kuonya
koo-OH-nyah
How to say it
Swahilikuonyakoo-OH-nyah
Englishto warn; to admonish
Frenchavertir, mettre en garde; réprimander
Meaning
To tell someone about a danger or a bad result so that they can avoid it, or to tell someone firmly that what they are doing is wrong.
Good to know
The person warned takes an object marker: kumwonya mtoto, to warn a child. Kuonya kuhusu means to warn about; onyo, plural maonyo, is a warning.
Examples
- Polisi wamewaonya madereva kuhusu mwendo kasi.The police have warned drivers about speeding.
- Mama alimwonya asicheze karibu na moto.Mother warned him not to play near the fire.
- Walimu wana wajibu wa kuwaonya wanafunzi watukutu.Teachers have a duty to warn unruly students.
The same word in
Forms
Not yet checked by a native speaker.