mpira
class 3, class 4
The Swahili word for ball is mpira.
mpira refers to a spherical object used for playing games. It is also used as a vulgar slang verb meaning to have sexual intercourse.
Meaning: object, generally spherical, used for playing games (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of mpira is mipira. In the noun class system, mpira belongs to class 3 and class 4.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, mpira can refer to a tire on a car or bicycle, as these are essentially large rubber rings.
- The word mpira does not just mean 'ball' but also 'rubber'. This is why a rubber band or an eraser is referred to using the same word.
- In East Africa, mpira is often used as a shorthand for the entire sport of football, rather than just the physical ball itself.
Examples in context
- Tenfeneza unga uwe mpira.Form the dough into a ball.This sentence shows how to use mpira when referring to a ball-shaped mass of dough.Tatoeba #10877378 by ecorralest101, translation #5357070 by Hybrid
- Piga mpira baada ya mdundo.Hit the ball after the bounce.This sentence shows how to use mpira when hitting a ball.Tatoeba #10853050 by ecorralest101, translation #2705320 by WestofEden
- Alitupa mpira nje ya uwanja.He kicked the ball out of the ground.This sentence shows how to use mpira when kicking a ball.Tatoeba #10821187 by ecorralest101, translation #292708 by sundown
- Nitacheza na rafiki yangu na mpiraI will play with my friend using a ball.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Bakari and Neema are playing in the yard.
- BakariNeema, ninaona mpira wako hapa.Neema, I see your ball here.
- NeemaAsante, Bakari. Tafadhali nirudishie.Thanks, Bakari. Please give it back to me.
- BakariJe, mpira huu ni mpya?Is this ball new?
- NeemaNdiyo, baba alinunua jana.Yes, father bought it yesterday.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ball” translations and entries mpira, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
