matata

How to say it

Meaning

Trouble or complications that make things hard, as in meeting trouble on a journey or causing trouble. In Tanzanian entertainment and sports news it also follows a noun to praise someone or something as impressive or formidable.

Good to know

Ma class noun used in the plural: kuleta matata, to cause trouble; hakuna matata, no problem. After a noun it works like an adjective and does not change: msanii matata, video matata.

Examples

• Hakuna matata, tutamaliza kazi hii kesho.No problem, we will finish this work tomorrow.
• Safari yetu ilikuwa na matata mengi njiani.Our trip had a lot of trouble along the way.
• Mshambuliaji huyo matata amefunga mabao matatu leo.That formidable striker has scored three goals today.

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