Halloween is around the corner, so to help get you in the mood for mizimu (ghosts) and wachawi (witches), let’s look at some Swahili vocabulary for Halloween.
Things that go bump in the night.
Je, utavaa maleba ya ‘‘Halloween’’ mwaka huu? (Are you wearing a Halloween costume this year)? Kids aren’t the only ones who wear maleba (costumes). Some of the classics are mumiani (a mummy), mtu-mbwa (a werewolf), zimwi (a zombie), hayawani (a monster), shetani (a devil), or vampiri (a vampire). But maleba ya kutisha (a scary costume) is not your only option. You could also be sanamu la kuwindia ndege (a scarecrow), mshirikina (a sorcerer), kizimwi (a fairy), malkia (a princess), haramia (a pirate), or mhusika kwenye filamu (character from a movie).
- Utavaa kama nini ‘‘Halloween’’?
What are you dressing as this Halloween? - Maleba yako yanakaa vizuri!
Your costume looks great! - Maleba yako ni bunifu sana!
Your costume is very creative! - Maleba yako yanatisha!
Your costume is scary!
Ya watoto: For Kids
Kids love to go trick-or-treating. They walk around their neighborhood and wanabisha milango (they knock on doors). When someone answers, they hold up their mabegi (bags) and ask for pipi (candy). If the person doesn’t give the kids candy, beware of the trick! Since no one needs to give kids any more ideas about utundu (mischief), we’ll leave that to your imagination. Tahadhari! (Be careful!). Best to just make sure you have enough candy.
- Msichana/mvulana ameshika begi lililojaa pipi
The boy/girl is holding a bag full of candy. - Unapenda pipi gani?
What’s your favorite candy? - Napenda chokoleti.
I love chocolate. - Nilikuchezea shere.
I played a trick on you.
Ya watu wakubwa: For Adults
Halloween isn’t just for kids. Adults also like to get dressed up. Do you wear your leba (costume) to work? Or maybe you go to sherehe (a party) where everyone is dressed up. Even if you don’t go to any parties, you probably get malenge (a pumpkin) for a jack-o-lantern. You’ll carve uso (a face) into it, and put mshumaa (candle) inside so the face glows.
- Tunaenda kwenye sherehe ya maleba.
We’re going to a costume party. - Wacha tununue malenge wikendi hii.
Let’s buy a pumpkin this weekend.
Ninaogopa! I’m Scared!
Halloween is a great time of year to watch filamu za kutisha (horror movies) or maybe visit nyumba ya kichawi (a haunted house). It’s fun to kupiga mayowe (scream), as long as jinamizi (nightmares) aren’t too bad. Now that summer is over and usiku (the night) is longer, it’s the perfect time to visit mahali panapotisha (eerie places), places for some good Halloween fun. Walk through mitini (the woods) kwenye giza (in the dark), take a shortcut through makaburi (the graveyard), visit that nyumba kiwa (abandoned house) where you know there are probably no roho waovu (evil spirits). Or at least you hope.
- Mahali hapa panaogopesha!
This place is spooky! - Wacha tutazame filamu ya kutisha.
Let’s watch a horror film. - Nilikuwa na jinamizi jana usiku
I had a nightmare last night. - Nina msisimuko!
I have goosebumps! - Ninaskia sauti ngeni.
I hear a strange noise! - Je, unaamini mazimwi?
Do you believe in ghosts? - Wacha tutembee kwenye miti gizani.
Let’s walk through the woods in the dark.
Whatever you do for Halloween, mkae salama na mfurahie! (stay safe and have fun!)
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