urithi
The English phrase 'legacy' is translated into Swahili as urithi.
urithi is used to describe both material inheritance, such as money or land and abstract legacies, such as a person's reputation or cultural heritage.
Meaning: something inherited from a predecessor, a heritage (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word urithi is derived from the verb kurithi, which means 'to inherit'.
Did you know?
- In many East African contexts, urithi refers not just to a person's will, but to the social responsibility of the heir to maintain the deceased's relationships.
- The word urithi is a linguistic blend, combining a native Bantu prefix u- with a root borrowed from the Arabic word wariṯa, meaning 'to inherit'.
- Because of its Arabic roots, the word urithi feels more formal and 'learned' than many other indigenous Bantu words for 'possession'.
Examples in context
- Hii haihusu ya pesa au mamlaka. Hii inahusu urithii wangu.This isn't about money or power. This is about my legacy.This sentence is useful for distinguishing a personal legacy from material or political power using urithi.Tatoeba #10868628 by ecorralest101, translation #3922803 by Damari
- Mama alituachia urithi wa upendo na ukarimu.Mother left us a legacy of love and generosity.
- Watoto ni warithi wa dunia yetu.Children are the inheritors of our world.
- Tumetembelea makumbusho ya urithi wa kitamaduni.We visited the museum of cultural heritage.
- Urithi huu ni mkubwa sana.This legacy is very big.
- Tunatunza urithi wa mababu zetu.We are preserving the legacy of our ancestors.
Example conversation
Bakari and Fatuma are discussing their family history at home.
- BakariJe, unajisikia hivyo kuhusu urithi wetu?Do you feel that way about our legacy?
- FatumaNdiyo, Bakari, ni kitu cha thamani.Yes, Bakari, it is something precious.
- BakariTunapaswa kuendeleza urithi huu vizuri.We should continue this legacy well.
- FatumaHakika, tutalinda urithi wetu daima.Certainly, we will always protect our legacy.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries urithi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
