malaika
The Swahili word for angel is malaika.
The term malaika refers to a messenger from a deity. It is used in a religious context to refer to celestial beings and also in a secular context to describe a person of exceptional kindness or beauty.
Meaning: messenger from a deity (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word malaika is an invariant noun, which means it does not change its form to indicate singular or plural.
Did you know?
- Although malaika means 'angel', it can be used as a term of endearment for a romantic partner, similar to how English speakers use 'sweetheart'.
- While malaika translates to 'angel', it is also the title of one of the most famous Swahili songs globally, often used to teach the language to beginners.
- The word malaika is a loanword from Arabic. It is specifically derived from the Arabic plural form for 'angels'.
Examples in context
- Alipoanza kazi, malaika wa Mungu akaitana kutoka mbinguni, 'Ibrahimu!' Akajibu mara moja.Just when he was beginning the task, the angel of God called out from the heavens, 'Abraham!' He answered immediately.This example shows how malaika is used in a religious context describing an angel of God.Tatoeba #10837910 by ecorralest101, translation #1178465 by cntrational
- Lazima upigie magoti miguuni mwangu, kuubusu mkono wangu na kuapa kwamba mimi ni malaika.You must kneel at my feet, kiss my hand and swear that I am an angel.This example demonstrates using malaika to describe a person of exceptional character.Tatoeba #10842517 by ecorralest101, translation #1638592 by Spamster
- Tazama, malaika wa Bwana kutoka mbinguni akamwita, akisema, "Ibrahamu, Ibrahimu!" Naye akajibu:Mimi hapa.And behold, an angel of the Lord from heaven called to him, saying: Abraham, Abraham. And he answered: Here I am.This example illustrates the use of malaika when describing an angel of the Lord.Tatoeba #10898252 by ecorralest101, translation #7867604 by carlosalberto
- Malaika hutangaza ujumbe wa amaniAngels proclaim messages of peace
- Malaika ni walinzi wazuri wa mbingu.Angels are the beautiful guardians of the sky.
- Hapo juu kuna malaika wengi wanaosherehekea kwa furaha.Up above, there are many angels celebrating joyfully.
Example conversation
Neema and Omari are discussing a beautiful painting of a celestial scene.
- OmariJe, huyu ni malaika katika picha?Is this an angel in the painting?
- NeemaNdiyo, ni malaika mrembo sana.Yes, it is a very beautiful angel.
- OmariMalaika huyu ana mabawa makubwa.This angel has large wings.
- NeemaNi kweli, picha hii ni nzuri sana.True, this painting is very beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “angel” translations and entries malaika, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries malaika, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
