1. Wazami wa uziwani ♦ wa mawimbi na miuya	Divers in the ocean, In waves and breakers
Muzamao zizimbwini ♦ mahodari[1] wa koweya	You who dive in the depths, (Who are) skilled in swimming
Kwa kuwama na kwa t‘ani ♦ kubenuwa zenu ziya.	On your stomachs and backs, Flexing your joints.
Nauza changu kimiya ♦ kichatiya chashikani?	I pose a question about my net, If I cast it what will it catch?
2. Nayuwa siwatanizi ♦ hamugagwi yaweleya.	I know that I am not taunting you, You are not baffled (about) things clear to you.
Yafumbuweni wayuzi ♦ mutongowe moyamoya.	Reveal those things, you learned ones, Speak clearly (of them) one by one.
Kula aliye mfuzi[2] ♦ na nyundo huitumiya[3]	For anyone who is a smith, And who uses a hammer
Kibafute natatiya[4] ♦ tatuwani[5] watatuzi.	I propose a guessing game, Figure it out you solvers.
3. Welevu kitatuweni ♦ munambiye nielewe.	Experts, work it out (the puzzle), Tell me (what it means) so I may understand.
Kuna kiwingu yangani ♦ mvua itandaziwe.	There is a small cloud in the sky, The rain is spread within.
P’epo husukuma[6] pwani ♦ nyunyu[7] ni kama zijiwe.	The wind pushes it to the coast, The drizzle is like little pebbles.
Kwa kasi zitandushiwe ♦ na kushukiya maini.	Quickly they are unleashed, And descend into the water.
4. Hupenya ndani kwa ndani ♦ ya uk’eto wa bahari,	They penetrate completely inside, The depth of the ocean,
Kama uzi sindanoni ♦ upote pota hariri.	Like thread through a needle, A single, soft thread (of) silk.
Yakashukiya shazani ♦ na kufumba lulu duri	They descend into the shell, And enfold a precious pearl.
Haipitwi na johari ♦ nda k’uu mno thamani.	It is not surpassed by any gem, it is the greatest in value.
5. Shaza lengetwe mtini ♦ zizimbwini mwa nyongoza.	The shell is held in the tree, In the depths of the ocean.
Haupo kitalaleni ♦ haupati muwangaza.	It is not out in the open, It receives no light.
T‘andu hazionekani ♦ yapokuwa zatepuza.	The branches are not visible, Even though they are burgeoning in growth.
Si miti ya miujiza ♦ yenezee duniyani.	They are not unusual trees, They are spread throughout the world.
6. Lulu ikikamilika ♦ yuu la mti shazani,	Once the pearl has reached perfection, On the tree in its shell,
Dondole huk’ek’etuka ♦ ikatoka kiotoni.	(With) its shell cracked open, it emerges from its cradle.
Wimbini huisumbika[8] ♦ ikegesha[9] ufuoni.	Into the waves it plunges itself, Reaching safety on the beach.
Yafumapo mkwambani ♦ kitoche humemetuka.	When the tide goes out from the debris (on the beach), its gem glitters.
7. Miangaza na miandi ♦ eneo hung’eng’ezuka.[10]	With brightness and beams of light, The whole area glows.
Huvuta kila mwenendi ♦ kijopo hukusanyika.	It attracts every passerby, They gather in small groups.
Aipatao ni kandi ♦ kashani akiiweka.	It is a treasure (for) the one who gets it, Keeping it in a (treasure) chest.
Wengi wametajirika ♦ kwa ng’andu na tu chandi.	Many have become rich, With gold and even silver.
8. T’at’azi zingatatiya ♦ mafundi zitatuweni.	Even though the puzzles are perplexing, Oh experts, figure them out.
Rajai naregezeya ♦ kishada changu[11] bwagani.	I am setting it free, My kite into the sky above.
Nitawapa mwingi mwiya ♦ fundo hili funguwani.	I shall give you a lot of time, Open this knot.
Niwapimiye[12] kwa mani ♦ tuzo t‘unu na hidaya.	Let me weigh it for you with a scale, The reward is a rare, precious gift.
9. Narejea kituoni ♦ nanga zangu nazitiya,[13]	I’m returning to (my own) nest, I’m dropping my anchors,
Moya tezi na omoni ♦ sambo ipate tuliya.	One at the stern and (another) at the bow, So that (my) dhow may lie at rest.
