puto
POO-toh
How to say it
SwahiliputoPOO-tohsoon
Englishballoonsoon
Frenchballon (de baudruche)soon
Meaning
A thin rubber bag filled with air or gas, used for decoration and play; in medicine also a small balloon placed inside the body.
Good to know
Plural maputo (ji/ma class), puto moja, maputo mawili. Kupuliza puto is to blow up a balloon; in Kenya baluni is also heard.
Examples
- Watoto walipuliza maputo kwa ajili ya sherehe.The children blew up balloons for the party.
- Puto lilipasuka na kumshtua mtoto.The balloon burst and startled the child.
- Ukumbi ulipambwa kwa maputo ya rangi nyingi.The hall was decorated with balloons of many colors.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.