Utendi wa Mwana Kupona
Nota Bene: The text is from Werner & Hichens (1934) with some additions from J.W.T. Allen (1971), as marked below. The translation is by me (T. J. Hinnebusch); I acknowledge the help received from the literary translations by Allen, and Werner & Hichens. Punctuation mostly follows Werner & Hichens. An alphabetized wordlist can be found at the end of the text itself. You can use your browser’s search function to find a word in the list or any instance of a word in the text. Or you can search by verse codes, e.g., searching for MK-90 (Mwana Kupona, verse 90) will give all citations in the glossary for that verse. The Werner & Hichens (W&H) text does not mark dental consonants; I have endeavored to do so here by underlining and with italics.
The drawing above, from Werner & Hichens (1934), is of Mwana Hashima binti Sheikh (1841 – 1933), the daughter of Mwana Kupona and referred to in the first line of the poem.
| 1. Negema wangu binti, Mchachefu hasanati, Upulike wasiati, Asaa ukazingatiya. | Come close, my daughter, (My) rare gift (from God), Listen to my last instructions, So you may consider them carefully. |
| Maradhi yamenishika, Hatta yametimu mwaka, Siyapata kutamka, Neno lema kukwambiya. | Sickness has seized me, Having lasted as much as a year, I have not had a chance to utter, A good word to say to you. |
| Ndoo mbee ujilisi, Na wino na karatasi, Moyoni nina hadisi, Nimependa kukwambiya. | Come forward and seat yourself, With ink and paper, I have things in my heart, That I want to tell you. |
| Kisake kutakarabu, Bisumillahi kutubu, Umtaye na Habibu, Na sahabaze pamoya. | As soon as (you) are close by, Write “In the Name of God”, Mention Him as well as the Beloved (the Prophet), Along with his companions. |
| 5. Ukisa kulitangaza, Ina la Mola Muweza, Basi tuombe majaza, Mngu tatuwafikiya. | Once you have finished proclaiming, The name of Almighty God, Then let us pray for His grace, (That) God will consider suitable for us. |
| Mwana Adamu si kitu, Na ulimwengu si wetu, Walau hakuna mtu, Ambao atasaliya. | A human being is nothing, And the world is not ours, Nor is there any one, Who will live forever. |
| Mwanangu twaa waadhi, Pamoya na yangu radhi, Mngu atakuhifadhi, Akuepue na baa. | My child, accept my advice, Together with my blessing, God will preserve you, That He may help you avoid evil. |
| Twaa nikupe hirizi, Uifungeto kwa uzi, Uipe na taazizi, Upate kuiangaliya. | Take and let me give you (this) amulet, Tie it securely with a string, And so give value to it, And care for it. |
| Nikutungie kidani, Cha lulu na marijani, Nikuvike mke shani, Shingoni kikizagaa | Let me string together a necklace for you, Of pearls and red coral, Let me dress you as a beautiful woman, (With it) shinning upon your neck. |
| 10. Penda nikupe kifungo, Kizuri kisicho ongo, Uvae katika shingo, Utaona manufaa. | I would like to give you a clasp, A beautiful one which is not a sham, Wear it on your neck, And you will see benefits.1 |
| Yangu utakaposhika, Mwanangu hutosumbuka, Duniani utavuka, Na akhera utakiya. | When you will accept my (advice), My child, you will not be troubled, You will cross through this world, And step over into Paradise. |
| La kwanda kamata dini, Faradhi usiikhini, Na sunna ikimkini, Ni wajibu kuitiya. | The first (piece of advice), hold fast to religion, Do not scorn the faradhi (God’s ordinances), (and) if it is possible, the sunnah (good works), And to carry out the wajibu (duties). |
| Pili uwa na adabu, Na ulimi wa thawabu, Uwe kitu mahabubu, Kulla utakapongiya. | Secondly, have good manners, With courteous language, Be something loved, Wherever you will enter. |
| La tatu uwa sadiki, Ushikalo ulithiki, Mtu asoshika haki, Sandamane naye ndiya. | Thirdly, be trustworthy, What you resolve do it conscientiously, The person who does embrace justice, Do not accompany him along the way. |
| 15. Tena mwanangu idhili, Mbee za makabaili, Uwaonapo mahali, Angusa kuwenukiya. | Further, my child, humble yourself, Before people of rank, When you see them anywhere, Quickly praise them. |
| Wangiapo wenukiye, Na moyo ufurahiye, Kisa uwapeke mbeye, Watakapokwenda ndiya. | When they enter, get up to honor them, And may your heart rejoice, Afterwards conduct them forth, When they are about to go their way. |
| Ifanye mteshiteshi, Kwa maneno yaso ghashi, Wala sifanye ubishi, Watu wakayatukiya. | Make yourself an entertaining person, By words that are not deceitful, Nor should you make rude jokes, People dislike them (i.e. words). |
| Nena nao kwa mzaha, Yawatiayo furaha, Yawapo ya ikiraha, Kheri kuinyamaliya. | Talk with them cheerfully, Of things which give them joy, (But) when words are offensive, It is better to keep your own counsel (lit. Be quiet to yourself). |
| Wala situkue dhana, Kwa mambo usoyaona, Na kwamba nakunong’ona, Tahadhari nakwambiya. | Neither maintain opinions, On matters that you do not understand, And as for whispering, Be careful I tell you. |
| 20. Sitangane na watumwa, Illa mwida wa khuduma, Watakuvutia tama, Labuda nimekwambiya. | Do not associate with slaves, Except during household affairs, They will draw you into disgrace, As perhaps I have told you. |
| Sandamane na wayinga, Wasoyua kuitunga, Ziumbe wasio changa, Wata kuwakurubiya. | Do not go about with foolish people, Who do not know how to control themselves, (And) people who are not modest, Avoid any contact with them. |
| Mama pulika maneno, Kiumbe ni radhi tano, Ndipo apate usono, Wa akhera na duniya. | Little mother, listen to this counsel, For a person there are five blessings, It is then she may have the peace, Of the next world and this. |
| Nda Mngu na mtumewe, Baba na mama wayuwe, Ya tano nda mumewe, Mno imekaririwa. | They are of God and His Prophet, Her father and mother she must know them, the fifth is of her husband, It has been said again and again. |
| Naawe radhi mumeo, Siku zot’e mkaao, Siku mukhitariwao, Awe radhi mekuwiya. | And may your husband be happy, All the days that you live, On the day when you both are chosen, May he be happy — (this) he owes to you. |
| 25. Na ufapo wewe mbee, Radhi yake izengee, Wende uitukuzie, Ndipo upatapo ndiya. | And if you die before (him), Seek for yourself his blessing, And go that you may magnify it for yourself, It is then you find (your) way. |
| Na siku ufufuwao, Nadhari nda mumeo,Taulizwa atakao, Ndilo takalotendewa. | And on the day you rise from the dead, The award belongs to your husband, He will be asked what he wants, It is that which will be done for him. |
| Kipenda wende peponi, Utapekwa dalihini, Kinena wende motoni, Huna budi utatiwa. | If he wishes you go to Paradise, You will be brought there immediately, If he says that you go to the Fire, You cannot avoid it — you will be put there. |
| Keti naye kwa adabu, Usimtie ghadhabu, Akinena simjibu, Itahidi kunyamaa. | Live with him with civility, Do not anger him, If he rebukes you, Do not answer back, Make an effort to hold your tongue. |
| Enda naye kwa imani, Atakalo simukhini, We naye sikindaneni, Mkindani huumiya. | Keep faith with him, What he desires do not withhold from him, Both of you do not quarrel with each other, A quarreler is always hurt. |
| 30. Kitoka agana naye, Kingia mkongowee, Kisa umtandikie, Mahala pa kupumua. | When he goes out say goodbye to him, And when he comes in pleasantly greet him, Then set out for him, A place for resting. |
| Kilala siikukuse, Mwegeme umpapase, Na upepo nasikose, Mtu wa kumpepeya. | When he is sleeping do not take yourself off, Go up to him and caress him, And as for fresh air let him not be without, Someone to fan him. |
| Kivikia simwondoe, Wala sinene kwa yowe, Keti papo siinue, Chamka kakuzengeya. | When he is sleeping do not rouse him, Nor speak with a loud voice, Stay right there and do not get up, If he awakes then he has to search for you. |
| Chamka siimuhuli, Mwandikie maakuli, Na kumtunda muili, Kumsinga na kumowa. | When he awakes do not hold yourself back, Prepare a meal for him, And take care of his body, Massage him with perfume and bathe him. |
| Mnyoe umpalilize, Sharafa umtengeze, Mkukize mfukize, Bukurata wa ashiya. | Shave him and have him rubbed clean, Arrange his beard, Wash him carefully and perfume him with incense, Morning and evening. |
| 34b. Mnyoe mpalilize, Sharafa umtengeze, Na udi umfukize, Burukata wa ashia | Shave his head and shape and tend his beard; Sprinkle and burn scent for him, Morning and evening. |
| 35. Mtunde kama kijana, Asioyua kunena, Kitu changalie sana, Kitokacho na kungiya. | Care for him as you would a child, Who does not know how to speak, Take care of one thing well, What goes out and comes in (household expenses and income, W&H). |
| Mpumbaze apumbae, Amriye sikatae, Maovu kieta yeye, Mngu atakuteteya. | Take his mind off his concerns so he will be at ease, Do not refuse his orders, If he brings (you) evil, God will defend you. |
| Mwanangu siwe mkoo, Tenda kama uonao, Kupea na kuosha choo, Sidharau marra moya. | My child, do not be dirty or untidy, Do what you see (needs to done) at once, To sweep and wash out the bathroom, Do not scorn (to do it). |
| Na kowa na kuisinga, Na nyee zako kufunga, Na yasimini kutunga, Na firashani kutiya. | As to bathing and perfuming yourself, And plaiting your hair, And stringing jasmine blossoms (together), And putting them on the bedspread. |
| Nawe ipambe libasi, Ukae kama ‘arusi, Maguu tia kugesi, Na mikononi makowa. | Also adorn your clothing, That you remain like a bride, Put anklets upon your legs, And beaded bracelets upon your arms. (See JWT, p. 63, where he reads /i/ of /ipambe/ as a Cl. 9 object prefix, whereas W&H consider it the reflexive pronoun.) |
| 40. Na kidani na kifungo, Sitoe katika shingo, Muwili siwate mwengo, Ya marashi na daliya. | And your necklace and clasp, Do not remove them from your neck, Do not leave your body without fragrance, Of rosewater and dalia powder. |
| Pete sitoe zandani, Hina sikome nyaani, Wanda siwate matoni, Na nshini kuitiya. | Do not take the rings off your fingers, Nor quit putting henna on your fingernails, Never stop putting kohl under your eyes, And on your eyebrows. |
| Nyumba yako i nadhifu, Mumeo umsharifu, Wakutanapo sufufu, Msifu ukimweteya. | May your house be well kept, So that you honor your husband, When people meet there in large numbers, You, as one who praises, are bringing it to him (i.e., honor). |
| Moyowe alipendalo, Nawe ufuate lilo, Yambo limtukialo, Siwe mwenye kumweteya. | What he wants in his heart, You should also follow the same, That which is abhorrent to him, Do not be the one bringing it upon him. |
| Ukutiwapo kutoka, Sharuti ruhusa taka, Uonapo meudhika, Rudi na kuiketiya. | Whenever you happen to go out, For sure seek permission, When you see that he is upset, Return home and stay there alone. |
| 45. Fuata yake idhini, Awe radhi kwa yakini, Wala sikae ndiani, Saa ya ‘ne ikasiya. | Follow his wishes (his sanctions), That he may be truly content, Nor stay along the way, Until the fourth hour (10 pm) has passed. |
| Wala sinene ndiani, sifunue shiraani, Mato angalia tini, Na uso utie haya. | Nor should you speak along the way, Nor reveal yoursef from under the shiraa (veil, canopy), Keep your eyes lowered, And show deference in your look. |
| Rejea upesi kwako, Ukakae na bwanako, Utengeze matandiko, Mupate kuilaliya. | Return quickly to your home, Go and be with your husband, Arrange mats and cushions, So that you may settle yourselves down on them together. |
| Na bwanako mtukuze, Sifa zake uzeneze, Wala simshurutize, Asoweza kutukuwa. | And bring honor to your husband, Spread his praises far and wide, But do not obligate him, For things he cannot carry out. |
| Akupacho mpokeye, Na moyo ufurahiye, Asilotenda kwa yeye, Huna haja kumwambiya. | Whatever he gives you accept from him, And be happy in your heart about it, What he does not do for himself, You do not have to tell him. |
| 50. Uonapo uso wake, Funua meno uteke, Akwambialo lishike, Illa kuasi Jaliya. | When you see his face, Open your mouth and smile, What he tells you hold to it, but do to rebel against God. |
| Mama sinoe ulimi, Nioleza wako umi, Naliowa nyaka kumi, tusitete siku moya. | My child, do not sharpen your tongue, Pattern yourself after your mother, I was married ten years, Without us quarreling a single day. |
| Naliowa na babako, Kwa furaha na ziteko, Tusondoleane mbeko, Siku zot’e twalokaa. | I was married to (lit. by) your father, With happiness and laughter, Without lacking respect for each other, All the days that we lived. {gram. twalokaa < tu- + -ali- + -o- + -kaa |
| Siku moya tusitete, Ovu langu asipate, Na lake lisinikute, Hatta akakhitariwa. | We never spoke badly of each other, And he never received evil from me, And his (evil) never found me, Until finally he was chosen. |
| Yalipokuya faradhi, Kanikariria radhi, Kashukuru kafawidhi, Moyo wangu katushiya. | When death came, He recited his blessings for me, He gave thanks and entrusted himself to God, and my heart filled me with weakness. {gram. Ka- 3rd sg. Pronoun or deleted sub. prf} |
| 55. Tangu hapo hata yeo, Siyanyamaa kilio, Nikumbukapo pumbao, Na wingi wa mazoeya. | From then to this day, I have not yet ceased my crying, When I remember the happiness, And the abundance of our contented life. |
| Watu wakipulikana, Milele hukumbukana, Illa wenye kushindana, Milele huiyutiya. | If people listen to one another, They remember each other forever, But those who fight each other, They regret it for eternity. |
| Mausio ya mvuli, Allah Allah ya’amili, Na nduguzo na ahali, Wapende nakuusiya. | Your husband’s last wishes, Allah Allah ya’amili, And your kin and relations, Love them, I exhort you. |
| Uwaonapo sahibu, Ambao wakunasibu, Wakikwambia karibu, Angusa kukurubiya. | Whenever you see friends, Who are of your own lineage, If they welcome you in, Go in at once. |
| Na wachandika chakula, Uchambiwa nawe nla, Wala siweke muhula, Nyuma nyuma kurejeya. | And if they set out a meal, And you are asked, eat, But do not leave a long delay, Before going right back (to your home). |
| 60. Wala sifanye kiburi, Nla hatta ushakiri, Usiyakuta sikiri, Ukambwa na kondolewa. | Nor should you be haughty, Eat until you are satisfied, If you are not yet full, do not admit it, Even when you are told (that the meal is over) and the food is taken from you. |
| Watu wot’e waumini, kwako na wawe wendani, sipende masalatini, washinde ukiwepuwa. | All trustworthy people, Let them as well be friends at your home, Do not be friends with those involved in making trouble, Defeat them by avoiding them. |
| Sipende wenye jamali, na utukufu wa mali, fukara ukawadhili, cheo ukawavundiya. | Do not be friendly with those who have elegance, And grandiosity of wealth, And afterwards despise the poor, And devalue for them their worth. |
| Akupendao mpende, Akuizao mwenende, Kwa zema mvundevunde, la’ala akaridhiya. | She/he who loves you love him/her, She/he who rejects you go to him/her, Wear her/him down with kindness, Perhaps he/she will be content (with you). |
| Na ayapo muhitaji, Mama kwako simuhuji, Kwa uwezalo mbuji, Angusa kumtendeya. | And when there is someone in need, As for you my child, do not grill her, As you are able, my dear, Hurry to assist her. |
| 65. Mama haya yasikize, Tafadhali sinipuze, Utaona nafuuze, Za akhera na duniya. | My child, listen to these words, Please do not ignore me, You will see their profit, That in the next world and on earth. |
| Tamati maneno yangu, Kukuusia mwanangu, Sasa tamuomba Mngu, anipokelee dua. | This is the end of my words, Advising you my child, Now I will pray to God, That He accept a prayer on my behalf . |
| Kwani yot’e tunenao, Mwana Adamu ni puo, Mola ndiye awezao, Kupoteza na kongowa. | In spite of all that we say, A human is an absurdity, It is the Lord who has the power, To condemn and to save. |
| Nakuombawe Manani, Unitilie auni, Ninenayo ulimini, Na yot’e nisoyatowa. | I pray to You, Beneficent One, Grant to me aid, What I utter on my tongue, and what I do not offer. |
| Yot’e nimezoyanena, Rabbi takabali minna, na yasalieyo tena, nakuomba nitendeya. | Everything that I have said, Lord accept it from me, And what still remains, I beg you do it for me. |
| 70. Niwekea wangu wana, Na umbu langu mnuna, yakue yao maina, yenee majimbo piya. | Save my children for me, And my younger brother, May their names grow great, And spread throughout the whole country. |
| Rabbi waweke nduzangu, Na wana wao na wangu, Wenee na ulimwengu, Kwa jamali na sitawa. | Lord, keep my kin safe, Along with their children and mine, And may they become abundant in this world, With grace and prosperity. |
| Na jamii isilamu, Mola wangu wa rahamu, Matakwa yao yatimu, Nyoyo zikifurahiya. | And for the whole community of Islam, My Lord of mercy, May their needs be fulfilled, With their hearts rejoicing. |
| Ya Allahu wangu wana, Nimekupa ni amana, Watunde Mola Rabbana, Siwate kuwangaliya. | O Lord God, my children, I have given them to you as a trust, protect them, O Lord and Master, Never stop looking after them. |
| Nimekupa duniani, Watunde uwahizini, Unipe kesho Peponi, Mbee za Tumwa Nabiya. | I have given them to you in this world, For you to protect and cherish (lit. cherish them), So that tomorrow you can give them to me in Heaven, In the presence of the Prophet. |
| 75. Wangalie kwa huruma, Uwongoze ndia njema, Uwepulie na tama, Za akhera na duniya. | Look upon them with mercy, Lead them along the good path, Take them away from evil, In the next life and this. |
| Kwako kuomba sikomi, Wala sifumbi ulimi, Ya Mufarrija ‘l Hammi, Nikomesheza udhiya. | I do not stop praying to You, Nor do I shut my mouth, Oh Comforter and Protector, Bring me to the end of my sufferings. |
| Nisimeme muhitaji, Nipa hima sinihuji, Ajili bi’l faraji, Ya afua na afiya. | I stand as one in need, Grant (what I ask) quickly without forcing upon me, A comfortless death, (Without) pardon and salvation. |
| Nondolea ndwee mbovu, Yaloningia kwa nguvu, Dhambi zangu na maovu, Ya Rabbi nighufiriya. | Remove the evil illness from me, Which entered in me, My sins and evil, O Lord, forgive me. |
| Kwetu yangawa mazito, Kwako wewe ni matoto, Nepulia uvukuto, Unepuke marra moya. | Although things are hard for us, For you they are insignificant, Take the fever of sickness from me, Keep me (from evil) at once. |
| 80. Nakuombawe Latifa, Unondolee mikhafa, Kwa Yaumu li’Arafa, Na Idi ya udhihiya. | I pray to You, the All-Benevolent, Rid me of my fears, By reason of the Day of Arafat, And the Festival of the Sacrifice. |
| Kwa siku hizi tukufu, Za kuhiji na kutufu, Niafu Rabbi niafu, Unishushize afuwa. | By these glorious days, Of Haj and going round the Kaaba, Save me, O Lord, save me, Send down deliverance to me. |
| Ya Allahu! Ya Allahu!, Ya Rabbahu ya Rabbahu, Ya Ghayata Raghbatahu, Nitika hukwamkuwa. | O God O God, O Lord O Lord, O Fulfilment of all desire, Answer me as I call upon You. |
| Nakuombawe Rabbana, Bi’asmaika l-husuna, Tis’aa wa tis’aini, Mia kupungua moya. | I call upon You, O Lord God, By Thy beautiful Names, Nine and ninety, One hundred less one. |
| Nipulishie walimu, Wakinambia fahamu, Dua hini Isilamu, Akiomba hurudiwa. | Let me listen to the teachers, As they are telling me, understand, This prayer of the Faith, If one prays, it always comes back to him. |
| 85. Nami mjao dhaifu, Mwenye nyingi takalufu, Nakuomba takhafifu, Rabbi nitakhafifiya. | And I your weak servant, One with many troubles & worries, I pray to You to lighten them, O Lord lighten them for me. |
| Nakuomba taisiri, Mambo nisiyokadiri, Unegeshe kulla kheri, Ovu ukinepuliya. | I pray to You in haste, As to things that I cannot judge, Bring me every happiness, Delivering me from evil. |
| Ya Rabbi nitimiliza, Mambo nisiyoyaweza, Wala moya nisowaza, Amba yatasikiliya. | O Lord, fulfill for me, Things which I have no control over, Nor even imagine, What will happen. |
| Rabbi unifurahishe, Mambo mema unegeshe, Maovu uyagurishe, Tusikutane pamoya. | Lord, help me to rejoice, Bring good close to me, Remove the evil, So that we not meet with it . |
| Uniweke duniyani, Miongo ya wahusini, Nifapo nende peponi, Makao ya hafidhiya. | Keep me in this world, In the company of the faithful, So when I die I may go to Paradise, The dwelling-place of the saved. |
| 90. T’ungile utungu hunu, Kwa zahimu na zitunu, Kwa kadha yako Dayanu, Na hukumuzo Jaliya. | I have composed this poem, In distress and pain, By your decree, O Judge, And your judgements, Oh God, the giver of all things. |
| T’ungile nilisakimu, Moyo usina fahamu, Usomeni Isilamu, mukiongozana ndiya. | I have composed it while sick, My heart without understanding, Read it, Moslems, Guiding each other along the way. |
| Na sababu ya kutunga, Si shairi si malenga, Nina kijana muyinga, Kapenda kumuusiya. | And my reason for composing, It’s not (because of) poetry nor (that I am) a bard, But (because) I have a young innocent child, And I wish to give her my last instructions. |
| Kapenda kumnabihi, La’ala katanabahi, Kamfuata Illahi, Pamwe na wake rijaa. | And I desire to counsel her, That perhaps she will realize, And follow God, Together with her man. |
| Somani nyut’e huramu, Maana muyafahamu, Musitukue laumu, Mbee za Mola Jaliya. | Read, all you women, So that you may understand, That you bear no blame, In the presence of Almight God. Gram. |
| 95. Somani mite ya nganu, Mtii waume wenu, Musipatwe na zitunu, Za akhera na duniya. | Read, you little ones (lit. sprouts of wheat), So you may obey your husbands, And not suffer any sorrow, Of the after-life and of this. |
| Mwenye kutii mvuli, Ndake jaha na jamali, Kulla endapo mahali, Hutangaa na kweneya. | She who obeys her husband, It is her honor and charm, Wherever she goes, It is announced and known far and wide. |
| Mwenye kutunga nudhumu, Ni gharibu mwenye hamu, Na ubora wa ithimu, Rabbi tamghufiriya. | The composer of this poem, Is a traveller with longing, And the greatest/worst of her sins, Lord, you will forgive her. |
| Na baitize idadi, Ni miate wa wahedi, Na mbili za mazidadi, Ndizo zimezozidiya. | And the number of its verses, Is one hundred and one, With two in addition, It is those those that have been added. |
| Tamat aun Illahi | Completed with the help of God (W&H translation) |
| On pages 80 in the Werner and Hichens version, 6 additional verses are given; they are reproduced here with the numbering in that edition. | |
| 99. Akhera kuna zilzali, Ukimtii mvuli, Huna buddi utanali, Itanyoka yako ndiya. | In the next world there are terrors, If you obey your husband, You cannot but obtain [a blessing], Your way will be straightened. |
| 100. Wanangu Waislamu, Ninenayo uhikimu, Mutimizapo yatimu, Na peponi mutangiya | O my children of Islam, Attend to the words that I speak, If you fulfill them completeley, Then into Paradise you shall enter. |
| 101. Mvuli kulla namna, Sikhalifu akinena, Na Mola wetu Rabbana, Radhi atakueleya. | A husband, in every circumstance, Do not oppose him when he speaks, Then God our Lord, Will show favor to you. |
| 102. Na huna wasia wangu, Kwa nduzangu na wanangu, Atawajazi Mngu, Kwa Akhera na duniya. | And this exhortation of mine, For my kindred and my children, God, He will requite them, As to the life to come and this. |
| 103. Mola tatusahiliya, Kwa baraka ya Nabiya, Na Sahabaze pamoya, Dini waloteteya. | The Lord will yield ease to us, Through the blessing of the Prophet, And of his Companions as well, Who defended the Faith. |
| 104. Tarikhiye kwa yakini, Alifu wa miyateni, Khamsa wa sab’ini, Hizi zetu bijiriya. | The date of this correctly, Is one thousand two hundred, And seventy-five, Of these years of ours to the Hejra |
| The JWT edition gives several other verses which follow; they are numbered as in the JWT text. Verse 100 is nearly identical to verse 98 in the W&H edition. | |
| JWT 98. Ina lake mufahamu, ni mtaraji Karimu, Mwana Kupona Mshamu, Pate alikozaliwa. | 98 Know her name, she is one who waits for the Lord, Mwana Kupona Mshamu, it is in Pate where she was born. |
| JWT 99. Tarikhiye kwa yaqini, Ni alifu wa miyateni, Khamsa wa sabiini, hizi zote hijiria. | The date is 1275 of the Hejira. |
| JWT 100. Na baitize idadi, Ni miati maadudi, Na mbili za mazidadi, Ndizo zimezozida. | The number of verses, Is one hundred, When they are counted, And two extra verses. |
| JWT 101. Mola tatusahilia, Kwa baraka za Nabia, Na masahaba pamoya, Dini waliotetea. | God will smooth the way for us, Through the blessings of the Prophet, And of (his) companions as well, Who defended the Faith. |
| JWT 102. Nahimidi nkisalia, Kwa tume wetu nabia, Ali zake na dhuria, Itwenee sot‘e pia. | I give praise while praying, For our Apostle the Prophet, And his family members and descendants, May it (his blessing – cf. MK-101) be abundant for us all. |
Notes
The first part of verse 10, i.e., penda nikupe kifungo is translated by W&H as “For love let me give you a clasp”, and by J.W.T. Allen (xxxx) as “I will give you a clasp”. He ignores penda in his translation. Harries (xxx) follows W&H in his translation. Penda could be understood as napenda “I like”, or “I would like”, thus my translation “I would like to give you a clasp”. However, this interpretation requires an explanation for the use of the subjunctive, nikupe, rather than the infinitive, kukupa.
