kushtua
koo-SHTOO-ah
How to say it
Swahilikushtuakoo-SHTOO-ah
Englishto shock, to startle, to alarm
Frenchchoquer, surprendre, alarmer
Meaning
To give someone a sudden fright or surprise, or to upset people with unexpected bad news.
Good to know
Takes an object: habari zilimshtua, the news shocked him. -a kushtua means shocking: jambo la kushtua. The passive kushtushwa is to be shocked.
Examples
- Habari za ajali zilimshtua kila mtu.The news of the accident shocked everyone.
- Kelele za ghafla zilimshtua mtoto usingizini.The sudden noise startled the child from sleep.
- Idadi ya vifo ni ya kushtua.The number of deaths is shocking.
Forms
Not yet checked by a native speaker.