unkosikazi
The English word "wife" is translated into Zulu as unkosikazi. If unsure, use unkosikazi. Wiktionary also lists umka- and inkosikazi.
Meaning: female partner in a marriage (noun)
Ways to say it
| Zulu |
|---|
| unkosikazi |
| umka- |
| inkosikazi |
The terms for wife in Zulu vary depending on the level of respect and the specific context of the relationship. While several forms exist, they are primarily used to identify a female partner in a marriage.
Which one should you use?
The term unkosikazi is the singular noun form used to refer to a specific wife. The term inkosikazi can mean wife, but it is also used more broadly to mean lady or madam.
How does it change in a sentence?
unkosikazi is the singular noun form using the class 1a prefix, which is used when referring to a specific wife.
When do people say it?
When you want to say "my wife" in a respectful way, you use the phrase inkosikazi yami. To say "my wife" using the formal term, you use umakoti wami.
Did you know?
- The word inkosikazi literally describes a 'female chief' because it combines inkosi meaning 'king' or 'chief' and the suffix -kazi used to denote females.
- In a polygynous context, different terms may be used to distinguish between the first wife and subsequent wives.
- The term umakoti is often used by in-laws to address a daughter-in-law, regardless of whether she is currently present.
Example sentences for Zulu are not verified yet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wife” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries inkosikazi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
