kuamua
To decide in Swahili is kuamua.
kuamua is a verb meaning to give judgement. If you wish to express the concept of 'to make a decision' in a formal way, you can use the phrase Kufanya Uamuzi.
Meaning: give judgement (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word kuamua is the infinitive form used to express 'to decide'. The noun uamuzi means 'a decision'. You can change the form of the verb to indicate different times and subjects, such as: aliamua for 'he/she decided' (using the past tense marker '-li-' and the subject prefix 'a-'), ataamua for 'he/she will decide' (using the future tense marker '-ta-' and the subject prefix 'a-') and ameamua for 'he/she has decided' (using the perfect tense marker '-me-' and the subject prefix 'a-').
Did you know?
- The root of kuamua is closely linked to the concept of 'to settle' or 'to untie', suggesting that making a decision is like resolving a knot or a complicated situation.
- In many East African contexts, the act of 'deciding' is often viewed as a communal process through 'baraza' or community meetings, rather than just an individual mental act.
- The word kuamua is used not only for making a choice but also for the act of 'settling' or 'resolving' a conflict between two parties.
Examples in context
- Ni juu ya jaji kuamua kama ripoti inahitaji upelelezi wa polisi.It's up to the judge to decide whether a report calls for a police investigation.This sentence shows the use of kuamua in a legal context regarding a judge's responsibility.Tatoeba #10868943 by ecorralest101, translation #3996732 by AlanF_US
- Alipiga kura kuamua ni nani atakayekwenda kwanza kwenye dawati la mapokezi ya asubuhi.We drew lots to decide who would go first at the early morning reception desk.This sentence uses kuamua to describe using a vote or lot to settle a choice.Tatoeba #10826804 by ecorralest101, translation #328785 by fcbond
- Ninahitaji kufanya uamuzi mgumu kuhusu kazi yangu.I need to make a difficult decision about my job.
- Ni wakati wa kuamua mwelekeo wa mradi huu.It is time to decide the direction of this project.
Example conversation
Said and Zuwena are discussing a dispute between two friends.
- SaidZuwena, nani anapaswa kuamua kuhusu ugomvi huu?Zuwena, who should decide about this dispute?
- ZuwenaNadhani mzee wa kijiji ndiye anayepasa kuamua.I think the village elder is the one who should decide.
- SaidJe, atafanya hivyo leo?Will he do that today?
- ZuwenaNdiyo, Said, atakuja hapa saa kumi.Yes, Said, he will come here at four o'clock.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
