shangazi
The Swahili word for aunt is shangazi.
shangazi is used to refer to a parent's sister or sister-in-law, specifically designating a paternal aunt.
Meaning: a parent's sister or sister-in-law (noun)
Which one should you use?
Swahili distinguishes between sides of the family when naming relatives. While shangazi refers specifically to a paternal aunt (your father's sister), other terms are used for different sides, such as mjomba for a maternal uncle.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word shangazi is the same in both singular and plural forms.
Did you know?
- While shangazi describes a paternal aunt, the term for a maternal aunt is mama mdogo or mama mkubwa, which literally translate to 'small mother' and 'big mother'.
- In many traditional Swahili cultures, the shangazi holds a special role as a mediator and advisor in marriage arrangements and disputes between a husband and wife.
- In many Swahili-speaking cultures, calling a woman shangazi can be a sign of respect for an older woman who is not actually related to you.
Examples in context
- Ni mimi, Shangazi Wong.This is me, Aunt Wong.This sentence is useful for seeing how to address someone as shangazi.Tatoeba #10896473 by ecorralest101, translation #7783997 by shayan
- Shangazi yangu ni mzuri sana.My aunt is very kind.
- Ninaenda kumtembelea shangazi yangu.I'm going to visit my aunt.
- Mbona unaendelea kuuliza swali hilo, auntie?Why do you keep asking that question, auntie?
- Shangazi yangu anapenda kupika.My aunt loves to cook.
- Je, shangazi yako anakuja leo?Is your aunt coming today?
Example conversation
Bakari is introducing his relative to Fatuma.
- FatumaHuyu ni nani, Bakari?Who is this, Bakari?
- BakariHuyu ni shangazi yangu kutoka kijijini.This is my aunt from the village.
- FatumaHabari yako, shangazi!How are you, aunt!
- BakariAnasema habari njema, Fatuma.She says she is doing well, Fatuma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “aunt” translations and entries shangazi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
