Dholuo Language

Dholuo also known as Luo is a language spoken in Nyanza counties of Kenya and Mara Region of Tanzania by the Luo people.

It belongs to the Lwo group of languages which also includes Acholi, Alur, Anuak, Päri, Shilluk and Thuri languages.

Dholuo language has approximately 4,000,000 native speakers.

A person who speaks Dholuo is known as Jaluo(male) and Nyaluo(female).

The language has 2 dialects; Alego/Ugenya and South Nyanza.

Note: The sounds q, v, x and z do not occur in Dholuo language.

Learn everyday and popular Dholuo language phrases and their meaning in English, including greetings, directions, love words and a lot of day-to-day conversations.

Learn how to count 0 - 999,999,999,999 in Dholuo

A comprehensive list of the toughest Dholuo/Luo Tongue twisters to try out with friends.

Interesting topics about the Luo people:

✔️ Traditional Luo Marriage Process

Legends

✔️ Omieri, the legendary python.

✔️ Lwanda Magere, the Indomitable warrior

✔️ SIGANA MAR GOR MAHIA NYAKWAR OGALLO

Folklore

✔️ Nyamgondho Wuod Ombare

Dictionary of popular Dholuo words

Help Keep Dholuo Alive

Join 1,000+ speakers preserving different African languages for future generations

The Future of Dholuo Is In Our Hands

Every day, new words shape our world - from artificial intelligence to blockchain, from climate change to social media.

While languages like English grow and adapt, what about Dholuo?

How do we explain quantum computing in Dholuo?

What's the word for 'cryptocurrency'?

Without action today, how will future generations express tomorrow's ideas in Dholuo?

The Choice Is Yours

If not you, who will keep Dholuo alive?

If not now, when will we start?

If not here, where will it happen?

This is our language. This is our responsibility.

Our Mission

We're building a living bridge between tradition and innovation - documenting and growing African languages for the digital age. Every word you contribute helps preserve our cultural heritage while preparing it for the future.

Be Part of the Movement

Join hundreds of native speakers who are already making history. Every definition you add, every phrase you explain, becomes your legacy in keeping Dholuo vibrant and relevant.

Start Contributing Today

Choose how you'd like to help preserve Dholuo

Add New Words

Share words and their meanings

Share Tongue Twisters

Preserve oral traditions

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This page was last updated on July 1, 2025