kukumbana
koo-koo-MBAH-nah
How to say it
Swahilikukumbanakoo-koo-MBAH-nah
Englishto encounter, to run into, to face
Frenchrencontrer, se heurter à, faire face à
Meaning
To meet with something, usually a difficulty or danger, often without expecting it: problems, opposition, a disease or bad roads.
Good to know
Used with na: kukumbana na changamoto, to face challenges; kukumbana nayo, to face it. The thing met is usually unpleasant.
Examples
- Tulikumbana na foleni kubwa njiani.We ran into heavy traffic on the way.
- Wanafunzi wanakumbana na changamoto nyingi vijijini.Students face many challenges in the villages.
- Hatukutarajia kukumbana na mvua hiyo.We did not expect to run into that rain.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.