indimi

kusubiri

koo-soo-BEE-ree

How to say it

Swahilikusubirikoo-soo-BEE-ree
Englishto wait, to wait for
Frenchattendre

Meaning

To stay where one is, or to hold off acting, until someone arrives or something happens.

Good to know

It takes the thing awaited directly: kusubiri basi, to wait for the bus. Subiri kidogo! means wait a moment; subira is patience.

Examples

  • Tulisubiri basi kwa saa mbili.We waited for the bus for two hours.
  • Subiri hapa, nitarudi sasa hivi.Wait here, I will be right back.
  • Hatupendi kusubiri foleni ndefu benki.We do not like waiting in long queues at the bank.

The same word in

Forms

wasubiri

Not yet checked by a native speaker.

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