and by "things," I mean words. Learning Swahili these past 3 months has been a crazy trip, and along the way, I've picked up a few faves that I cant help but smile every time I say them.
The Top Seven Countdown
7)
Kipi Lefti:
{pron: kee-pee left-ee} The word for "roundabout". Say it out loud, and you'll see why I like it so much, considering Tanzanians drive on the left side of the road. Really only used in Kenya, but still awesome.
6) Kimungu: {pron: kee-MOON-goo}
Means "the language of God." How badass is that? Not sure if its an actual word, it just kinda came out one day and thats what everyone said it basically meant. Webster, we need a word for this in English, ASAP.
5/4) Bia/Baa: {pron: bee-yah/bah}
The words for "beer" and "bar" in Swahili. In your best British accent, say "Do you know if I can get a beer at the bar?" and see how close the words sound to the Swahili. I love the way an English accent gets translated into African words but still retains the exact same pronunciation.
2) Ndiyo: {pron: n-DEE-yoh}
Means "yes" and is one of the most basic and commonly used words in Swahili. Whats sweet is that it literally means "It is so" which totally puts a ridiculous medieval/Star Trek spin on every conversation that's had in Swahili.
One of the first graders asks me "Excuse me, sir, can I go to the bathroom?"
My answer? "It is so."
2) Pili pili ho ho: {pron: pee-lee pee-lee hoh hoh}
It means "green pepper." But damn, since when was it so fun to say green pepper? These people want to have fun when they talk.
1) Kupeleka moto: {pron: koo-peh-LAY-kah moh-toh}
This is the "f" word in Swahili, referring to the act of reproduction. The grand-slam though is that its literal translation is "to send fire," which is basically the awesomest slang for copulation that ever existed. If only English-speakers were so imaginative...
So those are our winners, and officially an indicator of my knowledge of Swahili. I know the words for beer, green pepper, and hooking up-- I mean how many conversations can one get by without those gems?
2 comments:
Brian,
Did Serafina teach you these words?
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