kujiweza

How to say it

Meaning

To have the strength or the means to look after oneself without help from others.

Good to know

Reflexive of kuweza, to be able. Mostly heard in the negative wasiojiweza, the needy, people who cannot fend for themselves, such as the old and the sick.

Examples

• Serikali inawasaidia wazee wasiojiweza.The government helps elderly people who cannot fend for themselves.
• Bibi yangu bado anajiweza ingawa ana miaka tisini.My grandmother still manages on her own though she is ninety.
• Mgonjwa huyu hajiwezi, anahitaji msaada.This patient cannot manage alone; he needs help.