Glossary
| adabu | [n. 9/10] | Good manners, politeness, proper behavior, courtesy, civility, etiquette. The remark huna adabu, you have no manners. is much stronger than the expression in English, and is tantamount to ‘you are a guttersnipe’. Fanya adabu, behave with courtesy, etc. (FJ). Keti naye kwa adabu, Usimtie ghadhabu, Akinena simjibu, Itahidi kunyamaa; Live with him with civility, do not anger him, if he rebukes you, do not answer back, make an effort to hold your tongue (MK-28). Ar. |
| afia | [n. 9/10] | Salvation (W&H). See St. afya, good health, sound condition (FJ). Nisimeme muhitaji, Nipa hima sinihuji, Ajili bi’l faraji, Ya afua na afiya; I stand as one in need, Grant (what I ask) quickly without forcing upon me, a comfortless death, (without) pardon and salvation (MK-77). Ar. |
| afu | [v. tr.] | Save, deliver, pardon, preserve, cure; also –afu (FJ). Kwa siku hizi tukufu, Za kuhiji na kutufu, Niafu Rabbi niafu, Unishushize afuwa; By these glorious days, Of Haj and going round the Kaaba, Save me, O Lord, save me, Send down deliverance to me (MK-81). Ar. |
| afua | [n. 5/6] | Relief, rescue, deliverance (TJH). Pardon (W&H Also afu often used in the forms maafu and maafua, deliverance from calamity, ill luck, disaster, etc..; preservation. Afua ni mbili, kufa na kupona, deliverance is of two kinds, dying or getting better. Nisimeme muhitaji, Nipa hima sinihuji, Ajili bi’l faraji, Ya afua na afiya; I stand as one in need, Grant (what I ask) quickly without forcing upon me, a comfortless death, (without) pardon and salvation (MK-77). Ar. |
| ahali | [n. 9/10 an.] | Wife. Ahali zangu, my wives. (2) family, relations, folk, kindred, kinsman. Used comprehensively, and sometimes in contrast with near relations. Wazazi na ndugu na ahali, parents, brothers, and relations. Ndugu na ahali, brothers and (other) relations (FJ). Mausio ya mvuli, Allah Allah ya’amili, Na nduguzo na ahali, Wapende nakuusiya; Your husband’s last wishes, Allah Allah ya’amili, And your kin and relations, Love them, I exhort you (MK-57). Ar. |
| ajili | [n. 9/10] | Accident, etc.; see St. ajali accident, fate, chance, destiny, doom, appointed end, death (FJ) Nisimeme muhitaji, Nipa hima sinihuji, Ajili bi’l faraji, Ya afua na afiya; I stand as one in need, Grant (what I ask) quickly without forcing upon me, a comfortless death, (without) pardon and salvation (MK-77). Ar. |
| akhera | [n. 9] | Afterlife, etc.; see St. ahera The next world, future life, i.e. after death, paradise, also Hades. (Cf kuzimu, peponi, jehanum.) (FJ). Yangu utakaposhika, Mwanangu hutosumbuka, Duniani utavuka, Na akhera utakiya, When you will accept my (advice), my child, you will not be troubled, you will cross through this world, and step over into Paradise (MK-11); Mama haya yasikize, Tafadhali sinipuze, Utaona nafuuze, Za akhera na duniya; My child, listen to these words, Please do not ignore me, You will see their profit, That in the next world and on earth (MK-65). Ar. |
| ali | [n. 10 an.] | Family, relatives, family members. Nahimidi nkisalia, Kwa tume wetu nabia, Ali zake na dhuria, Itwenee sote pia; I give praise while praying, For our Apostle the Prophet, And his family members and descendants, May it (his blessing) be abundant for us all (MK-102). Ar. |
| ali- | [tns.] | Past tense < -a– + –li-. Mama sinoe ulimi, nioleza wako umi, naliowa nyaka kumi, tusitete siku moya; My child, do not sharpen your tongue, Pattern yourself after your mother, I was married ten year, We never quarreled a single day (MK-51). |
| amana | [n. 9/10] | Trust, security, a thing entrusted to any one, a pledge, a deposit. Ameweka ama kwangu, he has deposited something in trust with me. Weka amana, make a deposit, give a security (FJ). Ya Allahu wangu wana, Nimekupa ni amana, Watunde Mola Rabbana, Siwate kuwangaliya; O Lord God, my children, I have given them to you as a trust, protect them, O Lord and Master, Never stop looking after them (MK-73). Ar. |
| amkua | [v. tr.] | Wake up; greet; pay respects to, etc.; see St. –amkia, (1) wake up at (in, for, etc.); (2) pay a morning visit to, make an early call, visit formally (the recognized custom of dependants to patrons, children to parents, and subordinates to superiors); (3) greet, accost, salute, address, pay respects to; (4) fig. of early dawn, i.e. Jumamosi usiku kuamkia Jumapili, late on Saturday night, as Sunday is dawning (FJ). Ya Allahu! Ya Allahu!, Ya Rabbahu ya Rabbahu, Ya Ghayata Raghbatahu, Nitika hukwamkuwa; O God O God, O Lord O Lord, O Fulfilment of all desire, answer me as I call upon You (MK-82). |
| anda | [v. tr.] | Begin, etc. see St. –anza (FJ). La kwanda kamata dini, Faradhi usii, Na sunna ikimkini, Ni wajibu kuitiya; The first (piece of advice), hold fast to religion, do not scorn the faradhi (God’s ordinances), (and) if it is possible, the sunnah (good works) and to carry out the wajibu (duties) (MK-12). |
| andamana | [v. rcp.] | Have a parade, associate together for a certain purpose, accompany (TJH). Follow (W&H). Follow one another in order, go in procession …, associate with, follow about, be companion to (FJ). La tatu uwa sadiki, Ushikalo ulithiki, Mtu asoshika haki, Sandamane naye ndiya; Thirdly, be trustworthy, what you resolve do it conscientiously, the person who does embrace justice, do not accompany him along the way (MK-14). |
| andika | [v. tr.] | Set in order, lay out, arrange, like –andaa which see. Andika meza, set a table. (2) write, e.g. andika barua (hati, kitabu, tangazo, etc.), write a letter (document, book, notice, etc.); (3) register, enroll, enter in a book etc. Andika watu wa kazi (askari, wapagazi, etc.), enroll workmen (soldiers, porters, etc.); (4) draw Andika picha (mstari), draw a picture (line) (FJ); cf. –andaa prepare, put in order, arrange, esp. of preparing food, cakes, etc. (FJ) Na wachandika chakula, Uchambiwa nawe nla, Wala siweke muhula, Nyuma nyuma kurejeya; And if they set out a meal, And you are asked, eat, But do not leave a long delay, Before going right back (to your home) (MK-59). |
| andikia | [v.appl.] | Set out food for, prepare food for (TJH). Lay a table for a meal, wait at table (FJ). Chamka siimuhuli, Mwandikie maakuli, Na kumtunda muili, Kumsinga na kumowa; When he awakes do not hold yourself back, Prepare a meal for him, And take care of his body, Massage him with perfume and bathe him (MK-33). |
| angusa | [v. i.] | Be quick, hasten, hurry up, show energy, be zealous; archaic (TJH). Hâte-toi, dépêche-toi; -angusa = -angupa; us. in the imperative (Sx) Tena mwanangu idhili, Mbee za makabaili, Uwaonapo mahali, Angusa kuwenukiya; Further, my child, humble yourself, before people of rank, when you see them any where, quickly praise them (MK-15). |
| asa | [conj.] | So, etc.; variant of asaa q.v. below. Impers. Il se peut que, il est possible que, qui sait si… ne, se emploie en parlant de ce qui peur avoir lieu, de ce dont espère l’accomplissement. Mwan’angu aanza kusoma, asa, Mwiny’ezi Mungu akimjaalia, atakuwa mtu wa sifa, mon enfant commence à étudier: il se peut que, Dieu Tout-Puissant aidant, il devienne célèbre. Cf. labda, kwenda V. Wasaa … (Sx). Negema wangu binti, Mchachefu hasanati, Upulike wasiati, Asaa ukazingatiya; Come close, my daughter, (my) rare gift (from God), Listen to my last instructions, so you may consider them carefully (MK-1). Ar. |
| asaa | [adv., conj.] | Would that, would that it were so that, may it be that, if only (introduces a wish or request) (TJH). Perhaps (JWT). Perhaps, it may be … used in this verse in the sense of ‘let it be hoped’ (W&H). If, e.g. assaa Mungu akinijalia, if God grants me—rarely used (FJ). Perhaps, it may be better that (LH). See asa (Sx). Negema wangu binti, Mchachefu hasanati, Upulike wasiati, Asaa ukazingatiya; Come close, my daughter, (my) rare gift (from God), Listen to my last instructions, so you may consider them carefully (MK-1). Ar. |
| ashiya (‘ashiya) | [n. 9/10] | Late evening (W&H). Mnyoe umpalilize, Sharafa umtengeze, Mkukize mfukize, Bukurata wa ashiya; Shave him and have him rubbed clean, Arrange his beard, Wash him carefully and perfume him with incense, Morning and evening (MK-34). Ar. |
| ata | [v. tr.] | Stop from, leave off (doing something); see St. –acha the main idea is, ceasing or breaking off connexion with something, and may be rendered in many ways, with many shades of meaning, e.g. (1) leave, leave off, leave behind, let go, let pass, let be, go (part, depart) from, e.g. acha kufanya upuzi, leave off doing foolish things. Sikuachi, I will not let you go. Tuliacha vitu vingi, we left behind many things. (2) abandon, neglect, desert, e.g. kuku amewaacha watoto wake, the hen has deserted (or neglected) her chicks. (3) acquit, release, pardon, e.g. alikamata mwizi akamwacha, he caught a thief and then released him, let him go. Acha mtumwa huru, let a slave go free (set him at liberty). (4) allow, permit, give leave, e.g. watu wengine huwaacha watoto wao wafanye wapendavyo, some people allow their children to do as they please. (5) separate from, divorce, e.g. amemwacha mkewe, he has separated from (divorced) his wife. Ametuacha mkono, he has died, i.e. he has gone from (our) hand. The Imp. Acha! is used in many ways colloquially: Acha! Stop! Let go! Leave off! As an expletive, e.g., Acha (or, waache) wachuuzi wachume faida nyingi! Trust the shopkeepers for profiteering! Acha ngoma zivume! Just let the drums boom, i.e., did not they make a tremendous noise! (FJ). Sandamane na wayinga, Wasoyua kuitunga, Ziumbe wasio changa, Wata kuwakurubiya; Do not go about with foolish people, who do not know how to control themselves, (and) people who are not modest, avoid any contact with them (MK-21). |
| auni | [n. 9/10] | Aid, help (FJ). Nakuombawe Manani, Unitilie auni, Ninenayo ulimini, Na yote nisoyatowa; I pray to You, Beneficent One, Grant to me aid, What I utter on my tongue, and what I do not offer (MK-68). Ar. |
| baa | [n. 5/6] | Evil, disaster, calamity, anything which brings bad luck or disaster; (2) an ill‑omened person, one who causes disaster, brings bad luck (FJ). Evil (W&H), ill (JWT) Mwanangu twaa waadhi, Pamoya na yangu radhi, Mngu atakuhifadhi, Akuepue na baa; My child, accept my advice, together with my blessing, God will preserve you, that He may help you avoid evil (MK-7). |
| bi’asmaika | [Ar. exp.] | By Thy (beautiful) names (W&H). Nakuombawe Rabbana, Bi’asmaika l-husuna, Tis’aa wa tis’aini, Mia kupungua moya; I call upon You, O Lord God, By Your beautiful Names, Nine and ninety, One hundred less one (MK-83). Ar. |
| bi’la | [prep.] | Without, etc.; see St. bila (FJ). NB: In the Warner & Hichens text of Mwana Kupona this is the rendering of the line of poetry in which this is found; in JWT Allen’s text the rendering is ajili bi’ lfaraji. Nisimeme muhitaji, Nipa hima sinihuji, Ajili bi’l faraji, Ya afua na afiya; I stand as one in need, Grant (what I ask) quickly without forcing upon me, a comfortless death, (without) pardon and salvation (MK-77). Ar. |
| bukarata | [n. 9] | Early morning (< Ar.rise early) (W&H). Mnyoe umpalilize, Sharafa umtengeze, Mkukize mfukize, Bukurata wa ashiya; Shave him and have him rubbed clean, Arrange his beard, Wash him carefully and perfume him with incense, Morning and evening (MK-34). Ar. |
| bukurata wa ashiya | [Ar. exp.] | Morning and evening (W&H). Mnyoe umpalilize, Sharafa umtengeze, Mkukize mfukize, Bukurata wa ashiya; Shave him and have him rubbed clean, Arrange his beard, Wash him carefully and perfume him with incense, Morning and evening (MK-34). Ar. |
| chachefu | [adj.] | Rare, precious, valuable, valued (TJH). Unworthy (W&H) – but see quote from JWT. Not in Sx (either in this form or with prefix m-). Cf. -chache 1. few in number… 2. rare … so of value (FJ) Allen: lb The reading mchachefu hasanati in Werner & Hichens is very difficult. It is translated ‘me unworthy of God’s award’; but mchache does not mean ‘unworthy of’ but ‘lacking in’ or ‘short of’ and this is an improbable expression. If we translate hasanati as ‘good qualities’ the omission of wa is strange. Wa is inserted in F [DSM No. 136]; but this gives an extra syllable and ‑fu must be omitted (Allen 1971:59, fn 1b). (See mchachefu). Negema wangu binti, Mchachefu hasanati, Upulike wasiati, Asaa ukazingatiya; Come close, my daughter, (my) rare gift (from God), Listen to my last instructions, so you may consider them carefully (MK-1). |
| chanda/z- | [n. 7/10] | Finger, toe. Pete sitoe zandani, Hina sikome nyaani, Wanda siwate matoni, Na nshini kuitiya; Do not take the rings off your fingers, Nor quit putting henna on your fingernails, Never stop putting kohl under your eyes, And on your eyebrows (MK-41). |
| changa | [adj.] | Childlike, inexperienced, naive, lacking experience, unsophisticated, timid, shy, bashful; retiring, reserved, modest, seemly, demur; see Sx (TJH). Modesty, restraint, control (W&H). Young, immature, undeveloped, unripe, in an early stage of growth or experience, both of animal and plant life. Mtoto mchanga, a young child. Kitoto kichanga, a very young child. Embe changa, halfgrown mangoes. Mahindi machanga, maize not fully developed. Askari mchanga, a raw recruit (FJ). Nouveau-né mtoto (ou mwana) mchanga, syn. Mwana mwanana, Am. Kiyana kitoto, G. Mwana (ou nchocho) ndodi; fig. Poét. Mwana mchanga, petit enfant craintif, watu wasio wachanga, des gens qui ne sont pas timides commes des enfants … (Sx). Sandamane na wayinga, Wasoyua kuitunga, Ziumbe wasio changa, Wata kuwakurubiya; Do not go about with foolish people, who do not know how to control themselves, (and) people who are not modest, avoid any contact with them (MK-21). |
| cheo/z- | [n. 7/10] | Value, worth, substance (TJH). Rank, degree, station, status (FJ). Sipende wenye jamali, na utukufu wa mali, fukara ukawadhili, cheo ukawavundiya; Do not be friendly with those having elegance, And grandiosity of wealth, And afterwards despise the poor, And devalue for them their worth (MK-62). |
| dalihini | [adv.] | Immediately, at once, right away (TJH). Forthwith (W&H). At once (JWT). Right then, at once (LH). Not in FJ. Kipenda wende peponi, Utapekwa dalihini, Kinena wende motoni, Huna budi utatiwa; If he wishes you go to Paradise, you will be brought there immediately, if he says that you go to the Fire, you cannot avoid it — you will be put there (MK-27). Ar. |
| dalia | [n. 9] | Dalia powder (W&H). A yellow mixture or powder, used by women for personal adornment, sometimes called uzuri. It is also used in preparing a body for burial. (Ar salve, etc., what is smeared upon.) (FJ). Na kidani na kifungo, Sitoe katika shingo, Muwili siwate mwengo, Ya marashi na daliya; And your necklace and clasp, Do not remove them from your neck, Do not leave your body without fragrance, Of rosewater and dalia powder. (MK-40). Ar. |
| Dayanu | [prop. n.] | The Judge, the Recompenser, from Ar. dayyanu, from Ar. borrow, become a debtor (W&H). T’ungile utungu hunu, Kwa zahimu na zitunu, Kwa kadha yako Dayanu, Na hukumuzo Jaliya; I have composed this poem, In distress and pain, By your decree, O Judge, And your judgements, Oh God, the giver of all things (MK-90). Ar. |
| dhana | [n. 9/10] | Opinion (M&H, JWT). Thought, idea, notion, suspicion (FJ). Wala situkue dhana, Kwa mambo usoyaona, Na kwamba nakunong’ona, Tahadhari nakwambiya; Neither maintain opinions, on matters that you do not understand, and as for whispering, be careful I tell you (MK-19). Ar. |
| dhili | [v. tr.] | Humble, be humble, show humility (TJH). Abase, humble, bring low, set at nought (FJ). Tena mwanangu idhili, Mbee za makabaili, Uwaonapo mahali, Angusa kuwenukiya; Further, my child, humble yourself, before people of rank, when you see them any where, quickly praise them (MK-15). Ar. |
| dhili | [v. tr.] | Despise (W&H). Humiliate, degrade (TJH). Abase, humble, bring low, set at nought (FJ) Sipende wenye jamali, na utukufu wa mali, fukara ukawadhili, cheo ukawavundiya; Do not be friendly with those having elegance, And grandiosity of wealth, And afterwards despise the poor, And devalue for them their worth (MK-62). Ar. |
| dhuria | [n. 9/10] | Descendants (FJ). Nahimidi nkisalia, Kwa tume wetu nabia, Ali zake na dhuria, Itwenee sote pia; I give praise while praying, For our Apostle the Prophet, And his family members and descendants, May it (his blessing) be abundant for us all (MK-102). Ar. |
| dua | [n. 9/10] | Prayer, special supplication, request made in prayer. Omba dua, offer a prayer, make a request to God; (2) a curse, a spell, i.e. amepigwa dua, he has been bewitched (FJ). Tamati maneno yangu, Kukuusia mwanangu, Sasa t‘amuomba Mngu, anipokelee dua; This is the end of my words, Advising you my child, Now I will pray to God, That He accept on my behalf a prayer (MK-66). Ar. |
| egema | [v. i.] | Approach, come near, come close (TJH); Come (JWT), Attend to (W&H). Not in FJ, but see ‑egama (Stc. form of ega, not now in use), be in a leaning, resting, or reclining position, i.e. propped on elbow or supported; -egemea 1. lean on, rest on, be supported by; 2. trust to, rely upon (FJ). S’approcher, venir près. Njoo uegeme vien approche-toi …. (P. Am.) (Sx). Negema wangu binti, Mchachefu hasanati, Upulike wasiati, Asaa ukazingatiya; Listen to my last instructions, so you may consider them carefully (MK-1); Kilala siikukuse, Mwegeme umpapase, Na upepo nasikose, Mtu wa kumpepeya; When he rests do not take yourself off, Go up to him and caress him, And as for fresh air let him not be without, Someone to fan him (MK-31). |
| egesha | [v. cs.] | Cause to rest, bring into close contact, make secure, etc. Egesha chombo pwani, bring a vessel to land, moor, make fast. Egesha mashua ngazini, secure a boat to the gangway of a ship (FJ). See –egema. Nakuomba taisiri, Mambo nisiyokadiri, Unegeshe kulla kheri, Ovu ukinepuliya; I pray to You in haste, as to things that I cannot fathom, Bring me every happiness, Delivering me from evil (MK-86). |
| enea | [v. i.] | 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). Rabbi waweke nduzangu, Na wana wao na wangu, Wenee na ulimwengu, Kwa jamali na sitawa; Lord; keep my kin safe, Along with their children and mine, And may they become abundant in this world, with grace and prosperity (MK-71). Mwenye kutii mvuli, Ndake jaha na jamali, Kulla endapo mahali, Hutangaa na kweneya; She who obeys her husband, It is her honor and charm, Wherever she goes, It is announced and known far and wide (MK-96). |
| enenda | [v. i.] | Go, etc.; see St. -enda go, etc. Akupendao mpende, Akuizao mwenende, Kwa zema mvundevunde, la’ala akaridhiya; She/he who loves you love him/her, She/he who rejects you go to him/her, Wear her/him down with kindness, Perhaps he/she will be content (with you) (MK-63). |
| eneza | [v. cs.] | Spread far and wide, publish abroad; also see FJ (TJH). Na bwanako mtukuze, Sifa zake uzeneze, Wala simshurutize, Asoweza kutukuwa; And bring honor to your husband, Spread his praises far and wide, But do not obligate him, For things he cannot carry out (MK-48). |
| epua | [v. tr.] | Cause to avoid, keep away from (TJH). Put out of the way, move away, take off, remove (FJ). Mwanangu twaa waadhi, Pamoya na yangu radhi, Mngu atakuhifadhi, Akuepue na baa; My child, accept my advice, together with my blessing, God will preserve you, that He may help you avoid evil, My child, accept my advice, together with my blessing, God will preserve you, that He may help you avoid evil (MK-7). |
| epuka | [v. tr.] | Avoid, etc.; see –epa, avoid, get out of the way of, abstain from, withdraw from, keep from. Ananiepuka, he avoids me, keeps out of my way—also anaepukana nami {NB. Stative in form, but used transitivity} (FJ). Kwetu yangawa mazito, Kwako wewe ni matoto, Nepulia uvukuto, Unepuke marra moya; Although things are hard for us, for you they are insignificant, take the fever of sickness from me, Keep me (from evil) at once (MK-79). |
| epulia | [v.appl.] | Take away; see St. -epua, put out of the way, move away, take off, remove. Epua (but frequently in this sense ipua is used) chungu motoni, take the pot off the fire (FJ). Wangalie kwa huruma, Uwongoze ndia njema, Uwepulie na tama, Za akhera na duniya; Look upon them with mercy, Lead them along the good path, take them away from evil, In the next life and this (MK-75). |
| eta | [v. tr.] | Bring; see St. –leta bring, etc. (FJ). Mpumbaze apumbae, Amriye sikatae, Maovu kieta yeye, Mngu atakuteteya; Take his mind off his concerns so he will be at ease, Do not refuse his orders, If he brings (you) evil, God will defend you (MK-36). |
| etea | [v. appl.] | Bring to; see –eta bring; St. –leta and –letea (FJ). Nyumba yako i nadhifu, Mumeo umsharifu, Wakutanapo sufufu, Msifu ukimweteya; May your house be well kept, So that you honor your husband, When people meet there in large numbers, You, as one who praises, are bringing it to him (i.e., honor) (MK-42). |
| faradhi | [n. 9/10] | Decrees, laws, commandments (TJH). Ordinances of God; Faradhi is what is absolutely enjoined, while sunna allows some discretion (JWT). A matter of necessity, obligation, prescribed duty, esp. of religion (FJ). Death (Metaphorical) (W&H). La kwanda kamata dini, Faradhi usiikhini, Na sunna ikimkini, Ni wajibu kuitiya; The first (piece of advice), hold fast to religion, do not scorn the faradhi (God’s ordinance), (and) if it is possible, the sunnah (good works) and to carry out the wajibu (duties) (MK-12). Yalipokuya faradhi, kanikariria radhi, kashukuru kafawidhi, moyo wangu katushiya; When death came, He recited his blessings for me, He gave thanks and entrusted himself to God, and my heart filled me with emotion (MK-54). Ar. |
