bafuni
The Swahili word for bathroom is bafuni.
bafuni refers specifically to a room with a bathtub. In general conversation, people often use the word choo to refer to a bathroom, though choo specifically denotes a toilet or latrine.
Meaning: a room with a bathtub (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
bafuni is the locative form of the noun bafu, which means it incorporates the preposition meaning 'in' or 'at'.
Which one should you use?
While bafuni refers to a room for bathing, choo is the specific word used for a toilet or latrine.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Tanzania, you may occasionally hear the phrase chumba cha kuoga, which literally translates to 'room for bathing'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form bafuni functions as a locative, meaning it is used to say 'in the bathroom' or 'at the bathroom'.
Did you know?
- The word bafu is a loanword derived from the English word 'bath'.
- Using bafuni when you actually need a toilet in a rural area might lead to confusion, as many homes have a choo outside but no bafu at all.
- In many parts of East Africa, referring to the choo is much more common and direct than using the polite, indirect English euphemisms.
Examples in context
- Nina vifaa vya huduma ya kwanza bafuni.I have a first aid kit in the bathroom.This sentence shows how to indicate the location of a first aid kit using bafuni.Tatoeba #10863717 by ecorralest101, translation #3619264 by CK
- Hoteli ilitoa waya bafuni kwa kuanika nguo baridi.The hotel provided a wire in the bathroom for hanging wet clothes.This sentence describes an item provided by a hotel located in the bafuni.Tatoeba #10833203 by ecorralest101, translation #682448 by Source_VOA
Example conversation
Omari is looking for something in the house.
- OmariZuwena, umeona mswaki wangu?Zuwena, have you seen my toothbrush?
- ZuwenaNdiyo, uliuacha bafuni.Yes, you left it in the bathroom.
- OmariAsante, nitaenda kuuchukua sasa hivi.Thanks, I will go get it right now.
- ZuwenaSawa, haraka basi.Okay, hurry up then.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
