tano — meaning in English: five

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for five

supu

nyumba ya wageni

tano

kuwezi

kuelekea

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Swahili for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native Swahili speakers commonly use 'tano' in everyday conversations when counting or describing quantities. For instance, you might hear it at a marketplace when negotiating the price for five bananas, or during a family gathering when dividing five pieces of cake among friends.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'tano' specifically means 'five', it can be used interchangeably with the word 'tano' in contexts where you are discussing groups of five. However, 'tano' is the standard term, while other phrases may carry additional connotations or be used in specific dialects.

Culture

'Tano' is not just a number; it's part of the rich counting system in Swahili, which has roots in both Bantu languages and Arabic. Interestingly, the number five holds cultural significance in many societies, often symbolizing balance and harmony, making 'tano' an important term in both everyday life and traditional practices.

FAQ

Q.How do you pronounce 'tano' in Swahili?

The word 'tano' is pronounced as 'tah-noh', with emphasis on the first syllable. Listening to native speakers can help you master the pronunciation.

Q.What is the plural form of 'tano'?

'Tano' itself remains unchanged in plural contexts. You can use it as is when referring to groups of five items.

Q.Are there any common phrases that include 'tano'?

Yes, you might hear phrases like 'tano za kwanza', which means 'the first five', in educational settings or during storytelling.

Learn swahili with Maspeak →

Swahili Vocabulary