Swahili · Daily Life
bafu
Bathroom
Beginnernoun
Definition
The room for washing; the toilet is choo.
Example
Bafu iko mwisho wa ukanda.
The bathroom is at the end of the corridor.
Etymology
'Bafu' is derived from the Arabic word 'بَحَر' (bahr), which means 'to wash' or 'water.' The term has been absorbed into Swahili, reflecting the influence of Arabic on the language, especially in domestic and cleanliness-related vocabulary.
How & Where It’s Used
'Bafu' is used in both formal and informal contexts to refer to bathrooms, mostly in urban areas. It is commonly spoken and written, with little variation across regions.