Swahili readings / Beginner 1 / Family & Friends

Family Dinner

Chakula cha Jioni cha Familia

Familia ya Amina inakutana kwa chakula cha jioni kila Jumapili. Nyumbani kuna baba, mama, Amina, na kaka wake mdogo, Juma. Meza inapangwa mapema, na taa zinawaka, nyumba inahisi joto na furaha. Mama anapika wali, maharage, na samaki; baba anaandaa saladi na juisi ya maembe. Amina anasaidia kwa kuosha vyombo na kuweka vijiko, Juma anapeleka vikombe na sahani. Kabla ya kula, wote wanaomba kimya kwa shukrani. Wanakula taratibu, wanaongea kuhusu shule, kazi, na marafiki. Wao wote wanacheka, na muziki wa redio unasikika polepole. Baada ya chakula, familia inasafisha pamoja, kisha wanakaa sebuleni, wanaangalia filamu fupi, na kupanga wiki ijayo.

English Translation

Amina’s family meets for dinner every Sunday. At home there are the father, mother, Amina, and her younger brother, Juma. The table is set early, and the lights are on, the house feels warm and happy. The mother cooks rice, beans, and fish; the father prepares salad and mango juice. Amina helps by washing dishes and putting spoons, and Juma brings cups and plates. Before eating, they all pray quietly in thanks. They eat slowly and talk about school, work, and friends. They all laugh, and music from the radio is heard softly. After the meal, the family cleans together, then they sit in the living room, watch a short film, and plan the coming week.