indimi

kulilia

koo-lee-LEE-ah

How to say it

Swahilikuliliakoo-lee-LEE-ahsoon
Englishto weep for, to mourn; to cry out forsoon
Frenchpleurer (quelqu’un), regretter; réclamersoon

Meaning

To weep over someone or something, as mourners weep for a dead leader. Figuratively, to cry out for something one badly wants, such as justice or rights.

Good to know

Applicative of kulia, to cry, so the person or thing mourned is the object: kumlilia marehemu, to mourn the deceased. Kulilia haki, to cry out for justice.

Examples

  • Taifa zima lilimlilia rais wake wa kwanza.The whole nation mourned its first president.
  • Wakulima wanalilia bei nzuri ya mazao yao.The farmers are crying out for a good price for their crops.
  • Mtoto alianza kulilia maziwa usiku.The baby started crying for milk in the night.

The same word in

Forms

lilia

Not yet checked by a native speaker.

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