uchungu

How to say it

Meaning

A strong feeling of hurt or sorrow, as after a loss or an injustice; also the bitter taste, and the pains of a woman in labor.

Good to know

U class noun, usually without a plural. Kwa uchungu means with grief or bitterly; kupata uchungu is said of a woman going into labor. The adjective is -chungu, bitter.

Examples

• Mama alilia kwa uchungu alipopata habari hizo.Mother wept with grief when she got that news.
• Dawa hii ina uchungu mwingi, lakini inasaidia.This medicine is very bitter, but it helps.
• Alianza kupata uchungu usiku wa manane.She went into labor in the middle of the night.