Nahudha ni Nabahani ♦ bahari alozoweya	The captain is Nabhany, Who is accustomed to the ocean,
Hachi shuu na miuya ♦ wala wimbi uziwani	He’s not afraid of breakers or foaming waves, Nor any other wave in the sea

NOTES

^[1]This version follows one used by Nabhany in a recitation at UCLA, January 1996. Changes from the published text are indicated by the following numbered corrections.    ^[2]Corrected from mfunzi to mfuzi.  ^[3]Changed to singular reference -i- rather than -zi-.    ^[4]Corrected from hutatiya    ^[5]Corrected the text from kitatuweni to tatuwani. With ki the line does not scan properly.     ^[6]Changed from husukumwa to husukuma.     ^[7]The published version (page 46) has this as nyungu, but on page 48 where INS is explaining the poem this is given as nyunyu. ASN confirmed nyunyu.     ^[8]Correction from ikaisumbika.     ^[9]Correction from ikaegesha.     ^[10]Corrected from -nyenyezuka to -ng’eng’ezuka.     ^[11]Nabahany’s version UCLA, January 1996.    ^[12]Nabahany’s version UCLA, January 1996.     ^[13]Nabahany’s version UCLA, January 1996.

Nabhany marks both aspirated voiceless consonants (/p’ t’ k’/) and dental obstruents (/t, d/) for both native vocabulary and borrowings from Arabic. I follow his practice for all vocabulary except for Arabic borrowings where dental /t/ and /d/ are predictable.

SUMMARY

The poet addresses and challenges other poets, the wazami mentioned in the first line, to work out the hidden meaning of this enigma poem. He acknowledges their skill in swimming (writing poetry) and their prowess in diving into the sea, here metaphorically “language”. He humbly admits that he cannot taunt or goad them for they cannot be confounded in understanding. After addressing them with veiled satire he begins the guessing game (kibafute) in the second line of verse 3. Verses 3 to verse 7 metaphorically describe the conception and birth of a child, the latter a gem. In verse 8 he again addresses others to solve the mystery and concludes the poem in verse 9 by referencing his own skill in composing and writing.

GLOSSARY

angata	[v. ct.]	Hold on tightly, adhere to closely; hold or carry in the hands or arms, embrace, hold in ones hands (TJH). Hold lovingly (K&K). Tenir (-shika) ou porter (tukua) das les mains ou sur les bras ((Mv. Am. = S. G. –angacha; Sx). Shaza lengetwe mtini, Zizimbwini mwa nyongoza,The shell is held in the tree, In the depths of the ocean (ASN-S5).
atia kimiya	[v. appl.]	Cast, throw a net (TJH). See St. –acha, -achia (Not in SX, FJ). Nauza changu kimiya, kichatiya chashikani, I pose a question about my net, if I cast it what will it catch? (ASN-S1).
benua	[v. tr.]	Flex, make taught, etc.; also describes the twisting and contortions of the arms when used in swimming.  (TJH & ASN). Cause to project, stick out, bulge, protrude, put forward, expose to view. Benua kidari (or kifua) stick the chest out. Kujibenua ‘to stretch oneself’ (FJ). See synonym –nyongoa straighten out twists, used esp. of stretching oneself after being in a cramped or bent position (ASN). Kwa kuwama na kwa t’ani, kubenuwa zenu ziya, On your stomachs and backs, flexing your joints (ASN-S1).
bwaga	[n. 5/6]	Sky, dome of the sky, firmament (TJH). Universe (ASN). Uwazi na upeo wa juu ya ulimwengu kwenye jua, mwezi, na nyota (INS:56). Only in FJ and SX as a verb. Rajai naregezeya, Kishada changu bwagani, I am setting it free, My kite into the sky above (ASN-S8).
chandi	[n. 9]	Silver (TJH). Fedha (ASN). (Not in Sx with this meaning). Wengi wametajirika, Kwa ng’andu na tu chandi. Many have become rich, With gold and even silver (ASN-S7).
dondo	[n. 5/6]	Cowrie shell, shell (TJH). Large tiger cowrie shell, used by tailors for smoothing down seams to a good surface (FJ). Dondole huk’ek’etuka, Ikatoka kiotoni, (With) its shell cracked open, it emerges from its cradle (ASN-S6).
duri	[adj.]	Precious, costly, invaluable (TJH). High quality (ASN). (Not in Sx or FJ). Yakashukiya shazani, Na kufumba lulu duri, They descend into the shell, And enfold a precious pearl (ASN-S4).
