rafu
RAH-foo
How to say it
SwahilirafuRAH-foosoon
Englishfoul, rough play (in sport); shelfsoon
Frenchfaute (au football); étagèresoon
Meaning
In football, an unfair tackle or push against an opponent that the referee can punish; in the home, a shelf for keeping things on.
Good to know
In sport it is used with kuchezea: kumchezea rafu mchezaji, to foul a player. The shelf sense is an n class noun: rafu ya vitabu, bookshelf.
Examples
- Beki alipewa kadi ya njano kwa kumchezea rafu mshambuliaji.The defender was shown a yellow card for fouling the striker.
- Mchezo ulikuwa na rafu nyingi kipindi cha pili.The match had many fouls in the second half.
- Weka vikombe kwenye rafu ya juu jikoni.Put the cups on the top shelf in the kitchen.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.