馃嚢馃嚜 Swahili phrases

How to Say "Brother" in Swahili

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
ndugu
"Brother" in Swahili 路 say it like n-doo-goo

The most natural way to say "Brother" in Swahili is ndugu. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

kaka
used specifically for older brothers
mdogo
used for younger brothers

When to use it

You can use 'ndugu' to refer to a brother in a general sense. It is also used to express camaraderie among friends. In more specific contexts, like family, you might use 'kaka' for older brothers or 'mdogo' for younger brothers.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Brother" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Swahili

SwahiliEnglish
Ndugu yangu anapenda soka.My brother loves soccer.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'ndugu' with 'kaka' and 'mdogo' when referring to brothers.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear ndugu, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Swahili with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Can 'ndugu' be used for friends?

Yes, 'ndugu' can also refer to close friends, indicating a bond similar to brotherhood.

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