Jifunze Kiswahili

The Swahili word “juma” has two common uses:1. As a name of a personMeaning in English: Juma is a male given name in Swahili-speaking countries, especially in East Africa.Origin: It comes from the Arabic word “Jumʿa” (meaning “Friday” or “gathering”), often given to a boy born on a Friday.Example in a sentence:Swahili: Juma ni rafiki yangu wa shule.English: Juma is my school friend.

2. As part of the days of the weekIn Swahili, the days of the week are based on the word “juma”, meaning “week,” combined with a number or descriptor:

Swahili           English

Jumatatu             Monday

Jumanne             Tuesday

Jumatano            Wednesday

Alhamisi               Thursday

Ijumaa  Friday

Jumamosi            Saturday

Jumapili                Sunday

Example in a sentence:Swahili: Tutakutana siku ya Jumanne.English: We will meet on Tuesday.