ushirikina
oo-shee-ree-KEE-nah
How to say it
Swahiliushirikinaoo-shee-ree-KEE-nah
Englishsuperstition; witchcraft beliefs
Meaning
Belief in witchcraft, magic charms and spirits as the cause of illness, luck or misfortune.
Good to know
A u class noun without a plural. Imani za ushirikina, beliefs in witchcraft, is common in news about killings of albinos or the elderly. Religious use can mean idolatry, joining other gods to God.
Examples
- Mauaji hayo yanahusishwa na imani za ushirikina.Those killings are linked to witchcraft beliefs.
- Elimu inasaidia kupunguza ushirikina vijijini.Education helps reduce superstition in villages.
- Bibi hakuamini ushirikina hata kidogo.Grandmother did not believe in superstition at all.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.