mtemi
MTEH-mee
How to say it
SwahilimtemiMTEH-mee
Englishchief, traditional ruler
Frenchchef coutumier
Meaning
The traditional ruler of a chiefdom among peoples such as the Sukuma and Nyamwezi of Tanzania.
Good to know
Plural watemi (m and wa class). Used as a title before a name, and today also as a personal name; the office is utemi.
Examples
- Mtemi aliongoza jamii yake kwa miaka mingi.The chief led his community for many years.
- Watemi wa zamani walikuwa na mamlaka makubwa.The chiefs of old had great authority.
- Wazee walikusanyika nyumbani kwa mtemi.The elders gathered at the chief's home.
The same word in
Not yet checked by a native speaker.