kupungukiwa
koo-poo-ngoo-KEE-wah
How to say it
Swahilikupungukiwakoo-poo-ngoo-KEE-wah
Englishto run short of, to lack
Frenchmanquer de, être à court de
Meaning
To have less of something than one needs, such as money, water or blood.
Good to know
The person or place that lacks is the subject and the missing thing follows, often with na: tumepungukiwa na fedha, we have run short of money. Kupungukiwa damu is to be anemic.
Examples
- Hospitali imepungukiwa na dawa.The hospital has run short of medicine.
- Wanafunzi wengi wamepungukiwa madaftari.Many pupils are short of exercise books.
- Kama unapungukiwa damu, kula mboga za majani.If you are anemic, eat green vegetables.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.