. tr.), to beiid. (Ku)pindamana, to be bent, curved, crooked. Pindi (n. 3), appointed time; (adv.), when, at such time as, so long Pindo (n.

as, while. 3), Ixirder of

upset, turn up-side (inv.

down.

adj.),

crooked,

perverse, morally oblique.

(Ku)pinga thwart, stand.

(v.

tr.),

oppose,

to

hinder, reject, with-

na, to be contrary to, opposed to. Pingu (n. 3), fetter, shackles,

(Kn)pingamana handcuffs

;

charm,

talisman

(see hirizi). Pipa (n. 5), barrel, tub.

Pirimbi (n. 3), flute, pipe. (Ku)pisha (v. e.), k> make room for one to pass. Pishi (n. 3), dry goods measure, about two quarts. (Ku)pita (see degrees of comparison, Study XVI.) (v. tr.), to pass, pass by, surpass, excel. (Ku)pitiliwa (v. pas. appd.), to be overlooked, passed by, neg-

bcted.

(v. tr.), to

deprive, be-

reave.

(Zu)pokea

(v. tr.), to receive, take,

accept. (v. tr.), to deprive of take or snatch from,

(Ku)pokonya

by

force,

spoil, rob, dispossess. P'ole I hope you will soon bebetter (sympathy conveyed by tone of voice), !

!

(var.

adj.),

gentle, quiet,

mild, meek. P'olep'ole (adv.), gently,

meekly,

kindly, quietly, slowly, softly, easily yielding. P'ombe (n. 3), intoxicant made

from grain or fruit. P'omboo (n. 3), porpoise. (Ku)pomosha (v. c.), to cast down, throw down. (Ku.pona (v. intr.), to get well, pull through or get over (an illness), to get through safely, to recover, escape.

(Ku)ponda (v. tr.), to pound, crush, beat, bruise, wound. (Ku)ponda-ponda (v. red.), to reduce to powder, break by pressure, beat continuously. P'ondo (n. 3), punting-pole. Pongozi (n. 3), sea-monster.

(Ku y ponya

(v.

c.),

to

deliver,

rescue, save.

(Ku)ponyoka

(v. n.), to slip

out of

one's hand, escape.

P'opo (n.

3), bat, butterfly.

(Ku)pitisha

Popoo (n. 3), areca-nut. (Ku)pooza (v. n.), to be withered,

bread.

paralysed, palsied. (Ku)pop'ota (v. tr.), to break, snap,

to circu(v. c.), late; pitisha mkate, pass the

-po (rel.

particle, 8th

when?

cl.),

"Where,

;

vetch.

-pole

garment, Lrenerally embroidered selvedge. (Ku)pindua (v. tr.), to overturn,

Pindwani

to

break to pieces. Popo/e (compr. adj.), any (place)

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

220

whatsoever, anywhere, at any time.

(Ku)popotoa (v. tr.), to strain, sprain, wring, twist. Pori (n. 3), long tangled forest; Kutoboa porini = to get out of the wood. (Ku)posa (v. tr.), to betroth, espouse, ask in marriagu. Posho (n. 3), food-money, rations, allowance of provisions. to (Ku)pota (v. 'tr.), to bend string a bow. tot'e (var. adj.), all, every (8th cl. concord) P ote (u. 7, pi.), bow;

;

weak,

stupid

(Ku)potea (v. n.), to be lost, err, go astray, perish. (Ku)poteka (v. n.), to be bent to be well strung (bow). Ku)po^elea mbali (v. prepl.), to be lost for ever, gone out of reach altogether. ;

(Ku)poteza (v. tr. and c.), to lose, lead waste, ruin (morally), astray. (v. tr.), to pervert, dis-

(Ku)potoa

tort, disfigure,

crooked a bow.

;

lead astray, make unstring

(v. sub.), to

(Kuji)pumbaniza light

right course, be perverse. Povu (n. 3). foam, froth, scum. (Ku)poza (v. c.), to heal, to make well (said of God), cool. P'ua (n. 3), nose, steel. (v. tr.),to graze, scratch

slightly. (v. n.), to be grazed (of the skin), lose self-respect.

(Ku)pujuka

Pukupuku (n. 3), wasting disease. (Ku)pukulika (v. n.), to wither, drop off. (Ku)pukusa (v. tr.),to rub between hands, crumble, throw off, to shed (fruit). (Ku)pulikiza listen to.

(v.

tr.),

to

attend,

to

foolish,

drivel,

be

(v. ref.), to

make

of.

Pumu

(n. 5), lung, disease of lungs (generally asthma). (Ku)pumua (v. iiitr.), to breathe, rest, recover breath. (Ku)jipunraza (v. ref.), to be at rest.

(Ku)pum(u)zika rest,

(v.

P'umzi P'unda

take

to

n.),

breathe heavily.

(Ku)pum(u)zisha

(v. to, rest.

to ease,

c.),

(n. 3), breath, breathing. (n. 3), ass,

donkey

Punda

;

milia (n. 3), zebra. P'umte (adv.), a little;

P'un<7e

ha
.

stop short of

.

.

...

(Ku)punga (v. tr.), to fan, wave, swing (as arms in walking). (Ku)pungia (mkono) (v. prepl.), beckon

to.

(Ku)pungna

(v.

to

less,

Po'toe(inv. adj.),perverse,crooked. (Ku)potoka (v. n.), to turn from

;

spoiled.

give rest

strings.

(Ku)pujua

P'umba (n. 3), handful. (Ku)pumbaa (v. n.), to be

intr.), to

become

diminish, abate, decrease

(in number).

Punguani

(n.

half

3),

caste,

hybrid.

(Ku)punguka (v. n.), to fall short, be wanting, be; deficient, bo below the standard ; to decrease (in quantity).

Kupungukiwa ni, to of, ba in want of. (Ku)punguza

(v.

lack, be short

c.),

to

lessen,

diminish.

Pupa

(n. 3), haste, eagerness.

(Ku)puruka (v. n.), to fly, fly away. (Ku)purukusha (v. c.),to postpone, procrastinate, slight, drive

(Ku)jipurukusb.a (v.

ref.),

off.

to be

slack, desultory, casual, to set lightly by.

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY P'urukushani

(n. 3), foolishness,

senselessness.

(Ka)purnra

(v. tr.), to pick,

(v.

pluck,

leave

off

blow

to

upon.

(Ku)pwa (v. intr.), to ebb of tide. Pwani (n. 3), shore, beach, coast. (Ku)pwaya (v. tr.), to clean corn ;

to be

n.),

loose

(clothes,

screws, etc.).

(Ku)pwea

(v. n.), to

come

to laud,

reach the shore.

Pweke

(adj.),

(n.

3),

;

>

cheap, easy. strength, prudence,

adj.),

thought. (Ku)rairai (v. tr.), to beg, beseech, mollify by entreaty. Rajabu (n. prop.), tenth month in

Moslem year. Rajamu (n. 3), markings on

cases

for identification.

Raki (n. 3), slaves. Rama<Mani, Mohammedan

fast-

month.

(Ku)ramba

(v.

tr.),

to lick, lick

up.

unique.

(Ku)pwelea (v. prepl), to get low Sauti kupwe(water), dry up ;

lea, to be hoarse.

(Ku)pweleza (v.

Rahisi (inv.

Rai

intr.), to

(of rain, etc.). (Ku)puzia (v. prepl.),

(v.

Rahani (u. 3), pledge, security (Ku)weka rahani t pawn. ;

gather, strip, peel.

(Ku)pusa

221

Ramli

(n. 3), sand; (Ku)piga to tell fortunes (origi-

ramli,

nally by throwing sand).

c.).to

run aground

into shallow or ebbing water, -pya(mpya) (var. adj.), new, fresh, novel.

Randa

(u.

randa

Rangi

=

3),

plane

;

Kupiga-

to plane. (u. 3), colour, shade, paint,

tint.

(v. tr.), to tear, rend, tatter, tear asunder; (Ku)ra-

(Ku)rarua

B

ma-rarua

(v. red.),

to tear to

pieces.

Raar// (n. 3), thunder, thunder-

Rabana

(n. prop.),

our Lord (Mofor God).

hammedan name Rababi

(n. 3), silver.

Rati/d (adj.), content, clement, indulgent, willing, satisfied, favourable. R^'//(i (n.

3), favour, clemency, pleasure, contentment, blessing, approbation Kun r&dhi, do not be angry Niwia r&dhi, forgive ;

;

me. Rafiki (n. 3

and

5), friend.

Ragham

(n. 3), figure,

Rago (n.

3),

to

nnmber.

camp (Ku)piga rado, ;

camp, encamp.

Raha

(Ku)raruka

(v.

n.),

to be

torn,

tattered, rent.

bolt.

(n.

3),

rest,

ease, luxury,

repose,

tranquillity msterehe; quiet rest, turbed repose.

Rahamani

;

(n. 3),

map,

Raha undis-

chart.

Ras(rasi) (u. 3), cape, headland, promontory.

(Ku)rasha-rasha (v. red.), to do things by halves or superficially.

Rafabu (n. 3), dates (Ar.). Radii (n. 3), pound (In.). (Ku)rauka (v. intr.), to get up early. (v. prepl.), to rouso early in the morning, pay one an early visit. Rayia(raia) (u. 3). subject, one who livts under the power of another. Reale, Riali (n. 3), Dollar, crown

(Ka)raukia

(2 rupees). -refu (var. adj.), long, tall. (Ku)rega-rega (v. red.), to waver,

shake

about, be

rickety,

be

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

222

a battered con-

ta roho, to breathe one's last

Eehema (n. 3), mercy, compassion,

(breath). Eohoni, part of animal's throat cut in slaughtering.

loose, be dition.

in

pity-

(Ku)rehemu or mercy

have pity on, take compassion

(v. tr.), to

on.

(Ku)rehemea (v. prep.), to have pity, show mercy for (not to). Eejareja (adv. inv.), retail

;

Kuuza

rejareja, to sell retail. (Ku)rejea (v. intr.), to return,

or

go

come back.

(Ku)rejeza repay.

Eiaka

(v.c.),

to give

back,

Eoho Mtakatifu, Holy Spirit. Eojo (n. 5), sediment, dregs. Bokhara (n. 3), alabaster. (Ku)roromoka (v. n.), to spread (over a surface), diffuse, run.

Eoshani (n. 3), balcony, overhanging verandah.

Euaza (n. 3), pattern, model. Eubani (n. 3), pilot guide. (Ku)ru(/i (v. intr.), to go or come back, return, retire, shrink (of clothes, etc.) (v. tr.) to punish,

(n. 5), quiver.

;

Eiali (n. 3), dollar (2 rupees). Elba (n. 3), interest, usury, covetousness, love of gain.

chastise.

(Ku)ru
draw back,

(Ku)rir7M (v. tr.), to please. (Ku)rirfMa (v. prcpl.), to grant to, be pleased, comply with, ac-

(Ka)rufuku

quiesce in. (Ku)ric7Msha (v. c.), to give satisfaction, cause to accept.

Enhusa, Eukhusa, Eukhsa

Eihani

(n. 3), basil.

Eima (n. 5), large pit (for catching wild animals).

Einda

(n. 5), skirt.

(Ku)ringa (v. iutr.), triumph, exult. Eika (n. 5), an equal. Eisala (n. Eisasi (n.

3),

to

rejoice,

(n. 5),

(Ku)runda

lead, bullet, ball,

(v. c.), to omit,

pass

in

(v. intr.), to

be stunted

growth.

(n. 5), club, staff, knobkerry, shillelagh, blunderbuss. Eupia (n. 3), rupee. (Ku)rusha (v.c.), to throw info the air, throw over, desert, cast off; (Ku)rusha maji, to

Eungu

small shot.

(Ku)rithi (v. tr.), to inherit. (Ku)riyariya (v. red.), to keep looking in one direction, keep one's eye on a thing. Eizki(riziki) (n. 3), common necessaries of daily fife.

Eoboo (n. 3), quarter, quarter of a dollar (half rupee) Kasu ro;

boo, one less a quarter (hence

three-quarters).

Eoho

stunned. over, skip.

shot.

Risau

(n. 3),

leave, permission, liberty. (Ku)ruk'a (v. tr. and iutr.), to leap, jump, fly, spring, skip, leave out (in reading, etc.). (Ku)mk'wa ni akili, to be deprived of one's senses (by a blow), be

(Ku)ruk'iza

message.

3),

(v. tr.), to prohibit, refuse (sec marufuku). Eugurugu (n. 5), swelling.

(n. 3), spirit, soul, life,

soil, humidity. (Ku)ruza (v. intr.), to give up as

impossible.

im-

mortal part of man, disposition, of life; (Ku)ka-

spirit, principle

splash.

Eushwa, rushua (n. 3), bribe. Entuba (n. 3), moisture, damp

(Ka)ruzuku (v. tr.), to supply with the necessaries of life.

223

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY (Zu)sagika Sahala (n. Sa

!

(inlcrj.).

Yes (sir?) here !

I

am

!

Saa

(n. 3), hour, time, watch, clock; Saangapi? What time?

(Ku)saa

(v. n.), to

Saamani

remain, be

left.

(n. 3), tea-things, uten-

sils (see

Samani).

seven

;

adj.), seven-

Sababu (n. 3), cause, reason Kwa sababu ya, because of, by reason ;

of.

For what

?

to

greet or

Sabuini (num. adj.), seventy. Sabuni (n. 3), soap. Saburi (n. (also sabira)

forbearance, durance perseverance. Sato (see msaada); (Ku)jaalia saJa, to grant help or grace. Sadhabu (n. 3), aniseed. SarZaka (n. 3), sacrifice, alms,

(Ku)sahanza Sahibu

(v. intr.),

to believe,

(v.

c.),

make

of.

signature, sanction

3),

;

(adj.), correct, right, authentic. Sai<7i (n. 5), prince, sultan, king,

(Ku)sai
Sa'fiki (adj. inv.), credible, truthful.

Safari (n. 3), journey, voyage. Safi(Swafi) (inv. adj.), clean, pure,

ingenuous,

net

(weight). (Ka)safi (v. tr.), (Ku)safisha (v. c.), to clean, cleanse, purify, refine. (Ku)safiri (v. intr.), to travel, take a journey, start on a journey, set out.

