mwakilishi
The Swahili word for delegate is mwakilishi.
mwakilishi is a noun used to describe a deputy, envoy or representative. For a more specific context, such as a team delegate, you can use the phrase mjumbe wa timu.
Meaning: deputy, envoy, representative (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word mwakilishi is derived from the verb wakilisha, which means to represent. The prefix mw- is used to indicate a person.
Which one should you use?
While mwakilishi is used for a general representative, the related term wakili is used specifically to refer to a lawyer or a legal advocate.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of mwakilishi is mawakilishi. This is achieved by changing the noun class prefix from mw- to ma-.
Did you know?
- Depending on the context, a delegate may be called a mjumbe, which literally refers to a messenger. This reflects a historical cultural view of a representative as someone whose primary role is to carry a message between parties.
- The root of the word can be traced back to Proto-Bantu structures, showing that the way Swahili identifies a person through the prefix mw- is thousands of years old.
- The word for lawyer, wakili, shares the same root as mwakilishi, linking the legal profession to the general act of representation.
Examples in context
- Mwakilishi wa shirika letu alihutubia katika mkutano huoOur delegate spoke at the meeting
- Mjumbe wenu amefika kwa furaha kwenye mkutanoYour delegate arrived happily at the meeting
- Yeye ni mwakilishi wa serikali.He is a government representative.
- Tunatafuta mwakilishi wa kijiji chetu.We are looking for a representative of our village.
- Mwakilishi wetu amefika leo.Our delegate has arrived today.
Example conversation
Juma and Aisha are at an international conference.
- JumaJe, wewe ni mwakilishi wa Tanzania?Are you a representative of Tanzania?
- AishaNdiyo, Juma. Mimi ni mwakilishi hapa.Yes, Juma. I am a delegate here.
- JumaKaribu sana kwenye mkutano huu.You are very welcome to this meeting.
- AishaAsante sana, Juma.Thank you very much, Juma.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mwakilishi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
