Family words in Swahili, Luo, Kikuyu and Sheng
Meeting a partner’s family is where a few words go furthest. Nobody expects fluency from a new in-law, but greeting the parents with the right word, the respectful one, is remembered long after the visit. The lists below are the family words Weche teaches first for exactly that moment, one list per language, each with its pronunciation and a note on when to use it.
Swahili (Kiswahili)
Swahili has its own words for in-laws, and the respectful ones are the ones to reach for when you meet your partner’s parents.
Mama mkwe /MA-ma m-KWEH/ mother-in-law
Said with respect; she is also often just "Mama".
Baba mkwe /BA-ba m-KWEH/ father-in-law
Formal. In person you may simply say "Baba".
Shemeji /sheh-MEH-jee/ brother- or sister-in-law
Warm and a little playful. Used for your partner's siblings.
Luo (Dholuo)
Dholuo keeps a warm but careful distance between in-laws, and the words for them carry that respect.
Ore /OH-reh/ in-law
How in-laws address each other, with respect and some distance.
Jaoda /ja-OH-da/ my partner
Affectionate. Used for a spouse or sweetheart.
Chi wuoda /CHEE WOO-oh-da/ my son's wife
What his mother may call you.
Kikuyu (Gikuyu)
Gikuyu addresses a partner’s parents with the same respect as your own, often with the words for mother and father.
Mũthoni /moo-THO-nee/ in-law
The respectful word for an in-law. Plural "athoni".
Maitũ /MAI-too/ mother (our mother)
A respectful way to address your partner's mother.
Baba /BA-ba/ father
For your partner's father, said with respect.
Sheng
Sheng family words are how young Nairobians talk about their parents among themselves. They are affectionate, but they are not what you call an in-law to their face.
Wazazi /wa-ZA-zee/ parents
From Swahili. Also "wazae", the old folks.
Mzae /m-ZA-eh/ old man, father
Respectful slang for a father or older man.
Keja /KEH-ja/ house, home
"Kuja keja" is an invitation home.
When in doubt, use the respectful word and let the family invite you to something more familiar. Families differ, and your partner is the best guide to what their own parents like to be called.