mukoma
The Shona word for brother is mukoma.
mukoma is used to refer to an older brother or an older male relative. In Shona culture, mukoma is often used as a respectful title for older male cousins or even older males in the community who are not direct biological brothers.
Meaning: male sibling (noun)
Which one should you use?
The term mukoma specifically refers to an older brother rather than just any male sibling.
Did you know?
- Shona has specific terminology for 'brother' based on whether the sibling is from the same mother, the same father, or both, which avoids ambiguity in family trees.
- The term mukoma can be used as a polite way to address a male shopkeeper or service provider to soften a request and show deference.
- In traditional Shona settings, a mukoma is expected to take on a protective and guiding role for their younger siblings, almost acting as a second father.
Examples in context
- Mukoma wangu anobatsira pabasa.My older brother helps at work.
- Mukoma wako ari kuuya?Is your older brother coming?
Example conversation
Tendai is asking about Farai's family.
- TendaiUne mukoma here, Farai?Do you have a brother, Farai?
- FaraiHongi, ndine mukoma mumwe.Yes, I have one brother.
- TendaiMukoma wako anogara kupi?Where does your brother live?
- FaraiAnogara kumba kwedu.He lives at our home.
