tamaa
tah-MAH-ah
How to say it
Swahilitamaatah-MAH-ah
Frenchdésir, envie ; avidité ; espoir
Meaning
A strong wish for something, often for more than one needs; in kukata tamaa, to cut off hope, it means hope.
Good to know
Kukata tamaa is to lose hope or give up, and kukatisha tamaa is to discourage. Tamaa ya is a desire for; mwenye tamaa is a greedy person.
Examples
- Usikate tamaa, utafaulu mwaka ujao.Don't give up, you will pass next year.
- Tamaa ya pesa imemharibu.The desire for money has ruined him.
- Mtoto alitazama keki kwa tamaa kubwa.The child looked at the cake with great craving.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.