Kamusi ya Kiswahili

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

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pembua

/pemˈbua/

English: To separate grain from the husk

Example (Swahili):

Alipembua mahindi baada ya kuvuna.

Example (English):

She separated the maize from the husks after harvest.

pena¹

/ˈpena/

English: To steer a boat or turn using an oar

Example (Swahili):

Mvuvi alipena mashua kuelekea pwani.

Example (English):

The fisherman steered the boat toward the shore.

pena²

/ˈpena/

English: To inherit something from another

Example (Swahili):

Alipena mali ya baba yake.

Example (English):

He inherited his father's property.

pena³

/ˈpena/

English: To hit a ball purposely to irritate someone

Example (Swahili):

Alipena mpira kwa makusudi kumkera mwenzake.

Example (English):

He hit the ball intentionally to annoy his friend.

penalti

/peˈnalti/

English: A penalty in sports; or a punishment

Example (Swahili):

Timu ilipata penalti baada ya wachezaji kufanyiwa madhambi.

Example (English):

The team received a penalty after the players were fouled.

penda

/ˈpenda/

English: To like, love, or prefer

Example (Swahili):

Napenda kusoma vitabu vya historia.

Example (English):

I love reading history books.

pendapendapo

/pendaˈpendapo/

English: Someone indecisive in love; fickle-minded

Example (Swahili):

Yeye ni pendapendapo, leo anapenda huyu kesho yule.

Example (English):

He's fickle in love—today he loves one, tomorrow another.

pendea

/penˈdea/

English: To desire or like something for a reason

Example (Swahili):

Alipendea gari kwa sababu ya rangi yake.

Example (English):

He liked the car because of its color.

pendeka

/penˈdeka/

English: To be likable or lovable

Example (Swahili):

Tabia yake nzuri inamfanya apendeke kwa wote.

Example (English):

His good character makes him likable to everyone.

pendekeza

/pendeˈkeza/

English: To suggest or recommend

Example (Swahili):

Alipendekeza tuanze kazi mapema.

Example (English):

He suggested we start work early.

pendekezo

/pendeˈkezo/

English: Suggestion or proposal

Example (Swahili):

Pendekezo lake lilikubaliwa na wote.

Example (English):

His proposal was accepted by everyone.

pendelea¹

/pendeˈlea/

English: To favor unfairly

Example (Swahili):

Usipendelee mwanao darasani.

Example (English):

Don't favor your own child in class.

pendelea²

/pendeˈlea/

English: To prefer; to choose one thing over another

Example (Swahili):

Napendelea chai kuliko kahawa.

Example (English):

I prefer tea to coffee.

pendeza

/penˈdeza/

English: To please or attract; to make beautiful

Example (Swahili):

Mavazi yake yalipendeza kila mtu.

Example (English):

Her outfit pleased everyone.

pendo

/ˈpendo/

English: Love; affection

Example (Swahili):

Pendo ni kitu muhimu katika maisha.

Example (English):

Love is an important thing in life.

penga¹

/ˈpeŋa/

English: To blow one's nose or clear the nostrils

Example (Swahili):

Alipenga pua kwa kitambaa.

Example (English):

He blew his nose with a handkerchief.

penga²

/ˈpeŋa/

English: A flute or whistle

Example (Swahili):

Alipiga penga kuwaita watoto.

Example (English):

He blew the whistle to call the children.

pengee

/peˈŋee/

English: A gap or space through which to enter

Example (Swahili):

Alipitia kwenye pengee dogo ukutani.

Example (English):

He passed through a small gap in the wall.

pengine¹

/peˈŋine/

English: Maybe; perhaps

Example (Swahili):

Pengine ataenda kesho.

Example (English):

Maybe he'll go tomorrow.

pengine²

/peˈŋine/

English: Elsewhere; in another place

Example (Swahili):

Amehamia pengine kufanya kazi mpya.

Example (English):

He has moved elsewhere for a new job.

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