mpangilio wa alfabeti
The English phrase "alphabetical order" is translated into Swahili as mpangilio wa alfabeti.
In Swahili, this phrase refers to the sequence of a collection of items.
Meaning: the sequence of a collection of items (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase mpangilio wa alfabeti is composed of mpangilio (arrangement/order), wa (of) and alfabeti (alphabet).
Which one should you use?
You may also use mpangilio wa herufi to mean "alphabetical order". This version uses herufi (letters) instead of alfabeti (alphabet). Additionally, if you wish to specifically refer to a "list in alphabetical order," use the formal phrase Orodha kwa utaratibu wa herufi.
Did you know?
- The Swahili alfabeti traveled through an enormous linguistic journey from Proto-Semitic roots to Phoenician and Greek, before arriving in Swahili via English.
- The formal term utaratibu, used in the phrase Orodha kwa utaratibu wa herufi, can also be used to describe a legal 'procedure' or a bureaucratic 'system'.
Examples in context
- Vitabu viko katika mpangilio wa alfabeti.The books are in alphabetical order.
- Tafadhali fuata mpangilio wa alfabeti kwenye orodha hii.Please follow the alphabetical order on this list.
- Majina yameandikwa kwa mpangilio wa alfabeti.The names are written in alphabetical order.
Example conversation
Bakari is helping Neema organize a small library.
- NeemaJe, vitabu hivi viko katika mpangilio wa alfabeti?Are these books in alphabetical order?
- BakariHapana, nimeanza kupanga sasa hivi.No, I have just started organizing them now.
- NeemaSawa, mimi nitakusaidia kumalizia kazi hiyo.Okay, I will help you finish that work.
- BakariAsante sana, Neema.Thank you very much, Neema.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “alphabetical order” translations and entries mpangilio wa alfabeti, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alfabeti, mpangilio, wa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
