tai
The Swahili word for tie is tai.
The word tai refers to a narrow piece of fabric worn around the collar of a shirt and tied in a knot at the throat.
Did you know?
- The Swahili word tai is a homonym that also means 'eagle'. Depending on the context, the same word can describe a formal necktie or a bird of prey.
- If you want to describe the action of 'tying' a knot, you would not use tai, but rather the verb 'kufunga'.
- The Swahili word tai is a direct phonetic loan from the English word 'tie'.
Examples in context
- Nimepata tai nzuri ya kumpa.I found a nice tie for her.This sentence shows how to describe finding a nice tai for someone.Tatoeba #10866880 by ecorralest101, translation #3917169 by CH
- Suti ya bluu, shati nyeupe na tai nyekundu ni muhimu kwa wafanyakazi wote wa kiume.A blue suit, white shirt and red tie are essential for all male workers.This sentence lists essential clothing items for male workers, including a tai.Tatoeba #10818694 by ecorralest101, translation #271981 by CM
- Ningemelezea kama mtu wa umri wa kati aliyevaa koti ya manjano, tai ya rangi ya machungwa na shati la rangi ya pinki.I'd describe him as a middle-aged man in a yellow jacket, orange tie and a pink shirt.This sentence demonstrates how to describe a person's clothing, such as an orange tai.Tatoeba #10831600 by ecorralest101, translation #680671 by Source_VOA
Example conversation
Zuwena is helping Bakari get ready for a wedding.
- ZuwenaBakari, je, unajua kufunga tai hii?Bakari, do you know how to tie this tie?
- BakariHapana, ninaomba unisaidie tafadhali.No, please help me.
- ZuwenaSawa, simama tuli nikuwekee tai yako.Okay, stand still so I can put on your tie.
- BakariAsante sana, Zuwena.Thank you very much, Zuwena.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tai, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
