ubinafsi
The Swahili word for ego is ubinafsi.
ubinafsi refers to a person's sense of self-importance or a tendency to be selfish.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, it translates to selfishness or egoism.
Did you know?
- In Swahili culture, the concept of ujamaa or 'extended family' is the direct social opposite of ubinafsi. The former emphasizes collective identity over the individual ego.
- While ubinafsi describes a selfish ego, the related term binafsi is often used as a polite way to say 'personally' or 'privately' in formal speech.
- The word ubinafsi is built from the Arabic root binafsihi, which means 'by himself' or 'with his own self'.
Examples in context
- Wakati mwingine watu huonyesha ubinafsi katika uhusiano.Sometimes people display ego in relationships.
- Amejaa kiburi kwa sababu ya mafanikio yake.He is full of ego because of his accomplishments.
- Ubinafsi wake unatia kero.His selfishness is annoying.
- Acha ubinafsi na uwasidie wengine.Stop being selfish and help others.
- Ubinafsi ni tabia mbaya sana.Selfishness is a very bad habit.
Example conversation
Zuwena and Said are discussing a difficult coworker.
- ZuwenaKwa nini Said hataki kusikiliza mawazo yetu?Why doesn't Said want to listen to our ideas?
- SaidNi kwa sababu ya ubinafsi wake mkubwa.It is because of his huge ego.
- ZuwenaHilo linafanya kazi kuwa ngumu sana.That makes the work very difficult.
- SaidNi kweli, anafikiri yeye pekee ndiye anayejua.True, he thinks he is the only one who knows.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ubinafsi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
