kukwaza
koo-KWAH-zah
How to say it
Swahilikukwazakoo-KWAH-zah
Meaning
To hurt someone’s feelings or cause them to take offense; also to get in the way of progress or to make someone stumble.
Good to know
Takes the person as object: maneno yako yamenikwaza, your words have offended me. The passive kukwazwa is to be offended; kikwazo is an obstacle.
Examples
- Samahani kama nimekukwaza kwa maneno yangu.Sorry if I have offended you with my words.
- Ukosefu wa fedha unakwaza mradi huo.The lack of money is holding back that project.
- Jiwe lilimkwaza njiani akaanguka.A stone tripped him on the way and he fell.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.