zamu

Shona

Etymology

Borrowed from a Khoe language; compare Khoekhoe sams.

Noun

zámú class 5 (plural mazámú class 6)

1. breast (mammary organ)

Swahili

FWOTD – 27 July 2021

Etymology

Borrowed from Omani Arabic زام (zām, “one's turn; one's duty”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈzɑ.mu/

• Audio (Kenya)

  (file)

Noun

zamu (n class, plural zamu)

1. turn (one's chance to use or do something, as in a game)
   • 15 October 1999, Abdallah Chekanae, "Nyerere" (poem published in Uhuru):

     Ikifika zamu yangu, Nyerere anipokee
     When my turn comes, may Nyerere receive me

     (please add an English translation of this quotation)

   • 2004, Z. Burhani, Kipimo cha mizani, page 183:

     Tena Mwenyekiti alimgeukia Salama na kumwambia: "Sasa ni zamu yako. Utaweza kutuelezea mashtaka yako?"
     Again the Chairman turned to Salama and said to him: "Now it is your turn. Will you be able to tell us your accusation?"

     (please add an English translation of this quotation)

2. duty, responsibility