Shengwords

Mbao

MBAH-oh /ˈᵐbɑ.ɔ/

"Mbao" is Sheng for money (also: cash).

Meaning

  1. noun money, cash. Cash, especially a decent amount of it. 'Mbao nyingi' means serious money; 'sina mbao' is the standard broke line.

Examples

  • Sina mbao hadi mwezi uishe. I have no cash until the month ends.
  • Kazi ile inalipa mbao. That job pays real money.
  • Mbao mbili ni ya fare. Two twenties are for the fare.
See Mbao used in other entries
  • Usimpe makanga mbao kubwa.Don't give the conductor a large note.From Makanga
  • Chapa kazi, mbao itakuja.Work hard, the money will come.From Chapa Kazi
  • Kanjo imekuja, vuta mbao zako.Council officers are here, grab your things.From Kanjo

Similar and opposite words

Where it comes from

Swahili 'mbao' (boards/planks) repurposed as 'stacks' of cash.

Questions about Mbao

What does Mbao mean in Sheng?

"Mbao" is Sheng for money (also: cash). Cash, especially a decent amount of it. 'Mbao nyingi' means serious money; 'sina mbao' is the standard broke line.

How do you use Mbao in a sentence?

"Sina mbao hadi mwezi uishe." means "I have no cash until the month ends."

How do you pronounce Mbao?

Say it MBAH-oh (/ˈᵐbɑ.ɔ/). Sheng is spelled the way it sounds, with stress on the second-to-last syllable.

Where does the word Mbao come from?

Swahili 'mbao' (boards/planks) repurposed as 'stacks' of cash.

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To quote this page: “Mbao.” Shengwords Sheng Dictionary, updated 2026-11-10. https://shengwords.co.ke/word/mbao (accessed 2026-11-10).