sukuma: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal (verb); Technical/Regional (noun)
Quick answer
What does “sukuma” mean?
To push, move, or shove something forward, often with effort.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To push, move, or shove something forward, often with effort.
To encourage or force someone or something into action; to promote or advance something persistently; (as a noun, in specific contexts) a type of leafy green vegetable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is not part of standard British or American English lexicons. Its usage is confined to specific regional contexts (East Africa).
Connotations
In East African English, it can have positive connotations of resourcefulness and perseverance ('sukuma wiki' literally means 'push the week,' i.e., stretch meals). In other contexts, it would be opaque or unknown.
Frequency
Extremely rare to non-existent in native British or American English outside of discussions of East African culture or language.
Grammar
How to Use “sukuma” in a Sentence
Subject + sukuma + Object (thing/person)Subject + sukuma + Object + Adverbial (forward, through, aside)Subject + sukuma + Object + to-infinitive (to encourage)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sukuma” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We had to sukuma the broken-down lorry to the side of the road.
- She's always there to sukuma me when I lose motivation.
American English
- Let's sukuma this couch into the living room.
- He sukuma'd the proposal through the committee.
adjective
British English
- The sukuma leaves were wilted in the market.
American English
- We prepared a sukuma side dish with the grilled fish.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable in standard international business English.
Academic
May appear in anthropological, linguistic, or cultural studies focusing on East Africa.
Everyday
Used in everyday speech in East African countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda).
Technical
In agricultural or culinary contexts related to East Africa.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sukuma”
- Using it in standard English contexts where it will not be understood.
- Confusing the noun (vegetable) with the verb (to push).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not part of standard British or American English. It is a loanword from Swahili used primarily in East African English varieties.
Literally 'push the week.' It's the Swahili name for collard greens or a similar leafy vegetable, reflecting its role as a staple food that helps a family 'push through' the week.
It is not recommended unless your audience is familiar with East African English. Use standard synonyms like 'push,' 'promote,' or 'advance' instead.
It can be both. As a verb, it means 'to push.' As a noun, it's short for 'sukuma wiki,' referring to the vegetable.
To push, move, or shove something forward, often with effort.
Sukuma is usually informal (verb); technical/regional (noun) in register.
Sukuma: in British English it is pronounced /suːˈkuːmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /suːˈkuːmə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sukuma wiki – Literally 'push the week,' meaning to stretch food/resources to last the week (specifically referring to the vegetable).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SUper KUMAr' trying hard to PUSH a heavy door.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS FORWARD MOTION ('We need to sukuma this project to the next phase.')
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'sukuma' in East African English contexts?