Swahili
baniani
ba-ni-A-ni
How to say it
Swahilibanianiba-ni-A-nisoon
Englishshopkeepersoon
Frenchboutiquiersoon
Meaning
an Indian shopkeeper or small retail trader in East Africa, historically neither Muslim nor Christian by faith (a variant of banyani).
Good to know
a historical/dated term reflecting colonial-era trading communities.
Examples
- Duka hilo lilimilikiwa na baniani.That shop was owned by an Indian trader.
- Baniani huyo aliuza vitambaa vya rangi mbalimbali.That trader sold cloth of various colors.
- Mji huo ulikuwa na maduka mengi ya mabaniani.That town had many shops run by Indian traders.
The same word in
Not yet checked by a native speaker.