14/11/2024
Top 100 Kimeru Words
The Meru, one of Kenya’s most populous tribes, live on the eastern and northern slopes of Mount Kenya. Their language is rich and varied, depending on the dialect spoken. Below are some common Kimeru words that may help you on your next trip to the region!
Muuga – Hello/ how are you
Mwari – girl/daughter
Muji – home
Ruuji – water
Naarua/umunthi – today
Ruju – tomorrow
Thimu – phone
Mucore – friend
Uka/nju – come here
Ndaka – boy
Muthaka – circumcised boy
Nja – outside
Juju – grandparent
Baaba – Father
Bwatinda atia – how was your day
Tinda bwega – good day
Butharimwe – be blessed
Mama wega/ lala bwega – sleep well
Ii – yes
Ari – no
Ibwega – thank you
Twite/Tuthi – let’s go
Twonane – see you
Mbeca – money
Muno – more
Atia – how
Ntina mbeca – I have no money
Murimi – farmer
Murui – cook?
Mwiti – traveller?
Mukoobi – borrower?
Mpeempe – maize
Bangi – others (referring to people)
Muntu – man
Muka – woman
Thaambia – wash
Cukuru – school
Njuri – council of elders
Nkoro – heart
Giti – chair
Kabeti – small wallet/purse
Mwiji – boy
Ucuru – porridge
Nda- stomach
Gitanda – bed
Chai – tea
Kauwa – coffee
Chukari – sugar
Mugate – bread
Ngari – car
Irinda – dress
Shati – shirt
Kiratu – shoe
Ng’ombe – cow
Mburi – goat
Ng'ondu – sheep
Nguku – hen
Iria – milk
Yuku/mbuku – book
Karamu – pencil/pen
Nduka – shop
Mugunda – farm
Mwanki – fire/hot
Mpio – cold
Riua – sun
Mweri – moon
Mbura – rain
Ruo – rain
Ina- sing
Murungu- God
Kanisa- church
Vatiri – priest
Mubea – pastor
Mwana – baby
Mutanongina – brother
Mwarongina – sister
Kameme – radio
Mwarimu – teacher
Ndaktari – doctor
Kuru/nkui – dog
Mpaka – cat
Kiegeri – broom
Thani – plate
Gikombe – cup
Gichiko – spoon
Gachiu/kayu – knife
Uma – fork
Maego – tooth/teeth
Kanyua – mouth
Nkoro – heart
Njara – hand
Kuguru – foot
Kiara – toe
Thibitari – hospital
Ikwa – yams
Murango – door
Ndigu – bananas
Kuanda – to plant
Kuandika – to write
Kuthoma – to read