siku yako ya kuzaliwa
The Swahili phrase for "your birthday" is siku yako ya kuzaliwa.
The phrase refers to the anniversary of the day a person was born. You can use it to wish someone well, as seen in the expression Nakutakia heri ya siku yako ya kuzaliwa!, which means "I wish you a happy birthday!"
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase siku yako ya kuzaliwa is a combination of siku (day), yako (your), ya (of) and kuzaliwa (to be born), literally meaning "your day of being born".
How does it change in a sentence?
The possessive pronoun yako (your) must agree with the noun siku (day), which belongs to the N-class. This agreement requires the use of yako instead of the form wako.
Did you know?
- In many Swahili-speaking cultures, celebrating a specific birthday is a relatively recent Western influence, and many people traditionally celebrate the 'milestones' of age or religious rites instead.
- While you might say siku yako ya kuzaliwa to a friend, in very formal settings or when addressing elders, it is customary to switch the possessive to the respectful yenu to show deference.
- The word heri in the birthday greeting Nakutakia heri… is a beautiful way to wish 'blessing' or 'good fortune' rather than just 'happiness'.
Examples in context
- Je, siku yako ya kuzaliwa ni lini?When is your birthday?
- Ninatamani kujua siku yako ya kuzaliwa.I want to know your birthday.
- Siku yako ya kuzaliwa ni siku ya furaha.Your birthday is a happy day.
Example conversation
Juma and Neema are talking about their schedules.
- JumaNeema, siku yako ya kuzaliwa ni lini?Neema, when is your birthday?
- NeemaNi tarehe kumi na tano mwezi wa Juni.It is the fifteenth of June.
- JumaNitakununulia zawadi nzuri sana.I will buy you a very nice gift.
- NeemaAsante sana, Juma!Thank you very much, Juma!
