kalamu
class 10, class 9
The Swahili word for pen is kalamu.
kalamu refers to a writing tool. If you need to specify a pen with black ink, you can say kalamu ya wino mweusi.
Meaning: writing tool (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
You can specify a pencil by using the phrase kalamu ya risasi, which literally means pen of lead.
How does it change in a sentence?
kalamu is an invariant noun, which means the word does not change its form when you are referring to multiple pens.
Did you know?
- The Swahili kalamu descends from the Arabic qalam, which was originally borrowed from the Ancient Greek kálamos.
- While kalamu means 'pen', the word risasi in kalamu ya risasi is the same word used for 'bullets' in a gun.
- The word kalamu is a loanword that reflects the centuries of trade and religious interaction between the Arabian Peninsula and the Swahili Coast.
Examples in context
- Kalamu changu ni mpya.My pen is new.This sentence demonstrates the use of kalamu to describe a new possession.Tatoeba #3173546 by ecorralest101, translation #710914 by CK
- Naweza kuazima kalamu yako.Can I borrow your pen?This sentence shows how to use kalamu when asking to borrow someone's writing tool.Tatoeba #10807584 by ecorralest101, translation #33772 by CK
- Kalamu hii ina wino mwingi.This pen has a lot of ink.
Example conversation
Juma is in a classroom and needs to write something down.
- JumaZuwena, je, una kalamu?Zuwena, do you have a pen?
- ZuwenaNdiyo, nina kalamu moja.Yes, I have one pen.
- JumaTafadhali, niazime kwa dakika tano.Please, lend it to me for five minutes.
- ZuwenaHaina shida, chukua.No problem, take it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pen” translations and entries kalamu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kalamu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
