kulipuka
koo-lee-POO-kah
How to say it
Swahilikulipukakoo-lee-POO-kah
Englishto explode, to burst
Frenchexploser, éclater
Meaning
To blow apart suddenly with force and noise, as a bomb, a gas tank or a tire does; also used of anger or conflict that breaks out.
Good to know
The noun is mlipuko, explosion or outbreak (mlipuko wa ugonjwa). The causative kulipua is to blow up something; hasira ya kulipuka is a quick temper.
Examples
- Tangi la gesi lililipuka jikoni.The gas tank exploded in the kitchen.
- Bomu lililipuka karibu na soko.A bomb exploded near the market.
- Tairi la basi lililipuka njiani.A tire of the bus burst on the road.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.