kupumua
koo-poo-MOO-ah
How to say it
Swahilikupumuakoo-poo-MOO-ahsoon
Englishto breathe; to take a breather, to restsoon
Frenchrespirer; souffler, se reposersoon
Meaning
To take air into the body and let it out again through the nose or mouth; figuratively, to get a short rest from pressure or work.
Good to know
Intransitive: anapumua kwa shida, he is breathing with difficulty. Mashine ya kupumulia is a ventilator; pumzi is breath.
Examples
- Mgonjwa anapumua kwa shida tangu jana.The patient has been breathing with difficulty since yesterday.
- Vuta pumzi ndefu na upumue polepole.Take a deep breath and breathe out slowly.
- Baada ya mitihani, wanafunzi sasa wanaweza kupumua.After the exams, the students can now take a breather.
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