licha

How to say it

Meaning

not only, let alone — used to add emphasis when comparing two things.

Good to know

Common in the pattern licha ya... (let alone..., not to mention...).

Examples

• Licha ya kuwa maskini, alikuwa mkarimu.Despite being poor, he was generous.
• Hana hata pesa ya mkate, licha ya gari.He doesn't even have money for bread, let alone a car.
• Licha ya mvua, walicheza mpira.Despite the rain, they played football.
• Licha ya kuchoka, aliendelea kufanya kazi.Even though tired, he kept working.