kusumbua
koo-soo-MBOO-ah
How to say it
Swahilikusumbuakoo-soo-MBOO-ah
Englishto bother, to trouble, to disturb
Frenchdéranger, importuner, tracasser
Meaning
To cause someone worry, pain or annoyance, or to interrupt what they are doing.
Good to know
Takes its object directly: usinisumbue, don’t bother me; kichwa kinanisumbua, I have a headache. Kusumbuliwa is to be troubled, and usumbufu is a nuisance.
Examples
- Kelele za gari zinatusumbua usiku.The noise of cars bothers us at night.
- Samahani kwa kukusumbua mapema hivi.Sorry to disturb you so early.
- Tatizo hili limekuwa likiwasumbua wakulima.This problem has been troubling the farmers.
Forms
Not yet checked by a native speaker.