indimi

balehe

bah-LEH-heh

How to say it

Swahilibalehebah-LEH-heh
Englishpuberty; adolescence
Frenchpuberté ; adolescence

Meaning

The stage of life when a child’s body changes into an adult’s and becomes able to have children.

Good to know

N class noun: kipindi cha balehe, the time of puberty. The verb is kubalehe, to reach puberty; for girls kuvunja ungo is also said.

Examples

  • Wasichana wengi hufikia balehe mapema siku hizi.Many girls reach puberty early these days.
  • Mabadiliko ya sauti ni dalili ya balehe kwa wavulana.A change of voice is a sign of puberty in boys.
  • Wazazi wanapaswa kuwaandaa watoto kabla ya balehe.Parents should prepare children before puberty.

Forms

mbalehe

Not yet checked by a native speaker.

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