Swahili
mzimu
m-ZI-mu
How to say it
Swahilimzimum-ZI-musoon
Englishancestral spirit, shrinesoon
Frenchesprit ancestral, sanctuairesoon
Meaning
the spirit of a deceased ancestor, or a shrine where offerings are made to such spirits.
Good to know
myth; soul/spirit of a dead person/ancestor; place where offerings are made to the spirits of ancestors
Examples
- Walimtolea mzimu sadaka ya nafaka.They offered the ancestral spirit a sacrifice of grain.
- Je, kuna mzimu unaoheshimiwa kijijini kwenu?Is there an ancestral spirit honored in your village?
- Hakukwenda karibu na mzimu ule.He did not go near that shrine.
- Mzimu wa babu ulisemekana kulinda familia.The grandfather's spirit was said to protect the family.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.