j-

Swahili

Alternative forms
  • ji- (before consonants)

Etymology

From Proto-Bantu *(d)i ̹-.

Prefix

j- (plural ma- or me-)

  1. ji class(V) noun prefix and adjective agreement prefix used before vowels
    jambo jema ― a good thing

j- (plural maj-)

  1. augmentative prefix used before vowels, puts words in ji class(V)
    ‎j- + ‎nyoka (“snake”) → ‎joka (“serpent, big snake”)

Usage notes

Many class V nouns have no prefix.

Many adjectives starting with a vowel take no prefix in class V. Possessive adjectives are irregular and take l-.

See also
  • Appendix:Swahili noun classes
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