jamii
The English phrase 'community' is translated into Swahili as jamii. Wiktionary also lists jamaa.
Meaning: group sharing a common understanding (noun)
Ways to say it
| Swahili |
|---|
| jamii |
| jamaa |
The term jamii refers to a group sharing a common understanding. In certain contexts, the word kundi can also be used to describe a community, though it specifically refers to a group or a team.
Which one should you use?
While jamii refers to a broad social community, jamaa is used to refer to a smaller, more intimate group like a family or a close-knit circle of relatives. Additionally, the term jumuiya is a common and general term for community in Swahili.
How does it change in a sentence?
jamii is an invariant noun, meaning it does not change its form to indicate plurality in standard Swahili usage.
Did you know?
- The word kundi can describe a community, but it is also the word used for a flock of sheep or a herd of cattle.
- The concept of community in Swahili is closely tied to ujamaa, a philosophy of extended family and social cooperation popularized by Tanzania's first president, Julius Nyerere.
- The word jamii is derived from Arabic roots meaning to collect or gather. This reflects the historical influence of trade and religion on the Swahili coast.
Examples in context
- Wanafunzi wanahitajika kufanya huduma ya jamii kwa saa moja kila wikiStudents are required to perform one hour of community service per week.This sentence is useful for seeing how to express the requirement of community service using jamii.Tatoeba #10877567 by ecorralest101, translation #5442004 by CarpeLanam
- Kila mtu ana jukumu kwa jamii ambayo peke yake maendeleo kamili ya utu wake inawezekana.Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.This sentence illustrates the concept of individual duties toward the community using jamii.Tatoeba #10831090 by ecorralest101, translation #554898 by jakov
- Jumuiya ya Huduma ya JamiiCommunity service organization
- Umoja wa WajasiriamaliEntrepreneurial Community
- Nitaungana na jumuiya yangu kwenye hafla ya kuchangia.I will join my community at a fundraising event.
- Jamii yetu ni yenye upendo sana.Our community is very loving.
Example conversation
Neema and Omari are discussing local improvement projects.
- NeemaJamii hii inahitaji maji safi zaidi.This community needs cleaner water.
- OmariNakubaliana nawe, Neema. Ni muhimu sana.I agree with you, Neema. It is very important.
- NeemaTunawezaje kushirikisha jamii katika mradi huu?How can we involve the community in this project?
- OmariTunaweza kuandaa mkutano wa kijiji, Neema.We can organize a village meeting, Neema.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “community” translations and entries jamii, jamaa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jamaa, jamii, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
