chienga
The phrase for "my wife" in Luo is chienga.
This phrase is used by a married man to refer to his female spouse.
Did you know?
- Because the Luo traditionally practiced polygyny, a man might distinguish between his wives using terms that indicate the order in which they were married, rather than using chienga for all.
- The Luo language has a complex system of kinship terms that can distinguish between a wife from one's own clan and a wife from a different clan.
- In some Luo traditions, the way a man introduces his 'chienga' to his elders involves specific protocols to honor both families.
Example conversation
Onyango is introducing his spouse to a friend.
- OnyangoAtieno, we chienga.Atieno, this is my wife.
- AtienoMisawa, amos owuon.Hello, I am glad to meet you.
- OnyangoChienga en jamadh.My wife is honest.
- AtienoAneno ni en nyako maber.I see that she is a good woman.
