bwana

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Swahili bwana (“master”), from Arabic أَبُونَا (ʔabūnā, “our father”). Doublet of abbot.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈbwɑːnə/
• Rhymes: -ɑːnə

Noun

bwana (plural bwanas)

1. (slang) Big boss, important person.

Usage notes

Not always used as a favorable term.

Anagrams

• ba-wan, bawan, nawab

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Chichewa

Etymology

Borrowed from Swahili bwana (“master”), from Arabic أَبُونَا (ʔabūnā, “our father”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈɓʷá.na/

Noun

1. boss, master

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Italian

Noun

bwana m (uncountable)

1. bwana

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Swahili

Etymology

From Arabic أَبُونَا (ʔabūnā, “our father”).

Noun

bwana (ma class, plural mabwana)

1. master, lord
2. mister, Mr.
3. boss

Coordinate terms

• bibi

Descendants

• → Chichewa: bwana
• → English: bwana