moto
moto is the Swahili word for hot.
moto is used to describe something having a high temperature. Note that the same word can function as both the adjective for 'hot' and the noun for 'fire'.
Meaning: having a high temperature (adj)
Which one should you use?
You can use the reduplicated form Moto moto to emphasize the intensity of the heat.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using moto as an adjective to describe a noun, such as 'water' (maji), the adjective follows the noun, as in maji moto (hot water).
Did you know?
- The word moto descends from the Proto-Atlantic-Congo root -jot-, linking Swahili to a vast family of languages across Central and West Africa.
- While moto means 'fire' and 'hot', it is also used in slang to describe something that is trendy, exciting or 'lit'.
- The phrase moto moto is often seen on signs at food stalls to indicate that food is being served fresh and piping hot from the stove.
Examples in context
- Huko Japan, kuna chemchem nyingi za maji moto.In Japan, there are lots of hot springs.This sentence shows how to use moto to describe springs.Tatoeba #10837444 by ecorralest101, translation #1078074 by keira_n
- Usimimine maji ya moto kwenye glasi au itapasuka.Don't pour hot water into the glass or it will crack.This sentence demonstrates using moto to describe water.Tatoeba #10813633 by ecorralest101, translation #61446 by CK
- Aina hii ya hali ya hewa moto ni kitu ambacho sikuzoea.This kind of hot weather is something I'm not used to.This sentence uses moto to describe weather.Tatoeba #10875157 by ecorralest101, translation #5189037 by CK
- Mashine ni ya motoThe machine is hot
- Pilipili ni motoThe chili is hot
- Maji yamechemka. Ni moto sanaThe water has boiled, it's very hot
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Juma and Neema are having tea in the kitchen.
- JumaChai hii iko moto sana, Neema.This tea is very hot, Neema.
- NeemaSubiri kidogo ipoe, Juma.Wait a little bit for it to cool, Juma.
- JumaSawa, sitaki kuungua na chai moto.Okay, I don't want to be burned by hot tea.
- NeemaNi kweli, kuwa mwangalifu.That is true, be careful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry moto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries moto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
