udhaifu
The English phrase vulnerability is translated into Swahili as udhaifu.
The term udhaifu is used to describe the state of being vulnerable. However, in general contexts, it is more commonly used to mean 'weakness' in a broad sense, such as a weakness in one's character or a physical weakness.
Meaning: state of being vulnerable (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
udhaifu is an abstract noun and does not have a plural form in standard Swahili usage.
Did you know?
- In many contexts, if you want to describe someone being 'vulnerable' to an attack or a disease, a Swahili speaker might use the word hatari, which more literally translates to 'danger'.
- The root of udhaifu, which is dhaifu, is an Arabic loanword that entered Swahili through ancient maritime trade routes along the East African coast.
- A Swahili speaker might describe a personal vulnerability by using upande, meaning 'side', to refer to their 'weak side'.
Examples in context
- Katika taasisi yetu, tunathamini uwezo wa wafanyakazi wetu kuonyesha udhaifu wao kwa lengo la kuboresha.In our organization, we value the ability of our employees to show vulnerability with the aim of improvement.
- Udhaifu ni hatua ya kwanza kuelekea kuimarisha nguvu na uwezo wetu.Vulnerability is the first step towards strengthening our power and abilities.
- Udhaifu wake ni kutokuwa na ujasiri.His vulnerability is a lack of courage.
- Tunapaswa kuelewa udhaifu wa mfumo huu.We must understand the vulnerability of this system.
- Udhaifu wa kiuchumi unaathiri jamii.Economic vulnerability affects the community.
Example conversation
Juma and Fatuma are discussing a project proposal at work.
- JumaJe, umeona udhaifu wa mpango huu?Have you seen the vulnerability of this plan?
- FatumaNdiyo, Juma, ina udhaifu mkubwa.Yes, Juma, it has a great vulnerability.
- JumaNi lazima tuibadilishe mara moja.We must change it immediately.
- FatumaNakubaliana nawe kabisa.I completely agree with you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries udhaifu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