| faraji | [n. 9] | Comfort, relief, etc. See –fariji, v. comfort. console, relieve, ease, bless; faraja, comfort, relief, cessation of pain, ease, consolation (FJ). Nisimeme muhitaji, Nipa hima sinihuji, Ajili bi’l faraji, Ya afua na afiya; I stand as one in need, Grant (what I ask) quickly without forcing upon me, a comfortless death, (without) pardon and salvation (MK-77). Ar. |
| fawidhi | [v. tr.] | Entrust a matter to one (LH). Yalipokuya faradhi, kanikariria radhi, kashukuru kafawidhi, moyo wangu katushiya; When death came, He recited his blessings for me, He gave thanks and entrusted himself to God, and my heart filled me with weakness (MK-54). Ar. |
| firasha | [n. 9/10] | Bedspread, coverlet (W&H). See St. Firashi a bed coverlet, quilt (FJ). Na kowa na kuisinga, Na nyee zako kufunga, Na yasimini kutunga, Na firashani kutiya; As to bathing and perfuming yourself, And plaiting your hair, And stringing jasmin blossoms together, And putting them on the bedspread… (MK-38). |
| fuata | [v. tr.] | Follow, come next to, succeed, come behind, pursue; (2) imitate, copy, accompany (in music), do like, be like; (3) obey, keep to, abide by, be follower (adherent) of … (FJ). Fuata yake idhini, Awe radhi kwa yakini, Wala sikae ndiani, Saa ya ‘ne ikasiya; Follow his wishes (his sanctions), That he may be truly content, Nor stay along the way, Until the fourth hour (10 pm) has passed (MK-45). |
| fufua | [v. i.] | Rise from the dead, resurrect [TJH]. See –fufua cause to revive, bring to life again, resuscitate, restore, revive. Fufua maiti, bring a dead man to life. Fufua mgonjwa, give strength to an invalid. Fufua deni, bring up a forgotten debt. Fufua desturi (sheria, chama), revive a custom (law, association or guild) (FJ). Na siku ufufuwao, Nadhari nda mumeo, Taulizwa atakao, Ndilo takalotendewa; And on the day you rise from the dead, the award belongs to your husband, he will be asked what he wants, it is that which will be done for him (MK-26). |
| fukara | [n. 9/10] | Destitute, poor person (TJH). Sipende wenye jamali, na utukufu wa mali, fukara ukawadhili, cheo ukawavundiya; Do not be friendly with those having elegance, And grandiosity of wealth, And afterwards despise the poor, And devalue for them their worth (MK-62). Ar. |
| fukiza | [v. cs.] | Perfume with incense, cense, fumigate (TJH). Mnyoe umpalilize, Sharafa umtengeze, Mkukize mfukize, Bukurata wa ashiya; Shave him and have him rubbed clean, Arrange his beard, Wash him carefully and perfume him with incense, Morning and evening (MK -34). |
| funua | [v. cv.] | Reveal (TJH). Uncover, unfold, lay open, undo; (2) disclose, reveal, explain, show. Funua chungu, take the lid off a cooking-pot. Funua chuo, open a book. Funua mabawa, spread the wings (FJ). Wala sinene ndiani, sifunue shiraani, Mato angalia tini, Na uso utie haya; Nor should you speak along the way, Nor reveal yoursef from under the shiraa (veil, canopy), Keep your eyes lowered, And show deference in your look (MK-46). |
| furahisha | [v. cs.] | Gladden, cheer, rejoice, delight (FJ). Rabbi unifurahishe, Mambo mema unegeshe, Maovu uyagurishe, Tusikutane pamoya; Lord, help me to rejoice, bring good close to me, remove the evil, so that we not meet with it (MK-88). Ar. |
| ghadhabu | [n. 9] | Rage, fury, passion, anger, exasperation, used with such verbs as fanya, ona, ingia, also ingiwa (na), shikwa (na), patwa (na) (FJ). Keti naye kwa adabu, Usimtie ghadhabu, Akinena simjibu, Itahidi kunyamaa; Live with him with civility, do not anger him, if he rebukes you, do not answer back, make an effort to hold your tongue (MK-28). Ar. |
| gharibu | [n. 9/10 an.] | Stranger, traveller (W&Hg). See ugharibu strange land, distant place, abroad, foreign land; strangeness, foreignness (K&K). Mwenye kutunga nudhumu, Ni gharibu mwenye hamu, Na ubora wa ithimu, Rabbi tamghufiriya; The composer of this poem, Is a traveller with longing, and the greatest/worst of her sins, Lord, you will forgive her (MK-97). Ar. |
| ghashi | [n. 9, adj.] | Deceit, guile (FJ & W&H); deceitful, full of guile. Ifanye mteshiteshi, Kwa maneno yaso ghashi, Wala sifanye ubishi, Watu wakayatukiya; Make yourself an entertaining person, by words that are not deceitful, nor should you make rude jokes, people dislike them (i.e. such words) (MK-17). Ar. |
| ghayata | [Ar. exp.] | Goal = Ar. meaning “the fulfillment” (W&Hg). Ya Allahu! Ya Allahu!, Ya Rabbahu ya Rabbahu, Ya Ghayata Raghbatahu, Nitika hukwamkuwa; O God O God, O Lord O Lord, O Fulfilment of all desire, answer me as I call upon You (MK-82). Ar. |
| ghufuria | [n. appl.] | Forgive, pardon (TJH). Nondolea ndwee mbovu, Yaloningia kwa nguvu, Dhambi zangu na maovu, Ya Rabbi nighufiriya; Remove the evil illness from me, which entered in me, my sins and evil, O Lord, forgive me (MK-78). Ar. |
| gurisha | [v. cs.] | Remove from a place (K&K). See –gura move one’s dwelling to another place (FJ). Rabbi unifurahishe, Mambo mema unegeshe, Maovu uyagurishe, Tusikutane pamoya; Lord, help me to rejoice, bring good close to me, remove the evil, so that we not meet with it (MK-88). |
| guu/ma- | [n. 5/6] | Foot, leg; see St. mguu/mi- (FJ). Nawe ipambe libasi, Ukae kama ‘arusi, Maguu tia kugesi, Na mikononi makowa; Also adorn your clothing, That you remain like a bride, Put anklets upon your legs, And beaded bracelets upon your arms (MK-39). |
| Habibu | [prop. n.] | The Beloved one, the Prophet (W&H, JWT). Kisake kutakarabu, Bisumillahi kutubu, Umtaye na Habibu, Na sahabaze pamoya; As soon as (you) are close by, write “In the Name of God”, mention Him as well as the Beloved (the Prophet), along with his companions (MK-4) Note the JWT version has ukisa “you being finished” instead of kisake (MK-4). Ar. |
| hadisi | [n. 9/10] | Story; see St. hadithi (FJ). Ndoo mbee ujilisi, Na wino na karatasi, Moyoni nina hadisi; Nimependa kukwambiya; Come forward and seat yourself, with ink and paper, I have things in my heart, that I want to tell you. (MK-3). Ar. |
| hafidhiya | [n. 9/10 an.] | The saved (W&H, JWT). See hifidhiya preservation, < Ar. preserve (W&Hg). See hafidhi, guardian, keeper, protector, preserver, a man who has memorised the Koran, scholar; Mungu hafidhi, God is the keeper (K&K). See –hifadhi preserve, keep, protect, save. Mungu amhifadhi, may God keep him (FJ). Not in FJ or Sx in this form or meaning). Uniweke duniyani, Miongo ya wahusini, Nifapo nende peponi, Makao ya hafidhiya; Keep me in this world, In the company of the faithful, So when I die I may go to Paradise, The dwelling-place of the saved (Mk-89). Ar. |
| haki | [n. 9/10] | Justice; see FJ. La tatu uwa sadiki, Ushikalo ulithiki, Mtu asoshika haki, Sandamane naye ndiya; Thirdly, be trustworthy, what you resolve do it conscientiously, the person who does embrace justice, do not accompany him along the way (MK-14). Ar. |
| hamu | [n. 9/10] | Longing, yearning, anxiety, love, desire for something (either good or bad). Kuwa na (or kuona) hamu, desire, long for, yearn after (FJ). Mwenye kutunga nudhumu, Ni gharibu mwenye hamu, Na ubora wa ithimu, Rabbi tamghufiriya; The composer of this poem, Is a traveller with longing, And the greatest/worst of her sins, Lord, you will forgive her (MK-97). Ar. |
| hasanati | [n. 9/10] | Award (W&H). FJ: hasanati n. see hisani. hisanti: kindness, favour, goodness … (FJ). sanati: the year …. (FJ). Sanati & hasanati not in Sx. Good qualities (JWT). Negema wangu binti, Mchachefu hasanati, Upulike wasiati, Asaa ukazingatiya; Come close, my daughter, (my) rare gift (from God), Listen to my last instructions, so you may consider them carefully (MK-1). Ar. |
| hatta | [conj.] | Until; see St. hata (FJ). Up to, until, for as much as, as far as. Maradhi yamenishika, Hatta yametimu mwaka, Siyapata kutamka, Neno lema kukwambiya; Sickness has seized me, having lasted as much as a year. I have not had a chance to utter, a good word to say to you (MK-2). Ar. |
| haya | [n. 9] | Deference, submissiveness (TJH). Shame, modesty, bashfulness, shamefacedness; (2) cause of shame, disgrace; (3) humility, respect, reverence. Tia haya, make ashamed. Fanya (ona) haya, feel shame, be shy… (FJ). Wala sinene ndiani, sifunue shiraani, Mato angalia tini, Na uso utie haya; Nor should you speak along the way, Nor reveal yoursef from under the shiraa (veil, canopy), Keep your eyes lowered, And show deference in your look (MK-46). Ar. |
| hifadhi | [v. tr.] | Preserve, keep, protect, save. Mungu amhifadhi, may God keep him. (FJ). Mwanangu twaa waadhi, Pamoya na yangu radhi, Mngu atakuhifadhi, Akuepue* na baa; My child, accept my advice, together with my blessing, God will preserve you, that He may help you avoid evil (MK-7). Ar. |
| hiji | [v. i.] | Go on pilgrimage to Mecca. Kwa siku hizi tukufu, Za kuhiji na kutufu, Niafu Rabbi niafu, Unishushize afuwa; By these glorious days, Of Haj and going round the Kaaba, Save me, O Lord, save me, Send down deliverance to me (MK-81). Ar. |
| hima | [n. 9/10] | Quickly (JWT). Energy, urgency, importance (FJ). Nisimeme muhitaji, Nipa hima sinihuji, Ajili bi’l faraji, Ya afua na afiya; I stand as one in need, Grant (what I ask) quickly without forcing upon me, a comfortless death, (without) pardon and salvation (MK-77). |
| himidi | [v. tr.] | Thank, praise, extol, magnify, esp. of praise to God (FJ). Nahimidi nkisalia, Kwa tume wetu nabia, Ali zake na dhuria, Itwenee sote pia; I give praise while praying, For our Apostle the Prophet, And his family members and descendants, May it (his blessing) be abundant for us all (MK-102). Ar. |
| hina | [n. 9] | Henna, prepared from the plant mhina, mi-, a very favorite red dye. The plant is also called mhanuni, (Ar.) (FJ). Pete sitoe zandani, Hina sikome nyaani, Wanda siwate matoni, Na nshini kuitiya; Do not take the rings off your fingers, Nor quit putting henna on your fingernails, Never stop putting kohl under your eyes, And on your eyebrows (MK-41). Ar. |
| hini | [dem. 9] | This, this one. Nipulishie walimu, Wakinambia fahamu, Dua hini Isilamu, Akiomba hurudiwa; Let me listen to the teachers, As they are telling me, understand, This prayer of the Faith, If one prays, it always comes back to him (MK-84). See hunu dem. 3. |
| hizini ~ khizini | [v. tr.] | Care for (JWTg). Cherish (W&H). Nimekupa duniani, Watunde uwahizini, Unipe kesho Peponi, Mbee za Tumwa Nabiya; I have given them to you in this world, For you to protect and cherish (lit. cherish them), So that tomorrow you can give them to me in Heaven, In the presence of the Prophet (MK-74). Ar. |
| huji1 | [v. tr.] | Interrogate, cross-examine, grill, question; sound out someone; quibble, haggle (TJH). Argumenter avec qqn; sonder, tirer les vers du nez; raisonner, alléguer des preuves; chicaner, disputer; fig. Sonder, explorer une plaie Amekuhuji hatta umwambie, il t’a raisonné jusqu’a ce que tu lui aies dit (Sx). See St. –hoji, cross-question, examine, ply with arguments (FJ). Na ayapo muhitaji, Mama kwako simuhuji, Kwa uwezalo mbuji, Angusa kumtendeya; And when there is someone in need, As for you my child, do not grill her, As you are able, my dear, Hurry to assist her (MK-64). Ar. |
| huji2 | [v. tr.] | Force upon (W&H). Nisimeme muhitaji, Nipa hima sinihuji, Ajili bi’l faraji, Ya afua na afiya; I stand as one in need, Grant (what I ask) quickly without forcing upon me, a comfortless death, (without) pardon and salvation (MK-77). Ar. |
| hunu | [dem. 3] | This, this one; see hini dem. 9. T’ungile utungu hunu, Kwa zahimu na zitunu, Kwa kadha yako Dayanu, Na hukumuzo Jaliya; I have composed this poem, In distress and pain, By your decree, O Judge, And your judgements, Oh God, the giver of all things (MK-90). |
| huramu | [n.10] | Women; Ar. huram, pl. of hurmat (W&Hg). Not in FJ. Femmes (Sx). Somani nyute huramu, Maana muyafahamu, Musitukue laumu, Mbee za Mola Jaliya; Read, all you women, So that you may understand, That you bear no blame, In the presence of Almight God (MK-94). Ar. |
| huruma | [n. 9/10] | Sympathy, consideration, fellow feeling, kindliness; (2) mercy, pity, compassion. Mwenye huruma, compassionate, sympathetic, kind. Kuwa na huruma to be kind, merciful, etc. Fanya (ona, ingia, ingiwa na) huruma, have kindly feeling (FJ). Wangalie kwa huruma, Uwongoze ndia njema, Uwepulie na tama, Za akhera na duniya; Look upon them with mercy, Lead them along the good path, take them away from evil, In the next life and this (MK-75). Ar. |
| i- | [refl. pron.] | Oneself, etc.; see St. -ji- (FJ). Tena mwanangu idhili, Mbee za makabaili, Uwaonapo mahali, Angusa kuwenukiya; Further, my child, humble yourself, before people of rank, when you see them any where, quickly praise them (MK-15). |
| idhini | [n. 9/10] | Approval, consent, agreement, acquiescence, assent; ban, prohibition, discipline (TJH). Sanction, permission, authorization, leave (FJ). Fuata yake idhini, Awe radhi kwa yakini, Wala sikae ndiani, Saa ya ‘ne ikasiya; Follow his wishes (his sanctions), That he may be truly content, Nor stay along the way, Until the fourth hour (10 pm) has passed (MK-45). Ar. |
| Idi ya udhihiya | [Ar. exp.] | Festival of the Sacrifice (W&H). Feast of Sacrifice (for ‘Idu ‘l-Adha), also called ‘Idu ‘l-Kabir, part of the rites of the Muslim pilgrimage (LH). See udhihiya victim, sacrificial victim (W&Hg) Nakuombawe Latifa, Unondolee mikhafa, Kwa Yaumu li’Arafa, Na Idi ya udhihiya; I pray to You, the All-Benevolent, Rid me of my fears, by reason of the Day of Arafat, and the Festival of the Sacrifice (MK-80). Ar. |
| iketia | [v. refl.] | Stay alone, remain by oneself, rest (TJH). See –keti, … Demeurer, habiter; rester chez soi, dans ses foyers; rester, s’arrêter; < -kaa + iti s’asseoir à terre (Sx). Ukutiwapo kutoka, Sharuti ruhusa taka, Uonapo meudhika, Rudi na kuiketiya; Whenever you happen to go out, For sure seek permission, When you see that he is upset, Return home and stay there alone (MK-44). |
| ikiraha | [n. 9/10] | Something that causes disgust, etc.; see kirahi being offended, disgust, causing offence, provocation, insult, words or actions which cause offence, disgust, abhorrence, insult, etc.; also ikrahi, ikiraha (FJ). Nena nao kwa mzaha, Yawatiayo furaha, Yawapo ya ikiraha, Kheri kuinyamaliya; Talk with them cheerfully, of things which give them joy, (but) when words are offensive, it is better to keep your own counsel (lit. Be quiet to yourself) (MK-18). Ar. |
| ikukusa | [v. refl.] | Take oneself off, absent onself (TJH). Extricate oneself (K&K). Kilala siikukuse, Mwegeme umpapase, Na upepo nasikose, Mtu wa kumpepeya; When he is sleeping do not take yourself off, Go up to him and caress him, And as for fresh air let him not be without, Someone to fan him (MK-31). |
| ilalia | [v. refl.] | Arrange oneself in a comfortable position, get oneself comfortable on a bed or couch, settle oneself comfortably; see St. –jilalia. (TJH). Rejea upesi kwako, Ukakae na bwanako, Utengeze matandiko, Mupate kuilaliya; Return quickly to your home, Go and be with your husband, Arrange mats and cushions, So that you may settle yourselves down on them together (MK-47). |
| illa | [conj.] | Except, unless, but; see St ila, (FJ). Sitangane na watumwa, Illa mwida wa khuduma, Watakuvutia tama, Labuda nimekwambiya; Do not associate with slaves, except during household affairs, they will draw you into disgrace, as perhaps I have told you (MK-20). Ar. |
| Illahi | [prop. n.] | Allah, God. Kapenda kumnabihi, La’ala katanabahi, Kamfuata Illahi, Pamwe na wake rijaa; And I desire to counsel her, That perhaps she will realize, And follow God, Together with her man (MK-93). Ar. |
| ina/ma- | [n. 5/6] | Name; see jina/ma- (FJ), name. Ukisa kulitangaza, Ina la Mola Muweza, Basi tuombe majaza, Mngu tatuwafikiya; Once you have finished proclaiming, the name of Almighty God, then let us pray for His grace, (that) God will consider suitable for us (MK-5); Niwekea wangu wana, Na umbu langu mnuna, yakue yao maina, yenee majimbo piya; Save my children for me, and my younger brother, may their names grow great, and spread throughout the whole country (MK-70). |
| inukia | [v. appl.] | Praise, etc.; see St. –inukia (FJ). Exalt, glorify, praise, extol, show honor to, respect; rise up; raise up to; see Sx exalter (TJH). Greet (JWT). Respect (M&K). (1) get better of sickness; (2) begin to prosper (FJ). See -inua lever, hausser, soulever …; fig. Élever, porter à un rang élevé, exalter (-kuza) … (Sx). Tena mwanangu idhili, Mbee za makabaili, Uwaonapo mahali, Angusa kuwenukiya; Further, my child, humble yourself, Before people of rank, When you see them any where, Quickly praise them (MK-15). |
| isa | [v. i.] | Finish, etc.; see St. –isha (FJ). Kisake kutakarabu, Bisumillahi kutubu, Umtaye na Habibu, Na sahabaze pamoya; As soon as (you) are close by, write “In the Name of God”, mention Him as well as the Beloved (the Prophet), along with his companions (MK-4) Note the JWT version has ukisa “you being finished” instead of kisake. |
| ithimu | [n. 9/10] | Sin, Ar. ithmu (W&Hg). Mwenye kutunga nudhumu, Ni gharibu mwenye hamu, Na ubora wa ithimu, Rabbi tamghufiriya; The composer of this poem, Is a traveller with longing, And the greatest/worst of her sins, Lord, you will forgive her (MK-97). Ar. |
| ito/mato | [n. 5/6] | Eye; see St. jito/mato (FJ). Pete sitoe zandani, Hina sikome nyaani, Wanda siwate matoni, Na nshini kuitiya; Do not take the rings off your fingers, Nor quit putting henna on your fingernails, Never stop putting kohl under your eyes, And on your eyebrows (MK-41). |
| iyutia | [v. reflx.] | Have regrets about; see St. –jijutia (FJ). Watu wakipulikana, Milele hukumbukana, Illa wenye kushindana, Milele huiyutiya; If people listen to one another, They remember each other forever, But those who fight each other, They regret it for eternity (MK-56). |
| iza | [v. tr.] | Reject, dislike, refuse (FJ, W&Hg). Refuse, turn down, reject, decline; deny (K&K). Akupendao mpende, Akuizao mwenende, Kwa zema mvundevunde, la’ala akaridhiya; She/he who loves you love him/her, She/he who rejects you go to him/her, Wear her/him down with kindness, Perhaps he/she will be content (with you) (MK-63). NB: identified as Kiamu in W&Hg. |
| jaha | [n. 9/10] | Honor (W&H). Honor, glory, prosperity. Mtu aliyeshushiwa jaha, a person who has been granted good fortune. Kilango cha jaha, the gate of Paradise (FJ). Mwenye kutii mvuli, Ndake jaha na jamali, Kulla endapo mahali, Hutangaa na kweneya; She who obeys her husband, It is her honor and charm, Wherever she goes, It is announced and known far and wide (MK-96). Ar. |
| Jalia | [prop. n.] | One of the names of God; the Giver, the Granter (TJH). The Majestic One (K&K). The All High (W&H). T’ungile utungu hunu, Kwa zahimu na zitunu, Kwa kadha yako Dayanu, Na hukumuzo Jaliya; I have composed this poem, In distress and pain, By your decree, O Judge, And your judgements, Oh God, the giver of all things (MK-90). Ar. |
| jamali | [n. 9, adj.] | Elegance, charm (W&H). Beautiful, gracious, kind (K&K). See jamala n. 9/10. courtesy, good manners, elegance, beauty, grace, gracious (kind, obliging) behavior, affability (FJ). Sipende wenye jamali, na utukufu wa mali, fukara ukawadhili, cheo ukawavundiya; Do not be friendly with those having elegance, And grandiosity of wealth, And afterwards despise the poor, And devalue for them their worth (MK-62); Rabbi waweke nduzangu, Na wana wao na wangu, Wenee na ulimwengu, Kwa jamali na sitawa; Lord, keep my kin safe, Along with their children and mine, And may they become abundant in this world, with grace and prosperity (MK-71). Ar. |
| jilisi | [v. i.] | Sit down (FJ) Ndoo mbee ujilisi, Na wino na karatasi, Moyoni nina hadisi, Nimependa kukwambiya; Come forward and seat yourself, with ink and paper, I have things in my heart, that I want to tell you. (MK-3). Ar. |
| jimbo/ma- | [n. 5/6] | Inhabited lands, country (TJH). Inhabited country, district, province… (FJ). Niwekea wangu wana, Na umbu langu mnuna, yakue yao maina, yenee majimbo piya; Save my children for me, and my younger brother, may their names grow great, and spread throughout the whole country (MK-70). |
| kaa | [v. i.] | Loiter, sit with (W&H). See –jikalia, remain idle, wait idly, live a life of ease, self-indulgence, etc. (FJ). Fuata yake idhini, Awe radhi kwa yakini, Wala sikae ndiani, Saa ya ‘ne ikasiya; Follow his wishes (his sanctions), That he may be truly content, Nor stay along the way, Until the fourth hour (10 pm) has passed (MK-45). |
| kabaili/ma- | [n. 5/6 an.] | Someone of good parentage, high birth, rank, privilege (TJH). Person of rank (M&K). See kabaila/ma– (FJ). Person of rank (W&H). Person of quality (JWT). Né de parents libres (waungwana)…. (Sx). Tena mwanangu idhili, Mbee za makabaili, Uwaonapo mahali, Angusa kuwenukiya*; Further, my child, humble yourself, before people of rank, when you see them any where, quickly praise them (MK-15). Ar. |
| kadha | [n. 9/10] | Sentence, decree of a judge or of God (W&Hg). See kadhi, judge, in matters of Islamic law (FJ) T’ungile utungu hunu, Kwa zahimu na zitunu, Kwa kadha yako Dayanu, Na hukumuzo Jaliya; I have composed this poem, In distress and pain, By your decree, O Judge, And your judgements, Oh God, the giver of all things (MK-90). Ar. |
| kadiri | [v. tr.] | Estimate, reckon, calculate, fix the value of, put a limit on; (2) form an opinion on, consider, weigh, judge; kadiri mali, make a valuation of property. Nakadiri maneno haya ni kweli, I judge that this statement is true (FJ). Nakuomba taisiri, Mambo nisiyokadiri, Unegeshe kulla kheri, Ovu ukinepuliya; I pray to You in haste, as to things that I cannot judge, Bring me every happiness, Delivering me from evil (MK-86). Ar. |
