uchoraji
The Swahili word for painting is uchoraji.
uchoraji is used to describe the art, the practice or the process of painting.
Meaning: an illustration or artwork using paint (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is an abstract noun derived from the verb chora, which means to draw or paint. It is formed by adding the u- prefix and the -ji suffix to the verb root to denote the art or practice of the action.
Which one should you use?
uchoraji refers to the art or the practice of painting, whereas mchoro is the word used to refer to a specific, single drawing or painting as an object.
Did you know?
- In many Swahili-speaking contexts, the word mchoro can also be used metaphorically to refer to a 'plan' or a 'scheme'.
- In the context of uchoraji, Swahili speakers may use the same root to describe 'mapping' or 'charting' a course, as these are seen as forms of drawing.
- In Swahili, the verb chora covers both 'drawing' and 'painting'. This means the language does not naturally distinguish between a pencil sketch and an oil painting using different verbs.
Examples in context
- Alijitolea kwa uchoraji, bila kufikiria umaarufu au utajiri.He dedicated himself to painting, without thinking of fame or fortune.This sentence is useful for seeing how to express dedication to the art of uchoraji.Tatoeba #10864012 by ecorralest101, translation #3716080 by patgfisher
- Asante kwa ubora wa uchoraji wakoThank you for the quality of your painting
- Una vipaji vya kuchoraYou have painting talents
- Hiyo picha ni ya kuvutia sanaThat painting is very attractive
- Ninapenda sanaa ya uchoraji.I love the art of painting.
- Mchoro huu una rangi nzuri.This painting has beautiful colors.
- Mtoto wangu anapenda kuchora mawingu.My child enjoys painting clouds.
Example conversation
Zuwena and Said are visiting an art gallery.
- ZuwenaSaid, tazama uchoraji huu hapa.Said, look at this painting here.
- SaidNi uchoraji wa ajabu kweli.It is truly a wonderful painting.
- ZuwenaJe, ungependa kuununua?Would you like to buy it?
- SaidHapana, ni ghali sana.No, it is too expensive.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry uchoraji, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
