mzungu
/m̩ˈzu.ᵑɡu/
In Swahili, the phrase for white man is mzungu.
mzungu is a commonly used neutral expression for a white man. You may also use mtu mweupe, which translates more literally to white person and can be used to indicate a white man specifically. If you are referring specifically to a white man who is a farmer, you can use mkulima wa kizungu.
What does it mean word for word?
Thus, it literally means one who wanders or roams.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Uganda, mzungu is used to refer to a white man.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of mzungu is wazungu.
How do you pronounce it?
/m̩ˈzu.ᵑɡu/. The word has 3 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- Swahili speakers may use kizungu to refer to the English language, effectively naming the language after the people who speak it.
- In certain regional dialects, a person might be called a mzungu even if they are not white, provided they possess certain 'Western' qualities or habits.
- In some contexts, calling someone a mzungu is not just a description of race but a way to imply that the person has a Westernized mindset or level of wealth.
Examples in context
- Nimesoma vitabu vya mzungu.I have read books by a white man.
- Nilikutana na mtu mweupe mjini.I met a white man in town.
- Mzungu yule anajua Kiingereza vizuri.That white man knows English well.
- Nilimuona mzungu mmoja sokoni leo.I saw a white man at the market today.
- Je, mzungu huyu ni mwalimu?Is this white man a teacher?
Example conversation
Omari and Aisha are talking about a new tourist in town.
- OmariJe, umeona yule mzungu mpya?Have you seen that new white man?
- AishaHapana, yuko wapi Omari?No, where is he, Omari?
- OmariYule mzungu anatembea kando ya beach.That white man is walking along the beach.
- AishaSawa, nitakwenda kumwona sasa hivi.Okay, I will go see him right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mzungu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
