nanga
NAH-ngah
How to say it
SwahilinangaNAH-ngah
Englishanchor
Frenchancre
Meaning
A heavy metal hook lowered from a ship to hold it in place. Kung’oa nanga, to raise anchor, means to set off or begin, and kutia nanga means to anchor or dock.
Good to know
N class noun, plural also nanga. The figurative uses are common in news: ligi imeng'oa nanga, the league has kicked off.
Examples
- Meli ilitia nanga bandarini asubuhi.The ship dropped anchor in the harbor in the morning.
- Mabaharia waling'oa nanga na kuanza safari.The sailors raised the anchor and set off.
- Ligi kuu itang'oa nanga mwezi ujao.The premier league will kick off next month.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.