kuwania
koo-wah-NEE-ah
How to say it
Swahilikuwaniakoo-wah-NEE-ahsoon
Englishto run for, compete for, vie forsoon
Frenchbriguer, concourir pour, se disputersoon
Meaning
To try to win something that others also want, such as an office in an election, a title, a prize or a place.
Good to know
Takes the thing sought as object: kuwania urais, to run for president; kuwania ubingwa, to compete for the title. Mwaniaji is a contender; kugombea is used in the same way.
Examples
- Ametangaza nia ya kuwania ubunge mwakani.She has announced her intention to run for parliament next year.
- Timu nane zitaanza kuwania kombe hilo kesho.Eight teams will start competing for the cup tomorrow.
- Wanafunzi wengi walijitokeza kuwania nafasi hizo.Many students came forward to compete for those places.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.