Swahili · Travel & Places
basi
Bus
Beginnernoun
Definition
A large road vehicle; basi also means well then in conversation.
Example
Ninapanda basi kwenda kazini.
I take the bus to work.
Etymology
'Basi' is borrowed from the English word 'bus' and was integrated into Swahili during the 20th century when public transport systems were modernized. Its usage signifies the transition to motorized mass transit.
How & Where It’s Used
'Basi' is widely used informally across East Africa to describe buses, and it can be found in both spoken and written forms. It may vary regionally with slang terms in different countries.