Swahili
kitali
kee-TAH-lee
How to say it
Swahilikitalikee-TAH-leesoon
Englishsailcloth, ringsoon
Frenchtoile à voile, ringsoon
Meaning
canvas or sailcloth, a strong coarse fabric; in sport, a boxing ring.
Good to know
Two distinct senses depending on context: nautical fabric versus a boxing arena.
Examples
- Wavuvi walitumia kitali kutengeneza tanga la mashua.Fishermen used canvas to make the boat's sail.
- Bondia aliingia kwenye kitali tayari kwa pambano.The boxer entered the ring ready for the match.
- Kitali cha mashua kilichanika kwenye dhoruba.The boat's sailcloth tore in the storm.
- Mashabiki walizunguka kitali kushuhudia pambano.Fans crowded around the ring to watch the fight.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.