Vijana wanaojifunza Kiingereza, mara nyingi hupata changamoto kutofautisha maneno 'cold' na 'chilly'. Ingawa yana maana zinazofanana, yaani baridi, kuna tofauti kidogo. 'Cold' humaanisha baridi kali zaidi kuliko 'chilly'. 'Chilly' huashiria baridi kidogo, ya kupendeza, au inayoweza kuvumilika zaidi. Fikiria 'chilly' kama hatua ya awali kabla ya kuwa 'cold'.

Hebu tuangalie mifano michache:

• Cold:

  • Kiingereza: "It's a cold day today."
  • Kiswahili: "Leo ni siku baridi sana."
  • Kiingereza: "I have a cold."
  • Kiswahili: "Nina homa."

• Chilly:

  • Kiingereza: "It's a bit chilly outside; you might want a jacket."
  • Kiswahili: "Baridi kidogo nje; huenda ukahitaji koti."
  • Kiingereza: "I feel a little chilly."
  • Kiswahili: "Nahisi baridi kidogo."

Kumbuka kuwa maana inaweza kubadilika kulingana na muktadha, lakini kwa ujumla, 'cold' ni baridi kali zaidi kuliko 'chilly'.

Happy learning!