uchawi

How to say it

Meaning

The use of secret supernatural powers to harm or influence people, which many communities fear and blame for misfortune. Informally it also means a secret skill or magic touch.

Good to know

U class noun with no plural; a witch or sorcerer is mchawi, plural wachawi. Used with kufanya or kutumia: alituhumiwa kutumia uchawi, she was accused of using witchcraft.

Examples

• Wanakijiji walimtuhumu jirani yao kwa uchawi.The villagers accused their neighbor of witchcraft.
• Wengi bado wanaamini kwamba magonjwa husababishwa na uchawi.Many still believe that illnesses are caused by witchcraft.
• Mguu wake wa kushoto una uchawi.His left foot has magic in it.

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