suajili
/swaˈxili/masculine
The Spanish word for the Swahili language is suajili. It is also spelled swahili. Wiktionary also lists suajelí.
Meaning: language (name)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| suajili | /swaˈxili/ | masculine |
| swahili | /swaˈxili/ /sˌw̝aˈili/ |
masculine, alternative form |
| suajelí | /swaxeli/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
suajili refers to the Swahili language. To formally emphasize that you are speaking about the language itself, you may use the phrase idioma suajili.
Which one should you use?
suajili is the standard Spanish spelling, while swahili is an alternative spelling that retains the international or English spelling.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using suajili as a subject or object to refer to the language itself, it is common to use the masculine definite article el, as in el suajili. All forms of this word are masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/swaˈxili/
Did you know?
- In Spanish academic texts, you will often see suajili grouped under lenguas bantúes, reflecting the language's genetic origin rather than its coastal identity.
- Because Spanish lacks the 'w' sound in many standard dialects, the 'sw' cluster is often transformed into 'sua' to make it easier to pronounce.
- Spanish learners may find the spelling suajili intuitive because the Spanish 'j' produces the same breathy sound as the 'h' in the original word.
Examples in context
- Tom puede entender swahili.Tom can understand Swahili.This sentence shows how to express ability to understand the form swahili.Tatoeba #1337686 by marcelostockle, translation #1026830 by CN
- Pienso que el suajili es fácil.I think that Swahili is easy.This sentence shows how to express an opinion about the form suajili.Tatoeba #13051152 by ecorralest101, translation #13051150 by ecorralest101
- Millie está aprendiendo suajili.Millie is learning Swahili.This sentence shows the use of the form suajili regarding learning the language.Tatoeba #3191678 by cueyayotl, translation #3173449 by CN
- El idioma suajili es una lengua bantú hablada en África oriental y central.The Swahili language is a Bantu language spoken in East and Central Africa.
- El idioma suajili es uno de los idiomas oficiales de Kenia y Tanzania.The Swahili language is one of the official languages of Kenya and Tanzania.
- ¿Sabes hablar suajili?Do you know how to speak Swahili?
- ¿Has escuchado música en kiswahili alguna vez?Have you ever listened to music in Swahili?
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are talking about their hobbies at a cafe.
- María¿Estudias algo nuevo ahora, Alejandro?Are you studying something new now, Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, estoy aprendiendo suajili.Yes, I am learning Swahili.
- María¡Qué bien! El suajili suena interesante.That's great! Swahili sounds interesting.
- AlejandroGracias, María. Es un reto.Thanks, María. It is a challenge.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “swahili” translations and entries suajili, swahili, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
