Jifunze Kiswahili

The Swahili word “jumla” is a very rich word that changes meaning depending on the context. Let me explain it step by step:

Origin The word jumla comes from Arabic: jumla (جملة), which means “total, sum, whole, or a sentence.”Swahili borrowed it during the long contact with Arabs along the East African coast. Different Contexts & Meanings(a) As “total / sum / altogether”Used in mathematics, business, or when counting things.Example (Swahili): Jumla ya wanafunzi ni hamsini.English: The total number of students is fifty.

(b) As “wholesale / bulk” (business context)Commonly used in markets to mean buying or selling in large quantities (opposite of rejareja = retail).Example (Swahili): Biashara yake ni ya kuuza sukari kwa jumla.English: His business is selling sugar wholesale.(c) As “in general / generally”Used when making a general statement or conclusion.Example (Swahili): Jumla, wanafunzi walifanya vizuri kwenye mtihani.English: In general, the students did well in the exam.(d) As “sentence” (linguistics / grammarSince in Arabic jumla also means “sentence,” in Swahili grammar it can be used in the same way.Example (Swahili): Andika jumla tatu kwa Kiswahili.English: Write three sentences in Swahili.

Summary Jumla means total/altogether, wholesale, generally, or sentence, depending on the situation.It comes from Arabic jumla and is widely used in Swahili in business, academics, and daily conversation.

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