egesha	[v. cs.]	Bring to shore safely (TJH). Cause to rest, bring into close contact, make secure, etc….bring a vessel to land, moor, make fast (FJ). Wimbini huisumbika, Ikegesha ufuoni, Into the waves it plunged itself, Reaching safety on the beach (ASN-S6).
elea	[v. i.]	Be clear, be intelligible (TJH). Nayuwa siwatanizi, hamugagwi yaweleya, I know that I am not taunting you, You are not baffled, (about) things clear to you (ASN-S2).
enezea	[v. appl.]	Abound, become abundant, be spread out (abroad, over), be extended over (among, in), be diffused in, permeate, cover the whole extent of, become generally known (among, to, in), be distributed (to), be coextensive (with) (FJ). See -enea; yenezee = imeenea they are spread through (ASN). Si miti ya miujiza, Yenezee duniyani, They are not unusual trees, They are spread throughout the world (ASN-S5).
fuma	[v. i.]	Go out (tide), ebb (TJH). Se retirer (mer), litt. Sortir (Am, G; Sx). Yafumapo mkwambani, Kitoche humemetuka, When the tide goes out from the debris (on the beach), its gem glitters (ASN-6).
fumba	[v. t.]	Shut, close, by bringing things or parts together (FJ). Yakashukiya shazani, Na kufumba lulu duri, They descend into the shell, And enfold a precious pearl (ASN-S4).
fumbua	[v. cv.]	Unclose, open, lay open, reveal, disclose by separating things or parts which were close together, e.g. fumbua mkono, open the closed hand, and so of eyes, mouth, legs, etc. (FJ). Yafumbuweni wayuzi, mutongowe moyamoya, Reveal those things, you learned ones, Speak clearly (of them) one by one (ASN-S2).
gaga	[v. i.]	Baffle, confound, bewilder, puzzle, confused (TJH). See –tatiza: Perplex, puzzle, make curious, intrigue (FJ); also Caus. et int. Au pr. et au fig., enchevêtrer, embrouiller, emmêler, entortiller, enrouler ou embobiner du fil, bander par un pansement, entrelacer, compliquer; cause l’enchevêtrement de (Sx). Nayuwa siwatanizi, hamugagwi yaweleya, I know that I am not taunting you, You are not baffled, (about) things clear to you (ASN-S2).
hariri	[n. 9]	Silk (FJ). Kama uzi sindanoni, Upote pota hariri, Like thread through a needle, A single, soft thread (of) silk (ASN-S4).
hidaya	[n. 9/10]	Gift, present, usually of something rare, costly, or wonderful; see hedaya  (FJ). Niwapimiye kwa mani, Tuzo t’unu na hidaya, Let me weigh it for you with a scale, The reward is a rare, precious gift (ASN-S8).
k’ek’etuka	[v. i.]	Be cracked open (TJH). Funguka (INS). See -keketa cut as with something blunt or anything hard or tough, or with a saw-like motion (FJ). See –funguka be unfastened, opened, untied, be liberated; released; disconnected; shikiza mlango usifunguke zaidi, hold the door firmly, it must not open further; kidonda kimefunguka tena, the wound opened again; mimba yake imefunguka, her womb opened, she is about to give birth (K&K). Dondole huk’ek’etuka, Ikatoka kiotoni, (With) its shell cracked open, it emerges from its cradle (ASN-S6).
kamilika	[v. st.]	Be in a perfect condition, be complete, be finished, etc. (TJH). Lulu ikikamilika, Yuu la mti shazani; Once the pearl has reached perfection, On the tree in its shell (ASN-S6).
kandi	[n. 9/10]	Treasure, hoard; also see chandi ‘silver’ above (TJH).   See St. kanzi (FJ). Aipatao ni kandi, Kashani akiiweka; It is a treasure, (For) the one who gets it, Keeping it in a chest (ASN-S7).
kasha/ma-	[n. 5/6]	Chest, cupboard, packing case box (FJ). Aipatao ni kandi, Kashani akiiweka; It is a treasure, (For) the one who gets it, Keeping it in a chest (ASN-S7).