Safu (n. 3), row, line, Lost, army, rank. Safura (n. 3), Anaemia, dropsy. (Ku)saga (v. tr.), to grind, reduce

powder; Jiwe

la

our Lord, your majesty.

knsagia,

question, in-

tr.) to

(Ku)saili (v.

terrogate. Sakafu (n. 3), beaten floor or roof or pavement.

Sakaramen/i Sala

(n.

(n. 3),

3),

sacrament.

prayer,

formal prayer adoration

liturgical

the

(in

sense of

than

rather

petition).

Salala

credit.

grindstone.

forget

to

(n. 5), friend.

Sabibl (n.

of

offering.

guileless,

ref.), to

(Kuji)sahauliza (v.

Sai'/ina, 3),

en-

patience,

to

(Zu)sahalika (v. n.). to be relaxed. Sahani (n. 3), plate, dish. (Ka)sahau (v. tr.), to forget; (Ku)sahauliwa (v. pass.), to be for-

lord. tr.),

pay respects to in the morning. Sabaifu (n. 3), Sabbath.

(Ku)sadiki

lightness.

oblivious

cause? why? (Ka)sabahi (v.

levity,

facility,

one's self.

teen.

(Kwa) sababu (gani)

3),

gotten.

(inv. num. adj.), -a sabaa, the seventh.

Sabaa

Sabaafaashara (num.

be bruised.

(v. n.). to

!

(intcrj

),

What

next

!

Salama

(n. 3), safety, peace, welfare, well-being; (adj.), safe, well, all right; (Ku)weka sa-

lama, to keep safely.

Salamu

(n. 3) (origly. safety, preservation, deliverpeace, ance), greeting, compliments, kind regards. (Ku)sali (v. intr.), io say prayers, pray. (Ku)salia (v. prepl.), to remain over (used intransitively).

(Ku)salibu (v. (Ka)salibiwa crucified. Salihi (inv.

righteous.

tr.),

(v.

adj.),

to

crucify

pass.), to

good,

;

be

just,

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

224

(v. n.), to be safe (said of the soul when dying). (Ku)salinm (salimia) (v. tr.), to greet, send greetings to.

(Ku)salimika

Nisalimia fulani, give

ments

to (so

and

my compli-

so).

(Ku)saliti (v. tr.), to betray, mingle. (Ku)salisha (v. c.), to make pray, , by reading, leading or taking prayers. (Ku)sallimu (v. tr.), to surrender, consecrate. Sanuu/i (n. 3), manure, dunpr.

Samaki

8), fish;

(n.

Samaki

wa

kuk'anga, fried fish (see vua).

Samani

(n.

3),

tools,

utensils,

household things.

Samawi

(adj.), blue, sky-blue.

Samawad

heavens. (adv.), with a train,

(n. 3), skies,

Sambamba

or following, in line, in rank (as soldiers). (u. 3), vessel. (v. tr.),

Sana (intensifying adverb), very, a great deal, much, etc. Sanaa (n. 3), Art, craft, handicraft, skilled

(n.

work.

3), idol,

image, pic-

ture.

Sanda

mediately, directly, at presently, just now.

once,

(v. tr.), to gather. python, serpent. Saumu (n. 3). fasting, abstinence from liquids, thirst, Lent. Sauti (n. 3), voice, sound, tune.

(Ku)sasanya 8a(u

Sawa

(n. 3),

(adj.), equal, right, correct,

straight, just.

(Ku)sawanisha, (Ku)sawanyiza (v.c.), to put straight or right, equalize, level,

Sawasawa

make

alike.

red.), alike, just even, level.

(adj.

the same, (Ku)saza (v. c.), to leave over, Kusaza ku cause to remain to be almost (dead) (fa), Kusaza ikdogo na, to be almost ;

to forgive,

pardon, excuse. Samli (n. 3), clarified butter.

Sanamu

Sarara (n. 3), loin. Sare (Jina la sare), surname. Saruf (n. 3), grammar. Sasa (adv.), now, at this time, at present; Sasa hivi (adv.), im-

;

Sambo

(Ku)samene

Saramala (n. 5), carpenter, joiner, wheelwright, cabinet maker.

entirely.

Sebule

(n. 3), private room, separated lobby near entrance.

Sehemu (n. 3),

portion, share, part.

Sekeneko

(n. 3), syphilis. (Ku)selehi (v. intr.), to be service-

able, be of use. (v. intr.), to say, speak ; (v. tr.), to mention, accuse, tell

(Ku)sema (n.

3), shroud,

winding-

sheet.

talcs of, denounce (Ku)sema uwongo, to tell lies; (Ku)jisemea (v. ref.), to meditate, talk idly, complain muse, ;

Sandali (n. 3), sandal wood. Sandarusi (n. 3), gum-copal.

Sanduku

(n. 5), box, chest, case, chest-of-drawers, etc. (Ku)sangaa (v. iutr.), to be perplexed, be in a dilemma,

embarrassed, to stand still, from doubt or astonishment. (Ku)sanii (v. tr.), to fashion with dexskill, elaborate, work

;

be said, be (Ku)jisemezana sayable (v. rec.), to talk together.

Ku)semeka

;

(v. tr.), to slander, backbite. Serikali (n. 3), the government. Seruji (n. 3), saddle.

(Ku)sengenya

(Ku)seseteka

terously.

Sanfuri (n. 3), harp, musical box. Sarafa (n. 3), exchange (money).

Shaaban

mate (naut.).

month

Sarahangi(n.

3), first

(v. u.), to

(v. intr.),

to

reel,

stagger.

eleventh (n. prop.), in Mohammedan year.

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY Shaba (n. 3), brass. Shabaha (n. 3), aim, mark, target. Shada (n. 5), nosegay, sprig. Shaha (n. 5), prince, king, chief, great man. Sb.ab.amu (n. 3), fat. Shahada (n. 3), forefinger ; (Ku)piga shahacfa, to witness to

Mohammedan by reciting creed with

or index finger up-

first

lifted. 5), witness.

Shairi (n. poet.

5),

man

verse of

poetry,

(Hana shaka = he

is

for the business.)

Shakawa

(n. 5), oifence, quarrel, opposition, hostility. Shake (n. 5), sea-gull. Shali (n. 3), shawl.

Sham

fulfil.

Shauku

(n. 3), lust, desire.

Shauri

(n. 5), palaver, council, plan, advice, counsel, device, consultation.

(Ku)shauri

(v.

(n. 5),

Shamba

(u.

deacon.

garden,

field,

5),

plantation, cultivated ground.

(Ku)shambua

(v.

tr.),

to

peel,

husk, clean, pick, pare.

(Ku)shambulia

(v.

prep.),

to

attack, assault, lay waste.

Shamili (n. 5), ear ornaments. Shangazi (n. 5), aunt (father's sister).

Shawi (n.

Shari (n. 5), evil, ill. Sharia (n. 3), law.

(Ku)shariki (v. intr.), to go shares, take part in, communi-

(Ku)sharikana, to par-

ticipate,

advise,

5),

bud, branch. (v. tr.),

to

tempt,

coax. Shazi (n. 5), oyster- shell.

(Shekhe) (n. 5), chief, great man. Shehena (n. 5), cargo, load. Shela (n. 5), hammock.

Shemegi

(n.

3),

sister-in-law

brother-in-law,

(a

her sister-in-law, Sherbet (n.

woman

calls

wifi).

drink, beverage,

3),

Sherehe (n. 3), rejoicing, mirth. Sheshe (n. 3), novelty, wonder.

(Ku)sheta (v. tr.), to bruise, crush; (Ku)sheteka (v. n.), to be broken in pieces, to be bruised.

(Ku)sheta-sheta (v. red.), to break in pieces. Shefani, Sheifani, Shaifani (prop, n.),

(Ku)shangiria (v. prep.), to shout for joy, rejoice, triumph. Shangwe (n. f>), joy, excitement, ornament, frontlet. Shani (n. 3), power, glory, majesty, beauty, lovely thing.

cate;

to

tr.),

consult.

sherbet.

(prop, n.), Syria.

Shamasi

make

to

intr.),

(v.

promises not intending to

Shehe doubt, distrust,

5),

(n.

suspicion.

the

fair

(Ku)shawishi

Shahidi (n.

Shaka

(Ku)shaua

communicate.

Shard, Shad, Sharurt (adv.), of " must," necessity, by all

means. Sharuti (n. 3), obligation, compulsory matters, misfortune.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Satan, devil.

(Ku)shiba (v. intr.), to be satisfied, be full, have enough. Shiba (n. 3), abundance, sufficiency, enough. Sbibiri (n. 3), span, handbreadth. Shi(/a (n. 3), hardship, difficulty,

strenuousness.

(Ku)shika

(v. tr.), to hold, clasp,

take (Ku)shikana, (Ku)shikamana (v. rec.), to hold together, cleave or seize,

grasp,

;

stick together, adhere.

Shikamou

(lit.

Nashika maguu),

slave's greeting to a superior. Shikazi (n. 5), dollar. Shikio, sikio (n. 5), ear, handle.

(Ku)shiliza (v.

tr.),

to complete,

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

226

Ameshilizwa. his finish education has been completed. Shimo (n. 5), hole, hollow, pit, to

;

conquer, sur-

(v. tr.), to

pass, excel, beat (v. intr.), to stay, remain, pass (time), pay a ;

visit, spend the day. (Ku)shindamana (v. rec.),

to be compact, fitting close into each other. (Ku)sMndana (v. rec.), to complete, dispute, contend to. (v. tr. ), to shut to, to close (door without fasten-

(Ku)shindika

ing), press (used of extracting

vegetable oil and mineral waters).

bottling

(Ku)shindikiza (v. c.), to accompany part of the way. (Ku)shindilia (v. prepl ), to press down, compress. (Ku)shindua (v. sub.), to open, undo. Shingo (n. 3 and 5), neck. (Ku)shiriki (see shariki).

KnshUaki

(v.

tr.),

to

accuse,

charge with wrong-doing. (Ku)shifruka (see kushutuka). Shoka (n. 5), axe, hatchet. Shokoa (n. 3), forced labour, compulsion. Shokole (n. 3),

(n. 3),

calm.

KuKushuhudiza

prepl.),

(v. tr.),

witness or testify to, bear witness. Shuhuli, shughuli (n. 3), business, occupation, employment Hana shuhuli = he is just the ;

one.

(Ku)shuhulika (v. n.), to be pressed with business, be occupied.

Shujaa

(n.

unstitch, undo.

warrior,

brave

of cloth (four hands), loin cloth, sheet. (Ku)shuka (v. intr.), to go or

come down, descend, get

cut,

(Ku)shusha (v. c.), to let down, put down, send down Kushusha p'umzi, to breathe alight

;

;

deep.

Shake (n. 5), ear of corn. Shukurani (n. 3), praise, thanksgiving. (v. tr.), to give thanks, worship, have prayers (Ku)shukurisha (v. c.), to con-

(Ku)shukuru

;

duct worship or prayers. (Ku)shuru
(Ku)shutuka

(v.

n.),

to

start,

move suddenly. (v. tr.),

to reproach,

revile, insult. Si (neg. simple copula, sing, and pi.), (he, she, it) is not ; (they) are not.

Si (1st p. sing, neg., strong verb to be), I am not. Mt'u asiye -si- (neg. inf.), not.

kwao, man with no home. Siafu (n. 3), soldier-ant, biting-

Shore (u. 5)(?) swallow. Shofo (short form of kushoto), left-handed. (v. tr.), to

5),

man, hero, champion. Shuka (n. 3 and 5), length

(Ku)shu
Shomoro (n. 5), sparrow. (Ku)shona (v. tr.), sew, mend. (Kn)shonewa (v. prepl. pass.), to be sewn for, have made for one. (Ku)shonoka (v. n.), to become unsewn. (Ku)shonua (v. sub.), to unpick,

(Ku)shua

(Ku)shuhudia shulmdu (v. (v. c.), to

cayity, cell.

Shina (n. 5), root, trunk. Shinda (inv. adj.), half full, partly full, half empty. (Ku)shinda (see note on Study

XVI).

Shuari (shuwari)

launch.

ant.

Siagi (n. 3), butter. Siala (n. 5), question. Siara, see Ziara.

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY Sibabu

Sima (n. 3), Indian-corn porridge. (Ku)simama (v. intr.), to stand

Sababu.

(n. 3), see

Sifa (n. 3), praise, commendation, fame, reputation. (Ku)sifu (v. tr.), to praise, commend (Ku)sifiwa (v. pass.), to

up, stand

(v. prepl.), to superoversee, superintend, stand up for, espouse cause of.

vise,

(Ku)jisifu (v. ref.),to boast, sound one's own praises.

lish, set

(n. 3), grief, sorrow.

Simba

(n.

;

Simba

man-eating

hyaena

lion

3),

(striped).

Sime

(followed by

Ka tense). Siki (n. 3), vinegar. (Ku)sikia (v. tr.), to hear, feel, be sensible or conscious of, take (v. n.), to

be audible

difficulty.

mourn. to

(Ku)sikidkiwa (v. pass.), lamented or pitied. (Ku)sikiza (v.

tr.),

to

be

day (24 hours)

;

Siku

k'uu, great day, festival, fete. Siku kwa sikn (adv.). every now and then, intermittently, fitfully.

Siku ha
;

-

Silisili (n. 3),

(Ku)silimu

chain.

become Mohammedan Kimashia,

Christian.

to

;

tr.),

up. (n. 3), proverb, parable

by

Also verb to be with am not in it, or connected with it.

word.

Simu

I

(n. 3), electric wire,

tele-

Kuphone, telegraph, cable piga simu, to telephone, etc. ;

Sintfano (n. 3), needle. Singa (n. 3), hair (of animals). (singizia) (v. tr.), to slander, calumniate, accuse, suspect. Sinia (n. 3), tray, salver. (Ku)sinyaa (v. n.), to wither, wrinkle.

(Zu)sinzia (v. intr.), to slumber, doze, be drowsy. (Ku)sinzilia (v. prepl.), to look

askance at, watch suspiciously. -sipo (v. inf.), except, if. (Ku)sira-sira (v. tr.), to scamp (work),

Kusa-

become

tiifle

with.