| kariria | [v. prep.] | Repeat, say over and over again, recite, rehearse (for, to, at, etc.) (FJ). Confirm, approve, applaud, show approval to, agree with; urge; emphasize, come back to (on a subject) (K&K) Yalipokuya faradhi, kanikariria radhi, kashukuru kafawidhi, moyo wangu katushiya; When death came, He recited his blessings for me, He gave thanks and entrusted himself to God, and my heart filled me with emotion (MK-54). Ar. |
| kaririwa | [v. ps.] | Be said again and again, be repeated; see –kariri repeat, say over and over again, recite, rehearse (FJ). Nda Mngu na mtumewe, Baba na mama wayuwe, Ya tano nda mumewe, Mno imekaririwa; They are of God and His Prophet, her father and mother she must know them, the fifth is of her husband, it has been said again and again (MK-23). Ar. |
| keti | [v. tr.] | Sit, sit down; stay, remain; (DN. = Dy. –keleti, Nz. 2 –kensi … Demeurer, habiter; rester chez soi, dans ses foyers; rester, s’arrêter; < -kaa + iti s’asseoir à terre (Sx). Ukutiwapo kutoka, Sharuti ruhusa taka, Uonapo meudhika, Rudi na kuiketiya; Whenever you happen to go out, For sure seek permission, When you see that he is upset, Return home and stay there alone (MK-44). |
| khafifia | [v. appl.] | Lighten for, make light for (TJH). Unburden (for) (W&H). See hafifu n., triffling, insignificant, poor in quality, valueless, frivolous. Sometimes a v. is made -hafifisha reduce to insignificance, make light of, etc. (Not given by FJ nor Sx as a verb in this form). Nami mjao dhaifu, Mwenye nyingi takalufu, Nakuomba takhafifu, Rabbi nitakhafifiya; And I your weak servant, one with many troubles & worries, I pray to You to lighten them, O Lord lighten them for me (MK-85). See ta-.. Ar. |
| khafifu | [v. tr.] | Lighten, make light (TJH). Lighten (W&H). See hafifu n., triffling, insignificant, poor in quality, valueless, frivolous. Sometimes a v. is made -hafifisha reduce to insignificance, make light of, etc. (Not given by FJ nor Sx as a verb in this form). Nami mjao dhaifu, Mwenye nyingi takalufu, Nakuomba takhafifu, Rabbi nitakhafifiya; And I your weak servant, one with many troubles & worries, I pray to You to lighten them, O Lord lighten them for me (MK-85). See ta-. Ar. |
| kheri | [n. 9/10] | Joy, happiness; (be) better; see St. heri (FJ). Nena nao kwa mzaha, Yawatiayo furaha, Yawapo ya ikiraha, Kheri kuinyamaliya; Talk with them cheerfully, of things which give them joy, (but) when words are offensive, it is better to keep your own counsel (lit. Be quiet to yourself) (MK-18). Ar. |
| khini | [v. tr.] | Refuse to give, etc.; see St. –hini: (1) refuse to give (to), withhold (from), keep back (from). Amenihini fedha yangu, he has kept back my money. Jihini, deny oneself, e.g. –jihini chakula, deny oneself food. (2) Make little scorn (FJ). Neglect (W&H). Reject (JWT). 1. refuse to give (to), withhold (from), keep back (from)… 2. make little of, scorn (FJ) La kwanda kamata dini, Faradhi usiikhini, Na sunna ikimkini, Ni wajibu kuitiya; The first (piece of advice), hold fast to religion, do not scorn the faradhi (God’s ordinance), (and) if it is possible, the sunnah (good works) and to carry out the wajibu (duties) (MK-12); Enda naye kwa imani, Atakalo simukhini, We naye sikindaneni, Mkindani huumiya; Keep faith with him, what he desires do not withhold from him, both of you, do not quarrell with each other, a quarreller is always hurt (MK-29). Ar. |
| khitariwa | [v. tr.] | Be chosen (W&H). See St. –hitari choose, select, prefer (FJ). Naawe* radhi mumeo, Siku zote mkaao, Siku mukhitariwao, Awe radhi mekuwiya; And may your husband be happy, all the days that you live, on the day when you both are chosen, may he be happy — (this) he owes to you (MK-24). Siku moya tusitete, Ovu langu asipate, Na lake lisinikute, Hatta akakhitariwa; We never spoke badly of each other, And he never received evil from me, And his (evil) never found me, Until finally he was chosen (MK-53). Ar. |
| khuduma | [n. 9/10] | Service, etc.; see St. huduma (FJ). Work, servitude (TJH). Sitangane na watumwa, Illa mwida wa khuduma, Watakuvutia tama, Labuda nimekwambiya; Do not associate with slaves, except during household affairs, they will draw you into disgrace, as perhaps I have told you (MK-20). Ar. |
| kiburi | [n. 9] | Pride, arrogance, conceit, haughtiness. Piga (fanya) kiburi, show off, be ostentatious, play the grandee. Mtu asiye na kiburi na watu, one who does not treat people in a discourteous (contemptuous, off-hand) way, (for proper pride, see under fahari) (FJ). Wala sifanye kiburi, Nla hatta ushakiri, Usiyakuta sikiri, Ukambwa na kondolewa; Nor should you be haughty, Eat until you are satisfied, If you are not yet full, do not admit it, Even when you are told (that the meal is over) and the food is taken from you (MK-60). Ar. |
| kidani/zi- | [n. 7/8] | A neck ornament, necklace, collar of gold, silver, beads, etc., often chainwork, with large open links (TJH). Nikutungie kidani, Cha lulu na marijani, Nikuvike mke shani, Shingoni kikizagaa, Let me string together a necklace for you, of pearls and red coral, let me dress you as a beautiful woman, (with it) shinning upon your neck (MK-9); Na kidani na kifungo, Sitoe katika shingo, Muwili siwate mwengo, Ya marashi na daliya; And your necklace and clasp, Do not remove them from your neck, Do not leave your body without fragrance, Of rosewater and dalia powder. (MK-40). |
| kifungo/zi- | [n. 7/8] | Clasp, brooch, pin, etc. (TJH). A fastening, act (process, method, etc.) of fastening, something which fastens. Hence a wide variety of meanings, defined by the context, or by another word, e.g. (1) button, stud, brooch, buckle, clasp, chain, cord, or other contrivance for fastening; (2) prison, place of confinement, whether chain (minyororo), fetters (pingu), stocks, (mkatale), enclosure, or cell. Peleka kifungoni, send to prison. (3) fig. bond, charter, that which binds (seals, cements, etc.), e.g. Muhammad is called kifungo cha dini, i.e. the force which holds religion together, the corner-stone of the faith. Kifungo may also mean (4) a puzzle, a poser, a dilemma; (5) an act of fasting; (6) bondage, slavery (FJ). Penda nikupe kifungo, Kizuri kisicho ongo, Uvae katika shingo, Utaona manufaa; I would like to give you a clasp, a beautiful one which is not a sham, wear it on your neck, and you will see benefits (MK-10). |
| kindana | [v. rcp.] | Dispute, haggle, debate, argue, quarrel with one another (TJH). See St. –shindana try to overcome each other, contend, be rivals, dispute, compete (FJ). Rivaliser, s’efforcer de, l’emporter l’un sur l’autre, lutter, se disputer la vivtoire; discuter, disputer … (Sx). Enda naye kwa imani, Atakalo simukhini, We naye sikindaneni, Mkindani huumiya; Keep faith with him, what he desires do not withhold from him, both of you, do not quarrell with each other, a quarreller is always hurt (MK-29) |
| kiri | [v. tr.] | Acknowledge, admit, accept, assent, state formally, confess, allow, aver, ratify. Often in legal documents, e.g. nimekiri mimekubali kwamba, I do hereby formally acknowledge and agree that, etc. Kiri makosa, confess offenses. Kiri deni, admit a debt (FJ). Wala sifanye kiburi, Nla hatta ushakiri, Usiyakuta sikiri, Ukambwa na kondolewa; Nor should you be haughty, eat until you are satisfied, if you are not yet full, do not admit it, even when you are told (that the meal is over) and the food is taken from you (MK-60) Ar. |
| kisa | [conj./adv.] | After, after that, as soon as, once, when, immediately upon (conj.); finally, in the end, afterwards (adv.). See kisake & -isa. Kisake kutakarabu, Bisumillahi kutubu, Umtaye na Habibu, Na sahabaze pamoya; As soon as (you) are close by, write “In the Name of God”, mention Him as well as the Beloved (the Prophet), along with his companions (MK-4). NB: the JWT version has ukisa instead of kisake. |
| kisake | [conj./adv.] | Afterwards, etc.; contr. of kisa + yake; see kisa; also see kisha afterwards, then, moreover (FJ)). Kisake kutakarabu, Bisumillahi kutubu, Umtaye na Habibu, Na sahabaze pamoya; As soon as (you) are close by, write “In the Name of God”, mention Him as well as the Beloved (the Prophet), along with his companions (MK-4). NB: the JWT version has ukisa “you being finished” instead of kisake. |
| kiteko/zi- | [n. 7/10] | Laugh, smile, grin. Naliowa na babako, kwa furaha na ziteko, tusondoleane mbeko, siku zote twalokaa; I was married to (lit. by) your father, With happiness and laughter, Without lacking respect for each other, All the days that we lived (MK-52). |
| kitunu/zi- | [n. 7/10] | Grumbling, moaning (TJH). Grief, sorrow (W&H). Pain, distress < -tunua scarify (W&Hg). See itunu n. 5/6 grumbling, discontent; kitunu grumbling (K&K). (G.) Grognement consistant à faire hoe, syn itunu. SD mguno, kiguno, maguno… (Sx). See St. –chunua scrape skin off (FJ). T’ungile utungu hunu, Kwa zahimu na zitunu, Kwa kadha yako Dayanu, Na hukumuzo Jaliya; I have composed this poem, In distress and pain, By your decree, O Judge, And your judgements, Oh God, the giver of all things (MK-90). |
| kiumbe/zi- | [n. 7/10 an.] | Person, human being, mortal, creature (TJH). A created thing, a creature, but usually limited to the rational, or at least animate, creation … (FJ). Sandamane na wayinga, Wasoyua kuitunga, Ziumbe wasio changa, Wata kuwakurubiya; Do not go about with foolish people, who do not know how to control themselves, (and) people who are not modest, avoid any contact with them (MK-21). |
| kia | [v. i.] | Cross over (W&H), ascend to (JWT). See -kia: step over, as of a log (FJ). Yangu utakaposhika, Mwanangu hutosumbuka, Duniani utavuka, Na akhera utakiya; When you will accept my (advice), my child, you will not be troubled, you will cross through this world, and step over into Paradise (MK-11). |
| komesheza | [v. cs.] | Bring one to the end (W&H). See –komesha, make stop, bring to an end, thwart, forbid, kill—usually implying some force or abruptness. Komesha maneno, stop conversation, cut short a debate (FJ). Kwako kuomba sikomi, Wala sifumbi ulimi, Ya Mufarrija ‘l Hammi, Nikomesheza udhiya; I do not stop praying to You, Nor do I shut my mouth, Oh Comforter and Protector, Bring me to the end of my sufferings (MK-76). |
| kongowea | [v. appl.] | Greet, salute, accost, but with excessive humility or show (FJ). Apparently an applied form of kongoa, an obsolete word surviving in the custom of greeting a person returned from a journey with ‘Kongoni!’ to which the answer is ‘Kongoni we!’; cf. Kongo, salutation to the new moon, welcome given to a stranger (W&Hg quoting fron Krapf, London, 1925). Kitoka agana naye, Kingia mkongowee, Kisa umtandikie, Mahala pa kupumua; When he goes out say goobye to him, And when he comes in greet him pleasantly, Then set out for him, A place for resting (MK-30). |
| kowa | [v. i.] | Bathe, etc.; see St. –koga and –oga bathe, wash the whole body, take a bath. Koga is often used as the root (i.e. ku-oga) (FJ). Na kowa na kuisinga, Na nyee zako kufunga, Na yasimini kutunga, Na firashani kutiya; As to bathing and perfuming yourself, And plaiting your hair, And stringing jasmin blossoms, And putting them on the bed coverlet … (MK-38) |
| kowa/ma- ~ koa | [n. 5/6] | Bracelet (W&H). Glass, window pane; beads (glass beads, beads of shells) (TJH). (Am.) Verre à vitre; grande vitre; also ukowa; cf. Ar. Kowa lucarne, fenêtre (Sx). Glass bead; glass; crystal; window-pane; shell (K&K). Not in FJ. Nawe ipambe libasi, Ukae kama ‘arusi, Maguu tia kugesi, Na mikononi makowa; Also adorn your clothing, That you remain like a bride, Put anklets upon your legs, And beaded bracelets upon your arms (MK-39). Wapambiye sini ya kuteuwa, Na kula kikombe kinakishiwa, Kati watiziye kuzi za kowa, Katika mapambo yanawiriye; They decorated with choice china, And every cup was adorned with etching, In the center they placed pitchers of crystal, Among the glittering ornaments (Ink-38). |
| kugesi | [n. 9/10] | Anklet, ankle band. Nawe ipambe libasi, Ukae kama ‘arusi, Maguu tia kugesi, Na mikononi makowa; Also adorn your clothing, That you remain like a bride, Put anklets upon your legs, And beaded bracelets upon your arms (MK-39). |
| kukiza | [v. cs.] | Wash formally, wash with ceremony (TJH). Do an ablution (W&H). Pour water over (W&Hg). Not in FJ. Not in Sx. Mnyoe umpalilize, Sharafa umtengeze, Mkukize mfukize, Bukurata wa ashiya; Shave him and have him rubbed clean, Arrange his beard, Wash him carefully and perfume him with incense, Morning and evening (MK-34). |
| kukusa1 | [v. i.] | Go, go off, take off (TJH). Betake off (W&H). Not in FJ with thus meaning, see –kukusa2. Kilala siikukuse, Mwegeme umpapase, Na upepo nasikose, Mtu wa kumpepeya; When he is sleeping do not take yourself off, Go up to him and caress him, And as for fresh air let him not be without, Someone to fan him (MK-31). See –ikukusa take oneself off. |
| kukusa2 | [v. i.] | Be neglectful, superficial, flighty, inattentive; (2) attempt to remove a difficulty or a quarrelsome person, etc. (FJ). Stir, shake, shake off, shake out; to bid one to depart, to leave quickly; kuikukusa ( = kujikukusa) to extricate one self, shake off st., shrug off st. shrug off, get enough of it (K&K). See –kukusa under –kukuta: int. –mkukusa mtu, secouer violemment qqn. (shake someone violently – Réfl. Am Fulani ameikukusa (Sx). See kukusa1 for citation. |
| kulla | [conj.] | Every, etc.; see St. kila (FJ). Whenever, wherever, every time, each time (also adj. each, each one). Pili uwa na adabu, Na ulimi wa thawabu, Uwe kitu mahabubu, Kulla utakapongiya; Secondly, have good manners, with courteous language, be something loved, wherever you will enter (MK-13). Ar. |
| kurubiya | [v. app.] | Approach, etc.; see St. –karibia, 1) come near (to), go near (to), approach, move close to, enter; (2) approximate, be near (FJ). Sandamane na wayinga, Wasoyua kuitunga, Ziumbe wasio changa, Wata kuwakurubiya; Do not go about with foolish people, who do not know how to control themselves, (and) people who are not modest, avoid any contact with them (MK-21).Uwaonapo sahibu, Ambao wakunasibu, Wakikwambia karibu, Angusa kukurubiya, Whenever you see friends, Who are of your own lineage, If they welcome you in, Go in at once (MK-58) Ar. |
| kuta | [v. i.] | Be full (of food) (TJH). Become satisfied with food. Cf. –shiba, which is more common (FJ). Wala sifanye kiburi, Nla hatta ushakiri, Usiyakuta sikiri, Ukambwa na kondolewa; Nor should you be haughty, Eat until you are satisfied, If you are not yet full, do not admit it, Even when you are tomvulild (that the meal is over) and the food is taken from you (MK-60). |
| kutiwa | [v. appl. ps.] | Have, find occasion to do something, come up with, happen to; be met by (TJH). Need (W&H). Have occasion (JWT). Ukutiwapo kutoka, Sharuti ruhusa taka, Uonapo meudhika, Rudi na kuiketiya; Whenever you happen to go out, For sure seek permission, When you see that he is upset, Return home and stay there alone (MK-44). |
| kutubu | [v. i.] | Write (W&H, JWT). See kitabu (FJ). Kisake kutakarabu, Bisumillahi kutubu, Umtaye na Habibu, Na sahabaze pamoya; As soon as (you) are close by, write “In the Name of God”, mention Him as well as the Beloved (the Prophet), along with his companions (MK-4) Note the JWT version has ukisa “you being finished” instead of kisake (MK-4). Ar. |
| la’ala ~ laala | [adv.] | Perhaps, maybe. Peut-être que, el se peut que, Insha Allah la’ala, s’il plait à Dieu, il se peut qu’il guérisse (Sx). Akupendao mpende, Akuizao mwenende, Kwa zema mvundevunde, la’ala akaridhiya; She/he who loves you love him/her, She/he who rejects you go to him/her, Wear her/him down with kindness, Perhaps he/she will be content (with you) (MK-63). Ar. |
| labuda | [adv.] | Perhaps, etc.; see St. labda (FJ). Sitangane na watumwa, Illa mwida wa khuduma, Watakuvutia tama, Labuda nimekwambiya; Do not associate with slaves, except during household affairs, they will draw you into disgrace, as perhaps I have told you (MK-20). Ar. |
| Latifa | [prop. n.] | All-Benevolent (W&H). One of the names of God. Nakuombawe Latifa, Unondolee mikhafa, Kwa Yaumu li’Arafa, Na Idi ya udhihiya; I pray to You, the All-Benevolent, Rid me of my fears, by reason of the Day of Arafat, and the Festival of the Sacrifice (MK-80). Ar. |
| libasi | [n. 9/10] | Clothes, etc.; see St. lebasi clothes, raiment, wearing apparel, for the common mavazi, nguo (FJ). Finery Fghara(W&H). Nawe ipambe libasi, Ukae kama ‘arusi, Maguu tia kugesi, Na mikononi makowa; Also adorn your clothing, That you remain like a bride, Put anklets upon your legs, And beaded bracelets upon your arms (MK-39). Ar. |
| maakuli | [n. 9/10] | Food. Chamka siimuhuli, Mwandikie maakuli, Na kumtunda muili, Kumsinga na kumowa; When he awakes do not hold yourself back, Prepare a meal for him, And take care of his body, Massage him with perfume and bathe him (MK-33). Ar. |
| majaza | [n. 6] | Gifts from God, God’s favor and grace, abundance, plenty, bounty; See -jaa (TJH). Bounty (W&H, JWT) Ukisa kulitangaza, Ina la Mola Muweza, Basi tuombe majaza, Mngu tatuwafikiya; Once you have finished proclaiming, the name of Almighty God, then let us pray for His grace, (that) God will consider suitable for us (MK-5). |
| malenga | [n. 9/10 an.] | Performer of poetry, a bard (TJH). Minstrelsy (W&H). Professional singer, employed to lead the singing in dances, concerts, etc. (FJ). Na sababu ya kutunga, Si shairi si malenga, Nina kijana muyinga, Kapenda kumuusiya; And my reason for composing, it’s not (because of) poetry nor (that I am) a bard, (but because) I have a young innocent child, and I wish to give her my last instructions (MK-92). |
| mama | [prop. n.] | Little mother, see terme d’affection, petite mère, à l’adresse d’une toute petite fille … (Sx). Mama pulika maneno, Kiumbe ni radhi tano, Ndipo apate usono, Wa akhera na duniya; Little mother, listen to this counsel, for a person there are five blessings, it is then she will have the peace, of the next world and this (MK-22). |
| Manani | [prop. n.] | A title of God, the Beneficent (FJ). Nakuombawe Manani, Unitilie auni, Ninenayo ulimini, Na yote nisoyatowa; I pray to You, Beneficent One, Grant to me aid, What I utter on my tongue, and what I do not offer (MK-68). Ar. |
| mazoea | [n. 6] | Habituation, practice, familiarity, use, habit, custom… Fanya mazoea, settle down, become sociable, contented (FJ) Tangu hapo hata yeo, Siyanyamaa kilio, Nikumbukapo pumbao, Na wingi wa mazoeya; From then to this day, I have not yet ceased my crying, When I remember the happiness, And the abundance of our contented life (MK-55). |
| mbee | [n. 9/10 / adv.] | Ahead, forward (W&H, JWT). See St. mbele, (1) of place,—before, in front, on the near side, on the far side, forward, beyond; (2) of time—long ago, previously, in the past, in the future, hereafter; (3) fig. in the front, in prominent place (as to rank, quality, value, etc.). Mbele is often used with ya or za (never na) in the above sense, and also (4) in the presence (of), in view of … (FJ). Ndoo mbee ujilisi, Na wino na karatasi, Moyoni nina hadisi, Nimependa kukwambiya, Come forward and seat yourself, with ink and paper, I have things in my heart, that I want to tell you (MK-3); Tena mwanangu idhili, Mbee za makabaili, Uwaonapo mahali, Angusa kuwenukiya; Further, my child, humble yourself, before people of rank, when you see them any where, quickly praise them (MK-15). |
| mbeko | [n. 9/10] | Honor, esteem, dignity, regard (TJH). See –ondoa (vunja) mbe(le)ko, put to shame (FJ). Honneur, point ou sentiment d’honneur: marque d’estime, hommage … –ondoa mbeko manquer à l’honneur, aux convenances (Sx). Naliowa na babako, kwa furaha na ziteko, tusondoleane mbeko, siku zote twalokaa; I was married to (lit. by) your father, With happiness and laughter, Without lacking respect for each other, All the days that we lived (MK-52). |
| mbuji/wa- | [n. 1/2] | A dear one; used as a term of affection (TJH). See mbeja … Syn. mbuji — Dans une acception spéciale, mbuji wake, son beau, sa belle, son prince, sa princesse: s’emploie comme t. d’affection, de la même manière que mpenzi, mchumba (Sx). Eloquent (JWT). See mmbuji/wa- an elegant, well-dressed person. (Prob. from the same root as mbeja, i.e. Ar. causing joy, cheering.); umbuji grace, elegance, pleasing appearance, accomplishments — of dress, manner, etc.; mbeja/wa- a person who is neat, smart, well dressed, careful of appearance (FJ). Na ayapo muhitaji, Mama kwako simuhuji, Kwa uwezalo mbuji, Angusa kumtendeya; And when there is someone in need, As for you my child, do not grill her, As you are able, my dear, Hurry to assist her (MK-64). Ar.? |
| mchachefu | [n. 1/2] | Something rare, precious (TJH). Not in Sx (either in this form or with prefix m-). Cf. -chache 1. few in number… 2. rare … something of value. Allen: lb The reading mchachefu hasanati in W [Werner & Hichens] is very difficult. It is translated ‘me unworthy of God’s award’; but mchache does not mean ‘unworthy of’ but ‘lacking in’ or ‘short of’ and this is an improbable expression. If we translate hasanati as ‘good qualities’ the omission of wa is strange. Wa is inserted in F[DSM No. 136]; but this gives an extra syllable and ‑fu must be omitted. (Allen 1971:59, fn 1b) (See chachefu). Negema wangu binti, Mchachefu hasanati, Upulike wasiati, Asaa ukazingatiya; Come close, my daughter, (my) rare gift (from God), Listen to my last instructions, so you may consider them carefully (MK-1). |
| minna | [Ar. exp.] | For me (W&H). From me (JWT). Yote nimezoyanena, Rabbi takabali minna, na yasalieyo tena, nakuomba nitendeya; Everything that I have said, Lord accept it from me, And what still remains, I beg you do it for me (MK-69). Ar. |
