Swahili
taghafali
ta-gha-FA-li
How to say it
Swahilitaghafalita-gha-FA-lisoon
Englishto be caught unawaressoon
Frenchêtre pris au dépourvusoon
Meaning
to be caught unawares or taken by surprise, to be distracted or absentminded, or to act thoughtlessly.
Good to know
be taken unawares, be surprised/ amazed; be distracted/absentminded/in- attentive; act thoughtlessly/imprudently
Examples
- Alitaghafali na kusahau mkutano muhimu.He was absentminded and forgot an important meeting.
- Usitaghafali unapoendesha gari.Do not be inattentive while driving.
- Alitaghafali na kufanya uamuzi wa haraka bila kufikiria.He acted thoughtlessly, making a hasty decision without thinking.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.