taa za barabarani
The English phrase traffic light is taa za barabarani in Swahili.
taa za barabarani is a noun used to refer to a signalling device.
Meaning: signalling device (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of taa (lights), za (of) and barabarani (on the road/street).
Did you know?
- The word barabara (road) is often used colloquially to mean 'straight ahead' or 'perfectly/correctly' in a sentence.
- Some linguists believe taa originated from an earlier form tala with possible Indian roots.
- In East African cities, pedestrians often rely more on the guidance of traffic police officers than the taa za barabarani during peak hours.
Examples in context
- Tulikwama kwa muda mrefu kwenye taa za barabarani asubuhi hii.We were stuck at the traffic lights for a long time this morning.
- Taa za barabarani zimeharibika.The traffic lights are broken.
- Subiri mpaka taa za barabarani ziwe za kijani.Wait until the traffic lights are green.
- Taa za barabarani zinatupa mwongozo.The traffic lights are giving us guidance.
Example conversation
Fatuma and Said are driving in the city.
- FatumaSaid, angalia taa za barabarani mbele.Said, look at the traffic lights ahead.
- SaidNdiyo, sasa hivi zinabadilika.Yes, they are changing right now.
- FatumaSasa ni kijani, tunaweza kwenda.Now it is green, we can go.
- SaidHaya, twende sasa.Okay, let's go now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries taa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
