chuma
The Swahili word for metal is chuma.
In everyday Swahili, the word for metal is often the same as the word for iron.
Meaning: atomic element or material made of such atoms (noun)
Which one should you use?
Metali is a formal term for metal used in technical or scientific contexts.
Did you know?
- The word chuma actually originates from an ancient Bantu root meaning 'to buy food'.
- In many Bantu languages, the roots for 'metal' and 'buying/trading' are intertwined, suggesting a historical link between metalwork and commerce.
- Because chuma means both 'iron' and 'metal', a Swahili speaker might call any metallic object, such as an aluminum soda can, chuma.
Examples in context
- Kuna makopo manne ya takataka shuleni: moja la karatasi, moja la plastiki, na mengine mawili ya glasi na chuma.There are four trash cans in the school: one for paper, one for plastic, and two more for glass and metal.This sentence shows how to list chuma as a material for a trash can.Tatoeba #10839723 by ecorralest101, translation #1270797 by marcelostockle
- Ninatumia kifaa cha chuma ili kukata vipande hiviI am using a metal tool to cut these pieces
- Tafadhali niambie zaidi kuhusu metali za mchanganyikoPlease tell me more about mixed metals
- Nipe vile vitu vya chuma vyoteGive me all those metal things
- Mlango huu umetengenezwa kwa chuma.This door is made of metal.
Example conversation
Juma and Fatuma are looking at a new gate.
- JumaFatuma, angalia lango hili jipya.Fatuma, look at this new gate.
- FatumaNi zuri sana, lakini ni chuma?It is very beautiful, but is it metal?
- JumaNdiyo, ni chuma imara sana.Yes, it is very strong metal.
- FatumaItadumu kwa muda mrefu.It will last for a long time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chuma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chuma, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