Siri (u. 3), secret, mystery. (Ku)sisimka (v. n.), to sliuddrr thrill,

intr.), to

capituKusalimu Kiswahili, to (v.

;

to erect, set

Singiza

hearken,

listen. (n. 3),

sword, scimitar. si mimi Simi nayo,

have not. (Ku)simika (v. I

suffix

(Ku)sikilikana (v. n.), to be audible, be Leaid (all round), come to be known. (Ku)sikiiika (v. n.), to be sorry, regret, grieve,

(n. 3),

Simi equals

Simo

comprehend, obey.

(Ku)sikilika

limu

make stand

Simanzi

Marara,

please. -sije (ver. inf.), lest

;

upright,

up.

pan, pot (primarily of copper). (Ku)sibl (v. tr.), to beseech, implore, beg; Nakusihi, if you

late

(v. c.), to estab-

(Ku)simamisb.a

Sifuri (n. 3), copper. Sifuria (see Sufuria), (n. 5), sauce-

Siku

stop (as of

(Ku)simamia

;

with

still, rise,

machinery).

be praised.

in,

227

tremble.

(Ku)sisitiza (v.

tr.),

to

enjoin,

charge, pre. s upon, to entreat. Si/a (inv.

num

(Ku)siJa doubt.

(v.

adj.), six. intr.),

to

hesitate,

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

228

num. adj.), (inv. sixteen. Sit&di skilful, expert, (adj.), clever.

(Ku)sonda (Ku)songa

Sifaha (n. 3), politeness, deck of

(Zu)songana

Siteashara

a vessel.

(Ku)sifahi (v. tr.), to respect, reverence, honour. to be (Ku)sitehili (v. intr.), deserve, worthy, deserving, merit. Sifara (n. 3), covering, cloak, for secret place, protection faults.

oppress,

crowd,

squeeze,

choke, plait (hair).

(Ku)songea proach,

(v. rec.), to

!

pray do not get up (said to those inside house by person !

!

(v.

throng,

(Ku)songeza

to

prepl.),

come near

ap-

to.

(v. c.), to bring

near

to.

(Ku)songoa

(v.

tr.),

to strangle,

suffocate.

(Ku)sonona less,

(v. intr.), to

be

rest-

uneasy.

Sononeko

(n. 5), grief, pain,

un-

easiness.

(Ku)sonya

(Ku)sitarelie (v. intr.), to be at ease, at leisure, at rest. do not disturb yourSitarehe

dain,

(v.

tr.),

to scorn, dis-

make mocking sound

at,

pooh-pooh, to draw up the lips in disgust. Sote (adj.). all (of us). (Ku)soza (v. tr.), to touch, strike, hit.

entering).

Si/awa (n

(v. tr.), to press,

up,

jostle.

(Ku)sifahabu, vide Sdahabu. (Ku)sitahamili (v. intr.), to endure, be patient, bear, suffer.

self

close

(v. tr.), to suck.

3),

prosperity, abun-

dance.

(Ku)sozana

(v.

rec.),

to

jostle,

collide.

(Ku)sUawi

(v. intr.), to

flourish,

prosper, grow, succeed. (Ku)sifawisha (v. c.), to succeed or do well.

(Ku)s
intr.), to

choose,

prefer.

make

Si
Sitiini (inv. num. adj.), sixty. (Ku)sttiri (v. tr.), to hide, cover, protect, defend. (Ku)si
concealed. Siuzs (lit. don't ask about),

much

Stambul

(n. prop.), Constantinople. Subili (n. 3), aloe. Subira (n. 3), patience. (Ku)subiri (v. iutr.), to have patience, wait. (Ku)subu (v. tr.), to smelt, cast. (Ku)suburishana (v. rec.), to ex-

not not

hort mutually to patience. (Ku)subuiu (v. intr.), to dare, have courage. Sufi (n. 3), wool

Soko (n. 3), market, bazaar. (Ku)sokoia (v. tr.), to plait, spin, weave, twist, twine. (Ku)soma (v. intr.), to read, go to

Sufuri (n. 3), copper. Sufuria (n. 5), copper saucepan. (Ku)sugna (v. tr.), to rub, scrub, scour, polish by rubbing. (Ku)sujudu, to worship, bow

more, much less. Siyo, sivyo (adv. neg.), no so, not thus (these are

!

they).

school, study.

(Ku)somesha

(v. c.), to

teach (to

read), instruct.

Somo (n. friend,

5),

reading lesson (n. (namesake).

chum

;

3),

down

to.

(Ku)suka (v. tr.), to plait, twist, spin, weave. (Ku)suka-suka (v. n.), to shake about, tremble, sway.

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY Ku(n. 3), rudder, helm shika sukani, to steer. Sukari (n. 3), sugar Mnara wa sukari, sugar loaf; Sukari ya mawe, lump sugar Sukari ya Bungala (i.e. Bengal), moist Sukani

;

(v.

tr.),

to

push,

hustle, drive.

make

(v. c.), to concili-

peace.

Suluhu Salufani

(n.

sultan,

5),

king,

emperor. (v. tr.), to

(Ku)sumbua

vex, annoy, torment.

Sumile

worry,

make way

!

!

trouble, harrass,

(Contraction

of Bismillahi, in rae

name

of

God.)

Sumu

-
(verbal infix, future tense).

indicating

3), fish with long thin the thrasher or sting ray. (n. 3), lamp, lantern ; T'aa, obedience, submission. (Ku)toabika (v. n.), to be in

(n.

be

trouble,

be

distressed,

anxious. jTaabu (n. 3), hardship, trouble, adversity, mischief, misfortune, distress.

(Ku)faajabu (v. n.), to wonder, be astonished, be amazed. (Ku)teakMri (v. intr.), to be late, delay, tarry, linger, loiter. Taarishi (n. 3), mail-runner, mailbearer.

(Ku)fabasanro (v. intr.), to smile. Tabekero (n. 3), snuff-box. Tabia (n. 3), nature, character, disposition, temper.

(Ku)tabiri

intr.),

to talk,

(Ku)tabua

(v. n.), to

be told,

(n.

3),

(Kn)sumulia

(v.

chat, converse.

(Ku)sumulika

talked about.

Sungula (n. 3), hare. (Ku)sunza (v. tr.), to shake.

Suruji (n. 3), inferior mortar.

Suruale (n. 3), trousers. Susani (u. 3), Ua la susani, 3),

Tabiba

(n. 5), physician. (v. iutr.), to prophesy,

foretell, prognosticate. (v. tr.), to break !

Tafauti (n.

hanging-shelf

food.

for

Ku-

Zofauti, to make a difference, differentiate. Tafi (n. 3), Indian-Ocean fish not of.

(Ku)tafiti (v. intr.), to pry into.

(Ku)fafuna masticate,

(v. tr.), eat.

to chew, (Yuatafuna a

Kiswahili kanamaji, he is fluent speaker in Swahili).

Swali, Suali (n. 5), question.

Tafsiri

Swi (n. Swiswi

explanation. (Ku)tefusiri (v.

(pron.), we, us.

difference;

3),

weka

much accounted lily.

Suudi (n. 3), interest, usury. Suwesi (n. prop.), Suez. 3), fish (obsolete).

down,

rend, destroy. Tafad/jali please do me the kindness, I beg of you. (Ku)tafakari (v. intr.), to consider, reflect, meditate, think.

Sara (n. 3), feature, countenance, form of face, chapter of Koran. Suria (n. 5), concubine.

(n.

forth, lay

tail

poison, natural " enemy. (See African Aphorism," p. 117.)

Susu

put

(eggs).

Taa

(Ku)sukumiza (v. c.), to cast off, et asilc, throw over, thrust at, semi right away. Sukuo (n. 3), large grindstone. (Ku)sukutua (v. tr.), to rinse the month. (Ku)snluhisha

(v. tr.), to

(Zu)ta

Taa

sugar.

(Ku)sukuma

ate,

T

;

;

229

(n.

interpret.

3),

interpretation,

tr.),

to translate,

SWAHILI GKAMMAR

230 (Ku)
(v.

seek

to

tr.),

search,

or

investigate,

examine. (Kn)taga (v. tr.), to lay (eggs). T'agaa (n. 7, pi.), stems, branches. (Ku)/agua (v. tr.), to choose, elect.

7'ab.abihu

to

(Kutia),

flourish,

to (v. intr.), (Ku)/ahadhari beware, to take heed, be on one's guard, to avoid. (n. 3), eircumcisiou.

(v. intr.\ to be excited by anger, be dismayed, be vexed.

(Ku)/aharuki

(Ku;
intr.),

(v.

to

be

ashamed. (Ku)ji
Takia (n. 5), footstool, cushion. Talaka (n. 3), divorce. Talasimu (n. 3), amulet, charm, talisman, phylactery. (Ku)teliza (v. tr.), to plaster, to

daub.

(v.

ref.),

exert

T'aja (n. 3), tribute, tax.

(Ku)taja

(v.

T'ama

end,

3),

(n.

finished

;

Tama

it

finis,

is

cheek

(n. 5),

;

(n. 3), refuse, rubbish,

sweepings, offscourings.

(Ku)/ama(v. intr.), to move (from one house to another), emigrate

end lo

:

(v.

;

to

n.),

come

(Kushika)tama

to

an

(v. intr.),

meditate, reflect, be silent to hold the check).

(lit.,

to

one's self, take pains. (Ku)tehiri (v. tr.), to circumcize. Tai (n. 3), eagle. Taib (inv. adj.), well, good. Taifa (n. 3), nation, Gentile. to

tr.),

mention,

(Ku)/amisha

(v. c.), to

Tamaa

3),

(n.

remove.

desire,

longing,

lust, craving, coveting.

(Ku)
(v.

to

tr.),

rule,

govern, possess, appropriate, purchase, to be promoted. (Ku)temani (v. tr.), to desire, long for, covet, lust tifter.

Tamasha

name. Taji (n. 5), crown. 7'ajindi (n. 3), elocution.

Tajiri (n. 5), rich

man.

(v. tr.), to

(Ku)
want, desire,

need, ask, request.

Taka (n.

(n. 5), chastity, cleanliness, purity.

Tama

sword.

Tahara

Takato

3), dirt, filth

;

Takataka

(n. 3), rubbish, refuse, offal. (Ku)fakaba(7M (v. tr.), to receive,

(v.

intr.),

to

be

(Ku)
wives).

(Ku)tambaa

to

(v. intr.),

creep,

crawl, spread.

Tambarare (inv. adj.), level, N
accept.

(Ku)
(Ku)tokabari proud.

(n. 3), curiosity, show, something rare. (Ku)tamba (v. intr.), to go about, walk abroad, pass through. T'ambi (n. 7, pi.), macaroni, vermicelli (made by Swahili house-

T'ambazi

flat;

(n. 3), abscess.

(v. tr.), to recognize, discern, distinguish, decipher.

(Ku)tambua

(Ku)tambulikana

(v.

n.),

to be

recognizable, discernible.

(Xu)tamburikana (v. n.), to be well known. (Ku)tambmisha (v. c.), to make known, to decide.

Tambuu

(n.

3), leaf of betel -treo

used for chewing.

Tamko

(n.

5),

pronunciation,

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY enunciation, accent, utterance, promise, speech, expression, word. Tanm (n. 3), sweetness, pleasantness.

-
(var. delicious.

sweet,

adj.),

nice,

(This can bo used

adverbially.)

(Ku)tana slit

(v.

to

tr.),

separate,

up, comb.

lated, carried

(Ku)
be trans-

away.

(v. intr.), to shine,

husk,

(v. tr.), to spread out, lace (with rope) (v. intr.), to be spread out, be set in array. ;

(n. 3), tortoise.

(v.

n.),

off

to cheer

take

grief,

Tangamko

(u.

5),

joy,

(Ku)tangamsha

(v.

c.),

cheer,

en-

to

growth. (Ku)tandika

(v. tr.), to spread out, lay in order, set in array. Tandu (n. 3), tattooing, tribal incisions in face ; (n. 5), web ; Tandu la buibui, spider's web.

T'anda (n. 7, pi.), film or crust on cooked rice, etc. (Ku)tandua (v. sub.), to strip (a bed) (in contradistinction to tandika, making a bed) and roll up the bedding. (Ku)tanduka (v. n.), to be folded or rolled up.

Tanga

mbili;

winds of variable between SW. and NE. Monsoon after Demani. (Ku)tanga (v. tr.), to split (as wood). (Ku)Janga (v. intr.), to wander, period

err, stroll, collect, or

contribute

(as of money).

(Ku)/anga-/anga

(v.), to stroll

or

wander about. (v. n.), to

(v.

tr.),

to

mix,

(Ku)tenganyika (v. mixed. (Ku)/anganyikana (v.

be

to

n.),

rec.), to

be

Tangauko

(n.

5),

trouble, vexa-

tion, strength. Tangawe (n. 3), gravel, grit.

Tangawizi (n. 3), ginger. (Ku)tangaza (v. c.), to publish, announce, make known, declare, divulge. (n. 3),

Tange

newly-cleared

ground.

(n. 3), centipede.

(n. 5), sail;

(Ku)tenganya

intermingled.

Tan
(Ku)tangaa

(n. 5), league.

(Ku)tengamka up, throw

mingle, blend, betray.

(Ku)tanda

Tanga

join.

Tangamano

courage, cheer.

light.

(n. 3), link of chain, shell.

Tandu

known. (Ku)tengamana (v. rec.), to be mixed together, make common cause, have fellowship with,

rejoicing.

T'anda

Tande

abroad, be circulated, be well

courage.

(v. n.), to

(Ku)tanakali

231

Tangi

contribution, Tango (n. 5), pumpkin, gourd. Tango pepete (n. 5), dwarf

cucumber.

Tangu (adv.),

since, after

;

Tangu

zamani, a long time ago; -a tangu, from the beginning Zamani za tangu, old times ;

;

Tangu

lini ? since

when

?

how

long ago ? (Ku)fangua

(v. tr.), to abrogate, annul, abolish, bring to nought, make void, separate, loosen.

(Ku)tangulia (v. tr.), to go before, lead the way, be in front, forestall,

Tani be spread

(n. 3), tank, cistern. (v. c.), to scatter.

