sokwe
The Swahili word for gorilla is sokwe.
The term refers to an ape.
Meaning: ape (noun)
Did you know?
- The word sokwe is sometimes used metaphorically in slang to describe someone who is physically powerful or clumsy.
- In many dialects of Swahili, the term sokwe is used broadly for any great ape, meaning it can refer to both gorillas and chimpanzees.
- Because sokwe is a noun, it follows Swahili's complex noun class system, meaning its prefix will change depending on whether you are talking about one or many.
Examples in context
- Sokwe ni wanyama mahiri na wanaishi katika mazingira ya asili.Gorillas are intelligent animals and live in their natural habitats.
- Tumepata bahati ya kuwaona ngagi wakiwa katika hifadhi ya taifa.We were fortunate to see gorillas in the national park.
- Sokwe ni mnyama mkubwa.A gorilla is a large animal.
- Nimeona sokwe kwenye televisheni.I saw a gorilla on television.
- Sokwe wanaishi msituni.Gorillas live in the forest.
Example conversation
Said and Aisha are visiting a zoo.
- SaidTazama, Aisha, huyu sokwe ni mcheshi!Look, Aisha, this gorilla is funny!
- AishaNi kweli, anacheza na majani.It is true, he is playing with leaves.
- SaidSokwe huyu ana nguvu nyingi.This gorilla has a lot of strength.
- AishaNdiyo, ni mnyama mwenye nguvu.Yes, he is a powerful animal.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sokwe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
