Bwana

/ˈbwɑːnə/
noun

A term used for a master or boss, often used in East Africa.

The workers had to wait for instructions from their bwana.
Visual representation of "bwana" - A term used for a master or boss, often used in East Africa.

Often appears as...

  • bwana mkubwa
  • bwana mdogo

Usage tips

Idiomatic

noun

A term used for a master or boss, often used in East Africa.

The workers had to wait for instructions from their bwana.
Visual representation of "bwana" - A term used for a master or boss, often used in East Africa.

Often appears as...

  • bwana mkubwa
  • bwana mdogo

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "bwana"
LampPro Tip 1/3

East African Usage

Used commonly in East African countries to address someone in authority or respect.

Illustration for East African Usage
Yes, bwana, I will get that done right away.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Hierarchical Implication

Conveys hierarchy, referring to someone higher in position, status, or power.

Illustration for Hierarchical Implication
All decisions must be approved by the bwana of the project.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Colonial Echoes

Bwana can evoke the history of colonialism, so it should be used with awareness of its past.

Illustration for Colonial Echoes
He jokingly called his friend 'bwana' to mock the old colonial attitudes.
LampPro Tip 1/3

East African Usage

Used commonly in East African countries to address someone in authority or respect.

Illustration for East African Usage
Yes, bwana, I will get that done right away.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Hierarchical Implication

Conveys hierarchy, referring to someone higher in position, status, or power.

Illustration for Hierarchical Implication
All decisions must be approved by the bwana of the project.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Colonial Echoes

Bwana can evoke the history of colonialism, so it should be used with awareness of its past.

Illustration for Colonial Echoes
He jokingly called his friend 'bwana' to mock the old colonial attitudes.
LampPro Tip 1/3

East African Usage

Used commonly in East African countries to address someone in authority or respect.

Illustration for East African Usage
Yes, bwana, I will get that done right away.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Hierarchical Implication

Conveys hierarchy, referring to someone higher in position, status, or power.

Illustration for Hierarchical Implication
All decisions must be approved by the bwana of the project.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Colonial Echoes

Bwana can evoke the history of colonialism, so it should be used with awareness of its past.

Illustration for Colonial Echoes
He jokingly called his friend 'bwana' to mock the old colonial attitudes.
Visual representation of the word "Bwana"

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Video examples

Ernesto Sirolli: Want to...

Patronizing, I treat everybody from another culture as if they were my servants. That's why the white people in Africa are called "bwana," boss.

Video examples

Ernesto Sirolli: Want to...

Patronizing, I treat everybody from another culture as if they were my servants. That's why the white people in Africa are called "bwana," boss.

Example 1 of 1
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