mpenzi
The Swahili word for girlfriend is mpenzi.
Mpenzi is used to refer to a romantic partner, such as a lover or darling. In an informal context, you can use the endearing phrase Mpenzi wangu to mean "my love" or the term mrembo, which means "beautiful", to informally refer to a girlfriend.
Meaning: a female partner in a romantic relationship (noun)
Which one should you use?
While often used to mean a girlfriend, mpenzi is gender-neutral and can also mean "boyfriend", "partner" or "lover".
Did you know?
- In some contexts, mpenzi can refer to a 'beloved' in a spiritual or poetic sense, such as in traditional Taarab music, rather than just a romantic partner.
- While mrembo means 'beautiful' and is used to address a girlfriend, it is also a common way to address any attractive woman in a crowd, even a stranger.
- In many Swahili-speaking regions, using the word mpenzi in public can be seen as quite intense or serious compared to the casual English 'girlfriend'.
Examples in context
- Huwa anamubusu mpenzi wake kwaheri wanapoachana.He always kisses his girlfriend goodbye when they part ways.This sentence demonstrates how to use mpenzi when describing a romantic action.Tatoeba #10875348 by ecorralest101, translation #5270091 by Jesse
- Mpenzi wangu ana tabasamu tamu.My girlfriend has a sweet smile.
- Leo usiku nitakula chakula na mpenzi wangu.Tonight, I will have dinner with my girlfriend.
- Mpenzi wake ni mrembo sana.His girlfriend is very beautiful.
- Je, una mpenzi kwa sasa?Do you have a girlfriend right now?
Example conversation
Aisha and Said are talking about a party.
- AishaSaid, utakuja na mpenzi wako?Said, are you coming with your girlfriend?
- SaidNdiyo, mpenzi wangu atakuwepo.Yes, my girlfriend will be there.
- AishaHiyo itakuwa nzuri sana.That will be very nice.
- SaidAsante, tutaonana huko.Thanks, we will see each other there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mpenzi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
