kuvalia
koo-vah-LEE-ah
How to say it
Swahilikuvaliakoo-vah-LEE-ah
Englishto wear, to dress in; to put on
Frenchporter, être vêtu de; mettre
Meaning
To wear clothes, shoes or jewelry, or to be dressed in a particular way; it often stresses what someone chose to wear for an occasion.
Good to know
The applicative of kuvaa, to wear, and used in much the same way: kuvalia jezi, kuvalia pete. It is more common in Kenyan Swahili; the passive kuvaliwa is used of clothes being worn.
Examples
- Bibi harusi alivalia gauni jeupe.The bride wore a white gown.
- Wachezaji walivalia jezi mpya za timu.The players wore the team’s new jerseys.
- Ni vizuri kuvalia nguo nzito wakati wa baridi.It is good to wear heavy clothes in the cold season.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.