| miongo | [n. 4] | See mwongo, (1) number, reckoning, rank. Usually in plur. Hamo katika miongo yao, he is not one of them, and in the phrase miongoni mwa, used prepositionally, among the number of, on the side of, form among. (2) a period of time, esp. a decade, sometimes used as a division of the Swahili month (FJ); see miongoni, in the number of, among, from among, on the side of, in the party of (FJ). Uniweke duniyani, Miongo ya wahusini, Nifapo nende peponi, Makao ya hafidhiya; Keep me in this world, In the company of the faithful, So when I die I may go to Paradise, The dwelling-place of the saved (Mk-89). |
| mja/wa- | [n. 1/2] | Servant (JWT). Handmaiden (W&H). Slave (Sx). Human being (KKK-Swaeng). See mja kazi/waja kazi female slave (full-grown slave); kija kazi/vijakazi slave girl (Krapf). Not in FJ. Nami mjao dhaifu, Mwenye nyingi takalufu, Nakuomba takhafifu, Rabbi nitakhafifiya; And I your weak servant, one with many troubles & worries, I pray to You to lighten them, O Lord lighten them for me (MK-85). |
| mkhafa/mi- | [n. 3/4] | Fear (W&H, JWT). Not in FJ or Sx. See mahafa 6, fear (K&K). NB. Given as mahafa in JWT edition of Mwana Kupona. Nakuombawe Latifa, Unondolee mikhafa, Kwa Yaumu li’Arafa, Na Idi ya udhihiya; I pray to You, the All-Benevolent, Rid me of my fears, by reason of the Day of Arafat, and the Festival of the Sacrifice (MK-80). Ar. |
| mkindani/wa- | [n. 1/2] | Competitor, rival, contender. See –shindana try to overcome each other, contend, be rivals, dispute, compete (FJ). Quarreller (W&H). Enda naye kwa imani, Atakalo simukhini, We naye sikindaneni, Mkindani huumiya; Keep faith with him, what he desires do not withhold from him, both of you, do not quarrell with each other, a quarreller is always hurt (MK-29). |
| mkini | [v. i.] | Be possible, likely, probable (FJ). Variant of –yamkini. La kwanda kamata dini, Faradhi usiikhini, Na sunna ikimkini, Ni wajibu kuitiya; The first (piece of advice), hold fast to religion, do not scorn the faradhi (God’s ordinances), (and) if it is possible, the sunnah (good works) and to carry out the wajibu (duties) (MK-12). |
| mkoo/wa- | [n. 1/2] | Dirty, sloppy, messy, untidy person (TJH). A slut, slattern, a dirty untidy person, male or female (FJ). Mwanangu siwe mkoo, Tenda kama uonao, Kupea na kuosha choo, Sidharau marra moya; My child, do not be dirty or untidy, Do what you see (needs to done) at once, To sweep and wash out the bathroom, Do not scorn (to do it) (MK-37). |
| Mngu/mi- | [n. 3/4 an.] | God; see St. Mungu (FJ). Nda Mngu na mtumewe, Baba na mama wayuwe, Ya tano nda mumewe, Mno imekaririwa, They are of God and His Prophet, her father and mother she must know them, the fifth is of her husband, it has been said again and again (MK-23), Ukisa kulitangaza, Ina la Mola Muweza, Basi tuombe majaza, Mngu tatuwafikiya; Once you have finished proclaiming, the name of Almighty God, then let us pray for His grace, (that) God will consider suitable for us (MK-5). |
| mnuna/wa- | [n. 1/2] | Younger, brother or sister (TJH). Cadet, enfant ou frère ou soeur plus jeune qu’un-e autre; see mdogo (Sx). Not in FJ but see homonym: mnuna/wa- grumbler, one who complains (sulks, is discontented); see –nuna, grumble, show discontent, complain, be sullen, sulk. Nuna uso, look discontented (sulky) (FJ). See umbu/ma- — a term if used by a woman can only refer to her brother. Niwekea wangu wana, Na umbu langu mnuna, yakue yao maina, yenee majimbo piya; Save my children for me, and my younger brother, may their names grow great, and spread throughout the whole country (MK-70). |
| Mola Muweza | [prop. n.] | Almighty God, God the Most Powerful. God the Mighty (W&H), Almighty God (JWT). See Mola A title for God, ‘Lord’ (FJ). Ukisa kulitangaza, Ina la Mola Muweza, Basi tuombe majaza, Mngu tatuwafikiya; Once you have finished proclaiming, the name of Almighty God, then let us pray for His grace, (that) God will consider suitable for us (MK-5). |
| moya | [num.] | One; see St. moja. Kwetu yangawa mazito, Kwako wewe ni matoto, Nepulia uvukuto, Unepuke marra moya; Although things are hard for us, for you they are insignificant, take the fever of sickness from me, Keep me (from evil) at once (MK-79). |
| moyo/nyoyo | [n. 3/10] | Heart; see St. moyo/mioyo (FJ). Na jamii isilamu, Mola wangu wa rahamu, Matakwa yao yatimu, Nyoyo zikifurahiya; And for the whole community of Islam, O my Lord of mercy, May their needs be fulfilled, With their hearts rejoicing (MK-72). |
| msifu/wa- | [n. 1/2] | One who praises, recommends, flatters. Msifu mno, a gross flatterer, toady, parasite (FJ). Nyumba yako i nadhifu, Mumeo umsharifu, Wakutanapo sufufu, Msifu ukimweteya; May your house be well kept, So that you honor your husband, When people meet there in large numbers, You, as one who praises, are bringing it to him (i.e., honor) (MK-42). Ar. |
| mtaraji/wa- | [n. 1/2] | One who waits, one who is expectant; see –taraji, hope, be confident, expect (FJ). Ina lake mufahamu, ni mtaraji Karimu, Mwana Kupona Mshamu, Pate alikozaliwa; Know her name, she is one who waits for the Lord, Mwana Kupona Mshamu, it is in Pate where she was born. (JWT-98, see MK). Ar. |
| mte/mi- | [n. 3/4] | Sprout, seedling, etc. See mche (FJ). Somani mite ya nganu, Mtii waume wenu, Musipatwe na zitunu, Za akhera na duniya; Read, you little ones (lit. sprouts of wheat), So you may obey your husbands, And not suffer any sorrow, Of the after-life and of this (MK-95). |
| mteshiteshi/wa- | [n. 1/2] | Amusing, entertaining, funny person; see St. mcheshi (FJ). Ifanye mteshiteshi, Kwa maneno yaso ghashi, Wala sifanye ubishi, Watu wakayatukiya; Make yourself an entertaining person, by words that are not deceitful, nor should you make rude jokes, people dislike them (i.e. such words) (MK-17). |
| Mufarrija l’Hammi | [prop. n.] | Comforter and Protector (W&H). Kwako kuomba sikomi, Wala sifumbi ulimi, Ya Mufarrija ‘l Hammi, Nikomesheza udhiya; I do not stop praying to You, Nor do I shut my mouth, Oh Comforter and Protector, Bring me to the end of my sufferings (MK-76). Ar. |
| muhitaji/wa- | [n. 1/2] | Petitioner, one in need; etc.; see St. mhitaji a person who wants (needs something), applicant, candidate, petitioner; (2) one who is needy, in want, poor (FJ). Na ayapo muhitaji, Mama kwako simuhuji, Kwa uwezalo mbuji, Angusa kumtendeya; And when there is someone in need, As for you my child, do not grill her, As you are able, my dear, Hurry to assist her (MK-64). |
| muhuli | [v. tr.] | Delay, hold up, hold back (TJH). See St. muhula space of time, period, interval (FJ). Chamka siimuhuli, Mwandikie maakuli, Na kumtunda muili, Kumsinga na kumowa; When he awakes do not hold yourself back, Prepare a meal for him, And take care of his body, Massage him with perfume and bathe him (MK-33). Ar. |
| muhusuni/wa- | [n. 1/2] | Faithful (W&H), Blessed (JWT). Not in FJ or Sx. Uniweke duniyani, Miongo ya wahusini, Nifapo nende peponi, Makao ya hafidhiya; Keep me in this world, In the company of the faithful, So when I die I may go to Paradise, The dwelling-place of the saved (Mk-89). Ar. |
| Muweza | [prop. n.] | Almighty God; see –weza (FJ). Le Puissant (Dieu), = mweza. Part. de –weza. Muwezi poét. (Pa. S. G. Muwezi) (Sx) ) Ukisa kulitangaza, Ina la Mola Muweza, Basi tuombe majaza, Mngu tatuwafikiya; Once you have finished proclaiming, the name of Almighty God, then let us pray for His grace, (that) God will consider suitable for us (MK-5). |
| muyinga/wa- | [n. 1/2] | Naive, uninformed, inexperienced, immature, guileless person; fool, ignorant person, stupid one (TJH). Innocent (W&H). Silly (JWT). See St. –jinga ignorant, stupid (FJ). See mjinga (Am. G. muinga, muyinga, ou G. njinga, Ngw, muyinga). Ignorant qui ne sait pas, inexpérimenté. Mjinga mkuu, grand innorant, ignare. Si mjinga wa safari, il sait voyager. Mjinga bado, il ne sait pas encore, il n’est pas au courant, il n’est pas formé, il est novice encore (Sx). Sandamane na wayinga, Wasoyua kuitunga, Ziumbe wasio changa, Wata kuwakurubiya; Do not go about with foolish people, who do not know how to control themselves, (and) people who are not modest, avoid any contact with them (MK-21). Na sababu ya kutunga, Si shairi si malenga, Nina kijana muyinga, Kapenda kumuusiya; And my reason for composing, it’s not (because of) poetry nor (that I am) a bard, (but because) I have a young, innocent child, and I wish to give her my last instructions (MK-92). |
| mvuli/wa- | [n. 1/2] | Man, husband, male (TJH). Homme, mari (Am.) (Sx). See mvulana (FJ). Mausio ya mvuli, Allah Allah ya’amili, Na nduguzo na ahali, Wapende nakuusiya; Your husbands last wishes, Allah Allah ya’amili, And your kin and relations, Love them, I exhort you (MK-57). NB: mvulana boy, etc. < mvul(i) + ana (diminutive suffix; not in productive use in Swahili). |
| mwaka/nyaka | [n. 3/10] | Year; see St. mwaka/miaka 3/4 year (FJ). Mama sinoe ulimi, nioleza wako umi, naliowa nyaka kumi, tusitete siku moya; My child, do not sharpen your tongue, Pattern yourself after your mother, I was married ten years ago, We never quarreled a single day (MK-51). |
| mwalimu/w- | [n. 1/2] | Learned person, Koranic teacher, teacher. Nipulishie walimu, Wakinambia fahamu, Dua hini Isilamu, Akiomba hurudiwa; Let me listen to the teachers, As they are telling me, understand, This prayer of the Faith, If one prays, it always comes back to him (MK-84). Ar. |
| mwandani/wendani | [n. 1/2] | Companion, friend, associate (FJ). Watu wote waumini, kwako na wawe wendani, sipende masalatini, washinde ukiwepuwa; All trustworthy people, Let them as well be friends at your home, Do not be friends with those involved in making trouble, Defeat them by avoiding them (MK-61). |
| mwengo | [n. 3] | Perfume, fragrance, scent (TJH). Fragrance (W&H). Kind of scent (FJ). Na kidani na kifungo, Sitoe katika shingo, Muwili siwate mwengo, Ya marashi na daliya; And your necklace and clasp, Do not remove them from your neck, Do not leave your body without fragrance, Of rosewater and dalia powder. (MK-40). |
| mwida/mi- | [n. 3/4] | Moment of time, period of time, a moment, Am. (TJH). = muda (JWT). See muda (FJ). Sitangane na watumwa, Illa mwida wa khuduma, Watakuvutia tama, Labuda nimekwambiya; Do not associate with slaves, except during household affairs, they will draw you into disgrace, as perhaps I have told you (MK-20). Ar. |
| mzaha/mi- | [n. 3/4] | Something cheerful, fun (W&H). Fun, joke, ridicule, derision. Jina la mzaha, a nickname. Fanya mzaha, do in fun. Fanyizia mzaha, make fun of, make a mock of, treat disrespectfully, scornfully, etc. (FJ). Nena nao kwa mzaha, Yawatiayo furaha, Yawapo ya ikiraha, Kheri kuinyamaliya; Talk with them cheerfully, of things which give them joy, (but) when words are offensive, it is better to keep your own counsel (lit. Be quiet to yourself) (MK-18). |
| nabahi | [v. tr.] | See –nabihi. Ar. |
| Nabiya | [prop. n.] | The Prophent Mohammed. See nabii/ma- a prophet, a preacher of righteousness, one who foretells the future. Used of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jesus, and others as well as Muhammad (FJ) Nimekupa duniani, Watunde uwahizini, Unipe kesho Peponi, Mbee za Tumwa Nabiya; I have given them to you in this world, For you to protect and cherish (lit. cherish them), So that tomorrow you can give them to me in Heaven, In the presence of the Prophet (MK-74). Ar. |
| nabihi | [v. tr.] | Make realize, discern, be concious; urge, counsel, warn, admonish (TJH). Remember, perceive (FJ). Warn (W&H). Kapenda kumnabihi, La’ala katanabahi, Kamfuata Illahi, Pamwe na wake rijaa; And I desire to counsel her, That perhaps she will realize, And follow God, Together with her man (MK-93). Ar. |
| nadhari | [n. 9/10] | Award (W&H). Choice (JWT). (1) look, glance; (2) attention, consideration; (3) choice, discretion, judgment, common sense. Nadhari yako (or kwako), it is for you to choose. Sina nadhari, I have no choice (FJ). Na siku ufufuwao, Nadhari nda mumeo, t‘aulizwa atakao, Ndilo takalotendewa; And on the day you rise from the dead, the award belongs to your husband, he will be asked what he wants, it is that which will be done for him (MK-26). Ar. |
| nadhifu | [adj.] | Clean, neat, well kept. Nyumba yake nadhifu sana, his house is in very good order. Sometimes heard as a verb, also a Cs. form[nadhifisha] (FJ). Nyumba yako i nadhifu, Mumeo umsharifu, Wakutanapo sufufu, Msifu ukimweteya; May your house be well kept, So that you honor your husband, When people meet there in large numbers, You, as one who praises, are bringing it to him (i.e., honor) (MK-42). Ar. |
| nafuu | [n. 9/10] | Profit, advantage, gain, progress, assistance, e.g. in money or food, for a journey; also of improvement in health, convalescence. Amepata nafuu, he has got better (FJ). Mama haya yasikize, Tafadhali sinipuze, Utaona nafuuze, Za akhera na duniya; My child, listen to these words, Please do not ignore me, You will see their profit, That in the next world and on earth (MK-65). Ar. |
| nasibu | [v. tr.] | Be equals by birth (W&H). Be related to (W&Hg). Trace one’s lineage; Jinasibu kuwa ndugu, claim (for oneself) to be a brother (FJ). Uwaonapo sahibu, Ambao wakunasibu, Wakikwambia karibu, Angusa kukurubiya; Whenever you see friends, Who are of your own lineage, If they welcome you in, Go in at once (MK-58). NB: Ar. trace a pedigree; Kijuma glosses this as ‘sawasawa na wewe’, to be understood in the W&H citation as ‘of equal birth’. (W&Hg). Ar. |
| nda | [emph. cop.] | It is of, it is for, it belongs to,is to (TJH). Nda Mngu na mtumewe, Baba na mama wayuwe, Ya tano nda mumewe, Mno imekaririwa; They are of God and His Prophet, her father and mother she must know them, the fifth is of her husband, it has been said again and again (MK-23). Na siku ufufuwao, Nadhari nda mumeo, Taulizwa atakao, Ndilo takalotendewa; And on the day you rise from the dead, the award belongs to your husband, he will be asked what he wants, it is that which will be done for him (MK-26). Makusudi yangu ya kudhamiri, Nda kutunga koja kilidawiri, Mivazi ya duri ikinawiri, Mikinda ya lulu nyuma nitiye; My purpose that I intend, Is to string together a necklace forming it in a circle, Its sections of pearls shining, And then put smaller pearls at its end (Ink-7). |
| ndake | [emph. cop.] | It is his/hers; < nda + –ake; see nda emph. copula. Mwenye kutii mvuli, Ndake jaha na jamali, Kulla endapo mahali, Hutangaa na kweneya; She who obeys her husband, It is her honor and charm, Wherever she goes, It is announced and known far and wide (MK-96). |
| ndiya | [n. 9/10] | Path, way; see –njia (FJ). La tatu uwa sadiki, Ushikalo ulithiki, Mtu asoshika haki, Sandamane naye ndiya; Thirdly, be trustworthy, what you resolve do it conscientiously, the person who does embrace justice, do not accompany him along the way (MK-14) |
| ndoo | [imp.] | Come!, imp. of the verb -ja; see St. njoo. Ndoo mbee ujilisi, Na wino na karatasi, Moyoni nina hadisi, Nimependa kukwambiya; Come forward and seat yourself, with ink and paper, I have things in my heart, that I want to tell you. (MK-3). |
| nduu | [n. 9/10] | Brother, sibling, etc.; see St. ndugu (FJ). Rabbi waweke nduzangu, Na wana wao na wangu, Wenee na ulimwengu, Kwa jamali na sitawa; Lord, keep my kin safe, Along with their children and mine, And may they become abundant in this world, with grace and prosperity (MK-71). |
| ndwee | [n. 9/10] | Sickness; see St. uele/maele sickness, illness, esp. a severe and crippling kind which confines the patient to bed; ndwele, sickness (Mv), elsewhere uele, q.v. (FJ). Ndwee (Mv. Ng. = Am. G. ndrwee, Mv. P. Ndwele). Maladie, syn. uwee, ugonjwa. Prov. Haina tabibu ndwee ya mapendi mal d’amour n’a pas de médecin (est sans remède). R. –waa, (Am. G. Ng.) souffrir, épreouver une douleur, être malade; syn. –ugua, — Cf. –wawa. Uwee, uwele, kiwee, kiwele, ndwee, ndwele, mwade (Sx). Pains of sickness (Kr). Nondolea ndwee mbovu, Yaloningia kwa nguvu, Dhambi zangu na maovu, Ya Rabbi nighufiriya; Remove the evil illness from me, which entered in me, my sins and evil, O Lord, forgive me (MK-78). |
| nena | [v. i.] | Rebuke (W&H). FJ only gives: (1) speak, articulate, utter, say; (2) speak of, mention, name, declare, but see his entry for –nenana: speak of each other, and so commonly, quarrel, abuse each other (FJ) Keti naye kwa adabu, Usimtie ghadhabu, Akinena simjibu, Itahidi kunyamaa; Live with him with civility, do not anger him, if he rebukes you, do not answer back, make an effort to hold your tongue (MK-28). |
| nga- | [tns.] | Tense marker indicating a concession. Kwetu yangawa mazito, Kwako wewe ni matoto, Nepulia uvukuto, Unepuke marra moya; Although things are hard for us, for you they are insignificant, take the fever of sickness from me, Keep me (from evil) at once (MK-79). |
| nganu | [n. 9] | Wheat, etc.; see St. ngano, wheat, grain (FJ). Somani mite ya nganu, Mtii waume wenu, Musipatwe na zitunu, Za akhera na duniya; Read, you little ones (lit. sprouts of wheat), So you may obey your husbands, And not suffer any sorrow, Of the after-life and of this (MK-95). |
| ngiya | [v. i.] | Enter, etc.; see St. Sw. –ingia enter, go in (FJ). Pili uwa na adabu, Na ulimi wa thawabu, Uwe kitu mahabubu, Kulla utakapongiya; Secondly, have good manners, with courteous language, be something loved, wherever you will enter (MK-13). |
| ni | [prep.] | By, with; see St. Sw. na, and, by, with, etc. (FJ). Ya Allahu wangu wana, Nimekupa ni amana, Watunde Mola Rabbana, Siwate kuwangaliya; O Lord God, my children, I have given them to you as a trust, protect them, O Lord and Master, Never stop looking after them (MK-73). |
| nla | [imp.] | Eat! Am. = SD kula (FJ). Na wachandika chakula, Uchambiwa nawe nla, Wala siweke muhula, Nyuma nyuma kurejeya; And if they set out a meal, And you are asked, eat, But do not leave a long delay, Before going right back (to your home) (MK-59). |
| nudhumu | [n. 9/10] | Poem; see nadhama compose, arrange (W&Hg). Mwenye kutunga nudhumu, Ni gharibu mwenye hamu, Na ubora wa ithimu, Rabbi t‘amghufiriya; The composer of this poem, Is a traveller with longing, and the greatest/worst of her sins, Lord, you will forgive her (MK-97). NB: Ar. cf. –nadhama compose, arrange (W&Hg). Ar. |
| nyaa | [n. 9/10] | Fingernail Pete sitoe zandani, Hina sikome nyaani, Wanda siwate matoni, Na nshini kuitiya; Do not take the rings off your fingers, Nor quit putting henna on your fingernails, Never stop putting kohl under your eyes, And on your eyebrows (MK-41). |
| nyaka | [n. 10] | Years; see mwaka/nyaka 3/10. Mama sinoe ulimi, nioleza wako umi, naliowa nyaka kumi, tusitete siku moya; My child, do not sharpen your tongue, Pattern yourself after your mother, I was married ten years ago, We never quarreled a single day (MK-51). |
| nyamaa | [v. i.] | Be silent, stop talking, hold one’s tongue, be (become) quiet, die away, cease, be still—usu. not only of talking and noise, but of anything violent, troublesome, or painful, e.g. of mental or bodily suffering … (FJ). Keti naye kwa adabu, Usimtie ghadhabu, Akinena simjibu, Itahidi kunyamaa; Live with him with civility, do not anger him, if he rebukes you, do not answer back, make an effort to hold your tongue (MK-28). |
| nyamalia | [v. appl.] | Be silent before, Be quiet to, for, in, etc. (FJ); see –nyamaa be silent, stop talking, hold one’s tongue, be (become) quiet, die away, cease, be still—usu. not only of talking and noise, but of anything violent, troublesome, or painful, e.g. of mental or bodily suffering … (FJ). Nena nao kwa mzaha, Yawatiayo furaha, Yawapo ya ikiraha, Kheri kuinyamaliya; Talk with them cheerfully, of things which give them joy, (but) when words are offensive, it is better to keep your own counsel (lit. Be quiet to yourself) (MK-18). |
| oleza | [v. cs.] | Make straight (even, level) with—and so follow a pattern, copy, imitate (also –oleleza) (FJ). Mama sinoe ulimi, nioleza wako umi, naliowa nyaka kumi, tusitete siku moya; My child, do not sharpen your tongue, Pattern yourself after your mother, I was married ten years ago, We never quarreled a single day (MK-51). |
| ona | [v. tr.] | See, sense, perceive, etc.; also comprehend, understand something about a matter, see clearly (TJH); also see –ona (FJ). Voir (au pr. Et au fig.) … fig. (y) voir claire, comprendre, entendre qq ch à une affair; (y) voir, (en) penser …. (Sx). Wala situkue dhana, Kwa mambo usoyaona, Na kwamba nakunong’ona, Tahadhari nakwambiya; Neither maintain opinions, on matters that you do not understand, and as for whispering, be careful I tell you (MK-19). |
| ondoa | [v. tr.] | Arouse (W&H). Disturb (JWT). Start off, set going off; (2) take (put, send, move) away, remove, take out of the way, set aside, dismiss; (3) do away with, abolish, finish off, conclude. Uniondoe nisimame, start me (help me) to get up. Shauku nyingi huondoa maarifa, great desire overrides prudence. Daraka ya kuondoa au kuweka, responsibility for removing or establishing. Ondoa nadhiri (ahadi), fulfill a vow, discharge a promise. Ondoa matanga, bring funeral ceremonies to an end. Ondoa dhambi, remit sin (FJ). Kivikia simwondoe, Wala sinene kwa yowe, Keti papo siinue, Chamka kakuzengeya; When he is sleeping do not rouse him, Nor speak with a loud voice, Stay right there and do not get up, If he awakes then he has to search for you (MK-32). |
| ondolea | [v. appl.] | Send (take, put) away for (by, with, at, etc.), i.e. remove from, deprive of, rid of, condone, forgive, etc. (FJ). Nondolea ndwee mbovu, Yaloningia kwa nguvu, Dhambi zangu na maovu, Ya Rabbi nighufiriya; Remove the evil illness from me, which entered in me, my sins and evil, O Lord, forgive me (MK-78). |
| ondoleana | [v. rcp.] | Remove from each other, etc.; see –ondoa start off, set going off; (2) take (put, send, move) away, remove, take out of the way, set aside, dismiss; (3) do away with, abolish, finish off, conclude (FJ). See –ondoleana mbeko lack respect for one another. Naliowa na babako, kwa furaha na ziteko, tusondoleane mbeko, siku zote twalokaa; I was married to (lit. by) your father, With happiness and laughter, Without lacking respect for each other, All the days that we lived (MK-52). |
