Swahili · Family & People
jirani
Neighbor
Beginnernoun
Definition
A person who lives next to or near you.
Example
Majirani wetu ni wakarimu sana.
Our neighbors are very generous.
Etymology
'Jirani' traces its roots to the Arabic word 'جار' (jār), signifying neighbor. It emphasizes community and social networks prevalent in coastal and inland Bantu societies.
How & Where It’s Used
'Jirani' is predominantly used in informal contexts within spoken language and reflects a sense of community and mutual support among neighbors.