kifungua mimba
kee-foo-NGOO-ah MEE-mbah
How to say it
Swahilikifungua mimbakee-foo-NGOO-ah MEE-mbah
Englishfirstborn child
Frenchpremier-né, aîné
Meaning
The first child a mother gives birth to, the one whose birth opens the way for the others. It matters in family and inheritance customs.
Good to know
Literally the opener of the womb (kifungua, opener; mimba, pregnancy). Ki/vi class: plural vifungua mimba. The last born is kitinda mimba.
Examples
- Juma ni kifungua mimba katika familia yao ya watoto sita.Juma is the firstborn in their family of six children.
- Kifungua mimba wangu ameanza chuo mwaka huu.My firstborn started college this year.
- Kwa mila zao, kifungua mimba hurithi nyumba ya baba.By their custom, the firstborn inherits the father's house.
The same word in
Not yet checked by a native speaker.