umfana
/úm̩fáːna/class 1, class 2
The Zulu word for boy is umfana.
umfana refers to a male child.
Meaning: male child (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
umfana belongs to Class 1, which is the noun class used for singular human subjects. To express the plural, use abafana for boys.
How do you pronounce it?
/úm̩fáːna/
Did you know?
- While umfana means 'boy', the term mfana is often used colloquially as a slang term of endearment or address between male friends, regardless of their actual age.
- The Zulu language uses a system of 'noun classes' instead of 'gender'. This means umfana is categorized by its 'human' status rather than just being 'masculine'.
- In Zulu-speaking communities, a boy's identity is often more closely tied to his clan name than to the generic label umfana.
Examples in context
- Umfana uyafundisa.The boy is teaching.
- Ngibona umfana omncane.I see a small boy.
- Umfana uyaqhuba kahle.The boy is doing well.
Example conversation
Sipho and Thandeka are talking about a neighbor's child.
- SiphoUbona lowo mfana?Do you see that boy?
- ThandekaYebo, ngiyamubona.Yes, I see him.
- SiphoUmfana uthanda ukugijima.The boy loves to run.
- ThandekaUgcizelele kakhulu.He is very energetic.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “boy” translations and entries umfana, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
