balbu

How to say it

Meaning

The glass bulb of an electric lamp, which gives light when the current passes through it.

Good to know

Plural stays balbu (n class): balbu mbili, two bulbs. Kubadilisha balbu is to change a bulb; the word comes from English bulb.

Examples

• Balbu ya jikoni imeungua, tunahitaji mpya.The kitchen bulb has burned out; we need a new one.
• Alipanda juu ya kiti kubadilisha balbu.He climbed on a chair to change the bulb.
• Balbu hizi zinatumia umeme kidogo sana.These bulbs use very little electricity.