Swahili · Nature & Environment
theluji
Snow
Beginnernoun
Definition
Soft white frozen water; it crowns Kilimanjaro's peak.
Example
Kuna theluji juu ya Mlima Kilimanjaro.
There is snow on top of Kilimanjaro.
Etymology
'Theluji' comes from a combination of nouns in Swahili and is influenced by Arabic terms for cold or snow. It is a more recent addition to the Swahili lexicon compared to its historical roots.
How & Where It’s Used
'Theluji' is used mainly in formal contexts, like weather reports, as snow is relatively rare in East Africa. Its usage is more common in regions with higher altitudes or climates prone to cold.