mbi
mbi is the Xhosa word for ugly.
mbi is an adjective used to describe something or someone that is displeasing to the eye or not aesthetically pleasing.
Meaning: displeasing to the eye, not aesthetically pleasing (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing people belonging to noun class 2, the form changes to ambi to mean 'they are ugly'.
Did you know?
- In Xhosa, the word mbi describes not only physical ugliness but also moral evil or badness. You can use the same word to describe a 'bad' person's character as you would a 'displeasing' painting.
- While English speakers use 'ugly' to describe people, Xhosa speakers might use mbi to describe an unpleasant smell or a bad situation, such as a terrible event.
- In Xhosa culture, describing a person as mbi can be far more offensive than simply commenting on their appearance, as it can imply a lack of moral character or a bad spirit.
Examples in context
- umntu ombiAn ugly person
- Lo mntu mbi.This person is ugly.
- Iindonga mbi.The walls are ugly.
Example conversation
Lwazi and Siyabonga are looking at a painting.
- LwaziSiyabonga, jonga lo mgcango mbi.Siyabonga, look at this ugly drawing.
- SiyabongaAndivumelani nawe, Lwazi.I don't agree with you, Lwazi.
- LwaziYintoni emnandi ngayo?What is nice about it?
- SiyabongaNdiyakuthanda ukuba imbi ngale ndlela.I like that it is ugly in this way.
