kipepeo
class 7, class 8
The Swahili word for butterfly is kipepeo.
kipepeo is a noun used to refer to the insect known as a butterfly.
Meaning: insect (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word kipepeo belongs to noun classes 7 and 8.
Did you know?
- While kipepeo refers to the insect, the related verb kupepea can also describe the way a flag flutters in the wind.
- In some East African cultural contexts, the butterfly is viewed as a symbol of transformation and spiritual rebirth.
- The root of kipepeo is the verb pepea, which means 'to fan' or 'to wave' something back and forth. The name of the insect is essentially a description of its physical motion.
Examples in context
- Huyu kipepeo anaitwaje?What's this butterfly called?This sentence is useful for asking for the name of a specific kipepeo.Tatoeba #10883906 by ecorralest101, translation #6037191 by Adelpa
- Mimi ni nani kweli: mtawa akiota yeye ni kipepeo, au kipepeo anayeota ni mtawa?Who am I actually: a monk dreaming he's a butterfly, or a butterfly dreaming it's a monk?This sentence uses kipepeo in a philosophical context comparing a monk to a butterfly.Tatoeba #10855405 by ecorralest101, translation #2921936 by astyng
- Kuna kipepeo mweusi na kipepeo mwekundu.There is a black butterfly and a red butterfly.
- Wewe ni kama kipepeo mrembo.You are like a beautiful butterfly.
- Kipepeo mrembo ametua kwenye ua.A beautiful butterfly has landed on a flower.
Example conversation
Said and Zuwena are sitting in a garden.
- SaidZuwena, angalia kile kipepeo!Zuwena, look at that butterfly!
- ZuwenaNi kipepeo cha rangi ya bluu.It is a blue butterfly.
- SaidKinapendeza sana kukiangalia.It is very lovely to watch.
- ZuwenaNdiyo, ni kizuri sana.Yes, it is very beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “butterfly” translations and entries kipepeo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
