Swahili
nyaka
NYA-ka
How to say it
SwahilinyakaNYA-kasoon
Englishto snatchsoon
Frencharrachersoon
Meaning
to snatch or grab something quickly, often taking it away by force or stealth.
Good to know
(& inv. nyakua); snatch, grab; filch; pluck, pull up (plants)
Examples
- Mwizi alinyaka mkoba wake na kukimbia.The thief snatched her bag and ran.
- Alinyaka tunda kutoka mkononi mwa mtoto.He snatched the fruit from the child's hand.
- Usinyaka vitu vya watu bila ruhusa.Don't grab people's things without permission.
- Mwewe alinyaka kifaranga kutoka kwa kuku.The hawk snatched a chick from the hen.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.