mchelea
mcheh-LEH-ah
How to say it
Swahilimcheleamcheh-LEH-ah
Englishone who fears, a fearful person
Frenchcraintif, personne qui a peur
Meaning
A person who fears something, especially one who holds back out of fear of hurting or upsetting someone. It is known mainly from a proverb about raising children.
Good to know
M/wa class, from kuchelea, to fear, a literary verb. The proverb mchelea mwana kulia hulia yeye warns that a parent who will not correct a child for fear of its tears will weep later.
Examples
- Mchelea hatari hawezi kuwa mvuvi wa bahari kuu.One who fears danger cannot be a deep sea fisherman.
- Usiwe mchelea kila jambo, jaribu kitu kipya.Do not be afraid of everything; try something new.
- Yeye ni mchelea giza tangu utotoni.He has been afraid of the dark since childhood.
Forms
Not yet checked by a native speaker.