mungwana

How to say it

Meaning

a free-born, well-mannered, or civilized person, especially one of good character; a gentleman.

Good to know

praises good upbringing and moral character rather than social status alone; historically contrasted with mtumwa (slave/unfree person).

Examples

• Yeye ni mungwana wa kweli.He is a true gentleman.
• Je, tabia yake ni ya mungwana?Is his behavior that of a gentleman?
• Hakutenda kama mungwana.He did not act like a gentleman.
• Atakuwa mungwana anapokua.He will become a gentleman as he grows up.