Swahili
ngumbi
NGOOM-bee
How to say it
SwahilingumbiNGOOM-beesoon
Englishflying termitesoon
Frenchtermite ailéesoon
Meaning
a winged white ant or termite, especially one that swarms after rains; related to kumbikumbi.
Good to know
class 9/10 noun; refers to the winged termites that swarm after rain, considered a seasonal delicacy in some areas.
Examples
- Ngumbi walitokea baada ya mvua.Flying termites appeared after the rain.
- Je, watoto wanakamata ngumbi?Are the children catching flying termites?
- Hawakupenda kula ngumbi.They did not like eating flying termites.
- Ngumbi watatokea tena mvua ikinyesha.Flying termites will appear again when it rains.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.