utando wa buibui
The English phrase "spider web" is translated into Swahili as utando wa buibui.
A spider web refers to the silk network spun by a spider to catch insects.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of utando (web/film/membrane) and wa buibui (of a spider).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural "spider webs", you change the noun to matando ya buibui.
Did you know?
- While utando refers to the web, the action of spinning a web is often described using the verb kusuka, which is the same word used for braiding hair or weaving a straw mat.
- The word utando does not just describe a spider web, but any thin film or membrane, such as the layer of mucus in a nose or the skin of a soap bubble.
- The phrase utando wa buibui uses the word wa as a connector, which actually stems from an ancient Proto-Bantu verb meaning 'to become'.
Examples in context
- Nimeshangazwa na umahiri wa mtandao wa buibui katika kubana wadudu.I'm amazed by the intricacy of the spider web in trapping insects.
- Utando wa buibui upo kwenye mti.The spider web is on the tree.
- Utando wa buibui ni mdogo sana.The spider web is very small.
Example conversation
Zuwena and Said are cleaning the porch.
- ZuwenaSaid, ondoa utando wa buibui hapa.Said, remove the spider web here.
- SaidSawa, nitauondoa sasa hivi.Okay, I will remove it right now.
- ZuwenaKuna utando mwingine kule juu.There is another web up there.
- SaidNimeuona, nitauondoa pia.I see it, I will remove that one too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries utando, wa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