(Ku)tengisha

precede.

(inv. adj.),

wide-open, out-

stretched, uplifted,

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

232 Tankil

3),

copy

num.

adj.).

(n.

(manu-

script).

-tano (var.

five

;

-a

/ano, fifth.

Tanu

leave-taking.

fanuu)

(or

(n.

oven,

3),

furnace, kiln. (v. intr.), to expand, stride, stretch out, spread. n.), to

(Ku)fanuka (v.

be stretched

Kutanuka t'ani, to prone with arms extended. ;

Tanzi

lie

5), snare, trap, noose,

(n.

3),

announcement of

jT'anzu (n. 3),

large branch of

Tanzia

(n.

en-

picture,

3),

(v. intr.), to be entangled, complicated, wind.

(Ku)tata

(Ku)tatanua

(v.

sub.),

to

dis-

unravel, solve, un-

entangle, wind.

(Ku)tatiza (v.

round

to tie

tr.),

bough.

(n.

(var. num. tatu, third; yeast, leven,

-tatu -a

death. tree,

(n.

(parcel).

loop.

Tao

Tasuira

graving, image.

(Ku)
out

Tasibili (adj. and n. 3), quickly, haste, rapidity. Tasila (n. 3), farewell, adieu,

arch,

5),

bay,

curve,

harbour.

(Ku)
(v. ;

to

inir.),

shiver,

Kuapa-/apa (v.

intr.),

to fidget, be restless, flounder. (Xu)fapakaa (v. n.), to be dis-

tributed, scattered spread.

broadcast,

sick.

Taraji (n. Kuteraji

3),

farajia, to

Tarambeta

to

be

hope, expectation

hope

for,

hope

;

;

Ku-

expect.

3), order,

decorum,

(adj.), orderly, care-

fully.

Tari (n. 3), timbrel, cymbal. Tarishi (n. 5), mail-man, runner. -/asa (v. inf.), not yet, before, ere T'asa (inv. adj.), barren 7 asa (n. 3), basin. Tasbihi (n. 3), rosary (contains 99 beads, each one said 1o stand for a name of God). Tashuishi (n. 3), doubt, mis;

giving, distrust.

to

up,

(Ku)tatuka

(v.

n.).

rend, tear, unravel, to to

Ic dis-

entangled, unravelled, disintegrated, torn into tatters.

Kufatuka

Tau

n.), to

(v.

(n. 3),

clear

away

;

branding-iron.

(Ku)teua (see Teua)

(v.

tr.).

to

choose, elect.

Taumu

5).

Tauni

and

(n. boats).

(adj.

plague. Taureti (n.

prop,

shore (for

n. 3), pestilence,

3),

Mosaic

law,

Pentateuch. Tausi (n. 3), peacock.

Tauwaa

(n. 3), cornet, bugle.

Taralibu (n.

method;

pr.),

(v. tr.), to

(v. tr.), to

burst, rip extricate.

(of clouds).

(Ku)/apanya (v. tr.). to scatter, dis-perse, throw about. Tapasi (n. 5), chisel (see Patasi). (Ku)tapika (v. tr.), to vomit, be (Ku)tarac7/aa (v. pleased with.

balm. (Ku)tatua

tliron;

adj.),

T'&tu (n. 3), fermentation,

(var. adj.), devout, pious,

godly, religious.

Tavu

(n.

5),

cheek (of face);

T'avu, calves (of legs), biceps (muscle), (sing. Utevu). T'awa (n. 3), louse Kutawa (v. ;

intr.),

to

remain indoors, be

secluded (women).

(Ku)awaeMa

(v.

intr.),

to

per-

form ceremonial ablutions. (Ku)iawakali (v. intr.), to trust, have confidence, rely. (Ku)lawala (v. tr.), govern, reign, have power over.

233

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY (v. tr.), to scatter,

(Xu)tewanya

(Ku)tewanyika

(v.

n.),

to

be

scattered. (v. c.), to

(Ku)/awaza

enthrone,

install (as ruler).

7'awi (n.

5),

!/'aya (n. 3),

bone

branch. jaw, jawbone, cheek-

(Ku)taya

;

(v.

tr.),

to

reproach. Tayari(tiari) (inv. adj.), ready, Kuweka
(Ku)tega (v. tr.), to snare, entrap, decoy Kutega sikio, to lend an ear, to incline the ear. Tege (n. 5), bowed-leg. (Ku)tegemea (v. tr.), to lean upon (literally and figuratively). (Ku)tegemeza (v. c.),' to support, ;

prop.

Tego

(n. 3), snare,

trap,

charm,

(Ku)teketeza (v.

sub.), to

(v.

remove,

water), capture, plunder, carry off.

(Ku)teka nyara, to take captive,

root, tear off.

Tele (adj. inv. and adv.), much,

many,

and

intr.),

to

laugh, smile, laugh at, deride, be merry, ridicule.

Teke

(n. 3), kick to kick.

;

Kupiga

teke,

(Ku)fekeleza (v.c.), to accomplish, perform, bring to successful issue.

(Ku)tekenya (v. tr.), to tickle. (Ku)tekerea (v. intr.), to bo glad, shout or sing for joy, rejoice.

humorist. to be on

5). jester,

(v.

to

put on the

(Ku)teleka (v. tr.), to fire

with a view to cooking. intr.), to run or descend (see

(Ku)telemka (v. come down, Teremuka). (Ku)teleza

(v. intr.), to slip, slide.

Telezi (n. 3), mire, ncss.

(Ku)tema, to

mud,

spit,

slipperi-

expectorate

(see mate), clear forest.

(Ku)tema, to cut down, cut, hew, slash, cut off, fell. T'einbe (n. 3), grain, seed a little, a few. (v. intr.). to

a walk

walk, take

(adj.),

;

go for a or trip; for

a

(Ku)jitembelea, to strut about. (KuXembeza (v. c.), to take for walk, hawk about, advertise.

a

to

go

row.

Tembo

(n. 5),

palm wine

tamu, sweet

palm

wine

;

Tembo

;

unfermented

Temlo

la

kali,

strong fermented palm wine. Tena (conj.), again, still, yet, more, moreover, also, further. (Ku)tenda (v. intr.), to do, act ;

reach as

(v. tr.), to far as, arrive at.

(Ku)tekelea

Tekeshaji (n. (Ku ; teketea

abundant,

plentiful,

the brim.

la

loot, pillage, spoil. tr.

to burn, set

Kutembea baharini,

undo, sprain.

(Ku)teguka (v. n.), to be sprained. (Ku)teka (v. tr.), to draw (as

(v.

c.),

on fire. (Ku)tekua (v. tr ), to break down, force, undermine, knock, up-

(Ku)tembea

spell.

(Ku)tegua

(Ku)teka

be burning or burnt, be

fire,

scorched.

disperse, dissipate.

n.),

(v. tr.), to

do

to, act

towards

(unfavourably), deal with. T'ende (n. 3), dates, elephantiasis Tende guu (u. 5), leg (of chair, bedstead, etc.). (Ku)tendea (v. prepl.), to deal ;

with, do for, (favourably).

act

towards

(Kn)jitendekeza (v. ref.), to be occupied with, busy oneself about.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

234 Tendo

(n. 5), act, action.

coarse flour T'enga (n. 3), sea-monster. (Ku)tenga (v. intr,), to alight (as bird on bough).

Tenga

(n.

3,

pi.),

;

to separate, set aside, withdraw, sever, set

(Ku)tenga

(v.

T'ete (n. 3), small-pox, grain of corn (n. 7), dried stalks of ;

common

straw, stagger; t'ete maji (n. 3), chicken- or T'et'e (n. water-pox :>),

za

;

sparks.

tr.),

(Ku)ietea

(Ka)tengea, arranged,

Kutengeka, to settled

bo

properly,

regulated, made nice. 7, (n. pl.)> T'engelele

small

intestines.

(Ku)tengeneza (v. finishing touch

tr.),

to,

to put the

bring about

desired end.

(Ku)tengeza

for.

(Ku)tetema (v. intr.), to tremble, shake Kutetemeka (v. n.), to shiver, quake, be moved. ;

T'eu (n. 3), ant-hill T'eu, heartburn, eructations. (Ku)feua (see
(v.

c.),

to

prepare. set to

arrange, regulate, mend,

(v. tr.), to

(Ku)teuka

place.

(Ku)tenza nguvu (v. tr.), compel, treat violently.

to

break wind,

be chosen, elected (see

pas.), to

predestinated, mteule).

;

Tewa

(n. 3),

(Ku)teza dance.

kind of

fish.

(v. intr.), to

play, sport,

.

(v. intr.),

blossom, 5), shoot,

(Ku)leza Kinanda, Kuteza gwa-

=

ride musical drill. (Zu)teza-feza, to shake about, be loose.

(Ku)tezama (tazama)

(Ku)terekeza (v. intr.), to halt for refreshments. (Ku)teremea (v. tr.), to take care kindness to, make of, shew

home.

Teremko

(n. 5), steep clivity, descent.

hill,

de-

(Ku)feremuka (KtUeremka) (v. intr.), to go or come down, descend, (Ku)tesa (v.

(v. n.), to

belch.

(Ku)teuliwa (v.

Teo T'eo (n. 3), sling, catapult (n. 7, pi.), sieves, winnowing fans or trays. (Ku)tepetea (v. n.), to be languid, weary, dilapidated. (Ku)/epuza (tepukuza) sprout, shoot, bud, spring up. Tepuzi (fepukuzi) (n. sprout, branch.

choose, elect, pre-

destinate.

resting-

(n. 3), dwelling,

feel at

champion, to fight

(Ku)<'etea (v. intr.), to walk lame, to halt, to totter, to cackle.

rights.

Tengo

prep.), to oppose,

(v.

to dispute, to

apart.

look

at,

(v.

tr.),

to

look after, observe.

(Ka)tezamia mbao (v. prepl.), to tell fortunes (by shaking sand on board). (Ku)tezamika (v. n.), to be presentable, of pleasing appearance. I'ezi (adv.), aft, in Ihe after part of the ship. T'ezo (n. 3), adze Tezo (n. 5), ;

tr.),

to

Kuteseka

persecute,

game, plaything.

to

Thabiii (inv. adj.), firm, strong, immovable, established, fixed. to (v. (Ku)thabKisha c.),

(v. intr.), to quarrel, dispute, disagree, contend, strive.

strengthen, confirm, establish,

afflict;

suffer,

Teso

(v.

n.),

be in distress.

(n. 5), suffering, distress.

(Ku)teta

set fast.

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY T//ahiri (inv. adj.), plain, clear,

open, evident, obvious.

employ; Kutia moto,

to

zini,

to set

235

on

fire.

Thalatha (num. adj.), three. Thalathini (num. adj.), thirty.

Tiara (n. 3), kite. (Ku)fibika (v. n.), to get well, bo

TVialimu (n. 5), criminal, transgressor, fraudulent person. Thaliiaashara (num. adj.),

(Ku)fibu (v. tr.), to heal, cure. (Ku)tibua (v. tr.), to stir up, as

snow.

3),

Thamani

value,

(n.

3),

(Ku)tibuka

price,

Thamanya (num.

adj.), eighty. adj.), eight.

Thamin
(num.

adj.),

eighteen. T/iana (n. 3), thought, suspicion, supposition, hypothesis. (Ku)
(Ku)<7uhirisha (v. c.), to make manifest, show, demonstrate.

(Ku)
TMneni (num.

adj.), two.

(v.

to

intr.),

dare

of.

(v. c.), to estabstrengthen, convince, con-

firm.

(v.

(as dust). (Ku)fii (v.

tr.),

(n. 3), eighth, groat, sixteen annas, pice (eighth part of a dollar).

T'ia (n: 3), giraffe. (Ku)tia (v. tr.), to put in or on or into (used of persons and Like piga, this verb things). is capable of various meanings according to the word

with

Kutia Kutia huzuni, to sadden; Kutia kacoupled

fine,

light,

adj.),

to

n.),

rise,

fly

submit

to obey,

to.

water (n. 5), vegetable marrow.

Tikiti

Tiki
ground,

finely

(Ku)dlifu (v. intr.), to to venture.

Timamu

(inv. adj.), plete, perfect.

melon,

run

risks,

com-

full,

(v. tr.), to dig. (n. 5), hole, pit, hollow.

(Ku)
(v.

to

c.),

appear

(as

break sun

through clouds).

(Ku)dmia (Kutimu) be

(v. n.), to

complete,

be bo

perfect,

-timilivn

(var.

adj.),

perfect, to

complete, brought

successful end.

four

is

(var.

entire, (n. 3), third.

Thumuni

it

commotion, uproar,

powdery. (Ku)tifuka

fulfilled,

(Ku)tb.ubudsha

Thulutbi

-tifu

through,

(Ku)thubu
lish,

(n. 5),

disturbance,

Timbo

(see subufu).

proof

be in an

n.), to

(Ku)fimba

3), garlic.

(Ku)thubu
(v.

uproar.

Tibuko

ciousness, worth.

Thamanini (num.

Thorn (n.

water.

muddy

thirteen.

Thaluji (Thalji) (n. l>r

cured.

:

maji, to water or dilute

;

(v. c.), to accomplish, finish completely, fulfil. (Ku)'in(fo (v. tr.), to slaughter, cut off, kill ; to slit cloth

(Ku)dmiza

lengthways, cut out; Kutinrfa kiu, to Ku/in-/a,

quench thirst. Ku/hWika, KufinJikia.

(Ku)findikana

(v.

come

be cut

less,

to

n.),

to beoff (as

be short or scarce, au end, staunch, fail, be insufficient, waste away.

water),

come

to

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

236

(Ku)dndanga (v. tr.),to slaughter. Tindi (n.

Tindo

tomato.

3),

;

(n. 3), chisel.

Tini (n.

T'ini (adv.), down, below, underneath, inferior T'ini ya (adv. ;

prep.), under, beneath, etc. (Ku)firirika (v. intr.), to flow or

down.

teen. (v.

tr.),

to

terrify,

intimidate, scare, subdue. Tishali (n. 5), lighter.

