umfowethu
The Zulu word for 'brother' is umfowethu.
This term is used to refer to a male sibling.
Meaning: male sibling (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
You can change the suffix to indicate different possessive relationships.
Did you know?
- The word umfowethu uses the suffix -ethu, which translates to 'our', implying that a brother is a shared connection of the family.
- In Zulu culture, the term for 'brother' can extend to male cousins, as the language emphasizes the broader kinship group over the strict Western nuclear family definition.
- The Zulu language uses a complex system of noun classes, and umfowethu belongs to the class for people, which dictates how every other word in the sentence must change to agree with it.
Examples in context
- Sawubona, Bhuti!Hello, Brother!
- Umfowethu ufikile.Our brother has arrived.
Example conversation
Sipho and Thandeka are talking about their family.
- SiphoUmfowethu uphi namuhla?Where is our brother today?
- ThandekaUsebenza edolobheni, Sipho.He is working in town, Sipho.
- SiphoUzoza ekhaya nini?When will he come home?
- ThandekaUzoza ngosuku lwasemva.He will come tomorrow.
