kumenyana
koo-meh-NYAH-nah
How to say it
Swahilikumenyanakoo-meh-NYAH-nahsoon
Englishto clash, to compete; to wrestlesoon
Frenchs'affronter, rivaliser; luttersoon
Meaning
To fight or wrestle with each other; in sports and election reporting, to meet an opponent in a contest.
Good to know
Mostly with na: kumenyana na Kenya, to face Kenya. It is a reciprocal verb, so two sides are always involved; kuvaana is used the same way in sports reports.
Examples
- Tanzania itamenyana na Uganda wiki ijayo.Tanzania will face Uganda next week.
- Wagombea hao wawili watamenyana katika uchaguzi.The two candidates will compete in the election.
- Vijana walikuwa wanamenyana uwanjani kwa mchezo.The young men were wrestling in the yard for fun.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.