Swahili
mrembe
m-REM-beh
How to say it
Swahilimrembem-REM-behsoon
Englishwooden spearsoon
Frenchlance de boissoon
Meaning
a wooden spear with a sharp point; historically also used for the spiked German military helmet worn in Tanganyika.
Good to know
the helmet sense is a historical/archaic usage from the German colonial period.
Examples
- Mrembe ulitumika kuwinda zamani.The spear was used for hunting in the old days.
- Askari wa Kijerumani walivaa mrembe vichwani.German soldiers wore spiked helmets on their heads.
- Je, mrembe huu ulitengenezwa na nani?Who made this spear?
- Mrembe ule ulikuwa mkali sana.That spear was very sharp.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.