indimi

Swahili

mzee

m-ZE-e

How to say it

Swahilimzeem-ZE-esoon
Englisheldersoon
Frenchanciensoon

Meaning

an elderly or respected person, an elder.

Good to know

also used as a respectful term of address for an older man, regardless of his actual family relation.

Examples

  • Mzee alikaa chini ya mti akipumzika.The old man sat under the tree resting.
  • Je, umemsalimia mzee wetu leo?Have you greeted our elder today?
  • Wazee wa kijiji walikutana kujadili shida hiyo.The village elders met to discuss the problem.
  • Habari mzee, umeshindaje?How are you, old man, how has your day been?

Not yet checked by a native speaker.

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