kuvuma

How to say it

Meaning

to call down misfortune or evil on someone, usually in anger.

Good to know

an infinitive verb (ku- class); considered a serious act in Kirundi tradition, especially when spoken by a parent or elder, and is not used lightly.

Examples

• Umuvyeyi ntashaka kuvuma umwana wiwe naho amushavuye.A parent does not want to curse their own child, even when angry with them.
• Ese biemewe kuvuma uwakuroze?Is it acceptable to curse someone who wronged you?
• Ntibashobora kuvuma umuntu atagize ico akoze.They cannot curse a person who has done nothing wrong.
• Nimba atisubiyeko, aragiye kuvuma uwamwishe intama.If he does not reconsider, he is going to curse the one who stole his sheep.

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