mpotevu
mpoh-TEH-voo
How to say it
Swahilimpotevumpoh-TEH-voosoon
Frenchprodigue, dépensier ; égarésoon
Meaning
A person who wastes money or goods, or who has gone astray and left the right path. Mwana mpotevu, the prodigal son of the Bible story, is its best known use.
Good to know
M/wa class as a noun, plural wapotevu; after a noun it agrees as an adjective: mwana mpotevu, a prodigal son. From kupotea, to get lost, and kupoteza, to waste.
Examples
- Kijana huyo ni mpotevu, hutumia mshahara wote kwa starehe.That young man is a spendthrift; he spends his whole salary on pleasure.
- Baba alimpokea mwana mpotevu kwa furaha.The father welcomed the prodigal son with joy.
- Usiwe mpotevu wa chakula, wengine wana njaa.Do not waste food; others are hungry.
Forms
Not yet checked by a native speaker.