mitara
mee-TAH-rah
How to say it
Swahilimitaramee-TAH-rahsoon
Englishpolygamysoon
Frenchpolygamiesoon
Meaning
The practice of a man having more than one wife at the same time.
Good to know
Mostly in ndoa ya mitara, a polygamous marriage, and kuwa na mitara, to have several wives. Mke mwenza is a co-wife.
Examples
- Babu yangu aliishi katika ndoa ya mitara.My grandfather lived in a polygamous marriage.
- Dini yao hairuhusu ndoa ya mitara.Their religion does not allow polygamous marriage.
- Mzee huyo ana mitara, ameoa wake watatu.That old man is polygamous; he has married three wives.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.