Kamusi ya Kiswahili

Learn Swahili with our comprehensive dictionary featuring pronunciation guides and example sentences

ki-ma-tu

English: Fear or worry about what may happen; anxiety

Example (Swahili):

Alijawa na kimatu kabla ya mtihani.

Example (English):

He was filled with anxiety before the exam.

ki-mau

English: A shirt without a collar

Example (Swahili):

Alivaa kimau cha samawati.

Example (English):

He wore a blue collarless shirt.

kim-ba

English: The body of a dead person; a corpse

Example (Swahili):

Walizika kimba kijijini kwao.

Example (English):

They buried the corpse in their village.

kim-ba

English: A lump of excrement from a human or animal

Example (Swahili):

Alikanyaga kimba njiani.

Example (English):

He stepped on dung along the path.

kim-ba

English: See gimba¹

Example (Swahili):

Jiwe kubwa hilo ni kimba³.

Example (English):

That big stone is a kimba³.

kim-ba-ka

English: A small stick used to pick food or dirt from between the teeth; a toothpick

Example (Swahili):

Alitumia kimbaka kusafisha meno yake.

Example (English):

He used a toothpick to clean his teeth.

kim-ba-kim-ba

English: In a state of unconsciousness; unaware

Example (Swahili):

Baada ya ajali, alibaki kimbakimba¹ barabarani.

Example (English):

After the accident, he lay unconscious on the road.

kim-ba-kim-ba

English: Hastily; quickly

Example (Swahili):

Walikimbia kimbakimba waliposikia mlipuko.

Example (English):

They ran quickly when they heard the explosion.

kim-ba-um-bau

English: A person who frequently changes their statements; inconsistent

Example (Swahili):

Si rahisi kumwamini kimbaumbau¹.

Example (English):

It's not easy to trust someone inconsistent.

kim-ba-um-bau

English: A tall and skinny person; often derogatory

Example (Swahili):

Wenzake humcheka kwa kumwita kimbaumbau².

Example (English):

His friends mock him by calling him a lanky fellow.

kim-ba-um-bau

English: A chameleon

Example (Swahili):

Kwenye mti kulikuwa na kimbaumbau³ akibadilisha rangi.

Example (English):

On the tree, there was a chameleon changing color.

kim-be-le-m-be-le

English: The behavior of pushing oneself forward in matters; forwardness

Example (Swahili):

Tabia yake ya kimbelembele¹ huwakwaza wengine.

Example (English):

His forwardness annoys others.

kim-be-le-m-be-le

English: A person who likes to push themselves forward in matters

Example (Swahili):

Yeye ni kimbelembele² anayependa kujitia mbele.

Example (English):

He is a pushy person who likes to put himself forward.

kim-be-le-m-be-le

English: A meddler; someone who involves themselves in matters that don't concern them

Example (Swahili):

Kimbelembele³ aliingilia mazungumzo yasiyomhusu.

Example (English):

The meddler interrupted a conversation that didn't concern him.

kim-bem-be

English: A state of confusion, turmoil, or disturbance

Example (Swahili):

Kimbembe kilizuka sokoni baada ya vurugu.

Example (English):

Chaos broke out in the market after the commotion.

kim-bia

English: To run; to flee; to leave quickly

Example (Swahili):

Walikimbia kuokoa maisha yao.

Example (English):

They ran to save their lives.

kim-bi-ji

English: A type of dhow or sailing boat used for trade

Example (Swahili):

Biashara ilifanyika kwa kutumia kimbiji.

Example (English):

Trade was carried out using a kimbiji boat.

kim-bi-lia

English: To run towards; to seek refuge; to pursue help

Example (Swahili):

Alikimbilia kanisani kupata msaada.

Example (English):

He ran to the church to seek help.

kim-bi-lio

English: A place of safety or refuge

Example (Swahili):

Watoto walipata kimbilio kwenye shule.

Example (English):

The children found refuge in the school.

kim-bim-bi

English: A type of small rash caused by cold

Example (Swahili):

Mtoto alipata kimbimbi kwa sababu ya baridi kali.

Example (English):

The child developed a rash due to severe cold.

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