bubu

How to say it

Meaning

A person who cannot speak, and as a describing word, mute or silent. In news it also describes something unofficial and hidden, such as an illegal port or factory.

Good to know

For a person it takes m/wa agreement: bubu huyu, mabubu. After a noun it does not change: bandari bubu, an unofficial landing place used for smuggling; kiwanda bubu, an illegal factory. The spelling bubwi points here.

Examples

• Mtoto huyu ni bubu lakini anasikia vizuri.This child is mute but hears well.
• Watu bubu huwasiliana kwa lugha ya alama.Mute people communicate in sign language.
• Polisi wamefunga bandari bubu tano za magendo.The police have closed five illegal smuggling ports.

The same word in

Forms

bubwi