kibafute	[n. 7]	Guessing game (TJH). Children’s game of guessing what is hidden in the hand (FJ). Kibafute natatiya, tatuwani watatuzi; I propose a guessing game, Figure it out you solvers (ASN-S2)
kijiwe/zi-	[n. 7/8 dim.]	Very small stone, pebble; see jiwe/mawe ‘stone’ (TJH). P’epo husukuma pwani, Nyunyu ni kama zijiwe; The wind pushes it to the coast, the drizzle is like little pebbles (ASN-S3).
kijopo/vi-	[n. 7/8]	Small group (TJH). Not in FJ or Sx. Huvuta kila mwenendi, Kijopo hukusanyika; It attracts every passerby, They gather in small groups (ASN-S7).
kimia/vi-	[n. 7/8]	Circular casting net—of a light fine twine. Also used to describe netting, network, lace, cambric, etc… (FJ) Nyavu (INS). Nauza changu kimiya, kichatiya chashikani;, I pose a question about my net, if I cast it what will it catch? (ASN-S1).
kioto/vi-	[n. 7/8]	Nest, roost; cradle. Dondole huk’ek’etuka, Ikatoka kiotoni; (With) its shell cracked open, it emerges from its cradle (ASN-S6).
kishada	[n. 7/8]	Kite (ASN & FJ). Tiara kite (ASN). FJ does not have a entry, but in examples under other entries gives kishada as kite. Rajai naregezeya, Kishada changu bwagani; I am setting it free, My kite into the sky above (ASN-S8).
kitalale/zi-	[n. 7/8]	Out in the open, open, plain, visible (TJH). See kitelele (Mv. = Am. kitalale). A la belle ètoile, sans autre abri que le ciel, sans abri et sans défense; en plein air, en plein vent….. (Sx). Haupo kitalaleni, Haupati muwangaza; It is not out in the open, It receives no light (ASN-5).
kito/vi-	[n. 7/8]	Precious stone, gem, jewel (FJ). N.B. The Amu variant has a dental /t/. Yafumapo mkwambani, Kitoche humemetuka; When the tide goes out from the debris (on the beach), its gem glitters (ASN-6).
kitoche	[contr.]	Its gem; contraction of kito chake; see kito/vi- ‘gem’ for citation (TJH).
kiwingu/vi-	[n. 7/8]	Cloud (dim.). See St. wingu. Kuna kiwingu yangani, Mvua itandaziwe; There is a small cloud in the sky, The rain is spread within (ASM-S3).
kiya/zi-	[n. 7/8]	Joint, hinge, jointed body part (TJH). See St. kia 1. Loquet de porte (kia cha mlango) fermant à l’intérieur (P. Mv.). — Syn. kii (Am. G.) & kiwi (DS. Mv.); 2. Membre du corps; partie comprise entre deux articulations (Am. G.) (Sx). Kwa kuwama na kwa t‘ani, kubenuwa zenu ziya; On your stomachs and backs, flexing your joints (ASN-S1).
kizimbwi/zi-	[n. 7/8]	Deep pool, depth (TJH). Eau suffisante pour le mouillage, profonde de une brasse et demie à marée basse, de sorte que le boutre qui y jette l’ancre ne risque pas d’être mise à sec (Sx). (TJH: Sufficient water for an anchorage, a depth of a fathom and a half at low tide so that a dhow that lays at anchor is not left high and dry) Mahali pa kutia nanga; bandari. 2. ukingo wa mwamba uliodidimia (Kamusi). Not in FJ, but see dimbwi/ma- 5/6 pool, puddle, etc. left on shore at low tide (FJ); also jimbu, dumbwi, and dimbwi (Sx). Shimo (ASN). Muzamao zizimbwini; mahodari wa koweya, You who dive in the depths, (who are) skilled in swimming (ASN-S1).
kowea	[n.15]	Swimming, to swim; see St kuogelea (TJH). Muzamao zizimbwini, mahodari wa koweya, You who dive in the depths, (who are) skilled in swimming (ASN-S1).
kula	[adv.]	Every, each, etc. See St. kila. Kula aliye mfuzi, na nyundo huitumiya, For anyone who is a smith, And who uses a hammer Kula aliye mfuzi, na nyundo huitumiya; For anyone who is a smith, And who uses a hammer (ASN-S2).
kuu	[adj.]	Important, major, chief, etc. (TJH). See detailed entry in FJ. Haipitwi na johari, Nda k’uu mno thamani; It is not surpassed by any gem, it is the greatest in value (ASN-S4).
