kujuana
koo-joo-AH-nah
How to say it
Swahilikujuanakoo-joo-AH-nah
Frenchse connaître; (par) piston, favoritisme
Meaning
Said of people who are acquainted or who get to know one another; kwa kujuana describes jobs or favors given to friends instead of on merit.
Good to know
The reciprocal of kujua, to know: the subject is plural or joined with na. Kazi kwa kujuana is jobs through connections, a common complaint about favoritism.
Examples
- Tumejuana tangu tukiwa shule ya msingi.We have known each other since primary school.
- Wachumba wanahitaji muda wa kujuana vizuri.An engaged couple needs time to get to know each other well.
- Ajira nyingi hutolewa kwa kujuana, si kwa sifa.Many jobs are given through connections, not on merit.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.