Matatu

Pronunciation: /mɑːˈtɑːtuː/

Definitions of matatu

noun a type of public transportation vehicle in Kenya and other parts of East Africa, typically a minibus or van

Example Sentences

A1 I took a matatu to go to the market.

A2 The matatu driver was playing loud music.

B1 In Kenya, matatus are a popular mode of transportation.

B2 The matatu conductor was collecting fares from passengers.

C1 The matatu route passes through the city center.

C2 The matatu was overcrowded with passengers standing in the aisle.

Examples of matatu in a Sentence

formal The matatu driver was fined for overloading passengers.

informal Let's take a matatu to town instead of walking.

slang I heard the matatu ride was lit with good music and fast driving.

figurative The matatu of life takes us on unpredictable journeys.

Grammatical Forms of matatu

• past tense: matatu-ed
• plural: matatus
• comparative: more matatu
• superlative: most matatu
• present tense: matatu
• future tense: will matatu
• perfect tense: have matatu-ed
• continuous tense: is matatu-ing
• singular: matatu
• positive degree: very matatu
• infinitive: to matatu
• gerund: matatu-ing
• participle: matatu-ed

Origin and Evolution of matatu

First Known Use: 1950 year

Language of Origin: Swahili

Story behind the word: The word 'matatu' originated in Kenya.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to refer to privately owned minibuses for public transportation in Kenya, the term 'matatu' has evolved to become synonymous with the matatu industry as a whole, including the culture, art, and music associated with it.