chui
class 10, class 9
The Swahili word for leopard is chui.
chui refers to the large wild cat with a spotted coat, scientifically known as Panthera pardus.
Meaning: a large wild cat with a spotted coat, Panthera pardus (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
chui belongs to noun classes 9 and 10.
Did you know?
- The phrase madoa ya chui meaning 'leopard spots' is used idiomatically to describe permanent flaws or characteristics that cannot be changed.
- In traditional East African leadership and royal attire, wearing a chui skin was a symbol of power, bravery and high social status.
- The term chui appears frequently in traditional folk tales as a cunning antagonist or a foil to the clever hare.
Examples in context
- Ninaona chui porini.I see a leopard in the wild.
- Chui yuko kwenye mti.A leopard is in the tree.
- Nimeona chui msituni.I saw a leopard in the forest.
- Chui ni mnyama hatari.A leopard is a dangerous animal.
Example conversation
Juma and Aisha are on a safari in the park.
- JumaAngalia, kuna chui hapo!Look, there is a leopard there!
- AishaNi kweli, chui ni mzuri sana.It is true, the leopard is very beautiful.
- JumaAisha, usimkaribie mnyama huyo.Aisha, do not approach that animal.
- AishaSawa, tutabaki hapa mbali.Okay, we will stay here far away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “leopard” translations and entries chui, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
