kukesha
koo-KEH-shah
How to say it
Swahilikukeshakoo-KEH-shah
Englishto stay up all night, to keep vigil
Frenchveiller, passer une nuit blanche
Meaning
To stay awake through the night, for prayer, to guard something, to work, or for a celebration or wake.
Good to know
Takes no object; usiku mzima often follows (kukesha usiku mzima). Kesha is an all night vigil or wake; mkesha is a night prayer service.
Examples
- Walikesha usiku mzima wakimwombea mgonjwa.They stayed up the whole night praying for the sick man.
- Wanafunzi walikesha wakijiandaa kwa mtihani.The students stayed up all night preparing for the exam.
- Walinzi hukesha kulinda mali ya kampuni.The guards stay awake at night to protect the company’s property.
Forms
Not yet checked by a native speaker.