utume

How to say it

Meaning

The work someone is sent to do, especially the religious mission of a church, bishop or missionary. For Muslims it is the prophethood of Muhammad, and for Christians the ministry of an apostle.

Good to know

U class noun with no plural, from kutuma, to send; mtume is an apostle or prophet. Utume wa kanisa, the church’s mission; kipindi cha utume, the period of prophethood.

Examples

• Askofu mpya ameanza utume wake katika jimbo hili.The new bishop has begun his mission in this diocese.
• Wamisionari walifanya utume wao vijijini kwa miaka mingi.The missionaries carried out their mission in the villages for many years.
• Aliona kufundisha watoto kama utume wake maishani.She saw teaching children as her calling in life.