zika
To bury in Swahili is zika.
The verb zika is used specifically to mean the act of interring a corpse in a grave or tomb. For example, the phrase Kuzika kaburini is used when one wants to specifically emphasize the act of burying within a grave or a cemetery.
Meaning: to inter a corpse in a grave or tomb (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb zika can be conjugated into several tenses and aspects. To indicate the past tense, use the tense marker -li- to form alizika (he/she buried). To express the future tense, use the prefix a- and the tense marker -ta- to form atazika (he/she will bury). To indicate the perfective aspect, meaning the act has already been performed, use the prefix ame- to form amezika (he/she has buried).
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use Kuficha when you are referring to the burial of a deceased person, as it may not be suitable for that context.
Did you know?
- The verb zika is conceptually linked to the Swahili word for 'grave' kaburi, which is a loanword from Arabic. This shows the historical influence of Islamic burial practices on the Swahili language.
- In Swahili culture, the act of burying is often treated as a communal duty rather than a private family matter, often involving the whole village or neighborhood.
- While zika is the standard term for a person, the related word kuzika can also be used metaphorically in some contexts to mean 'to finish' or 'to end' something once and for all.
Examples in context
- Hazina ilizikwa chini sana ardhini kwa mamia ya miaka.The treasure was buried deep underground for hundreds of years.
- Tutazika imani zetu za zamani na kupokea mtazamo mpya.We will bury our old beliefs and embrace a new way of thinking.
- Alizika maiti kwa heshima.He buried the corpse with respect.
Example conversation
Fatuma and Said are discussing funeral arrangements.
- FatumaSaid, tuta zika mpendwa wetu kesho.Said, we will bury our loved one tomorrow.
- SaidNdiyo, tutafanya hivyo asubuhi na mapema.Yes, we will do that early in the morning.
- FatumaJe, tunajua mahali pa ku zika?Do we know the place to bury them?
- SaidTayari tumeshapata kiwanja cha makaburi.We have already found a cemetery plot.
