kubana
koo-BAH-nah
How to say it
Swahilikubanakoo-BAH-nahsoon
Frenchserrer, presser; être serré; restreindresoon
Meaning
To press something hard between two things, to fit too tightly, or to put strict limits on something.
Good to know
Nguo inanibana means the clothes are too tight on me; kubana matumizi is to cut spending, and kubana demokrasia to restrict democracy. The passive kubanwa means to be squeezed or pressed.
Examples
- Viatu hivi vipya vinanibana miguu.These new shoes are pinching my feet.
- Familia imeamua kubana matumizi mwaka huu.The family has decided to cut spending this year.
- Mlango ulimbana kidole alipoufunga.The door caught his finger when he shut it.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.