Swahili
kichinichini
ki-chi-ni-CHI-ni
How to say it
Swahilikichinichiniki-chi-ni-CHI-nisoon
Englishunderhandedlysoon
Frenchsournoisementsoon
Meaning
in a secretive, underhanded manner, without openness.
Good to know
an adverb used with verbs like -fanya or -shughulikia to describe dealings done behind others' backs; carries a disapproving tone.
Examples
- Aliuza shamba lile kichinichini bila kuwaambia ndugu zake.He sold that farm secretly, without telling his relatives.
- Mnafanya mambo haya kichinichini kwa sababu gani?Why are you doing these things underhandedly?
- Hatutakubali maamuzi yanayofanywa kichinichini.We will not accept decisions made secretively.
- Walipanga njama kichinichini kabla ya mkutano.They plotted secretly before the meeting.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.