indimi

Swahili

vifunguo

vee-foo-NGOO-oh

How to say it

Swahilivifunguovee-foo-NGOO-ohsoon
Englishskeleton keyssoon
Frenchpasse-partoutsoon

Meaning

Small keys that can open several different locks, skeleton keys.

Good to know

plural of kifunguo (ki-/vi- class); rare, mostly used by locksmiths or in older texts.

Examples

  • Fundi alikuja na vifunguo kadhaa kujaribu kufungua mlango.The technician came with several skeleton keys to try opening the door.
  • Vifunguo hivi havifai kwa kufuli za kisasa.These skeleton keys don't work on modern locks.
  • Je, kuna mtu anayeuza vifunguo mtaani humu?Is there anyone who sells skeleton keys in this neighborhood?

Not yet checked by a native speaker.

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