usultani
oo-sool-TAH-nee
How to say it
Swahiliusultanioo-sool-TAH-nee
Englishsultanate; rule of a sultan
Frenchsultanat; pouvoir d’un sultan
Meaning
A state ruled by a sultan, or the office and power of a sultan; in politics, also high handed rule by one person.
Good to know
No plural in everyday use. Usultani wa Zanzibar and usultani wa Oman are the best known. Critics use it for a leader who rules a party like a sultan.
Examples
- Usultani wa Zanzibar ulidumu hadi mapinduzi ya mwaka 1964.The Sultanate of Zanzibar lasted until the revolution of 1964.
- Oman ni usultani ulioko Mashariki ya Kati.Oman is a sultanate in the Middle East.
- Wanachama walilalamikia usultani ndani ya chama chao.The members complained of one man rule inside their party.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.