chiwanda

Chichewa

Etymology

Inherited from Proto-Bantu *kɪ̀bàndà (“ghost”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /t͡ʃiˈw⁽ᵝ⁾a.ⁿda/

Noun

chiŵanda class 7 (plural ziŵanda class 8)

1. evil spirit
   1. demon

      Synonym: mzímu

2. ghost

   Synonyms: mzímu, mzukwa, chidude, chidangwaleza, chipukupuku, chowuka

3. apparition

   Synonym: mzímu

Usage notes

Although this word can be translated as "ghost" in English, it very much connotes an evil spirit or demon, and is often the word used for a demon in the Bible. Other synonyms for "ghost" appear much more neutral than this word.

References

• Steven Paas (2016), Oxford Chichewa-English/English - Chichewa Dictionary‎, Oxford University Press, page 94