muda
/ˈmu.ɗɑ/
The Swahili word for the English phrase "time" is muda.
muda refers to a measurement of a quantity of time.
Meaning: measurement of a quantity of time (noun)
Which one should you use?
While muda refers to a duration or quantity of time, wakati is often used to refer to a specific point in time, an era or a particular moment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun muda is used with the adjective mrefu (long) to express a long duration of time. The noun muda is used with the adjective mfupi (short) to express a short duration of time. Additionally, the construction muda wa followed by an infinitive verb is used to indicate it is time to do something.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmu.ɗɑ/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
When do people say it?
The phrase Saa ngapi sasa hivi? is a relaxed way to ask "What time is it?"
Did you know?
- Telling time in Swahili is offset by six hours from the English system because the day begins at sunrise rather than midnight.
- The word muda is an Arabic loanword, specifically from the root meaning 'duration' or 'extension'.
- The phrase Saa ngapi? literally asks 'How many hours?', rather than 'What time is it?'
Examples in context
- Tumejuana kwa muda mrefu.We've known each other for a long time.This sentence shows how to use muda to refer to a long duration of time.Tatoeba #10845152 by ecorralest101, translation #1893596 by CK
- Unapoteza sana muda wangu.You're seriously wasting my time.This sentence demonstrates the use of muda in the context of wasting time.Tatoeba #10864065 by ecorralest101, translation #3722920 by CM
- Ilikiwa muda wa kurudi tena.It was time to go back.This sentence shows how to use the muda wa construction to indicate it is time to perform an action.Tatoeba #10889343 by ecorralest101, translation #6732680 by Eccles17
- Saa nane na nusu mchanaIt is half past two in the afternoon
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Fatuma and Omari are waiting for a bus.
- FatumaJe, una muda wa kusubiri?Do you have time to wait?
- OmariNdiyo, nina muda kidogo.Yes, I have a little time.
- FatumaHata kama tuna muda mwingi?Even if we have a lot of time?
- OmariHakuna shida, Fatuma.No problem, Fatuma.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “time” translations and entries muda, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries muda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
