Kigiriama Language

Kigiriama also known as Giriama is a language spoken in Mombasa, Malindi, and the inland towns of Mariakani and Kaloleni in Kenya by the Giriama people.

It belongs to the Mijikenda group of languages which also includes Kichonyi, Kidigo, Kiduruma, Kambe, Jibana, Kauma, Ribe, Rabana and Rabai languages.

Kigiriama language has approximately 950,000 native speakers.

Giriama is subdivided into clans: Thoya, Mweni, Nyundo, and Nyale.

Learn common expressions from the Giriama(Kigiriama) language, such as greetings, directions, and love words, as well as their English translations.

Dictionary of popular Kigiriama words

Need a Kigiriama Translation?

Documents, websites, legal texts, or marketing content translated to or from Kigiriama by native speakers. Turnaround as fast as 24 hours.

Native Kigiriama speakers • Certified translations • NDA on request • Revision included

Kigiriama Translation Services →

Know a Kigiriama word that's missing?

You speak this language better than any dictionary. Add what you know and your name stays on every word you contribute.

Add a Word

Takes 30 seconds

Share a Tongue Twister

Preserve oral traditions

First time here? See our quick guide

Why it matters

Every day, new words enter the world and languages that don't keep up get left behind. When you add a Kigiriama word here, you're making sure the next generation can express tomorrow's ideas in their own language.

Contributors earn credit on every word they add, and badges for milestones. Leaderboards coming soon.

Want to Do More?

Become a sponsor, provide recordings, share written materials, or suggest improvements.

This page was last updated on September 28, 2025

Kigiriama/Giriama/Mijikenda

Native to

Kenya

Estimated Native Speakers

950,000

Region

Mombasa, Malindi, and the inland towns of Mariakani and Kaloleni in Kenya

Status

Active

Mekatilili wa menza , Common Giriama words and their meaning