Shengwords

Deni

DEH-nee /ˈdɛ.ni/

"Deni" is Sheng for debt (also: something owed).

Meaning

  1. noun debt, something owed. A debt, or credit at a shop. 'Kuna deni' is what a duka owner says when you try to take goods without paying.

Examples

  • Deni langu limezidi sasa. My debt has grown too big now.
  • Hakuna deni hapa, lipa cash. No credit here, pay cash.
See Deni used in other entries
  • Kesho nitalipa deni.Tomorrow I'll pay the debt.From Kesho
  • Atalipa deni mwezi ujao.He'll pay the debt next month.From Kulipa

Similar and opposite words

Where it comes from

Persian 'dain' via Swahili 'deni'.

How it was made: Swahili base.

Questions about Deni

What does Deni mean in Sheng?

"Deni" is Sheng for debt (also: something owed). A debt, or credit at a shop. 'Kuna deni' is what a duka owner says when you try to take goods without paying.

How do you use Deni in a sentence?

"Deni langu limezidi sasa." means "My debt has grown too big now."

How do you pronounce Deni?

Say it DEH-nee (/ˈdɛ.ni/). Sheng is spelled the way it sounds, with stress on the second-to-last syllable.

Where does the word Deni come from?

Persian 'dain' via Swahili 'deni'.

Share or improve this entry

Suggest a fix Record how you say it

To quote this page: “Deni.” Shengwords Sheng Dictionary, updated 2026-11-10. https://shengwords.co.ke/word/deni (accessed 2026-11-10).