Swahili
mabawabu
mah-bah-WAH-boo
How to say it
Swahilimabawabumah-bah-WAH-boosoon
Englishdoorkeeperssoon
Frenchportierssoon
Meaning
Doorkeepers, gatekeepers, or porters.
Good to know
Plural of bawabu (class 9/6 person noun, Arabic loan; takes human/wa- agreement).
Examples
- Mabawabu wa jumba hilo walikagua kila mgeni.The building's doorkeepers checked every visitor.
- Je, mabawabu hao wanafanya kazi usiku pia?Do those doorkeepers also work at night?
- Mabawabu wengi hawakumruhusu kuingia bila kadi.Many doorkeepers did not allow him in without a card.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.