mani	[n.9/10]	Stone weight used in a scale. A weight, about three pounds (FJ). Niwapimiye kwa mani, Tuzo t’unu na hidaya; Let me weigh it for you with a scale, The reward is a rare, precious gift (ASN-S8).
memetuka	[v. i.]	Shine, glitter, sparkle, etc. (TJH). See –memeteka sparkle, shine, twinkle, as of the stars (FJ). See memetuko 9/10 phosphorescence of the sea (PRI). Yafumapo mkwambani, Kitoche humemetuka; When the tide goes out from the debris (on the beach), its gem glitters (ASN-6).
mfuzi/wa-	[n. 1/2]	Smith, blacksmith (TJH). See St. –fua beat, strike, hammer, but usually limited to certain operations, viz. of smith’s work, work at (a metal), make (of metal) (FJ). Kula aliye mfuzi, na nyundo huitumiya; For anyone who is a smith, And who uses a hammer (ASN-S2).
mkwamba	[n. 3/4]	Detritus, debris, flotsam and jetsam (TJH). Trash (INS). Kind of thorny bush, Securinega, which looks rather like a henna bush (FJ). Yafumapo mkwambani, Kitoche humemetuka; When the tide goes out from the debris (on the beach), its gem glitters (ASN-6).
moyamoya	[adv.]	One by one (TJH). See St. moja moja (FJ). Yafumbuweni wayuzi, mutongowe moyamoya; Reveal those things, you learned ones, Speak clearly (of them) one by one (ASN-S2).
mtatuzi/wa-	[n. 1/2]	Puzzle solver, decoder (TJH). Not in FJ. See St. –tatua unravel, etc. Kibafute natatiya, tatuwani watatuzi; I propose a guessing game, Figure it out you solvers (ASN-S2).
muuya/mi-	[n. 3/4]	Breaker, foaming wave (TJH). Vague, lame, flot, syn. de wimbi. Prov.: Mwenda na kuu k’owi, wala haoni miuya, qui va sur un grand (bateau) ne se mouille, et ne sent pas la vague; DN et poet. (Sx). {TJH: The one who travels on a large boat does not get wet nor feel the waves}. Wazami wa uziwani, wa mawimbi na miuya; Divers in the ocean, in waves and breakers (ASN-S1).
muyuzi/wa-	[n. 1/2]	Expert, skilled, capable, learned, clever, skillful person (TJH). See St. –jua. Yafumbuweni wayuzi, mutongowe moyamoya; Reveal those things, you learned ones, Speak clearly (of them) one by one (ASN-S2).
mwandi/mi-	[n. 3/4]	Luminescence, ray of light, beam; see kandi ‘treasure’, and chandi ‘silver’ (TJH). Not in FJ or Sx with this sense. Miangaza na miandi; Eneo hung’eng’ezuka, With brightness and beams of light, The whole area glows (ASN-S7).
mwangaza/mi-	[n. 3/4]	Light, brightness, clearness (FJ). Miangaza na miandi, Eneo hung’eng’ezuka; With brightness and beams of light, The whole area glows (ASN-S7).
mwelevu/w-	[n. 1/2]	Clever, sly one (TJH). See St. –erevu. Shrewd, clever, cunning, resourceful, crafty — not often a term of praise, but not always in disparagement (FJ). Welevu kitatuweni, munambiye nielewe; Experts, work it out (the puzzle), Tell me (what it means) so I may understand (ASN-3).
mwenendi/w-	[n. 1/2]	One who goes, a goer, passerby, etc. (TJH). See –enenda & -enda go (FJ). Huvuta kila mwenendi; Kijopo hukusanyika, It attracts every passerby, They gather in small groups (ASN-S7).
mwia	[n. 3]	Time, opportunity (TJH). Nafasi (INS). Wakati (ANS). Not in FJ or Sx. Nitawapa mwingi mwiya; Fundo hili funguwani, I shall give you a lot of time, open this knot (ASN-S8).
mwujiza/mi-	[n. 3/4]	Unusual, special (TJH). Anything wonderful, extraordinary, supernatural, a wonder, a surprise, a miracle (FJ). Si miti ya miujiza, Yenezee duniyani; They are not unusual trees, They are spread throughout the world (ASN-S5).
mzami/wa-	[n. 1/2]	Diver (ASN). See St. –zama. Wazami wa uziwani, wa mawimbi na miuya; Divers in the ocean, in waves and breakers (ASN-S1).
