Kamusi ya Kiswahili
Learn Swahili with our comprehensive dictionary featuring pronunciation guides and example sentences
ba-ki-sha
English: To save; to leave remaining
Alibakisha chakula kwa ajili ya kesho.
He saved food for tomorrow.
ba-ki-za
English: See bakisha (to save, leave)
Mama alibakiza ugali kwa mtoto.
Mother left some ugali for the child.
ba-ko
English: A cubit; a measure of the arm
Kamba ilikua na urefu wa bako tatu.
The rope was three cubits long.
ba-ko-li
English: A small metal item used to fasten a belt
Alipoteza bakoli la mkanda wake.
He lost the buckle of his belt.
ba-ko-ra
English: A walking stick with a curved end
Mzee alitembea akitumia bakora.
The elder walked using a curved stick.
ba-ko-ra
English: A stroke of the stick; a beating
Mtoto alipigwa bakora darasani.
The child was beaten with a stick in class.
ba-ko-ra
English: A gift or blessing given by a father
Baba alimpa mwanawe bakora kabla ya kusafiri.
The father gave his son a blessing before he traveled.
ba-ko-ra
English: A type of star-shaped fried bread
Walikula bakora pamoja na chai.
They ate star-shaped fritters with tea.
bak-shi-shi
English: See bahashishi (a tip; a token of appreciation)
Alimpa mhudumu bakshishi.
He gave the waiter a tip.
bak-te-ri-a
English: Microbes that cause disease; bacteria
Homa hii imesababishwa na bakteria.
This fever was caused by bacteria.
ba-ku
English: See baka³ (a mark or spot)
Suruali yake ina baku kubwa.
His trousers have a big stain.
ba-ku-a
English: To snatch suddenly
Mwizi alimbakua pochi sokoni.
The thief snatched her purse at the market.
ba-ku-li
English: A bowl; a vessel for liquids
Walimpa supu kwenye bakuli.
They gave him soup in a bowl.
ba-ku-lu
English: An elder uncle (older than one's parent)
Bakulu ndiye mshauri wa ukoo.
The elder uncle is the advisor of the clan.
ba-kun-ja
English: A foolish or stupid person
Walimwita bakunja kwa ujeuri wake.
They called him foolish for his arrogance.
ba-kun-ja
English: A thief who steals everything
Bakunja aliiba mali yote nyumbani.
The thief stole everything from the house.
ba-laa
English: A calamity; great disaster
Mafuriko yalisababisha balaa kubwa kijijini.
The floods caused a great disaster in the village.
ba-la-ban-da
English: A type of large antelope (tandala)
Wawindaji walimwona balabanda msituni.
The hunters saw a large antelope in the forest.
ba-la-di
English: A town; singular of biladi
Baladi hili lina wakazi wengi.
This town has many inhabitants.
ba-la-di
English: A person eloquent in speech
Alijulikana kama baladi mwenye ufasaha.
He was known as an eloquent speaker.
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