Swahili · Food & Drink
samaki
Fish
Beginnernoun
Definition
An animal that lives in water, eaten as food.
Example
Samaki wa Ziwa Victoria ni wakubwa.
Lake Victoria fish are big.
Etymology
The term 'samaki' comes from the Proto-Bantu root '*samakĩ', which means fish. This word reflects the longstanding importance of fishing in Swahili culture and coastal livelihoods.
How & Where It’s Used
'Samaki' is used informally during everyday conversation when discussing meals or fishing. It appears in both spoken language and culinary literature across coastal regions.