Signification
Describing an attractive young woman.
Contexte culturel
In Tanzania, 'urembo' is often associated with the 'Khanga' culture, where the beauty of a woman is complemented by the wisdom of the proverb printed on her wrap. Zanzibari beauty standards often include 'wanja' (eyeliner) and 'henna' (pambo la mikono), which are central to being called a 'msichana mrembo'. In urban Kenya, the phrase is often mixed with Sheng, but 'mrembo' remains the respectful base for describing beauty in formal Swahili. In Swahili-speaking parts of Uganda, the phrase is used similarly, though local languages like Luganda have their own equivalents that influence the tone.
Noun Class Matching
Always check that both words start with 'M-' for one girl and 'Wa-' for many girls.
Gender Usage
Avoid using 'mrembo' for men unless you are being intentionally ironic or poetic; it's almost exclusively for females.
Signification
Describing an attractive young woman.
Noun Class Matching
Always check that both words start with 'M-' for one girl and 'Wa-' for many girls.
Gender Usage
Avoid using 'mrembo' for men unless you are being intentionally ironic or poetic; it's almost exclusively for females.
Intensifying
Add 'sana' at the end to say 'very beautiful'. It never goes between the words.
The 'Tabia' Rule
If you want to sound wise, mention that a 'msichana mrembo' also needs 'tabia nzuri' (good character).
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct prefix for the adjective.
Wasichana ___rembo wanacheza.
Since 'Wasichana' is plural (Class 2), the adjective '-rembo' must take the 'wa-' prefix.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct word order:
In Swahili, the adjective follows the noun directly without any extra particles.
Match the singular to the plural.
Match the following:
M- prefixes change to WA- in the plural for the human class.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: Juma, unamfahamu yule dada? B: Ndiyo, yeye ni _________.
The context refers to one person ('yule dada'), so the singular 'msichana mrembo' is correct.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Singular vs Plural
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWasichana ___rembo wanacheza.
Since 'Wasichana' is plural (Class 2), the adjective '-rembo' must take the 'wa-' prefix.
Select the correct word order:
In Swahili, the adjective follows the noun directly without any extra particles.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
M- prefixes change to WA- in the plural for the human class.
A: Juma, unamfahamu yule dada? B: Ndiyo, yeye ni _________.
The context refers to one person ('yule dada'), so the singular 'msichana mrembo' is correct.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it's more common to say 'mtoto mrembo' (beautiful child).
No, it is a standard and polite compliment, provided the context is social and not strictly professional.
The plural is 'wasichana warembo'.
No, the adjective must come after the noun in Swahili.
'Mrembo' is specifically about beauty/adornment, while 'mzuri' is a general word for 'good' or 'nice'.
Yes, 'msupa' or 'demu mrembo' are common in informal Sheng.
Say 'msichana mrembo sana'.
It is better to avoid it; focus on professional qualities instead.
No, the root '-remba' is Bantu, though Swahili has many Arabic loanwords.
It is a syllabic 'm', like a short hum 'mm'.
Expressions liées
Mwanamke mrembo
similarA beautiful woman
Msichana mtanashati
synonymAn elegant/smart girl
Wasichana warembo
specialized formBeautiful girls
Mrembo
builds onA beauty
Uzuri
similarBeauty
Kupendeza
similarTo be pleasing/attractive
