zamu

How to say it

Meaning

The time when it is a particular person’s turn to do something, or a period of work or duty that people take one after another, such as a night shift.

Good to know

N class noun, the same in singular and plural. Kwa zamu means in turns; ni zamu yako, it is your turn; wa zamu, on duty: daktari wa zamu. Zamuni is common in Kenya for on duty.

Examples

• Sasa ni zamu yako kuosha vyombo.Now it is your turn to wash the dishes.
• Walinzi wanafanya kazi kwa zamu usiku na mchana.The guards work in shifts night and day.
• Daktari wa zamu alimpokea mgonjwa haraka.The doctor on duty received the patient quickly.