ukali

How to say it

Meaning

The quality of being sharp, fierce or harsh: the sharpness of a blade, the harshness of a strict person, the severity of a drought, or the hot taste of chili.

Good to know

U class noun with no plural; from -kali, sharp or fierce. Kwa ukali means harshly; ukali wa jua is the fierce heat of the sun.

Examples

• Mwalimu alizungumza kwa ukali na wanafunzi wachelewaji.The teacher spoke harshly to the late pupils.
• Ukali wa ukame umeathiri mazao mengi.The severity of the drought has affected many crops.
• Pilipili hii ina ukali mwingi.This chili is very hot.