staha
STAH-hah
How to say it
SwahilistahaSTAH-hahsoon
Englishrespect, decency, modesty; dignitysoon
Frenchrespect, décence, pudeur; dignitésoon
Meaning
Polite and respectful behavior and speech, and the modesty that keeps a person’s dignity.
Good to know
No plural. Kwa staha, respectfully, decently: kuzungumza kwa staha. Maneno yasiyo na staha are indecent words. Heshima is close in meaning.
Examples
- Wanafunzi walitakiwa kuvaa kwa staha.The pupils were required to dress decently.
- Alimjibu mzee kwa staha kubwa.She answered the elder with great respect.
- Msanii huyo alifungiwa kwa maneno yasiyo na staha.That artist was banned for indecent words.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.