Swahili
mkalio
mka-LI-o
How to say it
Swahilimkaliomka-LI-osoon
Englishmarriage giftsoon
Frenchcadeau de fiançaillessoon
Meaning
a ceremonial gift given as part of marriage negotiations, from the groom to the bride's attendants, or from a suitor to the girl's maternal uncle as a token of a marriage proposal.
Good to know
a traditional courtship and marriage custom term.
Examples
- Kijana huyo alimpelekea mjomba wa mpenzi wake mkalio.The young man sent the marriage-proposal gift to his beloved's maternal uncle.
- Je, mkalio ulikubaliwa na familia ya bibi harusi?Was the proposal gift accepted by the bride's family?
- Wasindikizaji wa bibi harusi walipokea mkalio wao siku ya harusi.The bride's attendants received their gift on the wedding day.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.