Swahili
kirukanjia
kee-roo-kahn-JEE-ah
How to say it
Swahilikirukanjiakee-roo-kahn-JEE-ahsoon
Englishshrew, nightjarsoon
Frenchmusaraigne, engouleventsoon
Meaning
a small shrew-like animal, or a nightjar bird, both known for erratic, darting movement; figuratively, a restless or footloose person.
Good to know
The figurative sense describes someone who never settles or stays in one place.
Examples
- Paka alishika kirukanjia mlangoni.The cat caught a shrew at the doorway.
- Kirukanjia aliruka kutoka kwenye nyasi usiku.A nightjar flew up from the grass at night.
- Kijana yule ni kirukanjia, kamwe hakai sehemu moja.That young man is a restless soul, he never stays in one place.
- Je, umewahi kumsikia kirukanjia akilia usiku?Have you ever heard a nightjar calling at night?
Not yet checked by a native speaker.