kutambua
koo-tah-MBOO-ah
How to say it
Swahilikutambuakoo-tah-MBOO-ah
Englishto recognize, to identify; to realize
Meaning
To know who or what someone or something is, to accept something officially, or to become aware of a fact.
Good to know
It takes what is recognized as object: kumtambua mtu, to recognize someone. Kutambua kuwa is to realize that; kitambulisho, an identity card, comes from it.
Examples
- Nilimtambua mara moja kwa sauti yake.I recognized him at once by his voice.
- Serikali imetambua mchango wa walimu.The government has recognized the teachers' contribution.
- Hakutambua kuwa amepoteza pochi yake.He did not realize that he had lost his wallet.
Forms
kutambuliwa (passive of kutambua, to recognize)
Not yet checked by a native speaker.