debe
DEH-beh
How to say it
SwahilidebeDEH-behsoon
Meaning
A large square tin, about twenty liters, used to carry and measure water, grain or other goods. Kupigia debe, literally to beat a tin for, means to promote or campaign for someone or something.
Good to know
Ji/ma class noun, plural madebe: debe la mahindi, a tin of maize. Mpiga debe is a tout who calls passengers onto buses.
Examples
- Mama alibeba debe la maji kichwani.The mother carried a tin of water on her head.
- Alinunua madebe mawili ya mchele.She bought two tins of rice.
- Mbunge alikuja kumpigia debe mgombea wa chama.The MP came to campaign for the party’s candidate.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.