Learn Kiswahili vocabulary about Ndege wa Nyumbani (domestic birds) with English explanations and many examples. Perfect for beginners studying Kiswahili in Senior One. Includes characteristics, importance, sentence examples, and a practice quiz.
Contents
Introduction
Domestic birds, or Ndege wa Nyumbani, are birds kept by people at home or on farms for eggs, meat, feathers, companionship, or cultural value. Many African households keep various birds around the compound, making this topic essential for beginner Kiswahili learners.
This blog teaches:
- Names of domestic birds in Kiswahili
- Their characteristics (sifa)
- Uses and importance
- English explanations
- Example sentences in simple Kiswahili
- A beginner’s quiz
Let’s begin learning with clear vocabulary and many examples to build confidence.
1. Understanding “Ndege wa Nyumbani” (Domestic Birds)
English explanation:
Domestic birds are birds raised at home or on farms for food, beauty, or cultural purposes.
These birds are usually small, easy to rear, and reproduce quickly.
2. Msamiati: Names of Domestic Birds in Kiswahili
Below is an extensive list of ndege wa nyumbani.
(We include many examples as requested.)
| Kiswahili | English |
| Kuku | Chicken |
| Jogoo | Rooster |
| Tetea | Hen |
| Kifaranga | Chick |
| Bata | Duck |
| Bata bukini | Goose |
| Bata mzinga | Turkey |
| Njiwa | Pigeon / Dove |
| Hua | Guinea fowl |
| Kanga | Spotted guinea fowl |
| Kware | Quail |
| Bata maji | Water duck |
| Kustadi | Ostrich (sometimes domesticated) |
| Korongo | Crane (in some homes, for beauty) |
| Dee-dee | Local dove variety |
| Kanga nyumbani | Domesticated guinea fowl |
| Bati soni | Domestic duck variety |
| Njiwa wa kifaransa | French pigeon |
| Njiwa wa kienyeji | Local pigeon |
| Njiwa wa kufugwa | Domestic dove |
| Bata la kienyeji | Local duck breed |
| Bata la kizungu | Exotic duck breed |
Important note:
Not all of these are kept in every home, but they appear in many East African villages and farms.
3. Sifa za Ndege wa Nyumbani (Characteristics)
Let’s describe each bird clearly for beginner learners.
3.1 Kuku (Chicken)
English explanation: Chickens are the most common domestic birds.
Characteristics (Sifa):
- Hutaga mayai (lays eggs)
- Hutoa nyama (provides meat)
- Ni wadogo na rahisi kufuga (easy to rear)
Example:
- Kuku wa kienyeji ni hodari kutaga mayai.
(Local chickens are good at laying eggs.)
3.2 Jogoo (Rooster)
English explanation: A rooster is the male chicken.
Sifa:
- Hualika asubuhi (crows in the morning)
- Humlinda kundi la kuku (guards the flock)
Example:
- Jogoo wa babu hualika kila alfajiri.
(Grandfather’s rooster crows every dawn.)
3.3 Tetea (Hen)
Sifa:
- Hulea vifaranga (raises chicks)
- Hutaga mayai mengi (lays many eggs)
Example:
- Tetea aliwalinda vifaranga vyake.
(The hen protected her chicks.)
3.4 Bata (Duck)
English explanation: Ducks live near water.
Sifa:
- Hupenda maji (loves water)
- Hutoa mayai makubwa (gives large eggs)
Example:
- Bata anaogelea kwenye bwawa.
(The duck is swimming in the pond.)
3.5 Bata Bukini (Goose)
Sifa:
- Wakubwa kuliko bata (larger than ducks)
- Hutoa ulinzi (make loud sounds to alert danger)
Example:
- Bata bukini walipiga kelele walipoona mgeni.
(The geese made noise when they saw a visitor.)
3.6 Bata Mzinga (Turkey)
Sifa:
- Wakubwa na wenye manyoya mengi
- Hutoa nyama nyingi (produces a lot of meat)
Example:
- Bata mzinga ni wakubwa sana.
