uchumba

How to say it

Meaning

The period or state of being engaged to be married, when a couple has agreed to marry, and the courtship that leads to it.

Good to know

U class noun with no plural: pete ya uchumba, an engagement ring; kuvunja uchumba, to break off an engagement. A fiancé or fiancée is mchumba.

Examples

• Kijana alimpa mchumba wake pete ya uchumba.The young man gave his fiancée an engagement ring.
• Uchumba wao ulidumu miaka miwili kabla ya harusi.Their engagement lasted two years before the wedding.
• Walivunja uchumba baada ya kugombana.They broke off the engagement after quarreling.