indimi

kuchelewesha

koo-cheh-leh-WEH-shah

How to say it

Swahilikucheleweshakoo-cheh-leh-WEH-shah
Englishto delay, to hold up
Frenchretarder, faire traîner

Meaning

To make something or someone late, or to put off doing something so that it happens later than it should.

Good to know

The causative of kuchelewa, to be late. It takes a direct object: kuchelewesha kesi, to delay a case; kuchelewesha mishahara, to hold up salaries.

Examples

  • Msongamano wa magari ulituchelewesha kazini.The traffic jam made us late for work.
  • Usicheleweshe malipo ya wafanyakazi.Do not delay the workers' payments.
  • Mvua ilichelewesha kuanza kwa mchezo.The rain delayed the start of the match.

The same word in

Forms

chelewesha

Not yet checked by a native speaker.

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