indimi

bwana

BWAH-nah

How to say it

SwahilibwanaBWAH-nahsoon
EnglishMr, sir; master; husband; the Lordsoon
Frenchmonsieur ; maître ; mari ; le Seigneursoon

Meaning

A polite title or way of speaking to a man, and a word for a man in charge; it can also mean a husband, and Bwana with a capital is the Lord in church language.

Good to know

Plural mabwana. Before a name it is Mr: Bwana Juma. Bwana harusi is a bridegroom, bwana wangu my husband, and Bwana Yesu the Lord Jesus.

Examples

  • Bwana Juma atafika saa nne.Mr. Juma will arrive at ten.
  • Bwana harusi alivaa suti nyeusi.The bridegroom wore a black suit.
  • Karibu ndani, bwana, keti hapa.Come in, sir, sit here.

The same word in

Forms

buana, mabwana (plural of bwana)

Not yet checked by a native speaker.

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