mbinguni
The Swahili word for heaven is mbinguni.
mbinguni is used to refer to the spiritual paradise or the upper-world.
Meaning: paradise and upper-world (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by combining the noun mbingu (heavens/sky) with the locative suffix -ni, which means 'in' or 'at', literally translating to 'in the heavens'.
Which one should you use?
While mbinguni refers to the spiritual place of heaven, the noun mbingu is used to refer to the physical sky or the heavens.
How does it change in a sentence?
Grammatically, mbinguni functions as an adverb of place meaning 'in heaven' or 'to heaven' rather than acting as a simple noun.
Did you know?
- Because mbinguni uses a locative suffix, it can mean both 'in heaven' and 'to heaven' depending on the verb, eliminating the need for separate prepositions like 'in' or 'to'.
- In many Bantu languages, the concept of the 'upper-world' is frequently mapped directly onto the physical sky, a logic mirrored in the Swahili mbingu.
- The word mbingu is often used in the plural form to describe the vastness of the cosmos, mirroring the biblical 'heavens' rather than a single celestial dome.
Examples in context
- Heri walio maskini rohoni, maana ufalme wa mbinguni ni wao.Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.This sentence shows how to describe the kingdom of heaven.Tatoeba #10853507 by ecorralest101, translation #2817527 by carlosalberto
- Tazama, malaika wa Bwana kutoka mbinguni akamwita, akisema, "Ibrahamu, Ibrahimu!" Naye akajibu:Mimi hapa.And behold, an angel of the Lord from heaven called to him, saying: Abraham, Abraham. And he answered: Here I am.This sentence describes an angel coming from heaven.Tatoeba #10898252 by ecorralest101, translation #7867604 by carlosalberto
- Nataka kufika peponiI want to reach heaven
- Nina imani nitawakuta mbinguniI believe I will meet them in heaven
- Nilipoteza rafiki yangu, lakini nina imani kubwa kuwa yuko peponiI lost my friend, but I strongly believe they are in heaven.
- Jua zuri la mbinguni linawafurahisha watu woteThe beautiful sun of heaven brings joy to everyone.
- Kusoma vitabu vingi kunaweza kukupa hisia za peponiReading many books can give you a feeling of heaven.
Example conversation
Said and Zuwena are talking about their faith.
- SaidJe, unaamini kuna amani mbinguni?Do you believe there is peace in heaven?
- ZuwenaNdiyo, Said, naamini hivyo kabisa.Yes, Said, I believe that completely.
- SaidNi sehemu nzuri sana kwa kila mtu.It is a very beautiful place for everyone.
- ZuwenaNi kweli, tutapumzika huko mbinguni.It is true, we will rest there in heaven.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
