baniani

Swahili

Alternative forms

• banyani

Etymology

From Arabic بَنْيَان (banyān), from Gujarati વાણિયો (vāṇiyo, “merchant”).

Pronunciation

• Audio (Kenya):

  (file)

Noun

baniani (ma class, plural mabaniani)

1. banyan (Indian merchant)
2. Hindu

   Synonym: Mhindu

Usage notes

The sense "Hindu" is nowadays used by non-Hindus, primarily Muslims, and may carry negative connotations.