Kamusi ya Kiswahili

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

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Bakara²

ba-ka-ra

English: Virginity; the state of not having had sexual relations

Example (Swahili):

Alijivunia bakara yake.

Example (English):

She was proud of her virginity.

Bakari

ba-ka-ri

English: Cow; cattle

Example (Swahili):

Bakari walikuwa wakilishwa malishoni.

Example (English):

The cows were being grazed.

Bakarikichwa

ba-ka-ri-ki-chwa

English: A type of small sardine

Example (Swahili):

Wavuvi walikamata bakarikichwa baharini.

Example (English):

The fishermen caught small sardines in the sea.

Bakaya¹

ba-ka-ya

English: A type of hyena; an animal resembling a hyena

Example (Swahili):

Waliona bakaya jangwani usiku.

Example (English):

They saw a hyena-like animal in the desert at night.

Bakaya²

ba-ka-ya

English: See bakaa (remains, residue)

Example (Swahili):

Bakaya ya chakula ilitolewa nje.

Example (English):

The food remains were thrown out.

Bakhili

ba-khi-li

English: See bahili (a stingy person)

Example (Swahili):

Jirani huyu ni bakhili na hataki kusaidia yeyote.

Example (English):

This neighbor is stingy and refuses to help anyone.

Baki¹

ba-ki

English: To remain; to be left

Example (Swahili):

Chakula kimebaki mezani.

Example (English):

Food remained on the table.

Baki²

ba-ki

English: Something remaining; balance

Example (Swahili):

Nipe baki ya shilingi kumi tafadhali.

Example (English):

Please give me the change of ten shillings.

Baki³

ba-ki

English: Strange; unrelated

Example (Swahili):

Alikuja na maneno baki yasiyoeleweka.

Example (English):

He came with strange words that made no sense.

Baki⁴

ba-ki

English: Remaining amount of money

Example (Swahili):

Alitoa baki ya deni lake leo.

Example (English):

He paid the remaining balance of his debt today.

Baki⁵

ba-ki

English: The remainder in mathematics

Example (Swahili):

Mgawanyo huu una baki ya tano.

Example (English):

This division has a remainder of five.

Bakia

ba-ki-a

English: To remain; to stay

Example (Swahili):

Alibakia shuleni baada ya wengine kuondoka.

Example (English):

He remained at school after the others had left.

Bakili

ba-ki-li

English: See bakali² (plants used as vegetables)

Example (Swahili):

Shamba limejaa bakili safi.

Example (English):

The farm is full of fresh vegetables.

Bakisha

ba-ki-sha

English: To save; to leave remaining

Example (Swahili):

Alibakisha chakula kwa ajili ya kesho.

Example (English):

He saved food for tomorrow.

Bakiza

ba-ki-za

English: See bakisha (to save, leave)

Example (Swahili):

Mama alibakiza ugali kwa mtoto.

Example (English):

Mother left some ugali for the child.

Bako

ba-ko

English: A cubit; a measure of the arm

Example (Swahili):

Kamba ilikua na urefu wa bako tatu.

Example (English):

The rope was three cubits long.

Bakoli

ba-ko-li

English: A small metal item used to fasten a belt

Example (Swahili):

Alipoteza bakoli la mkanda wake.

Example (English):

He lost the buckle of his belt.

Bakora¹

ba-ko-ra

English: A walking stick with a curved end

Example (Swahili):

Mzee alitembea akitumia bakora.

Example (English):

The elder walked using a curved stick.

Bakora²

ba-ko-ra

English: A stroke of the stick; a beating

Example (Swahili):

Mtoto alipigwa bakora darasani.

Example (English):

The child was beaten with a stick in class.

Bakora³

ba-ko-ra

English: A gift or blessing given by a father

Example (Swahili):

Baba alimpa mwanawe bakora kabla ya kusafiri.

Example (English):

The father gave his son a blessing before he traveled.

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