uzuri
The English word beauty is translated into Swahili as uzuri. Wiktionary also lists urembo and jamala.
Meaning: quality of pleasing appearance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Swahili |
|---|
| uzuri |
| urembo |
| jamala |
The Swahili language uses different words for beauty depending on whether you are discussing an abstract quality, physical decoration or elegance. Uzuri is the standard term for the abstract quality of beauty or goodness. In contrast, urembo is typically used to refer to physical adornment, decoration or outward appearance. The word jamala is also a form of beauty.
Which one should you use?
While uzuri refers to the abstract concept of beauty or goodness, urembo refers to decorative beauty or adornment. For example, one might use urembo when discussing someone's outward appearance or decorations, whereas uzuri describes the essence of being beautiful.
Did you know?
- The term uzuri descends from Proto-Bantu roots, linking the Swahili word for beauty to languages spoken across Central and Southern Africa.
- The word uzuri shares the same root as the adjective for 'good', meaning that in Swahili, 'beauty' and 'goodness' are essentially the same concept.
- Urembo can be used to describe the beauty of a lake, treating the natural scenery as a form of outward decoration.
Examples in context
- Urembo wa ziwa hauelezeki.The beauty of the lake is beyond description.This sentence uses urembo to describe the beauty of a lake.Tatoeba #10811535 by ecorralest101, translation #48130 by CM
- Urembo wake ulimletea mapepo.Her beauty cast a spell over him.This sentence uses urembo to describe a person's beauty.Tatoeba #10824723 by ecorralest101, translation #309671 by CK
- Anapanga kushiriki katika mashindano ya urembo.She plans to take part in the beauty contest.This sentence uses urembo in the context of a beauty contest.Tatoeba #10838098 by ecorralest101, translation #1224548 by CK
- Tabia yake maridadi humfanya kuwa mrembo sanaHer graceful demeanor makes her very beautiful.
- Anapendeza, yeye ni mwanamke mzuri sanaShe looks lovely, she is a very beautiful woman.
- Anavutia sana, ni mtamuShe's very attractive, she's sweet.
- Mpenzi wako ni mrembo sanaYour partner is very beautiful.
- Kazi hii ina uzuri usio wa kawaidaThis artwork has extraordinary beauty.
- Tabia yako ni ya uzuri wa ajabuYour character is of extraordinary beauty.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Omari and Aisha are admiring a garden.
- OmariTazama uzuri wa maua haya, Aisha.Look at the beauty of these flowers, Aisha.
- AishaNi kweli, uzuri wake unashangaza sana.It is true, its beauty is very surprising.
- OmariJe, unajua siri ya uzuri huu?Do you know the secret of this beauty?
- AishaKupenda bustani huleta uzuri huu wote.Loving the garden brings all this beauty.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beauty” translations and entries uzuri, urembo, jamala, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jamala, urembo, uzuri, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