(Ku)tisMka

n.), to

(v.

num.

fear, be

adj.), nine.

roar, roll (as thunder).

an

enelitic

denoting Fungat'o haiumizi mkono, bind well, hurts not the arm Fanyet'o, do thoroughness

;

;

(v. intr.), to

put or take

out, bring or give out, spend, dismiss, omit (to do a thing), part witli Kutoakosa, to point ;

out a mistake, blame. (n. 3), repentance. (Ku)toboa (v. tr.), to pierce, break through, thrust into, make a hole in. (Ku)toboka (v. n.), to burst, burst open, come asunder. (Ku)toea v. (prepl.), to put sauce

Toba

to food, flavour, make savoury. Tofali, (n. 5), tile, brick.

Tohara (see tabara)

(n. 3), cir-

cumcision, cleanliness, purity. (Ku)toja (v. tr.), to scarify, tattoo, make incisions in skin, cup, bleed, vaccinate. Tojo (n. 5), incision, etc.

(Ku)/oka

(v. intr.), to

go out

exit. n.), to

disappear,

cook

(v. c.), to boil,

(Ku)tokosa by boiling. (Ku)tokota (v.

n.), to

boil,

come

to boiling point.

(Ku)tokoz i provoke.

(v. tr.), to scoff, tease,

(Ku)/olea (v. prepl.), to give out to or for; Amemtolea makali, ho used strong language to

him.

(Ku)
(v. tr.), to pierce, stab,

burn,

toast,

brand,

prick,

cauterize.

thoroughly.

(Ku)oa

prepl.), to

vanish, pass away.

(num. adj.), Tisiini(tisaini) ninety. Ti/i (n. 5), breast, teat, nipple. (Ku)tit'ima (v. intr.), to thunder, -t'o,

(v.

by, etc., happen, appear, conio to pass, be manifest; NWia >a ku/okoa, a way of means of

(Ku)tokomea (v.

afraid. 7'isia (inv.

away, disappear.

Tokaa (n. 3), lime, chalk. Tokea (prep.), from, out of. (Ku)iokea

Tisaa (inv. adj.), nine. Tisaafashara (num. adj.), nine-

(Ku)tisha

lamioka, he perspires Aiokwa nl maiozi, he weeps. (Ku)toka kati (v. intr.), to pass ;

3), fig.

trickle

have just done such and such a thing (v. tr.), Jasho out, to

go

Tomo (n. Tomoko

5), dross.

(n. 5), custard-apple.

(Ku)tona (v. intr.), to drop, drip (Ku)toneka (v. n.), to fall in

;

drops.

Tone (n. 5), drop. (Ku)tonesha (v. c.),

to

touch a

sore place (thereby making it " run " or drop). (Ku)tonga (v. tr.), to carve, point, sharpen, cleave, hew.

Tonge

(n. 3), bit,

lump, morsel,

piece.

Kuiongea

(v.

tr.) to

slander, to

betray.

(Ku)
(v. n.), to

be sharp,

be pointed.

T'ongo

(n.

3),

blindness of one

eye.

(Ku)tongoa (v. tr.), to sharpen Ku/ongoa Kilcmba, to arrange ;

or

come

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY

237

turban symmetrically with a

down

point.

(sail); (v. n.). to set (of sun), halt, camp, sojourn ; Kutua moyo, to feel comforted.

(Ku)
(v.

to

c.),

make

rich. (v. n.), to

become

rich.

or

(n. 7, pi.),

mud, mire, boggy

marshy

earth, dirt, clay. (Ku)topea (v. intr.), to sink (as in mud or mire, or as an arrow in flesh), to stick in.

Topi (n.

hat, helmet.

3),

(Ku)topoa (v. tr.), to remove, take away, counteract (power of spell,

etc.).

(Ku)toroka

(v.

intr.),

to

run

away, escape, play traunt. -tosa

(var.

unripe, hard, nearly ripe (ctr. -bifi, raw). to drown, wet. (Ku)tosa (v. c.), adj.),

(Ku)tosha (v. n.), to be enough, be sufficient, suffice. (Ku)toshewa (v. pass), to be astonished, amazed. (Ku)tota (v. intr.), to sink, get wet Kutota mato (v. intr.), to ;

lose eyesight.

(Ku)fovya (Kufovyeka)

(v. tr.),

to dip. (v. n.), to

(Ku)foweka

disappear.

vanish.

(Ku)/owesha

(v. c.), to kill,

put

out of sight. (Ku)/oza (v. c.), to oblige, give

:

hence to tax, exact, extract, 5), tear, tear-drop.

Tu, 7'uu (inv. adj.), only, alone, just, nothing but. T'uu (n. 3), white-ant hill. Tu (pron., 1st pers., pi.), we, ua we are, strong verb (also to be).

T'ua (n.

3),

blemish, stain, defect,

disgrace.

(Ku)tua

(v. tr.), to grate, (v. n.), to

rasp,

settle (as

sediment). (Ku)
(Ku)ubu

(v. intr.), to repent.

(Ku)tubua (v. tr.), to graze (skin), rub slightly. (Ku)tubwikia (v. prepl.), to fall or tumble into. Tufani (n. 3), storm, hurricane, gale. T'ufe (n. 3), ball (for playing). -tufu (var. adj.), bad, worthless,

corrupt.

(Ku)tufuka (v. n.), to become useless, bad, etc. Tui (n. 3), fat, marrow, fatness, oil T'ui (n. 3), leopard Tui la nazi, oily milk from cocoa-nut ;

;

squeezed through grass bag to separate from grated iibre.

(Ka)uja

(v.

tr.),

to strain, filter.

(Ku)
(Ku)/ujuka (v. n.), to become thin or watery. (Ka)hika (v. intr.), to bf moan, low, vile, oppressed.

levy.

Tbzi (n.

burden), furl

grind, or rub to powder..

(Ku)tuama

(Ku)tononoka Tope

(Ku)
or

(load

(v.

tr.),

to put or lay

(Ku)tukana

(v.

tr.),

insult, use to, revile.

slander,

guage (Ku)tukanana

to

abuse,

bad

lan-

(v. rec.), to insult

mutually (see matnkano). (Ku)tukia (kutuka) (v. n.), to happen, chance, come to pass, happen suddenly. (Ku)takia (v. tr.), to hate, dislike.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

238

(Ku)tukiza (v. c.), to cause to hate, annoy, ridicule, tease, offend, vex, displease.

(Ku)tukizwa (v. pass.), to be angry, vexed, offended. (Ku)
(Ku)
able, tolerable.

(Ku)tukusa

(v.

to

tr.),

shake,

agitate.

(Kujtukusika shaken.

(v. n.), to

be moved,

(Ku)tukuta (v. intr.), to move, fidget, be restless, uneasy. -tukutu (var. adj.), fidgetty, unmanageable, insubordinate. (Ku)
magnify

;

(v. c.), to

make

low, base, unworthy.

(adj.),

(Ku)tulia

(v.

prepl.), to

let

off,

exonerate (from responsibility or blame^; (v. intr.), to bo quiet, settle down, be at rest, to

T'umba

to

(n. 3),

bud;

(n.

5),

catc,

intr.),

to

loaf

sheath, cover.

(Ku)tumbaa

(v.

about, lurk, stand idle. Tumbaku (n. 3), tobacco,

snuff

(see fctudy 17).

Tumbawe (n. 5), coral-rag Jiwe la fumbawe, coral. T'umbi (n. 3), net for fishing made of cocoa-nut fibre, heap. Tombiri (n. 3), monkey. T'umbit'umbi (adv.), in heaps. Tnmbo (n. 5), stomach, abdomen, ;

womb.

(Ku)
(Ku)tumbukia (v. or tumble into.

Tome

(n. 3),

prepl.),

to

fall

messenger, sent one

(v. tr.), to use, employ, make use of, spend (Situmii nyama, I do not take

(Ku)tumia

;

meat). (v. intr.), to serve, be in service; (v. n.), to be of use, be in use. (Ka)tumikana (v. n.), to be used

(Kujtumika

tranquil, serene; (v. tr.), plant, set. (Ku)tuliza (see Tuza) (v. c.), comfort, console, quiet, calm, allay, to fix or set (as of eyes).

(Ku)tumikia

send on an

(a person).

(Ku)tuma

(v.

tr.),

to

errand, commission (used only of persons). (Ku)tuma(v. intr.), to trade, make gain or advantage, profit.

(Ku)tumai

(v.

intr.),

to trust, be

confident.

Tumaini

intr.),

(v.

;

emissary.

carry.

Tule

upon

rely

intestines,

gether.

(Xu)fakulika (v. n.) to be bear-

exalt,

in,

hope, expect.

(n. 3),

trust,

hope, con-

fidence.

(Ku)tamaini

up.

to trust, trust

prepl.), to serve

Tamo (n. 5), sphere of bui-incss Tamo (n. 5), errand, message. (Ku)tumwa

(v. puss.),

to

]>c

flay, skin.

Tunda

Tu'nda

(n. 5), fruit

;

;

.scut

on a message. (Ku)
(n. 3),

waistlet.

(Ku)tunda (v. tr.),

(v.

(v. tr.), to

gather, to catch.

pluck, pick,

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY (v. n.), to hang, hold together. (Ku)tundika (v. tr.), to hold, suspend, to hang on a line. Tundu (n. 4), nest, long basket,

(Ku)tundamana

cage.

Tandu

(n. 3), hole.

(Ku)tunduwaa

to

intr.),

(v.

be

morose, taciturn.

silent,

put or string together, thread, compose. (Ku)funga (v. tr.), to winnow, sift, shepherd, tend, guide. (Ku)tungamana (v. n.), to be established, hang together as a

(Ku)tunga

(v. tr.),to

whole.

(Ku)/upilia mbali, to throw right away, banish out of sight.

-tupu (var. adj.), empty, only, nothing but Tupu (invar, adj.), naked, nude. Tupu- tupu (adv.), in a state of ;

nudity or destitution. Turki (n. 5), Turk. (Ku)
(Ku)turuzika

(v.

to

tr.),

to

lead,

string up. (v. tr.), to hang up, suspend, to hang on a line. T'ungu (n. 3), small ant, emmet

(Ku)tungika

-/ungu (var. adj

bitter.

),

(v. tr ),

(Ku)tungua

to cast

for

befall one.

(Ku)
prepl.), to look

(v.

peep in, stoop and look in. T'unu (n. ;!), treasure, rarity, delight, something prized and valued, present. (v.

tr.),

to

scratch,

bo

(Ku)tutiza

(v.

to

c.),

heap up,

pile together.

Tutu! .

care

hands

(interj.),

take

off!

!

(Ku)tutuma

(v. intr.), to

rumble,

(Ku)tutuzika

(v.

to

n.),

pant,

throb.

T\m

(tu)

merely. (Ku)iuuza

and

(adj.

(v.

intr.),

adv.), only,

to

trickle,

flow. (n. 5), eunuch. Tuwazi (n. 5), cymbal, timbrel. (Ku)tuza (tuliza) (v. tr.), to soothe, pacify, console, curry favour. Tuzo (n. 3), reward, consolation " douceur." prize, tip,

2\iwashi

scarify.

(Ku)iunza (v. tr. & intr.), to take care of, guard, keep, protect, preserve, watch closely, look out. (n. 3), (n.

rise high,

lofty.

roll.

in,

(Ku)hmua

(v. n.), to

(Ku)t'utia

T'unguja (n. 3), tomato. (Ku)tunguka (v. ^n.), to be cast down, come to grief, evil to

com-

furrow,

vegetables,

pany, band.

down,

violate, degrade, profane, desecrate.

camp, encampment.

3),

file;

T'upa

bottle, flask, phial. (Ku)
away,

to trickle,

(v. tr.), to curse, vilify, execrate, defame. Tusifusi (n. 5), roaring of waves. Tuta (n. 5), row, raised bed

;

^"upa

(v. intr.),

run down. (Ku)tasha

(Ku)tungia

T'uo

239

(n.

3),

(Ku)fwa

(v.

intr),

to

set

(of

sun).

throw

cast, fling.

(Ku)i'upa (v. tr.), to leap, leap over Km'upa mpaka, to over;

(Ku)twaa (v. tr.), to take, receive, take with the hand; Kutwaa p'ole, to treat tenderly.

(Ku)twanga

step limit, encroach, go beyond

com

boundary.

husk.

in

(v.

tr.),

to

pound

mortar for removing

BWAHILI GRAMMAR

210

to raise, hoist,

Ubadli

up, put upon (load or re-

ness.

(Ku)tweka lift

(v. tr.),

(n.

TJbavu (n.

sponsibility. to

iniquity, wicked-

7),

7), rib, side.

sadness, wickedness. Ubeti (n. 7), couplet (poetry) Ubishi (n. 7), joke.

pay respects

Ubaya

(n. 7),

greet (in the evening). (Ku)tweta (v. intr.), to gasp, pant, struggle for breath.

Ubivu

(n. 7), ripeness.

(Ku)twesha

(v. tr.),

to,

to subdue, abase, humble, bring low. (Ku)ji<weza (v. ref.), to humble

(Ku)iweza

tr.),

(v.

oneself, grovel, submit. (n. 3), giraffe.

Twiga

II

Ubiti (n.

Uboi

rawness, greenness.

and work of

houee-boy. TTbongo (n. 7), brain. Ubora (n. 7), power, superiority, prowess. Ubovu (n. 7), rottenness, corruption.

Ububwi IT

7),

(n. 7), position

(pron. 2nd p. sing.). .Also 2nd p. s. of strong verb to be, thou

(n. 7),

Ubwabwa

dumbness.

(n. 7),

Uchache (n.

pap, sop.

7), littleness, scarcity,

smallness, insignificance, mini-

art.

TJa (n. n), flower, blossom; TTa la warirZi, rose (n. 7), fence round ;

mum. Uchafu

(n. 7), filth.

court, courtyard, enclosure. (Ku)ua (v. tr.), to kill, murder (cannot be used of slaughtering

Uchaga (n. 7), grain-store, barn. Uchanga (n. 7). youngness, nn-

animals). UarZui (n. 7), enmity, hostility,

Uchao

ill-will.

(n.

faithfulness,

7),

truth.

Uangalizi

(n. 7), care, vision, providence. (n.

7),

super-

building,

con-

struction.

Uasi

(n. 7), rebellion, apostacy.