(Turkeys are very big.)
3.7 Njiwa (Pigeon)
English explanation: Pigeons are calm birds kept mainly for beauty.
Sifa:
- Wapole na wazuri (gentle and beautiful)
- Hupenda kuruka juu (love to fly high)
Example:
- Njiwa waliruka juu ya paa.
(The pigeons flew over the roof.)
3.8 Hua / Kanga (Guinea Fowl)
Sifa:
- Wanakimbia sana (they run fast)
- Watoa nyama nzuri (good meat)
Example:
- Kanga hukimbia haraka sana.
(Guinea fowls run very fast.)
3.9 Kware (Quail)
Sifa:
- Wadogo (small)
- Hutaga mayai madogo (lay small eggs)
Example:
- Kware hutaga mayai madogo lakini ya lishe.
(Quails lay small but nutritious eggs.)
4. Umuhimu wa Ndege wa Nyumbani (Importance of Domestic Birds)
Domestic birds are important in home life and farming.
4.1 Chanzo cha Chakula (Source of Food)
They produce:
- Mayai (eggs)
- Nyama (meat)
Examples:
- Chickens and ducks provide eggs
- Turkeys provide meat
- Quails provide small but nutritious eggs
Sentence:
- Mayai kutoka kwa kuku ni muhimu kwa afya.
(Eggs from chickens are important for health.)
4.2 Biashara (Business)
Birds can be sold for income.
- Ufugaji wa kuku ni biashara maarufu.
(Poultry farming is a popular business.)
4.3 Urembo na Utamaduni (Beauty and Culture)
- Pigeons are kept for beauty
- Some communities use chickens in traditional ceremonies
4.4 Ulinzi (Security)
Geese (bata bukini) make loud noises to alert danger.
4.5 Elimu na Utafiti (Education and Research)
Birds help students learn about:
- Life cycles
- Reproduction
- Animal behaviour
Example sentence:
- Kinyesi cha kuku kinafaa kwa mbolea.
(Chicken droppings are good for manure.)
5. Sentensi Zaidi za Mfano (More Example Sentences)
- Kuku wanakula nafaka.
(Chickens eat grains.) - Bata anaogelea kwenye dimbwi.
(The duck is swimming in the puddle.) - Njiwa ni wapole.
(Pigeons are gentle.) - Tetea hutaga mayai.
(A hen lays eggs.) - Jogoo hualika kila asubuhi.
(A rooster crows every morning.) - Kware ni wadogo sana.
(Quails are very small.) - Bata bukini hutoa ulinzi.
(Geese provide security.)
7. Mazoezi (Practice Activity)
A. Jaza nafasi (Fill In the Blanks)
- ______ hualika asubuhi.
- ______ anaogelea majini.
- ______ hutaga mayai madogo.
- ______ ni mnyama mpole na mzuri.
Majibu:
- Jogoo
- Bata
- Kware
- Njiwa
B. Orodhesha Ndege Watano wa Nyumbani
(Example answers: kuku, bata, njiwa, bata mzinga, kware)
7. Short Quiz
1. Which bird lays the smallest eggs?
A. Goose
B. Quail
C. Chicken
Answer: B
2. “Pigeon” in Kiswahili is:
A. Bata
B. Njiwa
C. Jogoo
Answer: B
3. Which bird is known for crowing in the morning?
A. Tetea
B. Jogoo
C. Bata
Answer: B
4. Which bird loves water?
A. Bata
B. Kuku
C. Kanga
Answer: A
Conclusion
Ndege wa nyumbani are an important part of daily life in many communities. They provide food, income, security, beauty, and opportunities for learning. For Kiswahili beginners, mastering this vocabulary builds a strong foundation for describing animals, talking about farming, and engaging in meaningful conversations.
To continue learning Kiswahili effectively, practise the vocabulary daily, use the example sentences, and observe the birds in your environment.
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