mbigili
mbee-GEE-lee
How to say it
Swahilimbigilimbee-GEE-lee
Englishthorny weed, puncture vine; thistle
Frenchherbe épineuse, croix-de-Malte ; chardon
Meaning
A low creeping weed whose fruits carry sharp spines that stick in feet and tires. In Bible translations it stands for thistles and thorns.
Good to know
N class, same form in the plural. Also spelled mbigiri.
Examples
- Mtoto alikanyaga mbigili akaumia mguu.The child stepped on a thorny weed and hurt his foot.
- Shamba lililotelekezwa limejaa mbigili.The abandoned field is full of thorny weeds.
- Mkulima aling'oa mbigili kabla ya kupanda mahindi.The farmer pulled out the thorny weeds before planting maize.
Forms
Not yet checked by a native speaker.