maalum
The Swahili word for special is maalum.
maalum is an adjective used to describe something of particular interest or value. It can also mean certain, dear, beloved or favored.
Meaning: of particular interest or value, certain, dear, beloved, favored (adj)
Did you know?
- Swahili uses different words for 'special' depending on whether something is 'unique' (pekee) or 'specifically designated' (maalum).
- The word maalum is a linguistic traveler that arrived in East Africa via Arabic trade routes. It is a direct descendant of the Arabic word maʕlūm, which means 'known' or 'perceived'.
- Because Swahili borrowed maalum from Arabic, it shares a linguistic root with the Arabic word for 'knowledge' or 'science', ilm.
Examples in context
- Mwendesha mashtaka maalum aliteuliwa.A special prosecutor was appointed.This sentence shows the use of maalum when referring to a prosecutor.Tatoeba #10878133 by ecorralest101, translation #5725835 by CM
- Nilikuwa luteni wa pili kwenye kikosi maalum.I was a second lieutenant in the special forces.This sentence demonstrates the use of maalum in the context of forces.Tatoeba #10850597 by ecorralest101, translation #2488241 by Amastan
- Je, ninahitaji sindano maalumu kuanza kushona?Do I need a special needle to start cross-stitching?This sentence illustrates the use of maalum regarding a specific needle.Tatoeba #10872421 by ecorralest101, translation #4573508 by mervert1
- Nina furaha kukuona. Wewe ni mtu muhimu kwangu.I'm happy to see you. You are a special person to me.
- Hili ni tukio maalum.This is a special event.
- Hakika wewe ni rafiki ajabu.Indeed, you are a special friend.
- Hiyo ni habari njema ajabu!That's incredibly good news!
- Hii ni nafasi kipekee katika maisha yangu.This is a special opportunity in my life.
- Wewe ni rafiki mwingine wa pekee.You are another special friend.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Neema and Said are planning a celebration for a friend.
- NeemaJe, tuna mpango maalum kwa ajili ya rafiki yetu?Do we have a special plan for our friend?
- SaidNdiyo, nimeandaa zawadi maalum kwa ajili yake.Yes, I have prepared a special gift for her.
- NeemaHiyo ni nzuri sana, Said.That is very nice, Said.
- SaidAnastahili kupata kitu cha kipekee.She deserves to get something unique.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry maalum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maalum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
