Swahili · Daily Life

viatu

Shoes

Beginnernoun

Definition

Footwear; singular kiatu.

Example

Viatu hivi ni vizuri sana.

These shoes are very comfortable.

Etymology

'Viatu' is derived from the Swahili word for footwear, which traces back to the root relating to walking or movement.

How & Where It’s Used

'Viatu' is commonly used in casual spoken contexts as well as in writing. It is understood in both urban and rural East African settings and involves little regional variation.

Watch “Shoes” pronunciation on YouTube
clothing

Related Terms