msilikali

Chichewa

Alternative forms

• msirikali

Etymology

From a reanalysis of Swahili askari as a plural form, probably via Yao (with possible interference from Swahili serikali (“government”)). The Swahili word derives from Arabic عَسْكَرِيّ (ʕaskariyy).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /m.si.ɽiˈká.ɽi/

Noun

msilikáli class 1 (plural asilikáli class 2)

1. soldier

Usage notes

This word is normally spelt with -ili-, despite -iri- being the standard orthography.