mbadala
mbah-DAH-lah
How to say it
Swahilimbadalambah-DAH-lah
Englishalternative, substitute, replacement
Frenchalternative, remplaçant, substitut
Meaning
Something or someone that can be used or put in place of another; after a noun it means alternative.
Good to know
Does not change with the noun: njia mbadala, an alternative way; nishati mbadala, alternative energy. As a noun, mbadala wa is the replacement for; the plural mibadala is found in writing.
Examples
- Tunatafuta njia mbadala ya kufika mjini.We are looking for an alternative way to get to town.
- Kocha bado hajapata mbadala wa beki huyo.The coach has not yet found a replacement for that defender.
- Nishati mbadala inasaidia kulinda mazingira.Alternative energy helps protect the environment.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.