Swahili
mkiwa
MKI-wa
How to say it
SwahilimkiwaMKI-wasoon
Englishdestitute personsoon
Frenchpersonne démuniesoon
Meaning
a destitute, poor person; also someone who is solitary, lonely, or bereft, such as an orphan or a widow.
Good to know
often used for someone left alone by loss, such as an orphaned child.
Examples
- Mkiwa huyo aliomba msaada barabarani.That destitute person begged for help on the road.
- Je, mkiwa anaishi wapi baada ya kupoteza wazazi wake?Where does the orphan live after losing his parents?
- Alijisikia mkiwa baada ya rafiki yake kufariki.He felt bereft after his friend passed away.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.