kupewa jina
koo-PEH-wah JEE-nah
How to say it
Swahilikupewa jinakoo-PEH-wah JEE-nah
Englishto be named, to be given a name
Frenchrecevoir un nom, être nommé
Meaning
To receive a name, as a child does at birth or baptism, or as a new building, bridge or road does when it is opened. The name itself follows with la.
Good to know
Passive of kupa, to give. Since jina is of the ji/ma class, the name follows with la: alipewa jina la babu yake, he was named after his grandfather.
Examples
- Mtoto huyo alipewa jina la bibi yake.The child was named after her grandmother.
- Barabara mpya itapewa jina la shujaa wa uhuru.The new road will be named after a hero of independence.
- Ni desturi kwa mtoto kupewa jina siku ya saba.It is the custom for a child to be named on the seventh day.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.