| ondolewa | [v. appl. ps] | Have something taken away from one (TJH); see –ondoa (FJ). Wala sifanye kiburi, Nla hatta ushakiri, Usiyakuta sikiri, Ukambwa na kondolewa; Nor should you be haughty, Eat until you are satisfied, If you are not yet full, do not admit it, Even when you are told (that the meal is over) and the food is taken from you (MK-60). |
| ongo | [adj.] | Flaw (W&H, JWT). Flaw, blemish (W&Hg). Variant of wongo: false, untrue, lying, pretended, sham, deceitful (FJ). Penda nikupe kifungo, Kizuri kisicho ongo, Uvae katika shingo, Utaona manufaa, I would like to give you a clasp, a beautiful one which is not a sham, wear it on your neck, and you will see benefits (MK-10). NB: nguo ziso ongo…na zisito zisizo zitango, v. 3 of Liongo’s Song, The Liongo Saga, Vol.I (W&Hg) |
| ongoa | [v. tr.] | Preserve (W&H). Save (JWT). Cause to go right, guide, lead, set right, reform, correct, convert, make successful, prosper. Ongoa mtoto, give a child a good training. Useme naye hata umwongoe, talk to him till you convert him. Ongoa mbele, lead forward. Ongoa njia, make the road straight, take a straight course on (FJ); see –ongoza (FJ). Kwani yote tunenao, Mwana Adamu ni puo, Mola ndiye awezao, Kupoteza na kongowa; In spite of all that we say, A human is an absurdity, It is the Lord who has the power, To condemn and to save (MK-67). |
| ongozana | [v. rcp.] | Lead, conduct, guide each other. T’ungile nilisakimu, Moyo usina fahamu, Usomeni Isilamu, mukiongozana ndiya; I have composed it while sick, My heart without understanding, Read it, Moslems, Guiding each other along the way (MK-91). |
| owa1 | [v. i.] | Bathe, Am. (W&Hg). See St. –oga bathe, wash the whole body, take a bath (FJ). Chamka siimuhuli, Mwandikie maakuli, Na kumtunda muili, Kumsinga na kumowa; When he awakes do not hold yourself back, Prepare a meal for him, And take care of his body, Massage him with perfume and bathe him (MK-33). NB: Used transitively in this citation. |
| owa2 | [v. i.] | Marry; see St. –oa marry (FJ). Mama sinoe ulimi, nioleza wako umi, naliowa nyaka kumi, tusitete siku moya; My child, do not sharpen your tongue, Pattern yourself after your mother, I was married ten years, We never quarreled a single day (MK-51). |
| pa hima | [v. tr.] | Give quickly, grant quickly (TJH). Yield to me readily (W&H). Nisimeme muhitaji, Nipa hima sinihuji, Ajili bi’l faraji, Ya afua na afiya; I stand as one in need, Grant (what I ask) quickly without forcing upon me, a comfortless death, (without) pardon and salvation (MK-77). |
| paliliza | [v. cs.] | Cause to weed, to have someone do weeding, have a field cleared; fig. have cleaned, scraped clean, scoured clean, rubbed clean (TJH). Employ[sb] in cleaning (FJ) < –palilia weed, clear ground of weeds < St. –paa v. (B) (also -para, which see), scrape off, scrape up, e.g. paa samaki or magamba ya samaki, clean a fish for cooking by scraping off the scales. So of potatoes, gum copal, etc. Faire sarcler, donner à sarcler; donner à qqn un travail de sarclage (FJ). But note: … is used for the careful trimming so that there is a sharp division the beard and the shaven part of the face (JWT, fn. p. 63). Mnyoe umpalilize, Sharafa umtengeze, Mkukize mfukize, Bukurata wa ashiya; Shave him and have him rubbed clean, Arrange his beard, Wash him carefully and perfume him with incense, Morning and evening (MK-34). See –singa. |
| pamoya | [adv.] | Together, along with, etc. see. St. pamoja (FJ). Kisake kutakarabu, Bisumillahi kutubu, Umtaye na Habibu, Na sahabaze pamoya; As soon as (you) are close by, write “In the Name of God”, mention Him as well as the Beloved (the Prophet), along with his companions (MK-4) Note the JWT version has ukisa “you being finished” instead of kisake (MK-4). |
| pamwe | [adv.] | Together, along with; < pa cl. 16 + mwe ‘one’ (archaic); see pamoja (FJ). Kapenda kumnabihi, La’ala katanabahi, Kamfuata Illahi, Pamwe na wake rijaa; And I desire to counsel her, That perhaps she will realize, And follow the Lord God, Together with her man (MK-93). |
| patwa | [v. ps.] | Be got, be seized, be a victim, suffer, esp. of calamity, illness, etc. (FJ). Somani mite ya nganu, Mtii waume wenu, Musipatwe na zitunu, Za akhera na duniya; Read, you little ones (lit. sprouts of wheat), So you may obey your husbands, And not suffer any sorrow, Of the after-life and of this (MK-95). |
| pea | [v. tr.] | Sweep. (ND) Balayer, SD, –fagia (Sx). Not in FJ. Mwanangu siwe mkoo, Tenda kama uonao, Kupea na kuosha choo, Sidharau marra moya; My child, do not be dirty or untidy, Do what you see (needs to done) at once, To sweep and wash out the bathroom, Do not scorn (to do it) (MK-37). |
| peka | [v. tr.] | Send, take, etc; see St. –peleka cause to go, send, take, convey, conduct, transmit, move, etc., both of persons and things (FJ). See –peleka (Am. G. –peeka, –peka) porter, mener ou conduire d’un endroit à un autre … (Sx). Wangiapo wenukiye, Na moyo ufurahiye, Kisa uwapeke mbeye, Watakapokwenda ndiya; When they enter get up to honor them, and may your heart rejoice, afterwards conduct them forth, when they about to go their way (MK-16). |
| pekwa | [v. ps.] | Be sent, be taken, be conveyed, be conducted, etc. (TJH). Kipenda wende peponi, Utapekwa dalihini, Kinena wende motoni, Huna budi utatiwa; If he wishes you go to Paradise, you will be brought there immediately, if he says that you go to the Fire, you cannot avoid it — you will be put there (MK-27). |
| pepea | [v. appl.] | Fan, wave (like a fan), wave about in the air, make a current of air … (FJ). Kilala siikukuse, Mwegeme umpapase, Na upepo nasikose, Mtu wa kumpepeya; When he rests do not take yourself off, Go up to him and caress him, And as for fresh air let him not be without, Someone to fan him (MK-31). |
| piya | [adj. / adv.] | All, the whole, complete, quite, altogether. Often with –ote, giving it emphasis, e.g. watu wote pia, all the people without exception. Nitakupa yote pia, I will give you the whole lot. As an adv. often in rejoinders (1) all of it, that too, that as well; (2) exactly so, just so. Nitwae hizi? Pia. Am I to take these? Yes, all of them, or those as well (FJ). Niwekea wangu wana, Na umbu langu mnuna, yakue yao maina, yenee majimbo piya; Save my children for me, and my younger brother, may their names grow great, and spread throughout the whole country (MK-70). |
| pokelea | [v. appl.] | Receive for (on behalf of, in the place of, etc.) (FJ). Tamati maneno yangu, Kukuusia mwanangu, Sasa t‘amuomba Mngu, anipokelee dua; This is the end of my words, Advising you my child, Now I will pray to God, That He accept on my behalf a prayer (MK-66). |
| poteza | [v. cs.] | Condemn (TJH). Destroy (W&H). Cause to perish, throw away, ruin, corrupt, spoil, abuse, use wrongly (FJ). See –potelea mbali go to hell. Kwani yote tunenao, Mwana Adamu ni puo, Mola ndiye awezao, Kupoteza na kongowa; In spite of all that we say, A human is an absurdity, It is the Lord who has the power, To condemn and to save (MK-67). |
| pulika | [v. i.] | Listen, hear (archaic) (TJH). Mama pulika maneno, Kiumbe ni radhi tano, Ndipo apate usono, Wa akhera na duniya; Little mother, listen to this counsel, for a person there are five blessings, it is then she will have the peace, of the next world and this (MK-22). |
| pulikana | [v. rcp.] | Listen to each other. Watu wakipulikana, Milele hukumbukana, Illa wenye kushindana, Milele huiyutiya; If people listen to one another, They remember each other forever, But those who fight each other, They regret it for eternity (MK-56). |
| pulishia | [v. cs. appl.] | Be attentive to, listen to. Nipulishie walimu, Wakinambia fahamu, Dua hini Isilamu, Akiomba hurudiwa; Let me listen to the teachers, As they are telling me, understand, This prayer of the Faith, If one prays, it always comes back to him (MK-84) |
| pumbaa | [v. i.] | Be at ease, be happy, have a blissful attitude, be distracted (TJH). (1) See Sx, as in FJ. (2) (Am. G.) Être à l’aise, content, au point d’oublier toute occupation voire même son devoir, s’attarder à jouir, à se divertir, à s’amuser; avoir une attitude béate; être distrait, ne pas faire attention … (Sx). Mpumbaze apumbae, Amriye sikatae, Maovu kieta yeye, Mngu atakuteteya; Take his mind off his concerns so he will be at ease, Do not refuse his orders, If he brings (you) evil, God will defend you (MK-36). |
| pumbao | [n. 5/6] | Happiness, ease, pleasure. Tangu hapo hata yeo, Siyanyamaa kilio, Nikumbukapo pumbao, Na wingi wa mazoeya; From then to this day, I have not yet ceased my crying, When I remember the happiness, And the abundance of our contented life (MK-55). |
| pumbaza | [v. cs.] | Divert one’s attention; distract someone from what they are doing; make cheerful, happy, entertain (TJH). Be gay with[W&H]. (1) See Sx, as in FJ, (2) (Am. G.) Divertir, destraire, récréer, amuser; empêcher de vaquer à ses occupations (Sx). Nonplus, cause to be speechless, because of astonishment, etc.; (2) befool, make a fool of, treat as a fool, deceive, play jokes upon. Jipumbaza, be stupid on purpose, pretend to be a fool (FJ). Mpumbaze apumbae, Amriye sikatae, Maovu kieta yeye, Mngu atakuteteya; Take his mind off his concerns so he will be at ease, Do not refuse his orders, If he brings (you) evil, God will defend you (MK-36). |
| pumua | [v. i.] | Rest (W&H). Draw breath, breathe, live; (2) get breath, rest, find relief, have breathing time (FJ) Kitoka agana naye, Kingia mkongowee, Kisa umtandikie, Mahala pa kupumua; When he goes out say goobye to him, And when he comes in greet him pleasantly, Then set out for him, A place for resting (MK-30). |
| puo | [n. 5/6] | Absurdity, drivel, something of no value (TJH). Empty folly (W&H). Nonsense, foolish talk, silly behaviour (FJ). See puwo/ma-, Paroles incohérentes prononcées pendent le sommeil; radotage, balourdise, fadaise, absurdité ou déraison dans le lagage. Maneno yake puwo tupu, son langage n’est qu’absurdité. – (Am.). Puwo linamtoka, il délire (fiévreux). R. De l’arch. –puwa (G. –puva), primitif de –puuza (Sx). Kwani yote tunenao, Mwana Adamu ni puo, Mola ndiye awezao, Kupoteza na kongowa; In spite of all that we say, A human is an absurdity, It is the Lord who has the power, To condemn and to save (MK-67). |
| puza | [v. cs.] | Belittle, make light of, make little of, snub, ignore, disregard, not take seriously (TJH). See –puuza, (SD. Mv. = Am. –puza). Traiter comme une bagatelle, une niaiserie, ne pas prendre au sérieux, faire peu de cas de (-purukusha), –puuza kazi faire peu d’attention à son travail, –puuza maneno, ne pas prendre au sérieux ce qu’on dit ou fait … (Sx). Mama haya yasikize, Tafadhali sinipuze, Utaona nafuuze, Za akhera na duniya; My child, listen to these words, Please do not ignore me, You will see their profit, That in the next world and on earth (MK-65). |
| Rabbi | [prop. n.] | Master, Lord (in speaking of God). Yote nimezoyanena, Rabbi takabali minna, na yasalieyo tena, nakuomba nitendeya; Everything that I have said, Lord accept it from me, And what still remains, I beg you do it for me (MK-69). NB: From Ar. Rabb, the Divine Being (W&Hg). Ar. |
| radhi | [n. 9/10] | Pardon, apology, contentment, acquiescence; (2) blessing. Radhi ni kubwa kuliko mali, (a parent’s) blessing is more than wealth. Radhi is the word used to express a father’s blessing when dying. It means that he is contented with his son’s life and conduct. Amempa mwana wake radhi yake, he has given his son his blessing (when father is dying). Hana radhi ya baba yake, he has not had his father’s blessing (father being dead); This is a terrible condemnation! Uniwie radhi! Pardon me! Taka radhi, ask pardon (FJ). See -ridhi. Mwanangu twaa waadhi, Pamoya na yangu radhi, Mngu atakuhifadhi, Akuepue* na baa, My child, accept my advice, together with my blessing, God will preserve you, that He may help you avoid evil (MK-7). Mama pulika maneno, Kiumbe ni radhi tano, Ndipo apate usono, Wa akhera na duniya; Little mother, listen to this counsel, for a person there are five blessings, it is then she will have the peace, of the next world and this (MK-22). Naawe radhi mumeo, Siku zote mkaao, Siku mukhitariwao, Awe radhi mekuwiya; And may your husband be happy, all the days that you live, on the day when you both are chosen, may he be happy — (this) he owes to you (MK-24). Ar. |
| Raghbatahu | [prop. n.] | Thou has supplicated him. Here used in the sense of He who is supplicated. (W&Hg). Ya Allahu! Ya Allahu!, Ya Rabbahu ya Rabbahu, Ya Ghayata Raghbatahu, Nitika hukwamkuwa; O God O God, O Lord O Lord, O Fulfilment of all desire, answer me as I call upon You (MK-82). Ar. |
| rahamu | [n. 9/10] | Mercy (W&H). The Merciful (W&Hg). See rahimu, an attribute of God in the sense of His mercifulness, used commonly when some request of need has not yet been fulfilled to express the idea that God in His mercy will one day still fulfil it. Mungu Rahimu Karimu! is the expression used in this sense: The merciful and bountiful God (FJ). See rehema 9/10, mercy, pity, compassion, fellow feeling. Amekwenda katika rehema ya Mungu, he has died (FJ). Na jamii isilamu, Mola wangu wa rahamu, Matakwa yao yatimu, Nyoyo zikifurahiya; And for the whole community of Islam, My Lord of mercy, May their needs be fulfilled, With their hearts rejoicing (MK-72). Ar |
| ridhia | [v. appl.] | Be content with, be happy with (TJH). Acquiesce, approve, accept (FJ). Be appeased (W&H).See radhi happy, content. Akupendao mpende, Akuizao mwenende, Kwa zema mvundevunde, la’ala akaridhiya; She/he who loves you love him/her, She/he who rejects you go to him/her, Wear her/him down with kindness, Perhaps he/she will be content (with you) (MK-63). Ar. |
| rijaa | [n. 9/10 an.] | Husband (JWT). Man (W&H). See rijala, rijali[n.2.] men (pl.of rajuli; pl. also: marijali: men, heroes) (K&K). Also rijali, a man. Seldom used except in the sense of implying real manliness. Rijali huyu, he is a real man (FJ). Kapenda kumnabihi, La’ala katanabahi, Kamfuata Illahi, Pamwe na wake; And I desire to counsel her, That perhaps she will realize, And follow God, Together with her man (MK-93). Ar. |
| sadiki | [v. tr.] | Truthful (W&H); trustworthy (JWT). Not in FJ as an adjective, but see –sadiki v. believe, give credence to, accept as true (truthful); –sadikifu a. prone to believe, credulous; (2) credible, trustworthy, true; –sadikisha v. convince, win credence, justify, make out to be true, confirm; (2) inten. believe firmly, trust implicitly (FJ). La tatu uwa sadiki, Ushikalo ulithiki, Mtu asoshika haki, Sandamane naye ndiya; Thirdly, be trustworthy, what you resolve do it conscientiously, the person who does embrace justice, do not accompany him along the way (MK-14). Ar. |
| sahaba | [n. 10 an.] | Friends, companions, Companions of the Prophet. Kisake kutakarabu, Bisumillahi kutubu, Umtaye na Habibu, Na sahabaze pamoya; As soon as (you) are close by, write “In the Name of God”, mention Him as well as the Beloved (the Prophet), along with his companions (MK-4) Note the JWT version has ukisa instead of kisake (MK-4). NB: sahabaze, contraction of sahaba + zake his companions. Ar: ‘ashab pl. of sahib companion. Ar. |
| sahibu | [n. 9/10 an.] | Friend, for the common rafiki, suahaba za Mtume Muhammed, the companions of the prophet Muhammad (FJ). Uwaonapo sahibu, Ambao wakunasibu, Wakikwambia karibu, Angusa kukurubiya; Whenever you see friends, Who are of your own lineage, If they welcome you in, Go in at once (MK-58). Ar. |
| sahilia | [v. appl.] | Smooth way (JWT). See –sahalia and –sahilisha, make light, make easier (FJ). Mola t‘atusahilia, Kwa baraka za Nabia, Na masahaba pamoya, Dini waliotetea; God will smooth the way for us, Through the blessings of the Prophet, And of (his) companions, Who defended the Faith (MK-101). Ar. |
| sakimu | [n. 9/10] | Sickness (W&H). Be ill (W&Hg). T’ungile nilisakimu, Moyo usina fahamu, Usomeni Isilamu, mukiongozana ndiya; I have composed it while sick, My heart without understanding, Read it, Moslems, Guiding each other along the way (MK-91). Ar. saqima be ill.. Ar. |
| salati/ma- | [n. 5/6] | Mischief-making; mischievous, malicious language, blundering (TJH). See –saliti be harsh, domineering, sarcastic, bring a charge (against), attack, esp. with the tongue; (2 ) betray; (3) mix, adulterate; salata n. harshness, unfeeling conduct, sarcasm; (2) adulteration, mixing (FJ). See salata/ma- 5/6 DN. Méchante langue, brouillon – Syn. msalata… ; -saliti … (2) Fig. Brouiller les gens par de mauvais rapports (Sx). Watu wote waumini, kwako na wawe wendani, sipende masalatini, washinde ukiwepuwa; All trustworthy people, Let them as well be friends at your home, Do not be friends with those involved in making trouble, Defeat them by avoiding them (MK-61). Ar. |
| salia | [v. appl.] | Live forever, last, remain, stay (TJH). Endure (W&H, JWT). FJ: remain over (for, to, by, in, etc.) (FJ). See –saa, étre de reste, rester, demeurer; –salia, très us. Au sens du précéd… (Sx). Mwana Adamu si kitu, Na ulimwengu si wetu, Walau hakuna mtu, Ambao atasaliya; A human being is nothing, and the world is not ours, nor is there any one, who will live forever (MK-6). |
| shakiri | [v. tr.] | Be satisfied, esp. with food—a form of -shukuru (FJ). Wala sifanye kiburi, Nla hatta ushakiri, Usiyakuta sikiri, Ukambwa na kondolewa; Nor should you be haughty, Eat until you are satisfied, If you are not yet full, do not admit it, Even when you are told (that the meal is over) and the food is taken from you (MK-60). NB: possibly from sjakara to thank (W&Hg). Ar. |
| shani | [n. 9/10] | Wonderous, splendid, beautiful thing (TJH). Startling (rare, unlooked for) thing or occurrence, a wonder, novelty, a curiosity, an adventure, sudden mishap, accident, e.g. patwa na shani, have an accident, meet with an adventure. Nguo za shani, fine, new clothes, latest fashion. Mambo haya si shani, that is nothing to be surprised at, that is no wonder. Nikutungie kidani, Cha lulu na marijani, Nikuvike mke shani, Shingoni kikizagaa; Let me string together a necklace for you, of pearls and red coral, let me dress you as a beautiful woman, (with it) shinning upon your neck (MK-9). Ar. |
| sharifu | [v. tr.] | Treat with respect, honor, esteem (FJ). Nyumba yako i nadhifu, Mumeo umsharifu, Wakutanapo sufufu, Msifu ukimweteya; May your house be well kept, So that you honor your husband, When people meet there in large numbers, You, as one who praises, are bringing it (honor) to him (MK-42). Ar. |
| sharuti | [adv.] | Necessity, obligation; see St. sharti and shuruti (FJ). Ukutiwapo kutoka, Sharuti ruhusa taka, Uonapo meudhika, Rudi na kuiketiya; Whenever you happen to go out, For sure seek permission, When you see that he is upset, Return home and stay there alone (MK-44). Ar. |
| shiraa | [n. 9/10] | Walking-out canopy used by women in Lamu (W&Hg). Veil, cloth held over a woman like a tent or canopy when she leaves the house to maintain modesty (TJH). Nom Ar. de “voile” de naivire. Syn. tanga. Am. G. Grande voile que l’on étend en forme de tente audesssus des dames musulmanes, pour les dérober aux regards pendant les sorties (Sx). Wala sinene ndiani, sifunue shiraani, Mato angalia tini, Na uso utie haya; Nor should you speak along the way, Nor reveal yoursef from under the shiraa (veil, canopy), Keep your eyes lowered, And show deference in your look (MK-46). NB: The shiraa is a kind of light tent supported from the inside on poles or on light canes, two at the front and two behind. A servant walks holding up the fore part, a pole in each hand and another servant likewise supports the rear, while the lady walks in the space between them. In former days, silken shiraa borne on silver-shod poles were carried by slave girls over their mistresses; now cotton print is used. A woman without slaves will walk in a shiraa supported by two sticks held fanwise in her hand. The first sight of a shiraa in a narrow Lamu lane suggests a small vessel in full sail. It seems peculiar to Lamu, where it takes the place of the veil, without which no strict Muslim woman would formerly appear in public. (W&Hg). Possibly from the Arabic meaning “sail of a ship.” |
| shurutiza | [v. cs.] | Obligate, etc.; see St. –shurutisha, put pressure on, order peremptorily, press with argument, force, compel; also shuruti, compel, oblige, stipulate, generally used in the Cs. Form (FJ). Na bwanako mtukuze, Sifa zake uzeneze, Wala simshurutize, Asoweza kutukuwa; And bring honor to your husband, Spread his praises far and wide, But do not obligate him, For things he cannot carry out (MK-48). Ar. |
| shushiza | [v. ints.] | Send down; see –shusha, let down, put ashore, discharge (FJ). Kwa siku hizi tukufu, Za kuhiji na kutufu, Niafu Rabbi niafu, Unishushize afuwa; By these glorious days, Of Haj and going round the Kaaba, Save me, O Lord, save me, Send down deliverance to me (MK-81). |
| sia ~ -siya | [v. t.] | Finish, come to an end, etc.; see St. –isha end, come to an end, bring to an end, make an end of, finish, close, complete (FJ). Finish, end, stop, come to an end, wither (K&K). Finir (G. Ng. = SD, -isha), Ikawa majuto yasimsie, Ce lui (l’occasion de) regrets incessants – Inkishafi (Sx). Fuata yake idhini, Awe radhi kwa yakini, Wala sikae ndiani, Saa ya ‘ne ikasiya; Follow his wishes (his sanctions), That he may be truly content, Nor stay along the way, Until the fourth hour (10 pm) has passed (MK-45). |
