Bwana is a Swahili word which is used in an equivalent way to several English forms of address. Swahili (also called Kiswahili; see Kiswahili for a discussion of the nomenclature) is an agglutinative Bantu language widely spoken in East Africa. ... The English language is a West Germanic language that originates in England. ... A Style is a form of address which by tradition or law precedes a reference to a person who holds a title or post, or to the office itself. ...

Bwana is used for "Sir" and for "Mr.", (written Bwana Jones or Bw. Jones). Bwana is also used for "Lord"; for example, in a Bible verse where Jesus is referred to as The Lord. Sir is an honorary title. ... Mr. ... A lord is a male who has power and authority. ... This 11th-century portrait is one of many images of Jesus in which a halo with a cross is used. ...

In context, Bwana may have other meanings. In some countries it is occasionally used between female equals; if a woman is asked how Bwana is, it is understood that one is inquiring after her husband.

In countries where Swahili is commonly spoken, Bwana may be heard as a term of respect even if the conversation is being conducted in English.

Western misconception

The word Bwana was often used in Western Cinema and books, notably in Tarzan stories, almost exclusively by subordinate Africans when addressing Caucasian men. The following is an example of the way the word "Bwana" was used in a Tarzan story: Tarzan, a character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, first appeared in the 1914 novel Tarzan of the Apes, and then in twenty-three sequels. ...

"Do you know where your master has gone?" he asked the black.

"Yes, Bwana," replied the boy. "He has gone to the other camp beside the big afi that flows far toward the setting sun.

"Can you take me to him?" demanded Baynes.

The boy nodded affirmatively. Here he saw a method of revenging himself upon his hated Bwana and at the same time of escaping the wrath of the Big Bwana whom all were positive would first follow after the northerly safari.

— The Son of Tarzan by Edgar Rice Burroughs, published 1915. Edgar Rice Burroughs (September 1, 1875 - March 19, 1950) was an American author, best known for his creation of the jungle hero Tarzan, although he produced works in many genres. ... 1915 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar). ...

Because of this, audiences assumed that the word must have a meaning along the lines of "master", massa or "Great White Hunter" and that modern usage would be considered offensive or derogatory — this is untrue.