kivuli
/kiˈvu.li/
The English word "shadow" is translated into Swahili as kivuli.
Kivuli refers to the dark area cast by an object (a shadow) and is also used to mean the cool area one sits in to avoid the sun (shade).
Meaning: area protected by an obstacle (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural "shadows", use vivuli. This follows the standard KI-VI noun class pattern where the prefix ki- changes to vi-.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of kivuli is /kiˈvu.li/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word kivuli descends from the Proto-Bantu root for shade, reflecting a linguistic lineage that spans across much of Central and Southern Africa.
- In Swahili, kivuli is used to describe the protective shade of a tree, which is a central social hub for community discussions and judicial meetings in many East African villages.
- The word kivuli can be used figuratively to describe a person's protection or guardianship, similar to the English expression 'under someone's wing'.
Examples in context
- Kivuli chako cha saa tano kinaumiza mazingira.Your five o’clock shadow is hurting the environment.This sentence shows the use of kivuli in a figurative context regarding a shadow.Tatoeba #10833532 by ecorralest101, translation #758544 by 9iam
- Mtoto anaogopa kivuli cha mti.The child is afraid of the tree's shadow.
- Kivuli kirefu kinasababisha baridi.A long shadow creates coldness.
- Tafuta kivuli chini ya mti.Find some shadow under the tree.
Example conversation
A hot afternoon at an outdoor market.
- OmariJua ni kali sana leo.The sun is very strong today.
- FatumaSimama kwenye kivuli cha duka.Stand in the shadow of the shop.
- OmariAsante, hapa kuna baridi kidogo.Thanks, it is a bit cooler here.
- FatumaNdiyo, kivuli hiki kinatusaidia.Yes, this shadow helps us.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kivuli, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kivuli, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
