Kamusi ya Kiswahili

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

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Bamvua¹

bam-vu-a

English: The sea tide during a full moon

Example (Swahili):

Bamvua kubwa iliwakuta wavuvi baharini.

Example (English):

A high tide caught the fishermen at sea.

Bamvua²

bam-vu-a

English: A parasite that lives on the body of fish

Example (Swahili):

Samaki huyu ana bamvua mwilini mwake.

Example (English):

This fish has a parasite on its body.

Bana¹

ba-na

English: To press together; to squeeze tightly

Example (Swahili):

Alimbana mkono kwa nguvu.

Example (English):

He squeezed his hand tightly.

Bana²

ba-na

English: A special tool used for lighting a fire, e.g., in a laboratory

Example (Swahili):

Fundi alitumia bana kuwasha moto maabara.

Example (English):

The technician used the tool to light a fire in the laboratory.

Banadiri

ba-na-di-ri

English: The coast of Somalia

Example (Swahili):

Safari yao iliishia Banadiri.

Example (English):

Their journey ended at the Somali coast.

Banagiri

ba-na-gi-ri

English: See bangili (bracelet)

Example (Swahili):

Mwanamke alivaa banagiri mkononi.

Example (English):

The woman wore a bracelet on her arm.

Banana

ba-na-na

English: To be crowded together in one place; to jostle

Example (Swahili):

Abiria walibanana ndani ya basi dogo.

Example (English):

Passengers crowded together inside the small bus.

Bananga

ba-nan-ga

English: To ruin, spoil, mess up

Example (Swahili):

Ali bananga mpango mzima kwa uzembe wake.

Example (English):

He ruined the whole plan with his carelessness.

Banati

ba-na-ti

English: A girl; a maiden; a daughter

Example (Swahili):

Banati walicheza michezo shuleni.

Example (English):

The girls played games at school.

Banda

ban-da

English: A shed or building for storing animals or things

Example (Swahili):

Kondoo waliwekwa ndani ya banda.

Example (English):

The sheep were kept in the shed.

Bandali

ban-da-li

English: A bundle of things tied together; a package

Example (Swahili):

Alileta bandali ya kuni nyumbani.

Example (English):

He brought a bundle of firewood home.

Bandama²

ban-da-ma

English: To be able to stick or hold; to have the ability to adhere

Example (Swahili):

Gundi hii inabandama vizuri.

Example (English):

This glue adheres well.

Bandamana²

ban-da-ma-na

English: To cling to one another; to be united

Example (Swahili):

Vijana walibandamana kwa mshikamano.

Example (English):

The youth stuck together in unity.

Bandari¹

ban-da-ri

English: A harbor or seaport where ships dock

Example (Swahili):

Bandari ya Mombasa ni lango kuu la biashara.

Example (English):

The Port of Mombasa is the main gateway for trade.

Bandari²

ban-da-ri

English: Payment given to sailors when a merchant goes on a long voyage

Example (Swahili):

Mabaharia walilipwa bandari kabla ya safari ndefu.

Example (English):

The sailors were paid before the long voyage.

Bandi

ban-di

English: A temporary stitch; a basting stitch

Example (Swahili):

Fundi alitumia bandi kabla ya kushona vizuri.

Example (English):

The tailor used a basting stitch before sewing properly.

Bandia¹

ban-di-a

English: Not genuine; false; fake

Example (Swahili):

Aliuziwa dawa bandia.

Example (English):

He was sold fake medicine.

Bandia²

ban-di-a

English: Anything false; an imitation

Example (Swahili):

Saa hii ni bandia si ya kweli.

Example (English):

This watch is an imitation, not real.

Bandika¹

ban-di-ka

English: To glue or stick; to place something on top; to cling to

Example (Swahili):

Alibandika picha ukutani.

Example (English):

He stuck a picture on the wall.

Bandika²

ban-di-ka

English: To buy something on installments

Example (Swahili):

Alibandika kitanda dukani.

Example (English):

He bought the bed on installments.

Quick Learning Tips
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