Swahili customs encompass a rich array of traditions and social practices that have been shaped by centuries of interaction with Arab, Persian, and African cultures. This vocabulary covers the key terms used to describe these customs.
Traditional Customs
Traditional customs are the long-established practices and rituals that are passed down through generations within Swahili culture. These include ceremonies, rites of passage, and community celebrations.
Traditional Customs Vocabulary
| Swahili | English | Swahili Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| desturi | custom/tradition | Desturi za Swahili ni za zamani sana. | Swahili customs are very old. |
| sherehe | celebration | Kuna sherehe kubwa kijijini. | There is a big celebration in the village. |
| harusi | wedding | Harusi ya jadi ni ya kipekee. | A traditional wedding is special. |
| karamu | feast/banquet | Tumepanga karamu ya chakula tele. | We have arranged a large feast. |
| mazishi | funeral | Mazishi yalifanyika jana. | The funeral took place yesterday. |
| mwanamke | woman | Mwanamke anaweza kuongoza sherehe. | A woman can lead the ceremony. |
| mwanaume | man | Mwanaume anavaa nguo za jadi. | The man wears traditional clothes. |
| kipigi | drum | Kipigi anapiga ngoma usiku. | The drummer plays the drum at night. |
| ngoma | dance/drum | Ngoma ni sehemu ya desturi. | Dance is part of the custom. |
| jadi | traditional | Vazi la jadi lina rangi nyingi. | Traditional attire has many colors. |
Social Customs
Social customs refer to the everyday practices and manners that govern interactions within Swahili society. These include greetings, hospitality, and communal living.
Social Customs Vocabulary
| Swahili | English | Swahili Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| salamu | greeting | Salamu ni muhimu kati ya watu. | Greetings are important among people. |
| ukarimu | hospitality | Ukarimu ni sehemu ya utamaduni. | Hospitality is part of the culture. |
| mgeni | guest | Mgeni alikaribishwa kwa heshima. | The guest was welcomed with respect. |
| jamaa | relative/family | Jamaa walikusanyika nyumbani. | Relatives gathered at home. |
| kaka | brother | Kaka yangu anaishi mtaani. | My brother lives in the city. |
| dada | sister | Dada yangu ana kaa shubiri. | My sister has a sweet tooth. |
| heshima | respect | Heshima huanzisha mazungumzo. | Respect begins the conversation. |
| kushukuru | to thank | Tunamshukuru mzee kwa msaada. | We thank the elder for the help. |
| chakula | food | Chakula hutolewa kwa wageni. | Food is offered to guests. |
| mkutano | meeting/gathering | Kulikuwa na mkutano kijijini. | There was a meeting in the village. |
Religious Customs
Religious customs in Swahili culture are mainly influenced by Islam, which has been a significant part of the coast for centuries. These customs include prayers, fasting, and religious festivals.
Religious Customs Vocabulary
| Swahili | English | Swahili Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| sala | prayer | Sala hufanyika mara tano kila siku. | Prayer is done five times a day. |
| msikiti | mosque | Mtume alienda msikitini kila Ijumaa. | The prophet went to the mosque every Friday. |
| Imsi | fasting | Imsi ni sehemu ya mwezi wa Ramadhani. | Fasting is part of the month of Ramadan. |
| Ramadhani | Ramadan | Ramadhani ni mwezi mtukufu. | Ramadan is a holy month. |
| Eid | Eid | Sikukuu ya Eid ni ya furaha kubwa. | The Eid festival is a great celebration. |
| dua | supplication | Tunaomba dua usiku kucha. | We make supplication throughout the night. |
| hijabu | veil | Mwanamke alivaa hijabu nyeusi. | The woman wore a black veil. |
| waislamu | Muslims | Waislamu wanafuata mambo ya kidini. | Muslims follow religious practices. |
| Msaada | almsgiving | Msaada husaidia maskini. | Almsgiving helps the poor. |
| madhehebu | sect | Kuna madhehebu mbalimbali mkoani. | There are different sects in the region. |
Modern Customs
Modern customs in Swahili society reflect the blending of traditional practices with contemporary influences. These include changes in dress, communication, and social roles.
Modern Customs Vocabulary
| Swahili | English | Swahili Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| runinga | television | Runinga inaonyesha vipindi vya kimasai. | Television shows Maasai programs. |
| simu | phone | Watoto wanatumia simu za mkononi. | Children use mobile phones. |
| mavazi | clothing | Mavazi ya kisasa yameingia mtaani. | Modern clothing has entered the town. |
| shule | school | Watoto wanaenda shule kila asubuhi. | Children go to school every morning. |
| kazi | work | Watu wengi wanafanya kazi mjini. | Many people work in the city. |
| ndoa | marriage | Ndoa za sasa zina tofauti za zamani. | Modern marriages are different from the past. |
| burudani | entertainment | Burudani ni sehemu ya maisha ya vijana. | Entertainment is part of young people’s lives. |
| mtandao | internet | Mtandao umebadilisha maisha yetu. | The internet has changed our lives. |
| usafiri | transportation | Usafiri wa bodaboda ni maarufu. | Motorcycle transport is popular. |
| baiskeli | bicycle | Ninatembea baiskeli kwenda shuleni. | I ride a bicycle to school. |
Swahili customs are a vibrant blend of the old and new, deeply rooted in community, religion, and respect. This vocabulary provides a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the Swahili people.
Flashcards (1 of 40)
- Swahili: desturi
- Swahili Example: Desturi za Swahili ni za zamani sana.
- English: custom/tradition
- English Example: Swahili customs are very old.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
