baba
/ˈɓɑ.ɓɑ/
baba is the Swahili word for dad.
baba is an informal noun meaning a father. It can be used to refer to a father in the third person or as a vocative when addressing a father directly at the beginning of a sentence.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
baba is a noun class 1 noun, which is the class used for humans. Because it is in this class, it takes the prefix a- for singular verbs.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈɓɑ.ɓɑ/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1 of 2 syllable.
Did you know?
- In some East African urban slang, calling someone baba or adding it to a name can imply that person is a 'big shot' or a person of influence.
- The word baba is a linguistic 'cognate' with many other languages, appearing in Arabic as بابا and Persian as بابا.
- In many Swahili-speaking contexts, calling a man baba can be a sign of respect for an older man, even if you are not related to him.
Examples in context
- Baba anatumia moto kuchoma kuku.Dad uses fire to roast a chicken.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use baba as a subject in a sentence.Tatoeba #10853239 by ecorralest101, translation #2747316 by Yug
- Baba, kuna tofauti gani kati ya magenge na serikali?Dad, what is the difference between the mafia and the government?This sentence is useful for seeing how to use baba as a vocative when addressing someone.Tatoeba #10869640 by ecorralest101, translation #4391496 by maaster
- Baba, mimi ni mjamzito. Hii paha orodha ya watuhumiwa …Dad, I am pregnant. Here is the list of the suspects…Tatoeba #10869778 by ecorralest101, translation #4438493 by shanghainese
- Baba, nataka kukuambia asante.Dad, I want to say thank you.
- Babangu ni mtu mzuri sana.My dad is a very good person.
Example conversation
At home, Zuwena is talking to her brother Omari about their father.
- OmariBaba amefika nyumbani.Dad has arrived home.
- ZuwenaJe, baba ana njaa?Is dad hungry?
- OmariNdiyo, baba anataka chakula.Yes, dad wants food.
- ZuwenaNitaenda kumsaidia baba.I will go to help dad.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dad” translations and entries baba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries baba, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