| sikilia | [v. appl.] | Come to pass (JWT). Come to pass, arrive, happen (W&Hg). St. –fikilia, -fika, arrive. Ya Rabbi nitimiliza, Mambo nisiyoyaweza; Wala moya nisowaza, Amba yatasikiliya; O Lord, fulfill for me, Things which I have no control over, Nor even imagine, What will happen (MK-87). |
| sikiza | [v. cs.] | Listen, etc.; see St. –sikiliza (FJ). Mama haya yasikize, Tafadhali sinipuze, Utaona nafuuze, Za akhera na duniya; My child, listen to these words, Please do not ignore me, You will see their profit, That in Paradise and on earth (MK-65). |
| simeme | [-ile perf.] | Perfect stem of simama, stand, etc. (FJ). Nisimeme muhitaji, Nipa hima sinihuji, Ajili bi’l faraji, Ya afua na afiya; I stand as one in need, Grant (what I ask) quickly without forcing upon me, a comfortless death, (without) pardon and salvation (MK-77). |
| singa | [v. t.] | Rub or massage with perfume or aromatic substance, e.g. singa mwili kwa sandali, rub the body with perfume of sandal-wood (FJ). Chamka siimuhuli, Mwandikie maakuli, Na kumtunda muili, Kumsinga na kumowa; When he awakes do not hold yourself back, Prepare a meal for him, And take care of his body, Massage him with perfume and bathe him (MK-33). |
| sitawa/ma- | [n. 5/6] | Prosperity, abundance (TJH). Prospérité, abondance (Sx). See usitawi, flourishing condition, healthy development, full activity, success (FJ). Rabbi waweke nduzangu, Na wana wao na wangu, Wenee na ulimwengu, Kwa jamali na sitawa; Lord, keep my kin safe, Along with their children and mine, And may they become abundant in this world, with grace and prosperity (MK-71). Ar. |
| siya
|
[tns.] | Not yet; see St. -sija-; -ja- …regularly furnishes the formative element ja in three forms of the Swahili verb system, viz. (a) in the Deferred tense, with a Negative Prefix preceding, e.g. hajaja, he has not yet come, and (b) in its Subjunctive form, e.g. asijelala, without his yet lying down, before he lies down. Obs. also ja for je sometimes in the latter case, e.g. asijalala for asijelala, asijawa for asijekuwa. Sometimes ja is heard without a negative preceding, e.g. ujaonapi? where have you yet seen? Also there is a semi-auxiliary use of -sija, -sije, e.g. wasije kudhurika, lest they come to be hurt. Asije mtu mwingine akatudhuru, lest another man chance to come and hurt us. (c) In the ‘tense of Possible Condition’, i.e. with the relative –po of time, place, or condition, e.g. njiapolala, siwezi kugeuka, even if I lie down, I cannot turn over. Wajapokuja, even if they come. Wajapo hawaji, though they do not come (FJ). Wala sifanye kiburi, Nla hatta ushakiri, Usiyakuta sikiri, Ukambwa na kondolewa; Nor should you be haughty, Eat until you are satisfied, If you are not yet full, do not admit it, Even when you are told (that the meal is over) and the food is taken from you (MK-60). |
| sufufu | [adv.] | In large amounts, abundantly, plentifully, amply, in abundance (TJH). Also as n., lines, rows, ranks; Ar. pl. of safu (K&K). Nyumba yako i nadhifu, Mumeo umsharifu, Wakutanapo sufufu, Msifu ukimweteya; May your house be well kept, So that you honor your husband, When people meet there in large numbers, You, as one who praises, are bringing it to him (i.e., honor) (MK-42). Zango za mapambo kwa taanusi, Naapa kwa Mungu Mola Mkwasi, Zali za msaji kwa abunusi, Zitile sufufu zisitawiye; Decorated hanging-pegs that are pleasing to behold, I swear by God, Source of all Wealth, They were of teak and ebony, Placed in line to look their best (Ink-39). Ar. |
| sunna | [n. 9/10] | Good, etc.; see suna, good, commendable, meritorious, etc. Kufa si suna, ni faradhi Death is not optional, but inevitable (FJ). See suni: used of what is good, commendable, meritorious, but not absolutely binding or necessary. Hence, good traditions, counsel of perfection, work of superrogation … (FJ). Faradhi is what is absolutely enjoined, while sunna allows some discretion (JWT) La kwanda kamata dini, Faradhi usiikhini, Na sunna ikimkini, Ni wajibu kuitiya; The first (piece of advice), hold fast to religion, do not scorn the faradhi (God’s ordinance), (and) if it is possible, the sunnah (good works) and to carry out the wajibu (duties) (MK-12). Ar. |
| tungile | [-ile perf.] | Perfect stem of –tunga compose, etc. T’ungile utungu hunu, Kwa zahimu na zitunu, Kwa kadha yako Dayanu, Na hukumuzo Jaliya; I have composed this poem, In distress and pain, By your decree, O Judge, And your judgements, Oh God, the giver of all things (MK-90). NB: In this citation note the loss of the 1st sg. subj. prfx. and consequent aspiration of the initial /t/. |
| taazizi | [n. 9/10] | Something valuable, rare, costly (TJH). Ta’azizi be glorious (JWT glossary). See azizi, n. a rarity, curiosity, costly thing, treasure; a. precious, rare, valuable, and of persons, excellent, highborn (FJ). Taazizi < ta- + azizi; ta- a formative borrowed from Arabic that has no syntactic function in Swahili. Twaa nikupe hirizi, Uifungeto kwa uzi, Uipe na taazizi, Upate kuiangaliya; Take and let me give you (this) amulet, tie it securely with a string, and so give value to it, and care for it (MK-8). Ar. |
| taisiri | [n. 9/10 / adv.] | In haste (W&H). Ease, speed, swiftness, hurry, acceleration, expedience; (2) quickly, fast, rapidly, speedily (K&K). See tahisiri, vite par le plus court hemin. La racine est la même que celle de muhtasari (Sx). Nakuomba taisiri, Mambo nisiyokadiri, Unegeshe kulla kheri, Ovu ukinepuliya; I pray to You in haste, As to things that I cannot judge, Bring me every happiness, Delivering me from evil (MK-86). Ar. |
| takabali | [v. tr.] | Accept, etc.; see –kubali, accept, approve, acknowledge, assent (to), agree (to), welcome (FJ). Yote nimezoyanena, Rabbi takabali minna, na yasalieyo tena, nakuomba nitendeya; Everything that I have said, Lord accept it from me, And what still remains, I beg you do it for me (MK-69). Ar. |
| takalufu | [n. 9/10] | Troubles (JWT, W&H). See utakalifu, weariness, discomfort, as of one tired, yet forcing himself to do something; takalifu, discomfort, annoyance, trouble, worry; -kalifu v. discomfort, cause annoyance to, impose a difficult matter upon one, trouble, i.e. usijikalifu kwenda, don’t force yourself to go, i.e. don’t trouble yourself (FJ). See Takalifu, exaction, charge, imposition, responsibility (K&K). Nami mjao dhaifu, Mwenye nyingi takalufu, Nakuomba takhafifu, Rabbi nitakhafifiya; And I your weak servant, one with many troubles & worries, I pray to You to lighten them, O Lord lighten them for me (MK-85). NB: K&K gives takalufu as ‘ceremony’. Ar. |
| takarabu | [v. i.] | Be near (W&H). Approach (W&Hg). See St. karibu (FJ). Kisake kutakarabu, Bisumillahi kutubu, Umtaye na Habibu, Na sahabaze pamoya; As soon as (you) are close by, write “In the Name of God”, mention Him as well as the Beloved (the Prophet), along with his companions (MK-4). NB: The JWT version has ukisa “you being finished” instead of kisake in MK-4. Ar. |
| tama | [n. 9/10] | Disgrace, troubles (W&H). Error (JWT). Dirt, rubbish, filth, dregs (FJ). See tama2 (1) sweepings, offal, filth, rubbish, sediment, slime; tama za nyumba: sweepings of a house; maji yana tama: the water is muddy; (2) blemish, shameful trait, bad quality, fault, error, disgrace, shame; and tama5 Abomination, object of disgust (K&K). Sitangane na watumwa, Illa mwida wa khuduma, Watakuvutia tama, Labuda nimekwambiya; Do not associate with slaves, except during household affairs, they will draw you into disgrace, as perhaps I have told you (MK-20). Wangalie kwa huruma, Uwongoze ndia njema, Uwepulie na tama, Za akhera na duniya; Look upon them with mercy, Lead them along the good path, take them away from evil, In the next life and this (MK-75). Ar. |
| tamati | [n.9] | End, etc. Used in the sense of Finis, the end, esp. at the end of poems, stories, etc. (FJ). See tama 9/10 end, conclusion, final, stage (FJ). Tamati maneno yangu, Kukuusia mwanangu, Sasa t‘amuomba Mngu, anipokelee dua; This is the end of my words, Advising you my child, Now I will pray to God, That He accept on my behalf a prayer (MK-66). Ar. |
| tandikia | [v. appl.] | Furnish mats, blankets, etc. for, set up comfortable accomodations for (TJH). See St. –tandika most commonly in an Act. sense, spread out (over), lay (on), cover (with), e.g. tandika mkeka kitandani, spread a mat on a bed. Also tandika kitanda, make a bed. Tandika punda, harness a donkey, put saddle, etc., on. Tandika nguo chini, lay out clothes on the ground. Tandika majamvi, spread mats (as carpets), etc. Wengi waliotandika chini, many were laid low, i.e. killed. Mungu ametandika mbingu na nchi, God spread out the heavens and earth (FJ). Kitoka agana naye, Kingia mkongowee, Kisa umtandikie, Mahala pa kupumua; When he goes out say goobye to him, And when he comes in greet him pleasantly, Then set out for him, A place for resting (MK-30) |
| tandiko/ma- | [n. 5/6] | Bedding of any sort: sheets, blankets, mats, cushions (TJH). Something spread out, but usu. of mats, carpets, etc., e.g. matandiko ya chumba yaliyotandikwa chini, the mats with which the room was furnished. Also matandiko ya kitanda, bedding; and harness, accouterments, but only of animals (FJ). Rejea upesi kwako, Ukakae na bwanako, Utengeze matandiko, Mupate kuilaliya; Return quickly to your home, Go and be with your husband, Arrange mats and cushions, So that you may settle yourselves down on them together (MK-47). |
| tangaa | [v. i.] | Be spread abroad, be in vogue, be current, become generally known, be published. Jina lake limetangaa na ulimwengu, his name is famous throughout the world (FJ). See –tangaza (FJ). Mwenye kutii mvuli, Ndake jaha na jamali, Kulla endapo mahali, Hutangaa na kweneya; She who obeys her husband, It is her honor and charm, Wherever she goes, It is announced and known far and wide (MK-96). |
| tangana | [v. rcp.] | Associate with, be together with, be together (TJH). See St. –changana, changa (FJ). Sitangane na watumwa, Illa mwida wa khuduma, Watakuvutia tama, Labuda nimekwambiya; Do not associate with slaves, except during household affairs, they will draw you into disgrace, as perhaps I have told you (MK-20). |
| tangaza | [v. cs.] | Make known, publish abroad, advertise, proclaim (FJ). Ukisa kulitangaza, Ina la Mola Muweza, Basi tuombe majaza, Mngu tatuwafikiya; Once you have finished proclaiming, The name of Almighty God, Then let us pray for His grace, (that) God will consider suitable for us (MK-5) |
| taya | [v. tr.] | Mention name, say name, say name of. Kisake kutakarabu, Bisumillahi kutubu, Umtaye na Habibu, Na sahabaze pamoya; As soon as (you) are close by, write “In the Name of God”, mention Him as well as the Beloved (the Prophet), along with his companions (MK-4). Note the JWT version has ukisa instead of kisake (MK-4). |
| teka | [v. i.] | Laugh, etc.; see St. –cheka, laugh, smile. Uonapo uso wake, Funua meno uteke, Akwambialo lishike, Illa kuasi Jaliya; When you see his face, Open your mouth and smile, What he tells you hold to it, but do to rebel against God (MK-50). |
| tendea | [v. appl.] | Do for, on behalf of (FJ). Assist (W&H). Na ayapo muhitaji, Mama kwako simuhuji, Kwa uwezalo mbuji, Angusa kumtendeya; And when there is someone in need, As for you my child, do not grill her, As you are able, my dear, Hurry to assist her (MK-64). |
| tengeza | [v. cs.] | Fix, etc.; see St. –tengeneza put right, repair, mend, put in order, arrange, correct, settle, bring to a happy conclusion, make comfortable…. (FJ). Mnyoe umpalilize, Sharafa umtengeze, Mkukize mfukize, Bukurata wa ashiya, Shave him and have him rubbed clean, Arrange his beard, Wash him carefully and perfume him with incense, Morning and evening (MK-34). Rejea upesi kwako, Ukakae na bwanako, Utengeze matandiko, Mupate kuilaliya; Return quickly to your home, Go and be with your husband, Arrange mats and cushions, So that you may settle yourselves down on them together (MK-47). |
| teta | [v. i.] | Act or speak strongly, strive, insist—but generally (2) oppose (by word or action), act or speak against, obstruct, contradict, protest, dispute, quarrel, go to law; (3) backbite… (FJ). Siku moya tusitete, Ovu langu asipate, Na lake lisinikute, Hatta akakhitariwa; We never spoke badly of each other, And he never received evil from me, And his (evil) never found me, Until finally he was chosen (MK-53). |
| tetea | [v. appl.] | Act (speak) for (against, in, at, etc.), defend, attack, oppose, support (FJ). Mola tatusahilia, Kwa baraka za Nabia, Na masahaba pamoya, Dini waliotetea; God will smooth the way for us, Through the blessings of the Prophet, And of (his) companions, Who defended the Faith (MK-101). |
| thawabu | [n. 9/10] | Courtesy (TJH). Discrete (W&H). A reward, gift–but esp. as from God (FJ). Reward, recompense; merit; compensation, retribution; courtesy: siku ya thawabu: Day of Judgement, when good will be rewarded and evil punished (K&K). Pili uwa na adabu, Na ulimi wa thawabu, Uwe kitu mahabubu, Kulla utakapongiya; Secondly, have good manners, with courteous language, be something loved, wherever you will enter (MK-13). Ar. |
| thiki | [v. tr.] | Take pains (W&H); do conscientiously (JWT). Not in FJ. Trust in somebody (K&K). La tatu uwa sadiki, Ushikalo ulithiki, Mtu asoshika haki, Sandamane naye ndiya; Thirdly, be trustworthy, what you resolve do it conscientiously, the person who does embrace justice, do not accompany him along the way (MK-14). Ar. |
| tia ghadhabu | [v. tr.] | Cause anger, make someone angry, anger someone (TJH). See ghadhabu (FJ). Keti naye kwa adabu, Usimtie ghadhabu, Akinena simjibu, Itahidi kunyamaa; Live with him with civility, do not anger him, if he rebukes you, do not answer back, make an effort to hold your tongue (MK-28). |
| tilia | [v. appl.] | Place, set for, to, etc.; apply, use, bear for, to, etc.; effect something for, to, etc. See –tia 1) put, place, set; (2) apply, use, employ, bring to, bear; (3) cause, effect with, bring about. One of the commonest verbs in Swahili, used freely in all the above senses, translatable according to the sense of the noun with which it is associated, and often forming one verbal notion with it. Synonymous in many senses with weka, also very common (which compare), but (generally speaking) in weka the action is regarded as ending itself (i.e. put and leave, put and have done with it), in tia the action involves some further effect, or something else affected by it, i.e. put to, apply, add… (FJ) Nakuombawe Manani, Unitilie auni, Ninenayo ulimini, Na yote nisoyatowa; I pray to You, Beneficent One, Grant to me aid, What I utter on my tongue, and what I do not offer (MK-68). |
| timiliza | [v. cs.] | Execute a plan, accomplish a mission, fulfill, perform, perfect (TJH). Carry out, perform, accomplish, fulfil, complete (K&K). Achever ou finir complètement, accomplir, parfaire, mener ou conduire à fin, faire arriver à sa fin; exécuter, effectuer… (Sx). Ya Rabbi nitimiliza, Mambo nisiyoyaweza, Wala moya nisowaza, Amba yatasikiliya; O Lord, fulfill for me, Things which I have no control over, Nor even imagine, What will happen (MK-87). Ar. |
| timu | [v. i.] | Last, go on (W&H). Be complete, be ended, but generally used in the Prep. form, i.e. -timia, be complete, perfect, whole, finished, fulfilled, accomplished, done, e.g. wakati umetimia, the time is ended, is come. So of kazi, deni, a task, a debt, etc. (FJ). Maradhi yamenishika, Hatta yametimu mwaka, Siyapata kutamka, Neno lema kukwambiya, Sickness has seized me, having lasted as much as a year. I have not had a chance to utter, a good word to say to you (MK-2). (B) Be fulfilled (W&H). Ahadi imetimia, the promise is carried out Na jamii isilamu, Mola wangu wa rahamu, Matakwa yao yatimu, Nyoyo zikifurahiya; And for the whole community of Islam, My Lord of mercy, May their needs be fulfilled, With their hearts rejoicing (MK-72). Ar. |
| tini | [adv.] | Down, etc.; see St. chini (FJ). Wala sinene ndiani, sifunue shiraani, Mato angalia tini, Na uso utie haya; Nor should you speak along the way, Nor reveal yourself from under the shiraa (veil, canopy), Keep your eyes lowered, And show deference in your look (MK-46). |
| tia | [v. tr.] | Put into, effect, etc (TJH). See St. –tia : (1) put, place, set; (2) apply, use, employ, bring to, bear; (3) cause, effect with, bring about. One of the commonest verbs in Swahili, used freely in all the above senses, translatable according to the sense of the noun with which it is associated, and often forming one verbal notion with it. Synonymous in many senses with weka, also very common (which compare), but (generally speaking) in weka the action is regarded as ending itself (i.e. put and leave, put and have done with it), in tia the action involves some further effect, or something else affected by it, i.e. put to, apply, add… (FJ). La kwanda kamata dini, Faradhi usiikhini, Na sunna ikimkini, Ni wajibu kuitiya; The first (piece of advice), hold fast to religion, do not scorn the faradhi (God’s ordinances), (and) if it is possible, the sunnah (good works) and to carry out the wajibu (duties) (MK-12). |
| to | [adv. encl.] | A terminal suffix not commonly used, but capable of being added to any appropriate noun or verb-form to denote good quality, high degree, pleasing manner, pleasant sensation…. (FJ). Denotes intensity of the verbal action (LH). Twaa nikupe hirizi, Uifungeto kwa uzi, Uipe na taazizi, Upate kuiangaliya; Take and let me give you (this) amulet, tie it securely with a string, and so give value to it, and care for it (MK-8). |
| toto | [adj.] | Small, little. Kwetu yangawa mazito, Kwako wewe ni matoto, Nepulia uvukuto, Unepuke marra moya; Although things are hard for us, for you they are insignificant, take the fever of sickness from me, Keep me (from evil) at once (MK-79). |
| tufu | [v. i.] | Go round. See tufe, a ball, a game of ball (FJ). Go round, i.e., circumambulate the Kaaba, during pilgrimage to Mecca (LH). Kwa siku hizi tukufu, Za kuhiji na kutufu, Niafu Rabbi niafu, Unishushize afuwa; By these glorious days, Of Haj and going round the Kaaba, Save me, O Lord, save me, Send down deliverance to me (MK-81). Ar. see tawafa. |
| tukia | [v. tr.] | Hate, etc.; see St. –chukia, hate, abhor, have ill feeling towards (e.g. anger, resentment, disgust, loathing, aversion), dislike (FJ). Moyowe alipendalo, Nawe ufuate lilo, Yambo limtukialo, Siwe mwenye kumweteya; What he wants in his heart, you should also follow the same, That which is abhorrent to him, Do not be the one bringing it upon him (MK-43). Ifanye mteshiteshi, Kwa maneno yaso ghashi, Wala sifanye ubishi, Watu wakayatukiya; Make yourself entertaining, by words that are not deceitful, nor should you make rude jokes, people dislike them (i.e. such words) (MK-17). |
| tukua | [v. tr.] | Hold to, maintain (TJH). Take, etc.; see St –chukua (FJ). FJ cites 8 senses for this verb q.v., one of which, (6), includes the following: bear the weight (responsibility) of, support, maintain, sustain (FJ). Wala situkue dhana, Kwa mambo usoyaona, Na kwamba nakunong’ona, Tahadhari nakwambiya; Neither maintain opinions, on matters that you do not understand, and as for whispering, be careful I tell you (MK-19). (B) Endure, suffer, put up with (TJH). See St. –chukua, take, etc. FJ lists 8 senses, one of which is (5) bear up under (passively), i.e. endure, put up with, take peaceably, be resigned to (cf. vumilia, stahimili, shukuru) (FJ). Somani nyute huramu, Maana muyafahamu, Musitukue laumu, Mbee za Mola Jaliya; Read, all you women, So that you may understand, That you bear no blame, In the presence of Almight God (MK-94). |
| tukufu | [adj.] | Exalted, grand, glorious, majestic; see –tukuka (FJ). Kwa siku hizi tukufu, Za kuhiji na kutufu, Niafu Rabbi niafu, Unishushize afuwa; By these glorious days, Of Haj and going round the Kaaba, Save me, O Lord, save me, Send down deliverance to me (MK-81). NB: siku hizi tukufu implies the sacred days set apart for the pilgrimage to Mekkah – The pilgrimage is performed in the well-known months, Shawwal, Dbu’l-Qa’adah, and the first nine days of Dhu’l-Hijjah (W&Hg). |
| tukuwa | [v. tr.] | Take, etc.; see St. –chukua (FJ). Na bwanako mtukuze, Sifa zake uzeneze, Wala simshurutize, Asoweza kutukuwa; And bring honor to your husband, Spread his praises far and wide, But do not obligate him, For things he cannot carry out (MK-48). |
| tukuzia | [v. cs. appl.] | Glorify, etc.; see –tukuza make exalted, magnify, glorify, aggrandize, place in high position, give all honor to (FJ). Na ufapo wewe mbee, Radhi yake izengee, Wende uitukuzie, Ndipo upatapo ndiya; And if you die before (him), seek for yourself his blessing, and go that you may magnify it for yourself, it is then you find (your) way (MK-25). |
| Tumwa | [prop. n.] | The Prophet Mohammed. See –tumwa be sent, etc. (FJ) Nimekupa duniani, Watunde uwahizini, Unipe kesho Peponi, Mbee za Tumwa Nabiya; I have given them to you in this world, For you to protect and cherish (lit. cherish them), So that tomorrow you can give them to me in Heaven, In the presence of the Prophet (MK-74). |
| tunda | [v. tr.] | Care for, etc.; see St. –tunza, treat with care or affection; (1) guard, protect, care for, tend, keep safe; (2) attend to, observe, examine, keep in eye on; (3) make a present to, but usu. –tuza, e.g. –tunza kazi, work with care. Tunza mtoto, mind a child. Tunza akili, keep the brain clear, use the wits (FJ). (Am. G. = SD. –tunza) Avoir les yeux fixés sur, regarder attentivement, observer, surveiller; veiller sur; prendre soin de. –tunda mambo ya watu, épier le monde, -peleleza (Sx).Mtunde kama kijana, asioyua kunena, Kitu changalie sana, kitokacho na kungiya; Care for him as you would a child, Who does not know how to speak, Take care of one thing well, What goes out and comes in (household expenses and income (MK-35). Nimekupa duniani, Watunde uwahizini, Unipe kesho Peponi, Mbee za Tumwa Nabiya; I have given them to you in this world, For you to protect and cherish (lit. cherish them), So that tomorrow you can give them to me in Heaven, In the presence of the Prophet (MK-74). |
