Meaning of kumutambo, a popular Bukusu word. Learn origin, find synonyms and variations from different Luhya dialects, and links to stories to deepen your cultural understanding.
KUMUTAMBO
Type: n., noun
Definition and translation of kumutambo
- Poverty
- A state of lack.
Origin: Bukusu language.
Plural or singular form:
Informal forms and other variations in Bukusu language: Butambi;
Words of close or similar meaning in other Luhya dialects
- Luwanga: Obumanani; Obutakha; omumanani; omunyerere; okhumanana; okhumanna
Homophones – similar sounding Bantu words
Synonyms for kumutambo
- Butakha
- Bumanani
Beyond the everyday: Cultural meaning and use of the word kumutambo in Bukusu and Luhya culture
Learn why the Bukusu posit that being born poor isn’t ones choosing, but dying poor is: A Bukusu proverb on why you should get rich or die tryin. Get to explore our culture more in the proverb: Kumutambo kukhunyoa buinda bukhakhunyoa.
Poverty robs one of their dignity. It is not uncommon for the poor to shame themselves in public (shifwabi) with sacrilegious acts. Consider the Bukusu Proverb Poverty will make you dance at your in-laws. Get to learn the Luhya culture faux pas of dancing at your in-laws as we explore the meaning of this Bukusu proverb ‘kumutambo kukila wakhina ebukhwe’, as told through the unfortunate story of Maelo.
About the Bukusu and Bukusu language
Bukusu language or Lubukusu is the tongue of Babukusu, the largest of the 18 houses of mulembe. Learn how to speak Bukusu language through our free lessons in Bukusu language; our stories on Bukusu culture that harness the richness of Lubukusu in their narrative; our continuous search for the meaning of different Bukusu proverbs and sayings; and if your Lubukusu is already good enough, sharpen and challenge yourself with our new blog sibukusu that covers everything Bukusu in the purest Lubukusu.
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