awali
ah-WAH-lee
How to say it
Swahiliawaliah-WAH-lee
Englishearlier, at first; initial, former
Frenchauparavant, d'abord; initial, ancien
Meaning
Refers to an earlier time or the first stage of something; after a noun with ya it means initial or former.
Good to know
As an adverb: awali alikataa, at first he refused; hapo awali, previously. After ya: hatua za awali, the first steps; shahada ya awali, a first degree.
Examples
- Awali alikataa, lakini baadaye alikubali.At first he refused, but later he agreed.
- Hizi ni hatua za awali tu.These are only the first steps.
- Kama nilivyosema awali, mkutano umeahirishwa.As I said earlier, the meeting has been postponed.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.