chui
The Swahili word for panther is chui.
chui is used to refer to a big cat belonging to the genus Panthera.
Meaning: big cat of genus Panthera (noun)
Did you know?
- In many East African cultures, the chui is viewed as a symbol of stealth and leadership, often appearing in traditional folklore as a cunning trickster or a powerful guardian.
- The word chui is often used in Swahili proverbs to describe a person who is stealthy, cunning, or highly capable.
- The term chui is used in Swahili-speaking regions to describe both the animal and the pattern of its skin, known as 'chui'.
Examples in context
- Chui ni mnyama wa ajabu mwenye tabia za kuvutia.The panther is a fascinating animal with captivating characteristics.
- Nimeona chui msituni leo asubuhi. Ni mnyama mwenye sifa za kipekee.I saw a panther in the forest this morning. It's an animal with unique characteristics.
- Chui ana nguvu sana.The panther is very strong.
- Nimeona chui porini.I saw a panther in the wild.
- Chui huyu ni hatari.This panther is dangerous.
Example conversation
Omari and Neema are looking at a guidebook during a safari.
- OmariJe, umeona chui yule?Have you seen that leopard?
- NeemaHapana, niko wapi?No, where is it?
- OmariYuko juu ya mti ule.It is up in that tree.
- NeemaWow, chui huyo ni mkubwa sana!Wow, that leopard is very big!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chui, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
