Swahili
kitinitini
kee-tee-nee-TEE-nee
How to say it
Swahilikitinitinikee-tee-nee-TEE-neesoon
Englishfrightsoon
Frenchfrayeursoon
Meaning
a great fright or scare; a state of confusion caused by sudden alarm.
Good to know
Colloquial, intensifying expression.
Examples
- Alipata kitinitini alipoona nyoka chumbani.He got a real scare when he saw a snake in the room.
- Habari ile ilimtia kitinitini cha kutosha.That news gave him quite a fright.
- Watoto walipata kitinitini waliposikia kishindo cha radi.The children got a scare when they heard the thunderclap.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.