kukaribia
koo-kah-ree-BEE-ah
How to say it
Swahilikukaribiakoo-kah-ree-BEE-ahsoon
Englishto approach, to come near; to be nearlysoon
Frenchs’approcher de ; être sur le point desoon
Meaning
To come closer to a place, a person or a time; followed by another verb, to be close to doing it.
Good to know
Takes its object directly: kukaribia mji, to approach the town. Before an infinitive it means almost: alikaribia kuanguka, he nearly fell. Karibu means near.
Examples
- Mvua ilianza tulipokaribia kijiji.The rain started as we approached the village.
- Siku ya harusi inakaribia.The wedding day is approaching.
- Alikaribia kushinda mbio hizo.He nearly won the race.
The same word in
Not yet checked by a native speaker.