How to Say "Red" in Swahili - How To Say Guide

nyekundu

The Swahili word for the colour red is nyekundu.

nyekundu is used as a noun to refer to the colour itself, and also functions as an adjective to describe something that possesses a red colour.

Meaning: colour (noun)

Related words

In Swahili, nyekundu is used to describe not just red but also colors like pink and deep maroon. The language lacks distinct basic words for these shades, grouping them under the same term.
Because it is a Bantu language, the word nyekundu changes its prefix to match the noun it describes, such as mwekundu for a person or nyekundu for a thing.
While 'red' is a primary colour, in some East African contexts, colors like 'nyekundu' are used metaphorically to describe things that are 'ripe' or 'ready' beyond just their visual hue.

Alivuka barabara kwa miguu kwenye taa nyekundu.
He crossed the road on foot at the red light.
This sentence shows how nyekundu is used to describe a red light.
Tatoeba #10850304 by ecorralest101, translation #2388920 by AlanF_US
Niliona kinyago cha kuchekesha na pua kubwa nyekundu.
I saw a funny clown with a big red nose.
This sentence shows how nyekundu is used to describe a red nose.
Tatoeba #10872098 by ecorralest101, translation #4481819 by Joseph
Sijui mavazi ya kuchagua, ni uchaguzi kati ya nyekundu na ile ya kijani.
I don't know which dress to choose, it's a toss up between the red one and the green one.
This sentence shows how nyekundu is used to refer to a red item among other choices.
Tatoeba #10809370 by ecorralest101, translation #37887 by Tangobango
3 more sentences on Tatoeba

Aisha and Bakari are looking at a piece of clothing in a store.

Aisha

Je, unapenda hii shati nyekundu?
Do you like this red shirt?
Bakari

Hapana, napendelea rangi ya bluu.
No, I prefer the color blue.
Aisha

Lakini nyekundu inakupendeza sana, Bakari.
But red looks very good on you, Bakari.
Bakari

Sawa, nitaishinda basi.
Okay, I will buy it then.

Sources

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