The semi-vowels w and y
Lesson 3 of 8≈ 12 min
Why is mwana spelled with a w but faida without a y?
Good question. The sounds /w/ and /j/ (English « y ») are very much present in shikomori, but they often arise naturally between two vowels. The orthographic norm therefore picked a relevance rule: only write w or y when omitting it would make the word ambiguous or unpronounceable.
Inherited from swahili. Subtle at first, automatic with practice.
When to (not) write y
| Context | Rule | Correct example | Wrong form |
|---|---|---|---|
| between i and e | do NOT write y | faida (profit) | fayida |
| between u and i | do NOT write y | adui (enemy) | aduyi |
| before u, o | MUST write y | buyu (baobab fruit) | buu |
| in demonstratives | MUST write y | mbuzi iyo (that goat, Nz) | mbuzi io |
When to (not) write w
| Context | Rule | Correct example | Wrong form |
|---|---|---|---|
| before u, o | do NOT write w | ubu (porridge) | wubu |
| before u, o | do NOT write w | ona! (see!) | wona |
| around i, e | MUST write w | masiwa (archipelago) | masia |
| around i, e | MUST write w | ewa (yes) | ea |
| in demonstratives | MUST write w | mwaha uwo (this year) | mwaha uo |
Listening
- mwana (child)
- masiwa (archipelago)
- buyu (baobab fruit)
- ewa (yes)
A mnemonic: « i+e, u+i = no need »
Memorise two y-free combinations:
- i followed by e or vice versa → faida, kaida
- u followed by i → adui
Everywhere else, if you hear a « y » (as in yo-yo) or a « w » (as in « we »), it probably needs writing. Key takeaway: demonstratives (uwo, iyo, wawo, zizo) always keep their semi-vowel — that's their signature.
Practice
How do you correctly spell « profit »?
The word is written ___.
And « archipelago »?
The word is written ___.
Mini-quiz
The word « yes » is written…
« yes » → ___
Onto the consonants
Nineteen simple consonants await in the next lesson — including two unique to shikomori: ɓ and ɗ, treated separately in lesson 1.5.