How to Say "Uncle" in Swahili

mjomba

The Swahili word for uncle is mjomba.

The term mjomba is used to refer to a maternal uncle, specifically the brother of one's mother.

Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word mjomba literally means uncle.

In Swahili, mjomba is used specifically for a maternal uncle. It is not typically used to refer to a paternal uncle (the brother of one's father).

The plural form of mjomba is wajomba.

A father's younger brother is often called baba mdogo, which literally means 'small father'.
In many East African cultures, calling a stranger mjomba is a common way to show respect to an older man, even if you are not actually related to him.
In some coastal Swahili cultures, a mjomba is traditionally expected to play a more supportive and less disciplinary role than the father.

Mjomba wangu ni dereva mbovu.
My uncle is a lousy driver.
This sentence is useful for describing a person's occupation and character using mjomba.
Tatoeba #10858631 by ecorralest101, translation #3272779 by CM
Natabiri Mjomba Alfred atarudi.
I bet Uncle Alfred'll come back.
This sentence shows how to use mjomba as a title before a name.
Tatoeba #10842981 by ecorralest101, translation #1786567 by aquatius
Yeye ni mjomba mzuri kwa mjukuu wake.
He's a fantastic uncle with his nephew.
This sentence illustrates how to describe a relationship between an uncle and a grandchild using mjomba.
Tatoeba #10888969 by ecorralest101, translation #6629722 by Eccles17
Ninafurahi kukutana na Baba mdogo wangu leo.
I'm happy to meet my uncle today.
Mjomba anapendezwa na sanaa ya jadi.
My uncle is interested in traditional art.
8 more sentences on Tatoeba

Two cousins are talking about a family gathering.

Sources

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