ufisadi
In Swahili, the English phrase "corruption" is translated as ufisadi.
The term ufisadi is used to describe corruption as a broad social, economic and political issue. If you want to refer specifically to a single bribe, the word for that is rushwa.
Meaning: seeking bribes (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ufisadi refers to the systemic concept of corruption, rushwa refers specifically to the individual bribe itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun ufisadi belongs to the u- class of nouns, which are typically used for abstract concepts.
Did you know?
- In some Swahili speaking regions, the act of offering rushwa is sometimes euphemistically called chai, meaning 'tea'. This frames the bribe as a hospitable gesture rather than a crime.
- The word ufisadi shares a linguistic lineage with the Proto-Bantu root *bʊ̀-, which is a common ancestor for many words across the African continent.
- The word ufisadi is derived from the root fisadi, which can also refer to a person who is a 'spoiler' or someone who causes discord in a group.
Examples in context
- Ana sifa ya kunyooka kama mshale. Hawezi kamwe kujihusisha na ufisadi.He has a reputation as being straight as an arrow. He'd never get involved in corruption.This sentence shows how to express that someone is not involved in ufisadi.Tatoeba #10818678 by ecorralest101, translation #271709 by CM
- Kiongozi huyo amekamatwa kwa tuhuma za rushwa.The leader has been arrested on corruption charges.
- Wengi wa maafisa serikalini wanapenda kula rushwa.Many government officials like to take bribes.
- Serikali inapaswa kupambana na ufisadi.The government must fight corruption.
- Ufisadi unaharibu uchumi wa nchi.Corruption is destroying the country's economy.
Example conversation
Said and Aisha are discussing local news.
- SaidJe, umeisoma habari kuhusu ufisadi wa leo?Have you read the news about today's corruption?
- AishaNdiyo, Said, ni jambo la kusikitisha sana.Yes, Said, it is a very sad matter.
- SaidWatu wengi wamepoteza pesa zao.Many people have lost their money.
- AishaNi kweli, sheria lazima ifuate.It is true, the law must be followed.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ufisadi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
