How to Say “Shark” in Swahili

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papa
/ˈpɑ.pɑ/class 10, class 9
The Swahili word for shark is papa.
papa is a noun used to refer to the predatory fish known as a shark.
Meaning: fish (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

To refer specifically to a whale shark, you use papa-nyangumi, which combines papa (shark) and nyangumi (whale).

How does it change in a sentence?

papa belongs to the N-class (classes 9 and 10). Because of this, papa can function as both a singular and a plural noun depending on the context or the noun class agreement used in the sentence. The specific plural form mapapa can also be used to mean sharks.

How do you pronounce it?

The word has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable. It is pronounced /ˈpɑ.pɑ/.

Did you know?

  • While papa refers to a shark, the word can also mean 'bread' or 'porridge' in certain Swahili dialects.
  • The word 'papa' in Portuguese, from which the Swahili word is derived, is also the word for 'Pope' in certain contexts.
  • The Swahili word papa was borrowed from the Portuguese language.

Examples in context

  • Papa-nyangumi si hatari kwa wanadamu.
    The whale shark does not pose any danger to humans.
    This sentence shows how to use papa when discussing the whale shark.
    Tatoeba #10898069 by ecorralest101, translation #7813280 by Hybrid
  • Supu ya papa au nyama ya nyangumi? Una chaguo.
    Shark soup or whale steak? You have the choice.
    This sentence presents a choice between shark soup and whale meat using papa.
    Tatoeba #10896567 by ecorralest101, translation #7798533 by sharris123
  • Nafasi za kushambuliwa na papa ni za chini sana, haswa katika dimbwi.
    The chances of being attacked by a shark are very low, especially in a pool.
    This sentence illustrates the use of papa when discussing the low risk of shark attacks.
    Tatoeba #10850889 by ecorralest101, translation #2556515 by Hybrid
  • Niliona papa mkubwa baharini.
    I saw a big shark in the ocean.

Example conversation

Fatuma and Said are looking at a picture of a sea creature.

  1. Fatuma

    Said, je, huyu ni papa?
    Said, is this a shark?
  2. Said

    Ndiyo, ni papa mkubwa sana.
    Yes, it is a very big shark.
  3. Fatuma

    Je, papa huyu anaishi wapi?
    Where does this shark live?
  4. Said

    Anaishi baharini kwa kina kirefu.
    It lives in the deep sea.

Sources

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Diane Patricia
Diane PatriciaHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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