nahudha	[n. 9/10 an.]	Captain; see nahodha (FJ). Nahudha ni Nabahani, Bahari alozoweya; The captain is Nabhany, Who is accustomed to the ocean (ASN-S9). Ar.
ng’eng’ezuka	[v. i.]	Shine, glow (TJH). Ng’ara (ASN). See –ngara be bright, glitter, gleam, shine (FJ). Not in SX, not in FJ. Miangaza na miandi, Eneo hung’eng’ezuka, With brightness and beams of light; The whole area glows (ASN-S7).
ng’andu	[n. 9]	Gold (ASN).Copper colored (TJH). Nom que les marins donnent à l’étoile du matin. V. zuhura; 2. (Mr. par emprunt au Zig.). Se dit parfois pour mamba-ng’andu, variété de crocodile de couleur claire, cuivrée.  Wengi wametajirika, Kwa ng’andu na tu chandi; Many have become rich, With gold and even silver (ASN-S7).
nyongoza	[n. 9/10]	Shallow water, inlet, bay; sea ocean; tidal waters (TJH). Bahari ndogo ndogo; bahari (ASN). Bahari ya maji madogo (INS). Not in SX, not in FJ. Shaza lengetwe mtini; Zizimbwini mwa nyongoza,The shell is held in the tree, In the depths of the ocean (ASN-S5).
nyundo	[n. 9/10]	Hammer (FJ). Kula aliye mfuzi, na nyundo huitumiya, For anyone who is a smith; And who uses a hammer (ASN-S2).
nyunyu/ma-	[n. 5/6]	Drizzle, light rain, gentle rain (TJH). Mostly used in the plur. manyunyu, sprinkled liquid, sprinklings, drizzle, light rain (FJ). P’epo husukuma pwani, nyunyu ni kama zijiwe; The wind pushes (it) to the coast, the drizzle is like little pebbles (ASN-S3).
omo/ma-	[n. 5/6]	Bow, prow (FJ gives an Arabic etymology, but I suggest this is from *-lomo ‘mouth, beak, etc. thus that which protrudes in front, thus bow or prow of a boat. Moya tezi na omoni, sambo ipate tuliya; One at the stern and (another) at the bow, So that the dhow may lie at rest (ASN-S9).
pota	[v. t.]	Twist (FJ). –legealegea (ASN). See –legea be loose (slack, relaxed, soft, pliable) (FJ). Kama uzi sindanoni, Upote pota hariri, Like thread through a needle; A single, soft thread (of) silk (ASN-S4).
rajai	[adv.]	Free, free floating, freely, every which way (TJH). Arijojo (INS). Harjojo a loose kite (ASN). See arijojo: Out of control, aimlessly, carelessly, at random (K&K). Not in SX or FJ. Rajai naregezeya, Kishada changu bwagani; I am setting it free, My kite into the sky above (ASN-S8). Ar.
regezea		Loosen, let loose, release, etc. (TJH). –Legeza (ASN). Loosen, slacken, exhaust, cause to yield, etc. (FJ). Rajai naregezeya, Kishada changu bwagani; I am setting it free, My kite into the sky above (ASN-S8).
sambo	[n. 9/10]	Type of dhow, boat; see Nabhany’s poem Sambo ya Kiwandeo q.v. Bibliography (TJH). Also see Sx where sambo = sambu (Ng.). Syn. de càmbo, boutre. Aph.: Fulani atekéa sambu mai, ce vieux est comme un boutre qui embarque de l’eau (sur le point de sombrer). Aph.: Kulla mwata samboye, hwenda ali mwana-madyi, quiconque laisse son boutre, redevient un simple matelot. Cf. Mal. sambu, navire. See Ar. sombûq, petite barque. Moya tezi na omoni, sambo ipate tuliya; One at the stern and (another) at the bow, So that the dhow may lie at rest (ASN-S9).
shaza	[n. 9/10]	Oyster, oyster shell (ASN). See St chaza oyster (FJ). Huître, spécial. huître adhérente aux rochers. Cf. G. ishazha, H. T. P. Mv. Nyamata; (P. Mv. Am. = Mr. Z. chaza, S. G. chazha). ma- (Sx). Shaza lengetwe mtini, zizimbwini mwa nyongoza; The shell is held in a tree, In the depths of the ocean (ASN-S5).