(Ka)uawa (Kuwawa

(v. pass.),

to

be killed, murdered. -ubaa (n. 7), vcxatiousness. Ubahili (n. 7), avarice, miserliness. Tlbaini (n. 7), discernment.

Ubainifu

(n. 7),

dawn, morning.

(n. 7), slander, gossip.

(n. (n.

TJdhamini (n.

7), security, bail, sponsorship. (Ku)udhi(v.tr.), totrouble, annoy. persecute, harass, molest Likakuudhi hafa Ku-Kuua, It mort;

ified you.

Udhia

(n. 7), trouble,

(Ku)udhika

7),

manifestation,

7),

slit-stick

roasting meat on. TTbani (n. 7), frankincense

(n. 7), deception, cheating, fraud. Udevu (n. 7), a hair (of board). Udhaifu(n. 7), feebleness, wretchedness, weakness.

annoyance,

vexation, worry, uproar.

proof.

Ubambo

TTdaku

UfZanganyifu

Uaminifa

Uashi

developedness.

for

(a

TTbao (n. 7), board, plank. Uba
(v.

n.),

to

b::

in

trouble, perplexed, disturbed. TJdhilifu (n. 7), insignificance. TJWAi (n. 7), ceremonial purification (Muha.) Kutanguka urf/m, to be defiled. (Ku)udhurisha (v. c.), to make excuses for. TTdhuru (n. 7), excuse.

Udogo

(n. 7), (childhood, infancy)

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY smal Iness, insignificance, youth(n. 7),

TTdongo (n.

odds and ends. ground.

7), Boil, clay,

Ufa

(n. 7), crack, fissure. Ufanifu(u. 7), success, prosperity.

Ufaume (n.

7),

Ufi'Muli (n.

kingdom, kingship. insolence, over-

7),

bearing behaviour, arrogance. Ufifilizi (n.

TJgwe

ng'ngwe)

(pi.

(n. 7), thong,

cord, line.

fulness, youth.

Udohoudoho

241

rudeness,

7), distraint,

Uhaba (n.7),8mallness, paucity. 7), life.

Uhai(n. Uhalifu

Uhalimu

(n.

7),

corruption,

7),

immorality,

depravity. (n.

licentiousness.

Uhasidi

tion.

trans-

condescension.

(n. 7),

Uharibifu

Uhasharaii destruc-

rebellion,

7),

(n.

gression.

envy.

(n. 7),

Ufisadi (n. 7), ill-fame, vice, vile-

Uhiteji (n. 7), want, need, destitu-

ness. Ufito (n

Uhotfari (n. 7), encouragement.

tion. .

thin stick, lath, pole. death, corpse.

7),

Ufu (n. 7), Ufufuo (n. 7), resurrection.

Ufunga

(n.

7),

long

on

verandah.

Ufunguo (n.7), key. (u. 7), strand, shore, beach, water's edge.

Ufuraha (n. 7), small box for keeping chewing-lime. Ufyagio (n. 7), broom, sweepingbrush. Ufyozi (n. 7), abuse, insult. Uga (see ua) (7), open, space. Ugali (n. 7), Indian-corn porridge. (n. 7),

witch-doctor's art,

magic.

Ugema

tapping of palm-

(n. 7),

trees for today. TJgeni (n. 7), state of being a stranger TTgenini in a foreign ;

;

country. TIghaibu (n. consisting

(n. 7), (n. 7),

Uhusida (n. Uin7a (n.

smith-work. freedom. envyings. hunting,

7),

7),

chase,

sport.

Ufuo

Uganga

Uhunzi

Uhunt

seat

TTja (n. 7), slavery, servility.

Ujaka Ujana Ujane

(n. 7),

wild spinach. youth, childhood.

(n. 7),

widowhood.

(n. 7),

Ujani (n. 7), captivity. Ujanja (n. 7), swindling, cheating, Ujenzi

(n. 7),

building, construc-

tion.

Uji (n.

gruel, porridge, stir-

7),

about TTji wa mtama, kaffircorn porridge; Uji wa mfele, ;

rice gruel.

Ujinga Ujira

stupidity, ignorance. wages, salary, hire. 7), message, prince-

(n. 7),

(n. 7),

Ujumbe

(n.

dom.

chewing mixture

U'kabail

(n. 7),

nobility, dignity.

of tobacco, lime, betel-leaf, areca-nut and

Ukahaba

(n. 7),

whoredom.

7),

gum

(k'atu). TTgo (n. 7), fence, hedge. Ugomvi, quarrel. Ugonjwa, sickness, illness, disease.

(Ku)agua (v. intr.), ache, be in pain.

to fall

ill, ail,

TTgurau (n.) hardness, toughness, hardship, difficulty. (Ka)ugnza (v. c.) to nurse, see

through an

illness.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

Ukaidi

(n. 7),

obstinacy, perver-

sity.

Ukakaya Ukali

(n. 7),

(n.

7),

extent, expanse. fierceness,

sharp.

ness.

Ukamba (u. 7), belt, girdle. Ukambaa (n. 7), cord made from slips of dwarf-palm. (n. 7), measles.

Ukambi

Ukamilifa

(n. 7), perfectness, in-

tegrity.

Q

SWAHILI GRAMMAR Ukanda

(n.

7),

thong,

cord,

bridle.

Ukarimu

(n. 7), liberality,

gene-

rosity, large-hcarteduess.

Ukavu

(n. 7), insolence,

dryncss. dwelling. Ukelele (n. 7), great noise, out-

Ukazi

(n. 7),

cry.

Ukeme

(n. 7), cry of distress, call

for help.

Ukindani (n. 7). stubbornness, contradictoriuess. (n.), fine vegetable fibre,

TJkindu

from

leaves

of

(n.

wild

7),

poverty, penury,

(n. 7), edge, brink,

(n.

Ukuta

Ukuu

tion. 7), crust of

food in cook-

ing-pot.

TTkonzo (n. 7), goad, long stick with pointed end.

Ukoma (n. 7), leprosy. Ukombo (n.), crookedness, curved tool for

Ukombozi

hollowing wood. (n. 7), redemption, ran-

(n.),

book, (See Kata.)

honour.

Ukwato (n. 7), Ukwasi (n. 7), Ulabibu

end, termination.

(n. 7), arm (of lake, etc.), offshoot, branch.

Ukono

hoof.

riches, opulence.

(n. 7), perseverance.

Ulafi (n. 7), gluttony, excess. Dlaini, Ulainifu (n. 7), softness, ;

TTlaini-ulaini, flat-

tery.

European

applied

adj.

TTlanifu

to

calico (also of

anything

origin).

7), self-indulgence, cursing. Ulatifu (n. 7), gentleness. (n.

TTlaya (n. prop.), Europe, mothercountry. Uler/i (n.), boy, lad. TJlegevu (n. 7), languor, lassitude, slackness, sloth, sluggishness.

Ulekevu

som.

brim.

of

(n. 7), wall.

European

Ukoko (n.

leaf

7),

(n, 7), greatness, strength,

Ulaiti (n.),

destitution.

Ukohozi (n. 7), phlegm, expectora-

olearing-up,

7),

simplicity.

smoothness

TTkiwa (n.

memorial, me-

(n.),

mento. Uknnrfufu

sheet of paper.

ciency.

Ukomo

eaves of house.

Ukumbusho

Ukurasa

(Ku)ukilia (v. prepl.), to intend, plan, determine, devise. Ukinaifu (n.), pride, self-suffi-

til-

Ukumbi (n. 7), entrance hall. Ukumbiza (n. 7), space under

Ukungo

Ukhaini (n. 7), treachery. Ukhiana (n. 7), guile, deceit.

strips date.

Uk'ulima (n. 7), cultivation, lage, husbandry.

ness,

(n. 7), straightforwarduprightness, equity, in-

tegrity. TTlevi (n. 7),

drunkenness. superior kind

of

Uk'onyezo (n. 7), winking, making signs with eyebrows.

TTlili

Ukoo

Ulimi (n. 7), tongue (pi. ndimi). TJlimwengu (n. 7), inhabited

(n. 7), dirt, filth.

TTkope (u.), eyelash. TTkorofl, ungodliness, impiety,

wickedness. TJkosevu (n. 7), want, deficiency, insufficiency, fault.

TTkubali (n. 7), acceptance.

Ukubwa

size,

seniority, priority, greatness. 7), claw, nail. (n.),

tJkucha (n.

(n.

7),

bedstead.

world, universe, world. TTlindi (n. |7), African's

tinder-

box. TTlinganifu

(n.

7),

comparison,

resemblance.

Ulingo

(n. 7),

watchers' hut in

field.

Ulinzi (n. 7), guard, watching.

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY (Ku)uliza (v.

tr.),to

ask a question.

Ulizi (n. 7), art and practice of wailing at funerals. Ultima (n. 3), run of ill luck.

Uraa

(u. 7), fork, gridiron, cautery,

Mauma and Nyuma).

iron (pi.

(Ku)uma

(v. tr.), to bite

;

(v. intr.),

to ache, hurt, pain (only used transitively of a wound or injured member affecting sufferer's own person as Kiiwa chaniwuma, his head pains

him).

Umande

(n. 7), dew, moisture; Uman<7e ulioganda, hoar frost. Umasikini (n. 7), poverty, want. Umasihia (n. 7), Christianity.

Umad

(n.

multitude, crowd,

7),

ni (v. pass.), to be bitten by, suffer pain from. Unafiki (n. 7), hypocrisy, lying,

(Ku)umwa deceit.

(See Najisi.)

Unajisi. struct.

Undu

tr.),

to create, shape,

pass over.

Unene

(n. 7), thickness, stoutness, bigness, bulk.

Unga

(n. 7), flour, meal.

connect.

(Zu)ungama

intr.),

(v.

to

soar

about, glide round.

tr.),

to confess,

rec.), to

(v.

be united, cohere.

England. muchness, plenty,

(n. 7),

(n.

7),

multitude, quantity, maximum. (v. n.), to be set (as of bones), knit, be joined. Ungo (n. 5), member, joint, limb.

(Ku)ungika

(Ku)umbika (v. n.), to be well formed or fashioned, be strong. (n. 5), form, shape,

mould-

ing, figure. (n. 5), sister.

(v. sub.), to deface, mutilate, disfigure, destroy.

(Ku)umbua

-ume (var. adj.), masculine, male, manly, strong.

Ume (n. 7), courage, manliness. Umeme (n. 7), lightning, thunderbolt.

Ungo

la sb.ingo(n. 5), prominence between shoulders. Ung'ongo (n. 7), palm-leaf slip.

(See Ng'ongo, dwarf-palm). (v. sub.), to disunite,

(Ku)ungua

cut

(v. intr.), to be burnt, be scorched, be singed,

sever,

catch

;

fire.

Unguja (n.), Zanzibar. (Ku)ungulika v. n.), to be troubled (

(Ku)umia

(v.

to

prepl.),

be in

at ht art.

(Ku)unguza

pain.

(Ku)umika

(v. tr.), to

(n. 7), throat,

cup.

windpipe. cause

(v.

(v. n), to rise

Unono (n.), Unyago (n.

7),

Unyamavu

(n.),

bubble up,

Umoja

(n.

up, foam,

froth, effervesce.

7),

union,

oneness,

unity.

Umri (n. 7), lifetime, age, life. (Ku)umua (v. tr.), to take away, deprive.

to

Ungwana (Uungwana) gentle

(Ku)umka

c.\

burn,

scorch, singe, scald.

(v. c.), to hurt, to, inflict suffering.

(Ku)umiza pain

(v.

own, admit, acknowledge.

Ungi

Umio

(v. tr.), to unite, join,

(Ku)unga

Ungereza

;

TJmbu

(v. intr.), to overflow,

Une, four (in counting).

far off).

Umbo

comb.

(n. 7), cock's

(Ku)undaa

form to descry, pick out (object

(Ku)umbia

(v. tr.), to build, con-

(Ku)nnda

(Ku)ungamana, (Ku)ungana

everybody.

(Ku)umba (v.

243

(n.

birth, freedom, breeding and education.

7),

good

fatness.

mourning, ngoma. silence,

quiet-

ness.

Unyang'anyi

(n.),

robbery, extor-

tion.

Unyasi (n.

7),

blade of grass.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

244 Unyenyekevu

(n. 7), humility, meekness, lowliness, supplication.

TJnyeii (n. 7), pride, conceit.

Unyonge

(n. 7),

weakness, mean-

ness, poorness, feebleness. Unyoya (n. 7), a single feather.

brows. TTnywele (n. 7), a single hair (of

Uo

(n. 7), scabbard. TJombezi (n. 7), meditation, inter-

cession.

Uongofu

(n. 7), prosperity,

happy

ending, well-being. TJovu (n. 7), evil, wickedness. TJozi (n. 7),

marriage.

(n. 7), scalp, pate, side of

sloping roof, bump of veneration Anaupaa = he is bald. ;

Upaji (n.

7), gift, benefit,

gene-

curved knife used

(n. 7),

in tapping. (n.

breadth, width,

7),

portion in the vicinity

(n. 7), side, part,

... Upanga (n.

.

.

.

;

of

7),

a

sword

;

(pi.

sinews). TJpotevu (u. 7), destruction, state of being, lost, moral ruin.

Upotofu

(n. 7), pervo rseness, crookedness, iniquity.

Upau

slanting roof-pole,

(n. 7), rafter. (n.),

ladle

made

of half a

cocoa-nut shell. Upele(u. 7), pimple, eruption, itch. Upembo (n. 7), long stick for gathering fruit. TJpcndano (n. 7), state of mutual

(n. 7),

(n.),

preference, favour-

foolishness,

(n. 7), decrease, deficit,

deficiency.

Upuuzi

(n. 7), mischief,

nonsense,

knavery, iniquity. TTpwa (n. 7), shore. (n. 7), loneliness, aloofness, independence.

TTpya (n. newly.

Uradi (n. Urari (n.

7),

newness,

anew,

7),

invocation.

7),

even balance, equal-

ity.

Uraflki (n. 7), friendship, friendliness, sociability. 7),

length, height, tall-

ness.

Urembo

itism.

Upenu

7),

flower-bud blos-

som.

Urefu (n.

love.

TTpendeleo

(n.

folly.