| tunga | [v. tr.] | Guard, watch over (TJH). See St. –chunga tend, take care of, act as guardian to, but esp. of animals, i.e. act as keeper or herdsman of sheep, cattle, goats, etc., feed take to pasture, graze, etc.; (2) help a sick man on the road (FJ). Control (W&H). Sandamane na wayinga, Wasoyua kuitunga, Ziumbe wasio changa, Wata kuwakurubiya; Do not go about with foolish people, who do not know how to control themselves, (and) people who are not modest, avoid any contact with them (MK-21). |
| tunga | [v. tr.] | Put together, put in order, put in a row; (2) form by arranging, compose, bring materials or ingredients together, construct, connect, make; etc.(FJ). T’ungile utungu hunu, Kwa zahimu na zitunu, Kwa kadha yako Dayanu, Na hukumuzo Jaliya; I have composed this poem, In distress and pain, By your decree, O Judge, And your judgements, Oh God, the giver of all things (MK-90). |
| tungia | [v. appl.] | Put together for, etc. See –tunga. Nikutungie kidani, Cha lulu na marijani, Nikuvike mke shani, Shingoni kikizagaaI; Let me string together a necklace for you, of pearls and red coral, let me dress you as a beautiful woman, (with it) shinning upon your neck (MK-9). |
| tushia | [v. appl.] | Cause humiliation in, cause weakness in, cause a decline in, reduce to nothing, demoralize someone for (TJH). See –tusha, abaisser, rabaisser (-umbua), avilir, amoindrir, déprécier, ravaler … (Sx). Also -tusha (Am.) Causer une émotion à qqn. –mtusha mtu kwa habari mbaya, troubler, inquiéter, surprendre qqn. par une mauvaise nouvelle (Sx). Yalipokuya faradhi, kanikariria radhi, kashukuru kafawidhi, moyo wangu katushiya; When death came, He recited his blessings for me, He gave thanks and entrusted himself to God, and my heart filled me with weakness (MK-54). |
| ubishi | [n. 14/6] | Nonsense, foolishness, impertinence, disrespect, rudeness, argument; joke, joking (TJH). Impertinent jokes (M&K). Jokes (JWT). Ifanye mteshiteshi, Kwa maneno yaso ghashi, Wala sifanye ubishi, Watu wakayatukiya; Make yourself an entertaining person, by words that are not deceitful, nor should you make rude jokes, people dislike them (i.e. such words) (MK-17). |
| ubora | [n. 14] | Worst (JWT). Greatest (W&H). See bora, of special quality (importance, or value), fine, high class, first-rate, excellent, good, noble, etc. often used with implied comparison, ‘better, the better, best’ (FJ). Mwenye kutunga nudhumu, Ni gharibu mwenye hamu, Na ubora wa ithimu, Rabbi tamghufiriya; The composer of this poem, Is a traveller with longing, And the greatest/worst of her sins, Lord, you will forgive her (MK-97). NB: JWT: “The use of ubora for outstandingly bad is not common but it is possible” p. 71.. Ar. |
| udhia | [n. 14] | Sufferings (W&H). See St. udhia trouble, annoyance, difficulty, bother, confusion, disturbance, uproar, riot, e.g. usifanye udhia, don’t make such a noise (FJ). (MK-76) Kwako kuomba sikomi, Wala sifumbi ulimi, Ya Mufarrija ‘l Hammi, Nikomesheza udhiya; I do not stop praying to You, Nor do I shut my mouth, Oh Comforter and Protector, Bring me to the end of my sufferings (MK-76). Ar. |
| udhihiya | [n. 14] | Victim; sacrificial victim; from the Ar. meaning slaughter a victim in the forenoon (W&Hg). Nakuombawe Latifa, Unondolee mikhafa, Kwa Yaumu li’Arafa, Na Idi ya udhihiya; I pray to You, the All-Benevolent, Rid me of my fears, by reason of the Day of Arafat, and the Festival of the Sacrifice (MK-80). Ar. |
| uifungeto | [v. phrase] | Tie it securely, < u-i-fung-e-to. See –to. Twaa nikupe hirizi, Uifungeto kwa uzi, Uipe na taazizi, Upate kuiangaliya; Take and let me give you (this) amulet, tie it securely with a string, and so give value to it, and care for it (MK-8). |
| ulimi/ndimi | [n. 11/10] | Tongue; metaphorically, language. Pili uwa na adabu, Na ulimi wa thawabu, Uwe kitu mahabubu, Kulla utakapongiya; Secondly, have good manners, with courteous language, be something loved, wherever you will enter (MK-13). |
| umbu/ma- | [n. 5/6 an.] | Kinsman (W&H). A sister or half-sister if mentioned by a brother, or a brother or half-brother if mentioned by a sister, not used by sister to sister, or brother or brother (FJ). Niwekea wangu wana, Na umbu langu mnuna, yakue yao maina, yenee majimbo piya; Save my children for me, and my younger brother, may their names grow great, and spread throughout the whole country (MK-70). |
| umi | [n. 9 an.] | Mother (JWT, W&H); Ar. Umm. Not in FJ. See ummi-subian (Sx). Mama sinoe ulimi, nioleza wako umi, naliowa nyaka kumi, tusitete siku moya; My child, do not sharpen your tongue, Pattern yourself after your mother, I was married ten years ago, We never quarreled a single day (MK-51). Ar. |
| umini | [adj.] | Trustworthy, faithful (TJH). Watu wote waumini, kwako na wawe wendani, sipende masalatini, washinde ukiwepuwa; All trustworthy people, Let them as well be friends at your home, Do not be friends with those involved in making trouble, Defeat them by avoiding them (MK-61). Ar. |
| unyee/nyee | [n. 11/10] | Hair, etc.; see St. unywele/nywele a single hair/hair (FJ). (unyee Am. – Sx). Na kowa na kuisinga, Na nyee zako kufunga, Na yasimini kutunga, Na firashani kutiya; As to bathing and perfuming yourself, And plaiting your hair, And stringing jasmin blossoms (together), And putting them on the bedspread … (MK-38). |
| upepo | [n. 11/10] | Fresh air, cool air (TJH). Kilala siikukuse, Mwegeme umpapase, Na upepo nasikose, Mtu wa kumpepeya; When he rests do not take yourself off, Go up to him and caress him, And as for fresh air let him not be without, Someone to fan him (MK-31) |
| ushi/nshi | [n. 11/10] | Eyebrow. Pete sitoe zandani, Hina sikome nyaani, Wanda siwate matoni, Na nshini kuitiya; Do not take the rings off your fingers, Nor quit putting henna on your fingernails, Never stop putting kohl under your eyes, And on your eyebrows (MK-41). |
| usia | [v. appl.] | Direct, commission, order, charge—and esp. of a solemn, serious, weighty command, e.g. last directions on starting on a journey, a religious exhortation, giving the terms of a will. Thus of dying father, enyi watoto wangu nitawausia, my children I will give you my last directions. Alimwusia nyumba, he bequeathed a house to him (FJ). Mausio ya mvuli, Allah Allah ya’amili, Na nduguzo na ahali, Wapende nakuusiya; Your husbands last wishes, Allah Allah ya’amili, And your kin and relations, Love them, I exhort you (MK-57). Ar. |
| usina | [cop. / adv.] | Without; < u- + -si- + -na; a truncated form of the copula –wa, the negative equivalent of –kiwa na (TJH). T’ungile nilisakimu, Moyo usina fahamu, Usomeni Isilamu, mukiongozana ndiya; I have composed it while sick, My heart without understanding, Read it, Moslems, Guiding each other along the way (MK-91). |
| usio/ma- | [n. 5/6] | Last wishes, etc.; see St. usia/ma-, solemn charge, last will and testament, warning, exhortation, commission; see also wasia (FJ). Mausio ya mvuli, Allah Allah ya’amili, Na nduguzo na ahali, Wapende nakuusiya; Your husbands last wishes, Allah Allah ya’amili, And your kindred and relations, Love them, I exhort you (MK-57). Ar. |
| uso/nyuso | [n. 11/10] | Appearance, look, presence (TJH). Face, countenance, expression … (FJ). Wala sinene ndiani, sifunue shiraani, Mato angalia tini, Na uso utie haya; Nor should you speak along the way, Nor reveal yourself from under the shiraa (veil, canopy), Keep your eyes lowered, And show deference in your look (MK-46). |
| usono | [n. 14] | Peace, rest, relaxation, security, safety (FJ, W&Hg). Mama pulika maneno, Kiumbe ni radhi tano, Ndipo apate usono, Wa akhera na duniya; Little mother, listen to this counsel, for a person there are five blessings, it is then she will have the peace, of the next world and this (MK-22). |
| ut’e | [adj. ~ pro.] | All; see St. –ote (FJ). NB. In ND the /t/ is both dental and aspirated < Sabaki *-once. Somani nyut’e huramu, Maana muyafahamu, Musitukue laumu, Mbee za Mola Jaliya; Read, all you women, So that you may understand, That you bear no blame, In the presence of Almighty God (MK-94). NB: Elsewhere in the W&H text of the poem Mwana Kupona from which this citation is taken –ot’e is found: verses 24, 52, etc. q.v. |
| utukufu | [n. 14] | Arrogance (W&H). Power, greatness, glory (K&K). Grandiosity (TJH). See –tukufu adj. exalted, grand, glorious, majestic (FJ). Sipende wenye jamali, na utukufu wa mali, fukara ukawadhili, cheo ukawavundiya; Do not be friendly with those having elegance, And grandiosity of wealth, And afterwards despise the poor, And devalue for them their worth (MK-62). Ar. |
| utungu | [n. 11/10] | Composition, etc.; see St. utungo, (1) composing, arranging, literary composition (novel, essay, etc.); (2) form, fashion, build, make, mold, plan; (3) idea, proposal, design, fancy; (4) invention, figment; (5) a series, succession, chain, line (of ideas, objects, etc. (FJ). The JWT version gives utungo for this verse. T’ungile utungu hunu, Kwa zahimu na zitunu, Kwa kadha yako Dayanu, Na hukumuzo Jaliya; I have composed this poem, In distress and pain, By your decree, O Judge, And your judgements, Oh God, the giver of all things (MK-90). |
| uvukuto/ma- | [n. 14/6] | Fever of sickness (W&Hg). Fever (JWT). See ufukuto, ma- exhalation (produced by heat), vapour, steam, smell of perspiration, fug.; also fukuto, ma- (1) sweat, a drop of sweat, condensed vapour, heat of the body; (2) throbbing, smarting (FJ). Kwetu yangawa mazito, Kwako wewe ni matoto, Nepulia uvukuto, Unepuke marra moya; Although things are hard for us, for you they are insignificant, take the fever of sickness from me, Keep me (from evil) at once (MK-79). |
| uwa | [imp.] | Be, 2nd sing. command form; see St. uwe. Pili uwa na adabu, Na ulimi wa thawabu, Uwe kitu mahabubu, Kulla utakapongiya; Secondly, have good manners, with courteous language, be something loved, wherever you will enter (MK-13) |
| vika | [v. tr.] | Dress, clothe. St. is used as Act. clothe (with), cause to wear, dress (in). Hamlishi wala hamviki, he does not provide him with food or clothing (FJ). Nikutungie kidani, Cha lulu na marijani, Nikuvike mke shani, Shingoni kikizagaa; Let me string together a necklace for you, of pearls and red coral, let me dress you as a beautiful woman, (with it) shinning upon your neck (MK-9). |
| vikia | [v. i.] | Fall asleep, be sleepy (JWT, JWT glossary). Sleep (W&Hg). Not in FJ. Not in Sx. Kivikia simwondoe, Wala sinene kwa yowe, Keti papo siinue, Chamka kakuzengeya; When he is sleeping do not rouse him, Nor speak with a loud voice, Stay right there and do not get up, If he awakes then he has to search for you (MK-32). |
| vundavunda | [v. redup.] | Wear down (JWT). See St. –vunja, (1) break, break down (up, in pieces, into, through, out of, off, away), and so (2) spoil, damage, destroy; (3) put a stop to, balk, frustrate, e.g. usikivunje kitambaa changu, do not spoil my cloth, i.e. disarrange it after it has been ironed and folded nicely… (FJ). Akupendao mpende, Akuizao mwenende, Kwa zema mvundevunde, la’ala akaridhiya; She/he who loves you love him/her, She/he who rejects you go to him/her, Wear her/him down with kindness, Perhaps he/she will be content (with you) (MK-63). |
| vundia | [v.appl.] | Devalue, diminish, lessen for; make light of (TJH). See –vunja (1) break, break down … and so (2) spoil, damage, destroy … Vunja thamani, destroy the value, depreciate, disparage. Vunja uso, put to shame, bring dishonor on, insult openly… Vunja moyo, discourage, dishearten… (FJ) Sipende wenye jamali, na utukufu wa mali, fukara ukawadhili, cheo ukawavundiya; Do not be friendly with those having elegance, And grandiosity of wealth, And afterwards despise the poor, And devalue for them their worth (MK-62). |
| -wa radhi | [v.i. (cop.+n.)] | Be happy, be content, be satisfied. Naawe radhi mumeo, Siku zote mkaao, Siku mukhitariwao, Awe radhi mekuwiya; And may your husband be happy, all the days that you live, on the day when you both are chosen, may he be happy — (this) he owes to you (MK-24) |
| waadhi | [n. 9/10] | Sermon, solemn exhortation, esp. in a religious sense (FJ). Advice (W&H). Admonition (JWT) Mwanangu twaa waadhi, Pamoya na yangu radhi, Mngu atakuhifadhi, Akuepue* na baa; My child, accept my advice, together with my blessing, God will preserve you, that He may help you avoid evil (MK-7). Ar. |
| wafikia | [v. appl.] | Suit to or for (W&Hg). See –afiki agree with, accord with, correspond to, be same as, fit (FJ). Ukisa kulitangaza, Ina la Mola Muweza, Basi tuombe majaza, Mngu tatuwafikiya; Once you have finished proclaiming, The name of Almighty God, Then let us pray for His grace, (that) God will consider suitable for us (MK-5). Ar. |
| wajibu | [n. 9] | What is right, fitting, proper, suitable; and so in moral sense, duty, obligation, due courtesy. Wajibu wako, what is expected of you, worthy of you; etc. (FJ). La kwanda kamata dini, Faradhi usiikhini, Na sunna ikimkini, Ni wajibu kuitiya; The first (piece of advice), hold fast to religion, do not scorn the faradhi (God’s ordinance), (and) if it is possible, the sunnah (good works) and to carry out the wajibu (duties) (MK-12). Ar. |
| wanda | [n. 9] | Antinomy, kohl. Pete sitoe zandani, Hina sikome nyaani, Wanda siwate matoni, Na nshini kuitiya; Do not take the rings off your fingers, Nor quit putting henna on your fingernails, Never stop putting kohl under your eyes, And on your eyebrows (MK-41). |
| wasiati | [n. 9] | Last will and testament, final wishes, final wishes (TJH). Injunction, last will (LH). See St. wosia under –usia (FJ). Negema wangu binti, Mchachefu hasanati, Upulike wasiati, Asaa ukazingatiya; Come close, my daughter, (my) rare gift (from God), Listen to my last instructions, may you consider them carefully (MK-1). Ar. |
| wata | [imp.] | Stop from, leave off (doing something); see St. –acha (FJ); –ata. Sandamane na wayinga, Wasoyua kuitunga, Ziumbe wasio changa, Wata kuwakurubiya; Do not go about with foolish people, who do not know how to control themselves, (and) people who are not modest, avoid any contact with them (MK-21). |
| waza | [v. tr.] | Suppose, fancy, imagine; (2) reflect, ponder, meditate, have mind. Waza Mungu, is used of religious meditation, deep inward heart-searching (FJ). Ya Rabbi nitimiliza, Mambo nisiyoyaweza, Wala moya nisowaza, Amba yatasikiliya; O Lord, fulfill for me, Things which I have no control over, Nor even imagine, What will happen (MK-87). |
| weka muhula | [v. tr.] | Delay (W&H). Na wachandika chakula, Uchambiwa nawe nla, Wala siweke muhula, Nyuma nyuma kurejeya; And if they set out a meal, And you are asked, eat, But do not leave a long delay, Before going right back (to your home) (MK-59). |
| wekea | [v.appl.] | Preserve for, keep for, save for, put aside for, etc.; see –weka and –wekea (FJ) (TJH). *Niwekea wangu wana, Na umbu langu mnuna, yakue yao maina, yenee majimbo piya; Save my children for me, and my younger brother, may their names grow great, and spread throughout the whole country (MK-70). |
| wiya | [cop. appl.] | Owe to; see –wia and –wea (< –wa be) inFJ. Naawe radhi mumeo, Siku zote mkaao, Siku mukhitariwao, Awe radhi mekuwiya, And may your husband be happy, all the days that you live, on the day when you both are chosen, may he be happy — (this) he owes to you (MK-24). |
| ya | [v. i.] | Come, etc.; see St. –ja come; see FJ. Yalipokuya faradhi, kanikariria radhi, kashukuru kafawidhi, moyo wangu katushiya; When death came, He recited his blessings for me, He gave thanks and entrusted himself to God, and my heart filled me with weakness (MK-54). |
| ya- | [tns.] | St. –ja– tense marker used with negative subject pronouns to indicate a “deferred” sense, “not yet”. See FJ for a full explanation. Maradhi yamenishika, Hatta yametimu mwaka, Siyapata kutamka, Neno lema kukwambiya; Sickness has seized me, having lasted as much as a year. I have not had a chance to utter, a good word to say to you (MK-2). |
| yakini | [adj.] | Certain, true, proved (FJ). Fuata yake idhini, Awe radhi kwa yakini, Wala sikae ndiani, Saa ya ‘ne ikasiya; Follow his wishes (his sanctions), That he may be truly content, Nor stay along the way, Until the fourth hour (10 pm) has passed (MK-45). Ar. |
| yambo/mambo | [n. 5/6] | Affair, etc.; see St. jambo/m- (FJ). Moyowe alipendalo, Nawe ufuate lilo, Yambo limtukialo, Siwe mwenye kumweteya; What he wants in his heart, you should also follow the same, That which is abhorent to him, Do not be the one bringing it upon him (MK-43). |
| yapo | [adv.] | See St. –japo, -ja- …regularly furnishes the formative element ja … (c) In the ‘tense of Possible Condition’, i.e. with the relative –po of time, place, or condition, e.g. njiapolala, siwezi kugeuka, even if I lie down, I cannot turn over. Wajapokuja, even if they come. Wajapo hawaji, though they do not come (FJ). Na ayapo muhitaji, Mama kwako simuhuji, Kwa uwezalo mbuji, Angusa kumtendeya; And when there is someone in need, As for you my child, do not grill her, As you are able, my dear, Hurry to assist her (MK-64). |
| yasmini | [n. 9] | Jasmin (also yasumini). Na kowa na kuisinga, Na nyee zako kufunga, Na yasimini kutunga, Na firashani kutiya; As to bathing and perfuming yourself, And plaiting your hair, And stringing jasmin blossoms (together), And putting them on the bedspread … (MK-38). NB: two types of jasmin are afu and tundaufu (W&Hg). Ar. |
| yaso | [v. cop. phrase] | Which are not, etc.; see St. ya-si-yo those which are not (TJH). Ifanye mteshiteshi, Kwa maneno yaso ghashi, Wala sifanye ubishi, Watu wakayatukiya; Make yourself an entertaining person, by words that are not deceitful, nor should you make rude jokes, people dislike them (i.e. such words) (MK-17). |
| Yaumu li’Arafa | [Ar. exp.] | Day of Arafat (W&H). The day of ‘Arafat, i.e. The 9th day of Dhu ‘l-Hijjah on which pilgrims visit the hill ‘Arafah, six hours east of Mecca (W&Hg). Nakuombawe Latifa, Unondolee mikhafa, Kwa Yaumu li’Arafa, Na Idi ya udhihiya; I pray to You, the All-Benevolent, Rid me of my fears, by reason of the Day of Arafat, and the Festival of the Sacrifice (MK-80). Ar. |
| yeo | [adv.] | Day; see St. leo. Tangu hapo hata yeo, Siyanyamaa kilio, Nikumbukapo pumbao, Na wingi wa mazoeya; From then to this day, I have not yet ceased my crying, When I remember the happiness, And the abundance of our contented life (MK-55). |
| yua | [v. i.] | Know; see St. –jua. Nda Mngu na mtumewe, Baba na mama wayuwe, Ya tano nda mumewe, Mno imekaririwa; They are of God and His Prophet, her father and mother she must know them, the fifth is of her husband, it has been said again and again (MK-23). |
| zagaa | [v. i.] | Shine, glisten, give light, illuminate (FJ). Nikutungie kidani, Cha lulu na marijani, Nikuvike mke shani, Shingoni kikizagaa; Let me string together a necklace for you, of pearls and red coral, let me dress you as a beautiful woman, (with it) shinning upon your neck (MK-9) |
| zahimu | [n. 9/10] | Trouble (W&H). Oppression, distress, from Ar. to press, confine (W&Hg). T’ungile utungu hunu, Kwa zahimu na zitunu, Kwa kadha yako Dayanu, Na hukumuzo Jaliya; I have composed this poem, In distress and pain, By your decree, O Judge, And your judgements, Oh God, the giver of all things (MK-90). Ar. |
| zema | [n. 10] | Kindness (W&H). Good things, etc.; see St. vyema (FJ). Akupendao mpende, Akuizao mwenende, Kwa zema mvundevunde, la’ala akaridhiya; She/he who loves you love him/her, She/he who rejects you go to him/her, Wear her/him down with kindness, Perhaps he/she will be content (with you) (MK-63). |
| zengea | [v. appl.] | Search for, seek for (TJH). Seek for (W&H), Search for (FJ). Na ufapo wewe mbee, Radhi yake izengee, Wende uitukuzie, Ndipo upatapo ndiya; And if you die before (him), seek for yourself his blessing, and go that you may magnify it for yourself, it is then you find (your) way (MK-25). |
| zidadi/ma- | [n. 5/6] | Increase, surplus Ar. (W&Hg). Appendix, increase, addition, surplus (K&K). Not in FJ, but see ziada/ma-, zidi/ma-, zidio/ma-, zidisho/ma-, all used occasionally for ‘increase, addition, bonus, augmentation, supplement’, etc. Na baitize idadi, Ni miate wa wahedi, Na mbili za mazidadi, Ndizo zimezozidiya; And the number of its verses, Is one hundred and one, With two in addition, It is those those that have been added (MK-98). Ar. |
| zingatia | [v. i.] | Follow diligently, apply oneself to (W&Hg). Remember, bear in mind (FJ). Pay attention to, contemplate, ponder, remember, consider, meditate on, bear in mind, think of (the consequences); think hard, reconsider, change one’s mind (K&K). Negema wangu binti, Mchachefu hasanati, Upulike wasiati, Asaa ukazingatiya; Come close, my daughter, (my) rare gift (from God), Listen to my last instructions, so you may consider them carefully (MK-1). |
| ziteko | [n. 10] | Laughter, etc.; see kiteko/zi-. Naliowa na babako, kwa furaha na ziteko, tusondoleane mbeko, siku zote twalokaa; I was married to (lit. by) your father, With happiness and laughter, Without lacking respect for each other, All the days that we lived (MK-52). |
| zito | [adj.] | Heavy—in weight; (2) difficult, hard to deal with, of serious import; (3) severe, harsh, hard to bear; (4) sad, depressed, weighed down, heavy; (5) slow, sluggish, clumsy, awkward, stupid; (6) of fluids, thick; (7) pregnant; (8) of voice, deep (FJ) Kwetu yangawa mazito, Kwako wewe ni matoto, Nepulia uvukuto, Unepuke marra moya; Although things are hard for us, for you they are insignificant, take the fever of sickness from me, Keep me (from evil) at once (MK-79). |