muungwana
moo-oo-NGWAH-nah
How to say it
Swahilimuungwanamoo-oo-NGWAH-nah
Frenchgentleman, personne honnête et polie
Meaning
A well mannered, honest and respectable person who treats others with courtesy. It is used as praise for leaders and for anyone who behaves decently; in older use it meant a free, cultured townsman.
Good to know
M/wa class: plural waungwana. The quality is uungwana, good manners; the saying muungwana ni kitendo means a gentleman is known by his deeds. Also spelled mungwana.
Examples
- Muungwana hukubali makosa yake na kuomba radhi.A decent person admits his mistakes and apologizes.
- Baba yake alikuwa muungwana aliyeheshimiwa na wote.His father was a gentleman respected by everyone.
- Kijana yule ni muungwana, anawaheshimu wazee wote.That young man is a gentleman; he respects all the elders.
Forms
Not yet checked by a native speaker.