The past time before the present, ancient period
Awali, watu walikuwa wakipanda mbali kwa miguu.
— In the past, people used to travel long distances on foot.
Awali ya ukoloni, Afrika Mashariki ilikuwa na utamaduni wa pekee.
— Before colonialism, East Africa had a unique culture.
The beginning period or origin of something
Awali ya mradi huu ilikuwa vigumu lakini hatimaye ilifanikiwa.
— The beginning of this project was difficult but eventually succeeded.
Katika awali ya karne ya ishirini, teknolojia ilikuwa bado kidogo.
— At the beginning of the twentieth century, technology was still limited.