Upweke

panga).

(n.

7),

verandah-roof,

eaves.

Upenzi

Uposo (n. 7), sum paid lo brido by bridegroom before marriage. Upote (n. 7), bow-string (of ox-

Upungufu

P'ando za

Vpawa

TJpofu (n. 7), blindness. Up'ole (n. 7), gentleness, meekness, mildness, moderation.

Upunga

extent.

Upande

cloth, selvage, fold, hem. (n. 7), long-handled ladle.

Upumbavu

rosity.

Upana

quickness, rapidity, speed. Up'.nda (n. 7), bow. Uplndo (n. 7), edge or border of

Upo

head).

Upamba

;

TTpesi (n.),

TInyozi (n. 7), shaving. TTnyushi (n. 7), a hair of the eye-

Upaa

(u. 7), broom, (adv.), extremely, of the utmost. TJpepeo (n. 7), fan, bellows. Upepo (n. 7), wind, cool breeze, zephir Kubadili upepo, to go away for change of air.

Upeo

(n. 7), lovingness.

TTpeo (wa mato) (n. 7), horizon, limit of sight.

(n. 7), adornment, ornament, finery, glory, beauty.

Urithi (urathi) (n.

7),

inherit-

ance, heritage.

Urufuba Usadiki

(n. n.), moisture. (n. 7), faithfulness.

SWAHILI-ENGL1SH VOCABULARY Usafi

cleanness, purity,

(n. 7),

UsafiM

Usubi

(n. 7), sand-fly,

Usulufani (n. minion.

brightness. (n. 7), pride.

Usumbufu

ing.

Uswafi (see Usafi).

Ushadi'/i (n. 7), strength. Ushahidi (ushuhur/a) (n. 7), testimony, witness. Ushairi (n. 7), long string of poetry.

Ushanga

beads, necklace, string of beads.

Ushekhe Ushi (n.

UsM

(n. 7),

(n. 7), chieftainship.

hair of eyebrow. string course (archit).

7),

(n. 7),

Ushirika (n.

7),

communion, part-

Ushujaa

(n. 7),

courage, bravery.

Ushungu

(n. 7), poison, sting (of bee, etc.).

Ushupavu folly,

Ushuru

(n.

gall,

foolishness,

7),

hardness, obstinacy. (n. 7), tax, customs, duty.

(Zu)nsia

(v.

tr.),

to

command,

give orders or instructions concerning charge, bequeath. Usikizi (u. 7), attention, heed, hearing. Usiku (n. 7), night (pi. masiki) Usiku kucha, all night long, ;

till

dawn

;

Usiku

wa manane,

midnight, dead of night. Usiku sana (adv.), late at night. Usingizi (n. 7), sleep, unconsciousness. Kulala usingizi, to be asleep. Usiri (n. 7), delay, tarrying, procrastination. Usitadi (n. 7), skilled workmanship, dexterity, expertness. 7), strip of plated grass for making mats.

Uta

(n.

I

mata or

Utaji (n. 7), veil, head-cloth. Utajiri (n. 7), riches, wealth. Utakatifu (n. 7), holiness.

Ufambi (n. 7), wick. Utambuzi (n. 7), divination. Utandu (n. 7), cataract on eye, crust on boiled rice, etc., film. (n. 7),

Utangule

long mat.

(n. 7), central portion

of palm-leaf slip. Ufari (n. 7), towing. Utasa (n. 7), barrenness, unfruitfulness.

Ufashi (n. 7), desire, intention, longing. Utatu (n. 7), the Trinity. Ut'ata (n.), fermentation.

Utauaa (n.

7), godliness, piety.

U
(n. 7), captivity.

Utelezi

'(n. 7),

slipping, slipperi-

ness.

Utenzi

(n. 7),

manship Uteo

(n.

;

work, doing, work-

religious ballad.

7),

sieve,

winnowing-

basket.

U/euzi (n. 7), election. Uthabiii (n.), firmness,

daring,

intrepidy.

Utimilivu

(n. 7), friendliness, fellow-

(pi.

Utaa (n. 7), corn-store, hen-roost. Utagaa (n. 7), stem, branch.

Uso (pi. nyuso) (n. 7), face, edge. Uso nati, face to the ground

ship. lisa! hush

bow;

7),

Uthalimu

(shame).

vexa-

nyuta).

Usita (n.

Usomo

(n. 7), trouble,

tion.

Utanga

nership.

midge.

mastery, do-

7),

conversational (n. 7), powers, oratory, art of speak-

Usemi

245

(n. 7),

cruelty, wicked-

ness, violence. (n. 7), perfection, completeness, integrity. Ufindio (n. 7), altar for sacrifice. Utiriri (n. 7), mischief, annoyance.

Utisho (n.

7), terror,

intimidation

SWAHILI GRAMMAK

246 fJtitiri (n. 7),

poultry-lice, fleas. plant, fluid

semscm

Tito (n. 7),

matter, dripping.

Utofu (n. 7), spoiling, ruination Utofu wa ma
TKovu

TJt'u (n. 7), state, condition

(of

Ufukizi (n. 7), hatred,

provoca-

tion.

U/ukufu

market (poetical)

(n. 7), insubordination,

unruliness, naughtiness. (n. 7), porterage. (n.), tranquillity, behaviour.

utuvu

TTtulizi,

murder.

TTvuguvugu (n. 7), lukewarmness. Uvuli (n. 7), shadow, shade. TJVumba (n. 7), incense (galba;

Ku-fukizn,

num)

Uvumbi

uvumba,

to

small

(n. 7), dust, dirt,

TJvumilivu

(n.

7),

(n. 7), patience,

long-

7),

bearing of children. TTwakili (n.), stewardship.

Uwan
song, psalm,

business,

7),

trade,

pasture,

arrowroot. hull (of ship). superintendence,

(n.),

(n.),

(n.

7),

ndwele). TTweza (uwezo)

sickness,

herd-

(n.

TTtungo composition.

agony,

pain. (n. 7),

nakedness, empti-

power,

(n. 7), lie,

un-

truth, falsehood.

Uyabisi (n. 7), dryness. (Ku)uza (Kuza) (v. tr.), to sell. (Ku)uzanya, to cause to sell. Uzalishi (n. 7), midwifery. TTzao (n.), seed, posterity, fruit,

ness.

TT<wao(n.

7),

valour, strength, might, riches. Uwlngu (n. 7), heaven, sky.

Tlwongo (urongo) (n. 7), string (of beads), (n. 7), bitterness,

disease

(pi.

ing.

THungu

open

viziership.

(n. 7), slavery. 7),

(n. 7),

TTwaziri

Uwele

(n.), profit, gain.

(n.

(n. 7), yard, court,

TTwao (ubao)

livelihood, work. Utumishi (n. 7), service. Utumizi (u. 7), use, service.

birth,

7),

space.

TJwanga

(n. 7), apostleship. (n.

(n. 7), hollow, hollow-

engage-

agony.

TJtumwa THunga

(n. 7), stench, offensive

smell. ness, cavity, i ITvyazi (or uzazi) (n.

(n. 7), entrails.

(n.

UVimdfu(n. 7), desolation, breaking down.

TJvurungu

ment. TTftunbuizo

(n.7), mourning, lamen-

comfort,

(n. 7), betrothal,

Utumbo

Uvnmvu

Uvundo good

consolation.

Utamba

Utupu

(n. 7),

TJvao (n. 7), garment, dress. Uvivu (n. 7), idleness, laziness, sloth, indolence.

tation.

(n. 7). glory.

TKukuzi Utulivu

!

(n. 7), theology.

suffering. (n. 7),

Utukutu

U
Uungu Uuwaji

dust.

persons).

U
mu-

(n. 7), destruction,

tilation.

burn incense.

(n. 7), destitution.

Ufoku

TTumbufu

7),

dusk, sunset, even-

ing. TJudi (n. 7), scented for fumigating.

progeny.

Uzee

wood used

(n. 7), old age. TTzi (pi. nyuzi) (n.

7),

thread, string, wire.

cotton,

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY (Ku)uzia, kuuzilia (v. prepl.), to sell to.

Uzima

Vile (dem. adj., 4th cl. pi.), those Vilevile (adj. and (adv.), thus adv.), those same, exactly thus. (Ku)vimba (v. intr.), to swell;

;

;

(n. 7), life, health,

sound-

ness, durability.

Uzinduo

(n. 7), alarm. TTzinifu (n. 7), whoredom. TTzinzi (n. 7), adultery, immora-

to thatch (roof).

(v. tr.),

Vimbi

(n. 4),

(Ku)vinjari

\veight.

TJziwa (n.

deep sea, depth,

7),

sea.

from

dethrone, depose,

de-

office,

grade.

Uzongo

(n. 7),

Viovu

4,

shake,

(n.

for

(elliptical

pi.)

Virakaraka

(n. 4),

(Ku)viringa

(v.

or

streaks, stripes. and n.), to

tr.

become round.

(Ku)viringana

(v. rec.), to

become

round or spherical. Virugu (n. 4), anger. 4,

(n.

war, conflict,

pi.),

warfare.

TTznngu, Europe. Uzuri (n. 7), beauty.

Virtmvi

Uzushi

(n. 7), raising, resuscitation, bringing to surface.

Uzuzi (n.

to

tr.),

(v.

vitu viovu), evil, wrong, harm. Vipele(vidudusi) (n. 4, pi.), rash, eruption, pimples.

Vita

halo round moon.

evil.

dandle.

make

TTzuio (n. 7), hindrance. (v. tr.), to remove

(Ku)uzulu

bad things,

(v. intr.), to cruise.

(Ku)vinya

lity.

Uzio (n. 7), fish-trap. Uzishi (n. 7), bnrial preparations, undertaker's duty. Uzito (n.), heaviness, sorrow,

open

247

7), falsehood, invention,

4,

(n.

plotting,

pi.),

intrigue, treachery.

Vitushi

(n. 4),

Viwa-vi<wa Vivi

sudden calamities.

(adv.), topsy-turvy.

Mvi

(adv.), precisely thus. (Ku)vivia (v. n.), to smoulder,

fiction.

burn low. -viva

(Zu)vaa (v. tr.), to wear, put on (Ku)vaa nguo, to dress, put on

(var. adj.), slothful, indolent.

;

one's clothes. '

to

manner. Vivyo Mvyo (dem.

(Ku)vama (v. n.), to wear or cut by friction. Vao (n. 5), garment, dress. Vi (pi. prefix) (see note 3, study

those very same.

(Ku)valisha (kuvisha) cause one to dress.

(v. c.),

(v. n.),

to he spoiled, stunted

in growth, blighted.

Viasi

(n.

4,

pi.),

the mean, the

Vibaya

(adj.

and

adv.),

bad,

badly. necessaries. to clothe, to to overlay (another),

(n. 4, pi.),

(Ku)vika dresa

(v.

(with gold,

tr.),

etc.).

same

adj.

and

that adv.),

(n. 4, pi.), lap.

(Ku)viza

(v. c.), to spoil,

damage,

mar. (v.

to

tr.),

watch, keep in view, spy. Vizuri (adj. and adv.), beautiful, nice, beautifully, prettily, nicely, well, etc.

middle, average.

Vifaa

Viweo

(Zu)vizhia(vizia)

18).

Via

lazy,

idle,

(ref. pron.), those (tilings, cl. 4) ; (adv.), in

Vivyo

(Ku)vua

(v.

sub.),

to

take off

(clothes), to undress ; Kuvaa kofia, to take off one's hat (v. ;

to lift up, fish, catch fish ; Kuvulia(samaki) (v. prepl), to

tr.),

fish

with or by; Kuvua ma/o,

SWAHILI GBAMMAB

248

Kumvulia mt'u look up mato, to stare at one. (Ku)vnata (v. tr.), to press between palate without biting. to

;

(Ku)vuaza

(v.

to

tr.),

tear, graze, cut,

to (v. intr.),

(Ku)vuja water.

(Ku)vuka

to

(v. n.),

off (clothes)

scratch,

wound, gash. leak, let in

come

off, fall

(v. intr.), to

;

cross

over, ferry across.

(Ku)vusha

c.),

(v.

to

ferry to

tr.),

(v.

one

blow

(bellows).

Vukuto

(n.

3),

sweat, perspira-

;

to

smoke

(tobacco).

(Ku)vuvia (v. breathe on.

Vya

to

intr.),

blow,

(var. prep.), of (4th cl. pi.).

Kuzaa)

(see

(v. tr.),

to

bear, bring forth, be fruitful. Vyakula (n. 4, pi.), food, eatables, provisions. Vyema (adj. and adv.), well, in

good

state, all right, rightly ; to delight

Kuona vyema kwa,

tion.

Vuli of

;

(Ku)vyaa

across.

(Ku)vukuta

(Ku)vuruga (v. tr.), to stir. (Ku)vurumiza (v. tr.), to roll down, throw, fling. (Ku)vuta (v. tr.), to draw, pull, attract Kuvuta makasia, to row Kuvuta tumbaku, (oars)

latter-rains. (n. 3),

latter

rains

Period

(October

November).

(Ku)vuma

to roar, rage, (v. intr.),

make commotion. Vumbi (n. 5), dust,

in.

Vyengine

(adj.

and

adv.), other,

otherwise, differently. Vyengulima (n. 4, pi.), small, low hills.

rubbish,

litter.

(Ku)vumbika (v. tr.), to bury in sand or hot ashes, roast in

(adj. and adv.), light, easy, trifling, then, easily. (Ku)vyoga (v. tr.), to tread upon,

Vyepesi

trample.

ashes, to be dust.

(Ku)vumburuka (v. n.), to start upsuddenly (sleeping animals). (Ku)vumilia (v. intr.), to endure, bear, be long-suffering. (Ku)vumiza (v. c.), to make to be heard, cause a noise.

(Zu)vuna

(v. tr.)>

to reap, gather

Wa

Wa

(var. prep.), of;

ami

(Arabic)

;

(of citizens,

towns)

(n.

people,

members of a

1,

(conj.),

Wa-miji pi.),

federa-

tion.

in.

(Ku)jivuna (v. ref.), to boast, glory, bo puffed up, conceited, vain.

(Ku)wa

(v.

;

the wind lessened.

