In English we have 5 vowels. But in Kikuyu you need to add 2 (ĩ and ũ) to the 5 (to get 7). These are: a e i o u ĩ ũ. Their sounds, just like explained in the video never change.  Also if in some books/reference materials/tutorials you can find the arrangement as thus- a e i ĩ o u ĩ ũ- do not be confused. It’s a matter of preference here, not so much of principle. I prefer a e i o u ĩ ũ.

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The sounds:

a as in mat,

e as in hen,

i as in fin,

o as in con,

u as in put,

ĩ as in ate,

ũ as in whole.

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https://youtu.be/zZXDTr5qC-E

Video Url

I'll be posting Gīkūyū postings here for learners. If you have specific areas or questions, feel free to ask.

Boniface, your Kikuyu teacher.

I was on leave but am now recruiting new Swahili students. Welcome.

I'm looking to enrol new Swahili students.  Just let me know.

You: Habari yako kaka (or dada)? (How are you my brother (or sister)?)

Patient: Njema tu. (I'm just ok)

You: Wajiskiaje leo? (How are you feeling today?)

Patient:Naumwa sana na kicwa na mgongo pia joto jingi mwili wote unewaka moto.  (I'm paining in the head and back and also I have fever it's like my whole body is on fire).

You: Pole sana kwa maumivu. Umepata matibabu? (I'm so sorry for your illness. Have you received treatment?)

Patient: Ahsante. Bado naendelea kutibiwa. (Thank you. I'm still under treatment.)

You: Utapona, usijali. Pia nakuombea sana. (You'll be well, don't worry. Also, I'm praying hard for you.)

Patient: Thank you! (Ahsante!)

It's now 9.44pm in Nairobi, Kenya.

Sasa ni saa 9.44 za usiku jijini Nairobi, Kenya

Have you ever been to Nairobi, Kenya?

Swahili:

Monday- Jumatatu

Tuesday- Jumanne

Wednesday- Jumatano

Thursday- Alhamisi

Friday- Ijumaa

Saturday- Jumamosi

Sunday- Jumapili