Santa
Santa is the Swahili word for the English phrase santa.
The term refers to the legendary figure who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve.
Did you know?
- While Santa is used in modern urban contexts, many Swahili speakers traditionally refer to the character as Babu wa Krismasi, which means 'Grandfather of Christmas'.
- Because Santa is not a native Swahili word, it does not follow the standard noun class system that governs almost every other noun in the language.
- In Swahili, the word Mtakatifu is used to describe 'holy' people, which is the actual translation of the Latin 'sanctus'. This means that while Santa is a loanword, the concept of holiness has its own distinct linguistic root.
Examples in context
- Jeshi la Santa Ana liliangamizwa.Santa Ana's army was destroyed.This sentence illustrates the use of Santa in the name of a specific entity, Santa Ana.Tatoeba #10833893 by ecorralest101, translation #805369 by Source_VOA
- Pierre bado anamwamini Santa Claus. Kwa upande mwingine, mtoto wake haamini tena.Pierre still believes in Santa Claus. On the other hand, his son does not believe anymore.This sentence shows how to express belief in Santa within the context of Santa Claus.Tatoeba #10887126 by ecorralest101, translation #6582560 by Eccles17
- Nilikuwa na umri wa miaka tisa wakati nilimuuliza mama yangu ikiwa Santa Claus alikuwepo?I was nine years old when I asked my mom if Santa Claus really existed.This sentence shows how to use Santa when discussing the existence of Santa Claus.Tatoeba #10831459 by ecorralest101, translation #652440 by darinmex
- Tumemwambia Baba Krismasi kuhusu zawadi ambazo tungependa kupokea.We have told Santa Claus about the gifts we would like to receive.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A father and daughter are talking about Christmas gifts.
- SaidJe, unajua Santa ataleta nini?Do you know what Santa will bring?
- NeemaNatumai Santa ataniletea baiskeli mpya.I hope Santa brings me a new bicycle.
- SaidLazima uwe mtoto mzuri ili Santa akuletee.You must be a good child so that Santa brings it to you.
- NeemaNitajifanya nimelelwa vizuri kwa ajili ya Santa!I will pretend to be well-behaved for Santa!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
