Swahili
mpingo
m-PEEN-go
How to say it
Swahilimpingom-PEEN-gosoon
Englishebony treesoon
Frenchébéniersoon
Meaning
the ebony tree, prized for its hard, black wood used in carving.
Good to know
mpingo wood is especially famous in Tanzania for carving sculptures.
Examples
- Fundi alichonga sanamu kwa mti wa mpingo.The craftsman carved a statue from ebony wood.
- Mpingo ni mti wa thamani sana.The mpingo tree is very valuable.
- Je, sanamu hii imetengenezwa kwa mpingo?Is this statue made of ebony?
- Wachongaji wengi hutumia mpingo.Many carvers use ebony.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.