mwanamume
The Swahili word for man is mwanamume.
mwanamume refers to an adult male human.
Meaning: adult male human (noun)
Which one should you use?
While mwanamume means man, the word for woman is mwanamke.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In coastal regions of East Africa, particularly in Tanzania, Mzee is used to address or refer to an older man.
How does it change in a sentence?
Mwanamume is a singular noun in the M-WA noun class, which is used for living beings. To refer to multiple men, the noun changes to the plural form wanamume.
Did you know?
- The word mwanamume literally translates to 'son of a husband'.
- The term for 'man' in Swahili shares a linguistic root with the Tumbuka word mwanalume, showing how much the language is connected to other Bantu languages.
- In some East African contexts, calling a man mwanamume in a certain tone can imply he is acting with 'manly' courage or strength, rather than just stating his gender.
Examples in context
- Mwanamume huyo alikuwa na uzani mkubwa hivyo hangeweza kutembea kivyake.The man was too fat to move by himself.This sentence shows the use of mwanamume to describe a man's physical state.Tatoeba #10811372 by ecorralest101, translation #45282 by CK
- Mwanamume anakula mkate.The man is eating bread.This sentence shows the use of mwanamume in a simple action sentence.Tatoeba #2597834 by ecorralest101, translation #853262 by piksea
- Mwanamume huyu ni mwalimu mzuri.This man is a good teacher.
- Bwana Smith, karibu nyumbani kwangu.Mister Smith, welcome to my home.
- Huyo jamaa alikuwa na vituko vingi jana usiku.That guy had a lot of antics last night.
- Mzee Ali ametoa ushauri mzuri.Old man Ali has given good advice.
- Huyu djamaa anajua kuchekesha sana.This dude knows how to be really funny.
- Mwanamume huyu ni rafiki yangu.This man is my friend.
Example conversation
Bakari and Fatuma are talking about a new neighbor.
- BakariJe, umeona yule mwanamume mpya?Have you seen that new man?
- FatumaNdiyo, anaonekana kuwa mtu mkarimu.Yes, he seems to be a kind person.
- BakariMwanamume huyo anakaa nyumba ya pili.That man lives in the second house.
- FatumaNitamsalimia wakati nitakapomwona.I will greet him when I see him.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mwanamume, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
