kunasa
koo-NAH-sah
How to say it
Swahilikunasakoo-NAH-sah
Englishto catch, to trap; to seize, to secure
Frenchattraper, piéger; saisir, décrocher
Meaning
To catch an animal or a person with a trap or by surprise; also to get hold of something, such as the ball in a game, a signature or a smuggled load.
Good to know
Takes its object directly; the passive kunaswa, to be caught, is common in crime news. In sport, kunasa saini ya mchezaji is to sign a player.
Examples
- Mtego huu unaweza kunasa panya wengi.This trap can catch many rats.
- Polisi wamenasa shehena ya dawa za kulevya.The police have seized a consignment of drugs.
- Kipa alinasa mpira kwa ustadi mkubwa.The keeper caught the ball with great skill.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.