kioo
class 7
The Swahili word for mirror is kioo.
Kioo is the most common word used for mirror in Swahili. Additionally, the phrase Kioo cha Macho literally translates to mirror of the eyes.
Meaning: smooth reflecting surface (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of kioo is vioo.
Did you know?
- While kioo cha macho literally means 'mirror of the eyes', it is used idiomatically to refer to eyeglasses or spectacles.
- The word kioo is inherited from Proto-Bantu, meaning its root exists in hundreds of languages across Central and Southern Africa long before the influence of Arabic.
- Because kioo refers to the material of glass, a 'glass bottle' is described as chupa ya kioo, meaning 'bottle of mirror' to an English speaker.
Examples in context
- Kioo hiki kimevunjika.This mirror is broken.
- Kioo kikubwa kipo sebuleni.A large mirror is in the living room.
Example conversation
Said and Fatuma are decorating their new home.
- SaidFatuma, kioo hiki kiko wapi?Fatuma, where is this mirror?
- FatumaKiko hapo mezani, Said.It is there on the table, Said.
- SaidKinaonekana kuwa kichafu kidogo.It looks a bit dirty.
- FatumaNitakisafisha sasa hivi.I will clean it right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mirror” translations and entries kioo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kioo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