shuu/ma-	[n. 5.6]	Wave that breaks on the beach or on a reef, sudden wave, a breaker, a rogue wave (TJH). Wimbi kuu kwa ghafula; also see mshuu (ASN). Brisant; lame qui se brise soit en pleine mer, soit sur un récif. (Sx; DN. = G. ishuu). Not in FJ. Hachi shuu na miuya, wala wimbi uziwani, He’s not afraid of breaking or foaming waves; Nor any other wave in the sea (ASN-S9).
sumbika	[v. t.]	Plunge into, plunge, immerse, thrust between (TJH). -Pachika, ingia katika mawimbi (ASN). See -pachika secure in a particular position, i.e. between two things, fix, stick… (FJ). See msumbiko connection, linking (K&K); Allonge de fil entre l’hameçon et la ligne (Sx). Wimbini huisumbika, Ikegesha ufuoni; Into the waves it plunged itself, Reaching safety on the beach (ASN-S6).
utandu/t‘andu	[n. 11/10]	Branch (TJH). Tagaa/ma-, tawi/ma- (ASN). Ramée, grosse branche avec ses rameaux et ses feuilles (Am. P. S. = G. itandu, tandu, Mv. tanzu; ma-. Augm. de utandu (Sx). T‘andu hazionekani, Yapokuwa zatepuza; The branches are not visible, Even though they are burgeoning in growth (ASN-S5).
t‘ani	[adv.]	On the back, supine (TJH). See St. chali. Kwa kuwama na kwa t‘ani, kubenuwa zenu ziya; On your stomachs and backs, flexing your joints (ASN-S1).
t’at’azi	[n. 9/10]	Puzzle, mystery (INS). Difficulties (ASN). {NB. Progressive assimilation of medial consonant from aspirated initial consonant.} Not in Sx or FJ. Derived from *-tát- tie up. See Sx and other derived forms, e.g., (P.). Syn. de Z. –tatanyua, débrouiller, dêmêler. 2. (Mv.) fendre, fêler. déchirere, cf. –tatua. (SX). T’at’azi zingatatiya, Mafundi zitatuweni, Even though the puzzles are perplexing; Oh experts, figure them out (ASN-S8).
tandazia	[v. appl. cs.]	Spread out for, extend for, disperse for (TJH). See –tandaa ‘be spread out over a large area, be open and wide, like a plain (FJ). Also see –tanda and –tandisha in FJ. Kuna kiwingu yangani, Mvua itandaziwe; There is a small cloud in the sky, The rain is spread within (ASM-S3).
tandushia	[v. appl. cs. cv.]	Unfold for, unleash for, set free for (TJH). See –tandua ‘take off (fold up, remove) what is laid on (spread out, etc.), and so of unfurnishing a bed or room, unharnessing an animal, etc. (FJ). Kwa kasi zitandushiwe; Na kushukiya maini, Quickly they are unleashed, And descend into the water.
taniza	[v. cs/int.]	Taunt, goad, make fun of, poke fun at, deride, mock, ridicule, treat impolitely (TJH). See –tani {note dental consonant.} Traiter sans façon, abuser de qqn., permettre tout chez qqn, se donner toute liberté chez lui (Am. arch.; Sx). Nayuwa siwatanizi; hamugagwi yaweleya, I know that I am not taunting you, You are not baffled, (about) things clear to you (ASN-S2).
tatia	[v. appl.]	Make a tangle of; (2) wind up in a skein or ball; (3) puzzle, perplex, make difficulties, e.g. tatia uzi kijitini, wind thread on a stick. Tatia kilemba, arrange the folds of a turban. Also used of a snake coiling round its prey (FJ). T’at’azi zingatatiya, Mafundi zitatuweni; Even though the puzzles are perplexing, Oh experts, figure them out (ASN-S8).
tatua	[v. cv.]	Solve, figure out, work out, decipher, decode; Untangle, undo, etc. (TJH). See -tatua disentangle, cut a knot, solve a difficulty; (2) tear, rend, cleave, rip open or apart (FJ). T’at’azi zingatatiya, Mafundi zitatuweni; Even though the puzzles are perplexing, Oh experts, figure them out (ASN-S8).
tepuza	[v. int.]	Flourish, burgeon, sprout prolifically, of plants (TJH). Sprout, shoot up of any plant showing life (FJ). -Tokeza matawi (ASN). See –tepuza: –tepua DN. = DS. -chipua, -chepua; –tepuza caus. et int. Miti yatepuza, yatoa mani (Sx). T‘andu hazionekani, Yapokuwa zatepuza; The branches are not visible, Even though they are burgeoning in growth (ASN-S5).
