mjomba

How to say it

Meaning

a maternal uncle, one's mother's brother; used more broadly as an uncle or a respectful term of address for an older man.

Good to know

a central kinship term in Swahili culture; the bond between a person and their mjomba carries particular closeness and obligation.

Examples

• Mjomba wangu alinifundisha kuvua samaki.My uncle taught me how to fish.
• Je, mjomba yuko nyumbani leo?Is uncle at home today?
• Mtoto huyu ni mjomba wa Amina.This child is Amina's nephew.
• Karibu, mjomba, kaa hapa tafadhali.Welcome, uncle, please sit here.

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