kuonea
koo-oh-NEH-ah
How to say it
Swahilikuoneakoo-oh-NEH-ah
Meaning
To treat someone unjustly or harshly because one has power over them; with huruma or wivu, to feel pity for or envy someone.
Good to know
The applicative of kuona, to see. Kumwonea mtu, to pick on someone; kumwonea huruma, to pity him; kumwonea wivu, to envy him.
Examples
- Mwalimu hapaswi kuwaonea wanafunzi wanyonge.A teacher should not pick on weak pupils.
- Tulimwonea huruma mzee yule maskini.We felt pity for that poor old man.
- Askari walilaumiwa kwa kuwaonea wafanyabiashara wadogo.The police were blamed for picking on small traders.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.