uti wa mgongo
OO-tee WAH MGOH-ngoh
How to say it
Swahiliuti wa mgongoOO-tee WAH MGOH-ngoh
Englishbackbone, spine
Frenchcolonne vertébrale, épine dorsale
Meaning
The column of bones down the middle of the back; figuratively, the most important support of something, such as farming for the economy.
Good to know
Literally the stick of the back. Figurative use is common: kilimo ni uti wa mgongo wa uchumi, farming is the backbone of the economy.
Examples
- Aliumia uti wa mgongo katika ajali ya gari.He injured his spine in a car accident.
- Wavuvi ndio uti wa mgongo wa mji huu.Fishermen are the backbone of this town.
- Kukaa vibaya kunaweza kuharibu uti wa mgongo.Sitting badly can damage the spine.
The same word in
Not yet checked by a native speaker.