mbwa mwitu
class 10, class 9
The English word "wolf" is mbwa mwitu in Swahili.
mbwa mwitu is the term used to refer to the animal known as a wolf.
Meaning: animal (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a compound of mbwa, meaning dog and mwitu, meaning wild or forest, literally translating to "wild dog".
Which one should you use?
While mbwa refers specifically to a domestic dog, adding mwitu specifies a wild canine such as a wolf.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase mbwa mwitu is used for both the singular and the plural forms.
Did you know?
- Because mbwa mwitu literally means 'wild dog', the same phrase is used to refer to African wild dogs and hyenas in some regional dialects.
- In some East African contexts, calling someone a mbwa mwitu can be a strong insult implying they are predatory or untrustworthy.
- The word mbwa traces its roots back to the ancient Proto-Atlantic-Congo language, suggesting the concept of 'dog' has been part of the linguistic fabric of the region for thousands of years.
Examples in context
- Mbwa mwitu alimshambulia mwana kondoo.The wolf attacked the lamb.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use mbwa mwitu as the subject of a sentence describing an attack.Tatoeba #10881080 by ecorralest101, translation #5972148 by CarpeLanam
- Mbwa mwitu atabadilisha sura, lakini ataendelea kula kuku.The wolf will change shape, but will continue to eat chicken.This sentence shows mbwa mwitu in a context describing a change in shape and eating habits.Tatoeba #10863946 by ecorralest101, translation #3687354 by sarefo
- Saa kati ya usiku na alfajiri inaitwa saa ya mbwa mwitu.The hour between night and dawn is called the hour of the wolf.This sentence shows how mbwa mwitu is used in a metaphorical phrase regarding the time of day.Tatoeba #10869510 by ecorralest101, translation #4300448 by Lindoula
- Nimeona mbwa mwitu msituni.I saw a wolf in the forest.
- Mbwa mwitu huyu anaonekana hatari.This wolf looks dangerous.
- Tembo anaogopa mbwa mwitu.The elephant is afraid of the wolf.
Example conversation
Fatuma and Said are watching a nature documentary together.
- FatumaJe, huyu ni mbwa mwitu?Is this a wolf?
- SaidNdiyo, huyo ni mbwa mwitu mkali.Yes, that is a fierce wolf.
- FatumaMbwa mwitu anaonekana kuwa na nguvu.The wolf looks very strong.
- SaidKweli, mbwa mwitu ni mnyama hatari.True, a wolf is a dangerous animal.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wolf” translations and entries mbwa mwitu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mbwa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
