jua
The English word "sun" is translated into Swahili as jua.
jua is used to refer to the star around which the Earth revolves. It can also be used more broadly to refer to a star seen as the centre of any solar system. Additionally, jua can function as a verb meaning to be exposed to the sun.
Meaning: the star around which the Earth revolves (name)
Which one should you use?
The word jua is a homonym in Swahili. While it is the noun for "sun" or a verb meaning "to be exposed to the sun", it is also a verb meaning "to know".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a verb, jua can mean "to know".
Did you know?
- Due to the homonym jua meaning 'to know', many Swahili proverbs play on the duality of the sun's light and the light of knowledge.
- The word jua for 'sun' descends from the Proto-Bantu root *ìjʊ́bà, linking the term to a vast network of languages across Central and Southern Africa.
- The verb derived from jua can be used to describe the specific process of drying clothes or other items under the heat of the star.
Examples in context
- Jua huleta tofauti zote.Sun makes all the difference.This sentence shows how to use jua as a subject.Tatoeba #10837650 by ecorralest101, translation #1127045 by sacredceltic
- Jua hutoa kiasi kikubwa cha joto na mwangaza.The sun sends out an incredible amount of heat and light.This sentence illustrates the sun providing heat and light using jua.Tatoeba #10818891 by ecorralest101, translation #275139 by mcq
- Mlima mkubwa karibu na kijiji chetu kuziba jua wakati mwingi mchanaThis huge mountain near our village blocks the sun most of the day.This sentence demonstrates the sun being blocked by an object using jua.Tatoeba #10866279 by ecorralest101, translation #3842221 by Amastan
- Nuru ya jua ni muhimu sana kwa uhai duniani.The sunshine is very important for life on Earth.
- Kisiwa hicho kinafurahia mwangaza wa jua mchana na mwezi wakati wa usiku.The island enjoys the brightness of the sun during the day and the moon at night.
- Asubuhi njema, jua liko juu leo!Good morning, the sun is up today!
- Leo kuna moto wa mchana, jua kali sana!Today there is daytime heat, the sun is so hot!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Bakari and Zuwena are walking outdoors during a bright afternoon.
- BakariJua linawaka sana leo.The sun is shining very brightly today.
- ZuwenaNi kweli, jua ni kali sana.It is true, the sun is very hot.
- BakariZuwena, unahitaji kofia ya kulinda jua?Zuwena, do you need a hat to protect from the sun?
- ZuwenaAsante Bakari, nitatumia kofia yangu.Thanks Bakari, I will use my hat.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sun” translations and entries jua, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
