mzuri
The English word 'pretty' can be translated into Swahili as mzuri.
The term mzuri is used to describe someone or something that is attractive, pleasing to look at or simply 'good'. Because of this, its specific meaning depends entirely on the context of your sentence. It is also used in the phrase mandhari nzuri to describe beautiful scenery or a stunning view.
Which one should you use?
While mzuri is a general term for 'pretty' or 'good', there is a more specific word, mrembo, which is often used specifically to describe a beautiful woman. Additionally, while mzuri is the standard form, you will use wazuri when referring to multiple people in the M-WA noun class.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective mzuri remains the same regardless of whether the noun it describes is in the M-WA or KI-VI noun class. However, when you are describing people belonging to the M-WA noun class, the prefix changes to 'w-' to form the plural wazuri.
Did you know?
- Because mzuri also means 'good', the phrase mzuri is commonly used as a response to the greeting habari, signifying that the news or the situation is 'good'.
- The word mzuri is used in the phrase mzuri wa sura to specifically denote that someone is 'pretty of face', distinguishing physical looks from general goodness.
- In Swahili, the root -zuri can be modified with prefixes to describe different types of beauty, such as kizuri for a beautiful small object or nzuri for a beautiful thing in the N class.
Examples in context
- Mwanamke huyu ni mrembo sana. Ana nuru ya kipekee.This woman is very pretty. She has a unique radiance.
- Mwalimu huyu ana mvuto mkubwa.This teacher has great charm.
- Dada yako ni mrembo sana.Your sister is very pretty.
- Huyu ni msichana mzuri sana!This is an incredibly beautiful girl!
- Upeo wa bahari ni mandhari nzuri mno!The ocean horizon is an absolutely beautiful view!
- Msichana huyu ni mzuri sana.This girl is very pretty.
Example conversation
Fatuma and Omari are looking at a painting.
- FatumaTazama picha hii, ni mzuri.Look at this picture, it is pretty.
- OmariNdiyo, rangi zake ni nzuri.Yes, its colors are pretty.
- FatumaJe, unataka kununua?Do you want to buy it?
- OmariNdiyo, ninaipenda sana.Yes, I like it very much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mzuri, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
