indimi

kutatiza

koo-tah-TEE-zah

How to say it

Swahilikutatizakoo-tah-TEE-zahsoon
Englishto complicate, to hinder, to disruptsoon
Frenchcompliquer, entraver, perturbersoon

Meaning

To make something difficult or confusing, or to get in its way so that it cannot go on smoothly.

Good to know

Takes what is hindered as object: mvua ilitatiza usafiri, the rain disrupted transport; kutatiza uhusiano, to strain relations. It is especially common in Kenyan news.

Examples

  • Mvua kubwa ilitatiza usafiri jijini.Heavy rain disrupted transport in the city.
  • Mgogoro huo unaweza kutatiza uhusiano wa nchi hizo.That dispute could strain relations between those countries.
  • Ukosefu wa umeme umetatiza shughuli za hospitali.The power cut has disrupted the hospital's work.

Forms

tatiza

Not yet checked by a native speaker.

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