(Ku)vnnrfanga (v. tr.), to crush, break by pressure. (Ku)vun
intr.

and

copula), to

be, become. to be

the

appointed time. Warfinasi (n. 3), gentlefolk sons of men, Ar.).

(lit.

(Ku)wadia

(Ku)vimda (v. tr.), to break, smash, destroy, annul, change (money); Kuvnnda kambi. to break up camp, i.e. to start day's march Upepo ukavunda,

grief.

W

Wan

(n. 7),

(v.

intr.),

stinging-nettle.

Wahedi (num. hedi

wa

adj.), ishirini,

one; one

Waand

twenty.

(Ku)wahi (v. intr.), to be able (to go to a place, etc.). Wajibu (n. 7), necessity, obligation, inevitable duty.

SWAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY (Ku)waka (v. intr.), to burn, bo aliirht, burn up brightly. Wakadhalika, etcetera, and so on, and the rest.

Wakai

(n.

time, appropriate

7),

Wakufu).

(ece

Wakili

5),

(n.

building

(see

consecrated, dedicated, sacred, set apart Kuweka wakufu, to consecrate, dedicate. (adj.),

;

Wala

(adv. conj.), neither, nor. Walakini (CODJ.), but, neverthe-

Walau (conj.), not even. Wale (var. dem. adj.), those and

Miele

(cl. 1,

rice

(sec

Mpunga).

(See

Liwali, native governor.)

Walii (n. 3), saint (Muhnd.). Wallahi (interj.), by God.

(Ku)wama

(v. intr.),

to stick fast,

tr.),

to

stretch

fat.

troubled. (n. 7), foot-print. (v. intr. and

(n. 7),

swampy

ground, valley, marsh ngwa).

or

boggy nya-

(pi.

wooden part of arrow

or &pear.

Wapi ? (inter, adv.), Where ? Waraka (n. 7), letter, epistle

to

inv.),

(adj.

clear,

plain,

open, manifest, ajar, obvious, Kupatent, evident, hollow weka wazi, to show, demon;

(adv.),

clearly, inpublicly,

audibly,

telligibly,

Wazinm

(n. 7), lunacy,

(n. 5), prime minister, overseer, superintendent, vizier. Wazo (n. 5), thought, intention, idea, opinion. (Ku)wea (v. prepl.), to be to (sec

welea).

skilful,

(v. tr.), to put, place,

put

lay by,

aside, appoint ; to save. (Ku)wekea (v. prepl.), to commit to, place or deposit with. Weko (n. 5), joint, joining, weld-

Kuweka Salama,

Wekundu Wele

adj.),

madness,

ing together. (pi.

nyaraka). ex-

pert.

WarifZi (n. 5), Rose (see ua). (n. 7), lath, stick. (v. c.), to set light to,

(Ku)washa

tr.),

think, reflect.

(Ku)weka

(inv.

to bo

Waziri

eyelids).

Waria

red.),

perplexed, hesitate, waver, be

imbecility.

Wandiko (n. 7), plaster. (Ku)wanda (v. intr.), to become

(n. 5),

perpen-

frankly. (v.

Wanda (n. 3), antimony (used by women for painting eyebrows

Wangwa

(v.

the

strate.

over, lace bedstead. Wambe (n. 7), corn-dust.

Wasa

(Ka)wayawaya

Waziwazi

press into.

(Ku)wamba

Wano

slanting, out of dicular.

Wazi boiled

7),

(n.

(n. 1, pi.) elders. (v. intr.), to be uneven,

(Ku)wawa

(Ku)waza

pi.).

and

Wavu (n. 7), net, snare, hammock.

Wayo

less.

Wall

cause to arrive.

Wavyele

Kuaka).

Wakufu

sting,

(Ku)wasili (v. intr.), to arrive. Kuwasilisna (v. c.), to convey,

dwelling, habitation.

steward.

(n. 5),

Wako

kindle, irritate, burn, smart, be pungent.

Wasiwasi (n. 3), doubt,hesitation. Wafani (see Aufani) (n. 7), home,

time, season.

Wakf

249

(n. 7), redness.

(n. 5),

udder.

prepl.), to do to, show towards, be to, conduce to. Weleko (n. 7), cloth for carrying infant on back.

(Ku)welea

Wema

(v.

(n. 7),

good, goodness.

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

250 Wembamba

thinness, (n. 7), circumstances, nar-

cramperl, rowness.

Wembe

(n. 7), razor (pi.

Wendeleo

(n.

nyembe).

continuance,

7),

(n. 7), spleen, reins.

Wepesi

to,

(n. 7), salvation, deliver-

ance, help, safety.

Wokozi

(n. 7), ease, facility.

Werevu

debt

Wokofu

durability.

Wengo

(v. pass.), to be in owe, be sued by. Wiwi (n. 5), fern, bracken. Wizani (n. 7), the weight of a thing weighed.

(Ku)wiwani

(u.

Wonyesho

artfulness, tact. (n. 7), veldt, plateau, waterless plain, open country.

Waroro Wusuli

7),

Weu

Weupe

(n. 7),

salvation,

7),

aid,

succour, help.

cunning, skill, shrewdness, device, diplomacy, (n.

(n. 7), manifestation, demonstration, setting forth.

(n. 7), softness. (n. 7), Advent.

whiteness, bright-

ness.

Weusi

(n. 7), blackness, darkness. (sep. pron.), tliou, thee.

Wewe

(Ku)weza " " can

(v. intr.), to be able, (used negatively for dis-

ability through sickness) (v. tr.) to be equal to, be a match ;

for.

to be

feasible,

(v. n.),

practical, pos-

sible.

etc.).

(Ku)wia

(v. prcpl.), to

claim

or

be creditor

exact from, be

owed by (money,

etc.)

;

Kuwia

forgive (lit. to be indulgent or clement to). Wifi (n. 3), sister-in-law (husband's sister, or brother's wife). (Ku)wika (v. intr.), to crow. Wimbi (n. 5), wave, billow Marar77ti;

to

;

wimbi

yaumkayo,

foaming

billows, breakers.

Wimbo

(n. 7), song, hymn. (Ku)winda (v. tr.), to search or

seek

for,

hunt, chase.

Wingu (n. 5), cloud. Wino (n. 7), ink. Wishwa (n. 7), chaff, Wivn

Yabisi

(inv.

dry,

hard;

(v. n.), to

become

adj.),

(Ku)yabisika

Ya kwamba

Yahudi

(n. 5),

(Ku)yaika

(v.

Jew. n.),

to melt, dis-

solve.

(Ku)wezesha (v. c.), to enable. -wi (var. adj.), sad, evil, wicked (concords are muwi, kiwi, viwi,

Wi
(var. prep.) of; (conj.), that.

dry, solidify.

(Ku)wezeka (Ku)wezekana

to,

Ya

(Xu)yakinisha

(v. c.), to certify,

prove, confirm.

Yale (dem. pron.), those (5th.

cl.

pi.).

Yambo

(see Jambo). (n. 3), oath taken with the right hand on sacred book.

Yamini

Yamkini

(adv.),

possibly,

bably; Yamkinika,

it

is

propos-

sible.

Yasimini mine.

Yadma Yaya

(n.

3),

jasmine, jessa-

orphan. ayah, nurse.

(n. 5),

(n. 5),

Yayi (n. 5), egg (see li). Yayo Kwayayo (Prouom. phrase), same things over and over

bran.

(n. 7), infection, contagion. (n. 7), theft (no pi.). (n. 7), jealousy, zeal,

(Ku)yaisha (v. c.), to melt, smelt, dissolve, liquefy. Yakiiii (n. 3), truth, veracity, certainty, proof.

envy.

again.

Yeye her.

(sep.

pron,), he, him, she,

8WAHILI-ENGLISH VOCABULARY (Ku)yonga-yonga (v. red.), to sway to and fro, bend, bow.

Yowe

(n. 5), alarm, cry of fear, cry of distress. Yu (pron. pref.), he, she.

(Ku)yu'a waddle.

(v.

to

intr.),

(Ku)yuga-yuga (v.

wobble,

red.), to

sway, stagger. Yule (dcm. adj.), that (1st

(Ku)yumba (v. intr.), to (Ku)yumba-yumba (v.

shake,

Zamiri (n. 5), psalm. (Ku)zamisha (v. c.), to immerse (hence to baptize).

Zamu

(n. 3), turn, watch.

Zana

ammunition, store. Zani (n. 3), accident, sudden danger, crime. Zari (n. 3), gold thread (very (n. 3),

valuable). cl.).

soar. red.),

to

(Ku)zawa, Kuzaliwa be lx>rn.

(v. pass.), to

Za.wa.
3),

(ZarZi)

(n.

present

brought from a distance, keepsake.

reel, vacillate, roll.

Yumbe

251

(n. 5), palace.

Zawani

Yunga-yunga (n. 5), worm. Yungi (n. 5), lily, water-lily.

gift,

(n. 3), tares.

Zei/uni (n. 3), olive. Zeze (n. 3), stringed musical in-

strument resembling lute. (adv.), more. (See Zaidi.)

Zia.
Ziara

Za

(var. prep.), of. (v. tr.), to

(Ku)zaa

bear (fruit),

bring forth, beget, breed, givo birth

to.

Zaba
Zabibu (n. 3), raisins, grapes. (Ku)zabuni (v. tr.), to buy, purchase.

Zaburi (n.3), psalm, prayer-book. Zafarani (n. 3), saffron. (Ku)zagaa (v. intr.), to shine, be bright, lighten, glisten.

Zaibak

(n. silver.

3),

ZaicZi (adv.

and

mercury, quickmore, fur-

(n. 3), tithe.

(v. c.). to assist at birth, deli\ er, act midwife. Zalizali (n. 3), earthquake. (Ku)zama (v. n.), to sink, dive, be

(Ku)zalisha

submerged.

Zamani

(n. 3), time, period, sea-

Zamani hizi, nowadays Zamani k'ubwa, Zamani nyison

;

;

ngi, long time.

Zambarau

(n. 3), fruit (similar to

damson).

3),

Ziara (or tomb, grave,

visit;

(v. tr.), to stop or plug up, close, seal, cover, hide, fill up. (Zuji)zibaziba (v. ref.), to hide one's self.

(Ku)ziba

Kuzibika, Kuzibikana (v. n.), to be stopped, closed, hidden.

(Ku)zibisha (v.c.), to have stopped

up

or closed.

Zibo (n. 5), stopper, plug. (Ku)zibua (v. sub.), to unstop, undo, open. (Ku)zicZi (v. intr.),

conj.),

ther, moreover.

Zaka

(n.

Siara) (n. 5), burying-place.

to increase,

grow, do all the more. (Ku)zidisha (v. c.), to add, increase, multiply (arithmetic). (Ku)zika (v. tr.), to bury. Zile (var. dem. adj.), those (cl. 3

augment,

and

7,

pL).

-zima (var. adj.), whole, sound, healthy, complete. (Ku>ima* (v. tr.), to extinguish, put out, cool. (Ku)zimbaa (v. intr.), to be reprobate, cast-away. (Ku)zimia, Kuzima

(v. intr.), to

SWAHILI GRAMMAR

252 become

go out (lamp, quenched, become

faint,

bo

fire),

cool.

change front, turn. (Ku)zingada (v. n.), to bethink revolve,

one's self, turn over mentally, reflect, repent. (v.), to

(Ku)zinga-zinga

be a turn-

coat.

(Ku)zingira (v. tr.), to inclose, surround, comfort. (Ku)zini (v. intr.), to commit adultery. (Ku)zira (v. tr.), to abstain from, avoid, abhor. (Ku)zirisha (v. c.), to cause to abhor (hence to be outrageous, (var.

adj.),

derous, difficult,

heavy, ponhard, thick,

Ziwa

(n. 5), pond, lake, reservoir, breast. Zizi (n. 5), cattle-pen, sheepfold, stable, yard. (Ku)zoa (v. tr.), to collect together for picking up, scoop up, gather up (used in a collective sense,

(v. c.), to

accustom,

and

(v. intr.

(Ku)zua

sub.), to

un-

earth, unbury, invent, romance, tell

untruths, deal falsely.

(Zu)zubua (v. (Ku)zuia (v.

tr.), tr.),

to pierce. to prevent,

hinder, restrain, refrain, withhold, keep back. (Ku)jizuilia (v. ref.), to exercise self-control,

be temperate, mo-

derate, restrain one's self.

(Ku)zuiliwa, Kuzuiwa (v. pass.), to bo hindered, prevented, withheld, etc.

(Ku)zuka (v. n.), to appear from under the surface, emerge, come on the scene as an upstart, rise.

(Ku)zulu

be giddy,

(v. intr.), to

light-headed, deranged. Zulia (n. 5), carpet.

wind instrument,

(n. 3),

pipe, clarionet.

(Ku)zumbua

(v. tr.), to find, dis-

(v. tr.

and

come accustomed the habit

(Ku)zumbukana

(v. n.), to

be dis-

coverable.

(Ku)zunguka (v. tr. and intr.), to go-round, walk round, revolve, turn round, surround.

(Ku)zungumza

(v. intr.), to talk,

converse, chat, hold conversation.

ctr. okota).

(Ku)zoea

of,

intr.), to to,

get used

be-

acquire to,

be-

come tame. (Ku)zoeleka (v. n.), to be capable of being scooped or gathered up.

(Ku)zonga-zonga gird,

to cause

cover, search, seek.

sad.

close,

c.),

habituate.

Zumari

abhorrent, abominable).

(v.

to gird.

(Ku)zoweza

(Ku)zimika (v. n.), to go out (fire, etc.), burn low. (Ku)zimua (v. sub.), to water down, cool, weaken. (Ku)zinduka (v. n.), to wake up suddenly, rise. (Ku)zinga (v. n,), to turn round,

-zito

(Ku)zongomaza

(v. red.), to in-

surround,

wind round.

encompass,

(Ku)jizungumza tate,

amuse

(v. ref.), to

medi-

one's self by talk-

ing, etc.

(Ku)zungusha (v.c.), to turn, make go round. Zuri (n.

3), false oath,

perjury.

-zuri (var. adj.), pretty, beautiful, nice, handsome. (Ku)zurn (v. intr.), to visit, pay

a

visit.

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