How to Say "Two" in Swahili - How To Say Guide

mbili

The Swahili word for the number two is mbili.

mbili is the cardinal number two used for counting.

Meaning: cardinal number 2 (num)

How does it change in a sentence?

In Swahili, the form mbili is used for the KI-VI class (class 7/8) when referring to objects in their plural form, such as vitabu (books).

The word mbili is used in the phrase saa mbili, which translates to 'two o'clock' but actually refers to 8:00 AM or PM because Swahili time is offset by six hours from the English clock.
While mbili is the common form, Swahili has many different words for 'two' depending on the noun class of the object being counted, such as wawili for people.
In Swahili culture, the word mbili is often used in the phrase mbili mbili, which is a common way to describe something that happens in pairs or doubles.

Nina urefu wa futi tano, inchi mbili.
I am five feet, two inches tall.
This sentence is useful for expressing height with mbili.
Tatoeba #10833165 by ecorralest101, translation #682124 by Source_VOA
Hauwezi kuwa katika sehemu mbili mara moja.
You can't be at two places at once.
This sentence is useful for expressing being in two places with mbili.
Tatoeba #10820644 by ecorralest101, translation #280314 by CK
Kuna muungano muhimu kati ya nchi hizi mbili.
There is an important alliance between these two countries.
This sentence is useful for referring to two countries with mbili.
Tatoeba #10835901 by ecorralest101, translation #1009193 by CM
Kuna wanafunzi wawili darasani.
There are two students in the classroom.
Ninahitaji nakala mbili za ripoti.
I need two copies of the report.
Tafadhali nipe kalamu mbili.
Please give me two pens.
Tuonane baada ya masaa mawili.
Let's meet in two hours.
Nataka chupa mbili za pilipili.
I want two bottles of pili-pili sauce.
17 more sentences on Tatoeba

Fatuma and Bakari are ordering drinks at a cafe.

Sources

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