tezi/ma-	[n. 5/6]	Stern, poop of a ship (FJ). Moya tezi na omoni, sambo ipate tuliya; One (anchor) at the stern and (another) at the bow, So that the dhow may lie at rest (ASN-S9).
tongoa	[v. tr.]	Tease apart, cut into, dissect; sharpen to a point; articulate, make pronouncements, speak precisely (TJH). See St. –chongoa (FJ). See –tongoa maneno prononcer des paroles, dire qqch. 2. Am: Articuler, prononcer (-tamuka) (Sx). Yafumbuweni wayuzi, mutongowe moyamoya; Reveal those things, you learned ones, Speak clearly (of them) one by one (ASN-S2).
tumia	[v.tr.]	See St. –tumia. Kula aliye mfuzi, na nyundo huitumiya; For anyone who is a smith, And who uses a hammer (ASN-S2).
t‘unu	[n. 9/10]	Something rare, choice, valuable—keepsake, a souvenir, an heirloom, a special present, treasure, a rare sight, a curiosity (FJ). Niwapimiye kwa mani, Tuzo t‘unu na hidaya; Let me weigh it for you with a scale, The reward is a rare, precious gift (ASN-S8).
tuzo	[n. 5/6]	A present, esp. of a reward for success (FJ). Niwapimiye kwa mani, Tuzo t‘unu na hidaya; Let me weigh it for you with a scale, The reward is a rare, precious gift (ASN-S8).
ufuo	[n. 11/10]	Beach, shore, seashore, coastline. Wimbini huisumbika, Ikegesha ufuoni; Into the waves it plunged itself, Reaching safety on the shore (ASN-S6).
uk’eto/k’eto	[n. 11/10]	Depth (FJ). Hupenya ndani kwa ndani, Ya uk’eto wa bahari; They penetrate completely inside, The depth of the ocean (ASN-S4).
upote/p’ote	[n. 11/10]	Thong, bowstring—of sinew or twisted string (FJ). Single thread or string (ASN). Kama uzi sindanoni, Upote pota hariri; Like thread through a needle, A single, soft thread (of) silk (ASN-S4).
uza	[v. tr]	Ask a question (TJH). See St. –uliza. Nauza changu kimiya, kichatiya chashikani; I pose a question about my net, if I cast it what will it catch? (ASN-S1).
uziwa	[n. 11]	Sea, ocean (ASN). See ziwa/maziwa lake (FJ). Wazami wa uziwani, wa mawimbi na miuya, Divers in the ocean, in waves and breakers (ASN-S1).
wama	[v. i.]	Be, lie in a prone position, face downward, on one’s stomach (TJH). Se coucher à plat ventre (-lala kwa kuwama), se pencher, être penché ou couché de manière à couvrir, DS. -fuama (Mv. Am. = G. –vama). (Sx). See -fuama: lie or bend down with the head on the arms, stomach downwards, but not touching the ground, and the buttocks raised.   Sometimes used in an obscene sense (FJ). Kifudifudi (INS). Kwa kuwama na kwa t‘ani, kubenuwa zenu ziya; On your stomachs and backs, flexing your joints (ASN-S1)
wimbi/ma-	[n. 5/6]	Wave (FJ). Wazami wa uziwani, wa mawimbi na miuya; Divers in the ocean, in waves and breakers (ASN-S1).
yanga	[n. 5]	Sky, etc. (TJH). See St. anga (1) light, etc.; (2) sky, etc. (3) illumination, etc. (FJ). Kuna kiwingu yangani, Mvua itandaziwe; There is a small cloud in the sky, The rain is spread within (ASM-S3).
yapokuwa	[conj.]	Even though, see St. ijapokuwa (TJH). T‘andu hazionekani, Yapokuwa zatepuza; The branches are not visible, Even though they are burgeoning in growth (ASN-S5).
yuu	[n. 5; adv.]	Above, up, etc.; see St. juu (TJH).  Lulu ikikamilika, Yuu la mti shazani; Once the pearl has reached perfection; On the tree in its shell (ASN-S6).
yuwa	[v. tr.]	Know, etc.; see St. –jua (TJH). Nayuwa siwatanizi, hamugagwi yaweleya; I know that I am not taunting you, You are not baffled, (about) things clear to you (ASN-S2).