vita

How to say it

Meaning

Armed fighting between countries or groups; by extension, any long, hard struggle against something such as disease or corruption.

Good to know

Standard Swahili treats it as a vi- plural (vita vya dunia, vita hivi), though vita ya is also heard in Tanzania. Kupigana vita means to wage war, and kutangaza vita to declare war.

Examples

• Vita vilidumu kwa miaka mitano.The war lasted for five years.
• Watu wengi walikimbia nchi yao kwa sababu ya vita.Many people fled their country because of the war.
• Serikali imeanzisha vita dhidi ya rushwa.The government has started a war against corruption.

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