bwana

noun

sir; Mr.

Use as a title before a man’s name or when addressing him. In Jambo Bwana, it is a welcoming “sir.”

Origins

Its earlier history is still under review.

African Studies Institute, University of Georgia, KIKO: Unit 1 cultural notes (University of Georgia), B. Terms of Reference.
Documents bwana as Mr in forms of address in Kenya and Tanzania.

Examples

Habari, bwana?
How are you, sir?
Karibu, Bwana Juma.
Welcome, Mr Juma.
Asante, bwana.
Thank you, sir.
Samahani, bwana.
Excuse me, sir.
Bwana Ali ni mwalimu.
Mr Ali is a teacher.
Unatoka wapi, bwana?
Where are you from, sir?
Bwana Musa yuko hapa.
Mr Musa is here.
Tutaonana kesho, bwana.
See you tomorrow, sir.
Bwana Juma, hiki ni kitabu chako.
Mr Juma, this is your book.