kielezi
The Swahili word for 'adverb' is kielezi.
kielezi is the term used to denote an adverb.
Did you know?
- Some kielezi in Swahili are formed by repeating a word, known as reduplication, to indicate that an action is done intensely or repeatedly.
- Unlike English, Swahili does not have a dedicated suffix like '-ly' to create adverbs. Many words function as both adjectives and adverbs depending on their position in the sentence.
- The root of kielezi is the verb eleza, which means 'to explain' or 'to narrate'.
Examples in context
- Nataka kuongea polepole.I want to speak slowly.
- Anaondoka haraka sana.He is leaving very quickly.
- Neno hili ni kielezi.This word is an adverb.
- Je, unajua kielezi hiki?Do you know this adverb?
- Kielezi kinatumiwa kuelezea kitendo.An adverb is used to describe an action.
Example conversation
A student asks a teacher for clarification during a grammar lesson.
- FatumaMwalimu, neno hili ni kielezi?Teacher, is this word an adverb?
- SaidNdiyo Fatuma, ni kielezi kabisa.Yes Fatuma, it is indeed an adverb.
- FatumaAsante kwa maelezo yako.Thank you for your explanation.
- SaidKaribu mwanafunzi wangu.You're welcome, my student.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kielezi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kielezi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
