indimi

hekaya

heh-KAH-yah

How to say it

Swahilihekayaheh-KAH-yah
Englishtale, story
Frenchconte, récit

Meaning

A traditional story, often funny or full of wonders, told for entertainment, such as the tales of Abunuwasi.

Good to know

Same form in the plural (n class): hekaya za Abunuwasi. It is close to hadithi, story; the older spelling hikaya is also found.

Examples

  • Bibi alitusimulia hekaya ya sungura na fisi.Grandmother told us the tale of the hare and the hyena.
  • Watoto wanapenda kusoma hekaya za kale.Children love reading old tales.
  • Hiyo ni hekaya tu, si habari ya kweli.That is just a tale, not a true story.

Forms

hikaya

Not yet checked by a native speaker.

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