mvivu
The Swahili word for lazy is mvivu.
The word mvivu is an adjective used to describe someone who is unwilling to work.
Meaning: unwilling to work (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of mvivu is wavivu, following the noun class system where the prefix changes from m- to wa-.
Did you know?
- The root of the word mvivu is bound to a noun class system that classifies humans separately from animals and objects, meaning you cannot use the same prefix for a 'lazy animal' as you do for a 'lazy person'.
- In Swahili-speaking regions, a person described as mvivu might be viewed through a lens of social responsibility rather than just personal character, as laziness is often seen as a failure to contribute to the community.
- While mvivu describes laziness, the Swahili language uses the word polepole to describe a slow pace, which is sometimes used as a polite way to suggest someone is being 'lazy' without using the harsh adjective.
Examples in context
- Wewe ni mzembe.You are lazy.
- Ana tabia ya kuwa mlegevu.He/she has a habit of being lazy.
- Huyu jamaa ni mzito sana.This guy is really lazy.
- Yeye ni mvivu sana.He/She is very lazy.
- Sipendi mwanafunzi mvivu.I do not like a lazy student.
- Mimi sikuwa mvivu jana.I was not lazy yesterday.
Example conversation
Bakari and Neema are talking about a coworker.
- BakariKwa nini Bakari ni mvivu?Why is Bakari lazy?
- NeemaHapana, yeye si mvivu.No, he is not lazy.
- BakariLakini hafanyi kazi yoyote.But he isn't doing any work.
- NeemaYeye amechoka tu leo.He is just tired today.
