Kamusi ya Kiswahili
Learn Swahili with our comprehensive dictionary featuring pronunciation guides and example sentences
/halbaˈdiri/
English: Curse-prayer; imprecation
Alitamka halbadiri dhidi ya wahalifu.
He uttered a curse against the criminals.
/halbisˈkasi/
English: Hibiscus plant; its large flowers
Tulipamba chumba kwa maua ya halbiskasi mekundu.
We decorated the room with red hibiscus flowers.
/ˈhale/
English: Maternal aunt (variant of halati¹)
Nitaenda kumtembelea hale wikendi.
I'll visit my maternal aunt this weekend.
/haleˈlepi/
English: (See hallungi) — antidote/diluent to lessen drug potency
Mganga alitumia halelepi kupunguza makali ya dawa.
The healer used an antidote to lessen the drug's strength.
/haleˈluja/
English: Exclamation in worship: "Hallelujah!"
Waumini walipaza "haleluyal!" kwa shangwe.
The worshippers shouted "hallelujah!" joyfully.
/halˈfija/
English: Ceremonial turban once worn by councilors
Diwani wa kale alivaa halfiya kwenye sherehe.
The old councilor wore a ceremonial turban at the event.
/hali kaˈðalika/
English: Likewise; similarly
Wazazi walikaribishwa; walimu, hali kadhalika.
Parents were welcomed; teachers likewise.
/ˈhali/
English: State/condition; circumstances; environment
Hali ya hewa leo ni baridi.
The weather condition today is cold.
/ˈhali/
English: Economic/health status
Hali yake kifedha imeimarika.
His financial status has improved.
/ˈhali/
English: Whereas; although; since (conjunction)
Alisaidia, hali hakuwa na uwezo mkubwa.
He helped, although he didn't have much means.
/ˈhali/
English: Grammatical category of manner/adiverbial state
Kitenzi hiki hutumia hali ya namna.
This verb uses the manner state.
/haliˈbari/
English: Violent storm; gale; rough sea
Wavuvi walikosa kutoka baharini kwa sababu ya halibari.
The fishermen couldn't go out due to the gale.
/haliˈbati/
English: A flat-bodied fish species
Leo tumenasa halibati wawili.
Today we caught two flat-bodied fish.
/haˈlibu/
English: To darken; enrich color; add dye/shading
Fundi alihalibu kitambaa kupata toni nzito.
The artisan darkened the fabric to get a deeper tone.
/haˈlida/
English: Eternal; lasting; perpetual; fortunate
Upendo wa kweli huwa halida.
True love is enduring.
/haˈlifa/
English: Caliph; religious leader after the Prophet
Halifa aliwaongoza waumini kwa hekima.
The caliph led the faithful with wisdom.
/haˈlifa/
English: Lead singer/leader in pungwa dances; "khalfa"
Halifa² alianzisha wimbo wa ngoma ya pungwa.
The lead started the pungwa dance song.
/haˈlifu/
English: To commit an offense; act against the law; disobey
Yeyote atakayeh alifu¹ ataadhibiwa.
Whoever breaks the law will be punished.
/haˈlifu/
English: To bequeath; to predecease leaving an heir
Baba alihalifu² mali kwa watoto wake.
The father left property to his children.
/haliˈgamu/
English: Cross-beam holding lower planks of a boat
Fundi alibana haligamu kabla ya kuzindua jahazi.
The carpenter secured the cross-beam before launching the dhow.
Quick Learning Tips
Practice Pronunciation
Pay attention to the pronunciation guides to improve your speaking skills.
Use Example Sentences
Study the example sentences to understand how words are used in context.