Swahili
kaniki
ka-NI-ki
How to say it
Swahilikanikika-NI-kisoon
Englishindigo clothsoon
Frenchcotonnade bleuesoon
Meaning
a dark blue, often indigo-dyed, cotton cloth, once a common everyday fabric.
Good to know
historically a cheap, widely worn cloth associated with mourning or humble dress.
Examples
- Wajane wa zamani walivaa kaniki wakati wa maombolezo.Widows of old wore kaniki cloth during mourning.
- Kaniki ilikuwa nguo ya kawaida kwa maskini.Kaniki was ordinary clothing for the poor.
- Je, kaniki bado inauzwa sokoni?Is kaniki cloth still sold in the market?
- Alijifunga kaniki nyeusi kiunoni.She wrapped a black kaniki cloth around her waist.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.