Swahili
merikebu
me-ri-KE-bu
How to say it
Swahilimerikebume-ri-KE-busoon
Englishshipsoon
Frenchnaviresoon
Meaning
a large ocean-going ship or steamship, especially one of foreign build.
Good to know
merikebuni means aboard ship; contrasted with chombo (native vessel) and meli (steamship).
Examples
- Merikebu iliwasili bandarini jana.The ship arrived at the port yesterday.
- Je, safari ya merikebu itachukua muda gani?How long will the ship's voyage take?
- Hawakusafiri kwa merikebu wakati huo.They didn't travel by ship at that time.
- Abiria watapanda merikebu kesho asubuhi.The passengers will board the ship tomorrow morning.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.