mũthuri
In Kikuyu, the word for husband is mũthuri.
The term is used to refer to a male partner in a marriage.
Meaning: male partner in marriage (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word mũthuri is a versatile term that can mean man, adult male or husband.
Which one should you use?
While mũthuri refers to a husband, its counterpart mũtumia is used to mean a wife or a woman.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural form, such as husbands or men, use athuri.
Did you know?
- While mũthuri is the standard term, Kikuyu has a rich system of 'avoidance language' where certain kinship terms are replaced to show extreme respect to elders.
- The plural form athuri is often used in traditional contexts to refer to a council of elders who make community decisions.
- In some Kikuyu dialects, the term mũthuri is used in a respectful way to address any older man, regardless of whether the speaker knows his marital status.
Examples in context
- Mũthuri wakwa nĩ mũrata.My husband is a friend.
Example conversation
Wambui is introducing her partner to a friend.
- NjorogeŨyũ nĩ ũrĩ mũthuri waku?Is this your husband?
- WambuiĨĩ, mũthuri wakwa nĩ Njoroge.Yes, my husband is Njoroge.
- NjorogeNĩ atĩa, Njoroge?How are you, Njoroge?
- WambuiNĩ kwega, nawe nĩ atĩa?I am well, and how are you?
