Kamusi ya Kiswahili
Learn Swahili with our comprehensive dictionary featuring pronunciation guides and example sentences
/ya/
English: A connective word (especially in the li-/ya- class); also an expression of surprise (often with "Mungu" or "Rabi")
Ya Mungu ni mengi.
God's ways are many.
/yaa/
English: To lie down, rest, or stretch out
Mtoto alikaa chini na kuyaa.
The child sat down and rested.
/yaˈani/
English: That is to say; meaning; in other words
Yaani, unamaanisha hatutoki leo?
Meaning, you're saying we're not going out today?
/yaˈbisi/
English: Dry; hardened; stiff
Udongo umekuwa yabisi baada ya jua kali.
The soil became dry after the strong sun.
/yabiˈsika/
English: To become dry; harden
Mfinyanzi anangoja udongo yabisike.
The potter waits for the clay to harden.
/ˈyadi/
English: A unit of length equal to 3 feet or 36 inches
Alipima kitambaa cha yadi mbili.
He measured two yards of cloth.
/yaeˈlekɛa/
English: Perhaps; maybe; possibly
Yaelekea mvua itanyesha leo.
It looks like it might rain today.
/yaguˈjul/
English: Impossible! Expression of disbelief or disdain
Yagujul! Huwezi kuwa umemaliza kazi yote.
Impossible! You can't have finished all the work.
/ˈyahe/
English: My brother or friend; also used for ordinary people
Yahe, umekuwa wapi siku hizi?
My friend, where have you been lately?
/yaˈhomi/
English: A call signaling a ship's approach; also means "ahead" or "forward"
Nahodha alipiga kelele, "Yahomi!"
The captain shouted, "Ahead!"
/yaˈhudi/
English: A Jewish person
Yesu alizaliwa katika ukoo wa Wayahudi.
Jesus was born among the Jews.
/yai/
English: Egg (of birds, fish, etc.); also means zero (in score)
Kuku ametaga yai leo asubuhi.
The chicken laid an egg this morning.
/ˈyake/
English: His, hers, or its (possessive adjective or pronoun)
Kitabu chake kiko mezani.
His book is on the table.
/ˈyakhe/
English: See "yahe" (brother or friend)
Yakhe wangu aliniita jana.
My brother called me yesterday.
/yaˈkini/
English: Certain, true, or clear; surely, certainly
Nina yakini kwamba atafanikiwa.
I am certain he will succeed.
/yaˈtima/
English: Orphan
Mtoto yatima alipewa makao mapya.
The orphaned child was given a new home.
/yaʋuˈyaʋu/
English: Sponge; also a type of fish resembling a net
Alitumia yavuyavu kuosha sahani.
He used a sponge to wash the plates.
/jawezeˈkana/
English: It is possible; perhaps
Yawezekana tutakutana kesho.
It's possible we'll meet tomorrow.
/ˈjaja/
English: A child's nanny, usually female
Yaya alimlisha mtoto chakula.
The nanny fed the child.
/jajataˈka/
English: To become frightened; to suffer pain
Mtoto aliyayataka baada ya kusikia kelele.
The child became frightened after hearing the noise.
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