ilhali
ee-LHAH-lee
How to say it
Swahiliilhaliee-LHAH-lee
Englishwhereas, while, although
Frenchalors que, tandis que
Meaning
Joins two statements to show a contrast, often that the second fact makes the first surprising or unfair.
Good to know
It never changes and starts the second clause: yeye anakula ilhali sisi tuna njaa, he is eating while we are hungry. It belongs to written and formal Swahili; wakati is the everyday word.
Examples
- Alisema hana pesa ilhali amenunua gari jipya.He said he has no money, whereas he has bought a new car.
- Wao wanapumzika ilhali sisi tunafanya kazi.They are resting while we are working.
- Wananchi wana njaa ilhali maghala yamejaa chakula.The people are hungry although the warehouses are full of food.
Forms
Not yet checked by a native speaker.