kaka yangu
The Swahili phrase for "my brother" is kaka yangu.
kaka yangu refers specifically to a male sibling of the speaker. If you wish to refer to a sibling without specifying gender, you can use ndugu yangu as a gender-neutral alternative.
Did you know?
- The word ndugu, which can mean 'sibling', is often used more frequently in political or pan-African contexts to mean 'comrade' or 'fellow citizen'.
- In many Swahili-speaking communities, calling someone kaka is a common way to show respect to an older male peer, even if there is no biological relation.
- The word ndugu is derived from a root that relates to the idea of being 'of the same blood' or 'origin', emphasizing shared ancestry over the nuclear family unit.
Examples in context
- Ndugu yangu, ningependa kukualika kwenye sherehe ya harusi.My brother, I would like to invite you to the wedding celebration.
- Kaka yangu, tutafurahi sana ukija kwenye chama chetu.My brother, we will be very happy if you come to our party.
- Huyu ni kaka yangu.This is my brother.
- Kaka yangu anasoma udaktari.My brother is studying medicine.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their families in a park.
- SaidJe, unamfahamu kaka yangu?Do you know my brother?
- FatumaHapana, sijawahi kumwona.No, I have never seen him.
- SaidKaka yangu ni mwalimu.My brother is a teacher.
- FatumaNi vizuri sana!That is very good!
