tajiri
The Swahili phrase for wealthy man is tajiri.
Which one should you use?
While tajiri can mean 'wealthy man', it is gender-neutral and can also mean 'wealthy woman' or 'wealthy person' depending on the context. To specifically emphasize the personhood of a 'wealthy man', one might use the phrase mtu tajiri.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word tajiri is an invariant noun or adjective that does not change its form to indicate gender or number.
Did you know?
- The word tajiri is actually a direct loan from the Arabic word for 'merchant' or 'trader', specifically tājir.
- A tajiri is often contrasted with maskini, a word that can mean both 'poor person' and 'pitiful person'.
- While tajiri describes someone with money, Swahili speakers may use the word mwenye nacho to describe someone 'who has it', implying a more subtle form of privilege.
Examples in context
- Nimetambua kwamba mfanyabiashara huyu mwenye utajiri amefanikiwa kwa juhudi zake.I have realized that this wealthy entrepreneur has succeeded through his efforts.
- Yeye ni tajiri sana.He is a very wealthy man.
- Tajiri huyu ana nyumba kubwa.This wealthy man has a large house.
- Tunataka kuwa kama tajiri yule.We want to be like that wealthy man.
Example conversation
Neema and Said are discussing a successful local businessman.
- NeemaSaid, unamfahamu tajiri yule?Said, do you know that wealthy man?
- SaidNdiyo, mimi ni rafiki yake.Yes, I am his friend.
- NeemaYeye ni tajiri sana, sivyo?He is a very wealthy man, isn't he?
- SaidKweli kabisa, ana biashara nyingi.Very true, he has many businesses.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tajiri, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tajiri, CC BY-SA 4.0.
