utovu
oo-TOH-voo
How to say it
Swahiliutovuoo-TOH-voo
Meaning
The absence of a good quality, used almost only in utovu wa nidhamu, bad behavior or lack of discipline.
Good to know
U class noun, no plural, followed by wa: utovu wa nidhamu, indiscipline; utovu wa adabu, bad manners. From -tovu, lacking.
Examples
- Mchezaji alisimamishwa kwa utovu wa nidhamu.The player was suspended for indiscipline.
- Shule haivumilii utovu wa nidhamu.The school does not tolerate lack of discipline.
- Utovu wa adabu wa kijana huyo uliwashangaza wageni.That young man’s bad manners surprised the guests.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.