Shengwords

Kudai

koo-DAH-ee /ku.ˈdɑ.i/

"Kudai" is Sheng for to claim (also: to insist, to demand).

Meaning

  1. verb to claim, to insist, to demand. To state something forcefully ('anadai amefika' — he claims he arrived') or to demand what you are owed. Very common in Sheng storytelling.

Examples

  • Anadai mbao zake tangu wiki iliyopita. He's been demanding his money since last week.
  • Demu anadai ni mwalimu. The girl claims she's a teacher.

Similar and opposite words

Where it comes from

Arabic 'da'wa' via Swahili 'kudai'.

How it was made: Swahili base.

Questions about Kudai

What does Kudai mean in Sheng?

"Kudai" is Sheng for to claim (also: to insist, to demand). To state something forcefully ('anadai amefika' — he claims he arrived') or to demand what you are owed. Very common in Sheng storytelling.

How do you use Kudai in a sentence?

"Anadai mbao zake tangu wiki iliyopita." means "He's been demanding his money since last week."

How do you pronounce Kudai?

Say it koo-DAH-ee (/ku.ˈdɑ.i/). Sheng is spelled the way it sounds, with stress on the second-to-last syllable.

Where does the word Kudai come from?

Arabic 'da'wa' via Swahili 'kudai'.

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