Language/Swahili-individual-language/Vocabulary/Idiomatic-Expressions
Hi Swahili (individual language) learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will focus on idiomatic expressions, which are commonly used phrases in Swahili (individual language) that may not make sense literally, but convey a specific meaning. Idiomatic expressions are a fundamental aspect of language learning, and understanding them will help you to express yourself more naturally and fluently.
To improve your Swahili (individual language) vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
Common Idiomatic Expressions[edit | edit source]
Here are some of the most commonly used idiomatic expressions in Swahili (individual language), along with their meanings and examples of how to use them:
| Swahili (individual language) | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Kutangulia si kufika | koo-tan-goo-lee-ah see koo-fee-kah | The one who arrives first is not necessarily the winner/having the upper hand |
| Mjinga anaisha kwa bahati | m-jin-gah ah-nah-ee-shah koo-ah bah-ha-tee | The foolish survive by luck |
| Habari ya mjini hufika mpakani | hah-bah-ree yah m-jee-nee hoo-fee-kah m-pah-kah-nee | News from the city reaches the border |
| Ukiona vyaelea, jua maji vimeundwa | oo-kee-oh-nah vya-eh-lay-ah, jew-ah mah-jee vee-may-oon-dwah | If you see something floating, know that water made it |
| Siwezi kuvumilia chuki | see-way-zee koo-voo-mee-lee-ah choo-kee | I cannot bear hatred |
| Kutoa ni moyo, si utajiri | koo-toe-ah nee moh-yoe, see oo-tah-jee-ree | Giving is from the heart, not wealth |
Let's see some of these idiomatic expressions used in context:
- Person 1: Nimefanya kazi nyingi sana, lakini sina pesa nyingi (I have done a lot of work, but I don't have a lot of money)
- Person 2: Kutangulia si kufika. Labda utafanikiwa baadaye (The one who arrives first is not necessarily the winner. Maybe you will succeed later)
- Person 1: Sijui nitafanyaje kwa sababu nimetumia pesa nyingi sana (I don't know what to do because I have spent a lot of money)
- Person 2: Usiwe na wasiwasi sana. Mjunga anaisha kwa bahati (Don't worry too much. The foolish survive by luck)
- Person 1: Nimepata ishu kubwa sana ambayo inahitaji pesa nyingi (I have a very big problem that requires a lot of money)
- Person 2: Habari ya mjini hufika mpakani. Unaweza kupata msaada kwa kupitia mitandao ya kijamii (News from the city reaches the border. You can get help through social media networks)
- Person 1: Nimepoteza kiti changu cha thamani (I have lost my valuable seat)
- Person 2: Ukiona vyaelea, jua maji vimeundwa. Fikiria njia nyingine ya kupata kiti kama hiki (If you see something floating, know that water made it. Think of another way to get a seat like this)
- Person 1: Nimechukizwa sana na mtu huyo (I am very annoyed with that person)
- Person 2: Siwezi kupumua chuki, ni mabaya (I cannot bear hatred, it is bad)
- Person 1: Ninataka kutoa pesa kwenye hisani (I want to donate money to charity)
- Person 2: Kutoa ni moyo, si utajiri. Umefanya jambo zuri (Giving is from the heart, not wealth. You have done a good thing)
Remember, idiomatic expressions are often deeply rooted in culture and history, so it's essential to understand the cultural context behind them. For example, the Swahili (individual language) idiom "Habari ya mjini hufika mpakani" is a vivid reminder of the interconnectedness of Swahili culture and history, which spans many borders and regions.
Idiomatic expressions also add color and vitality to language, making it richer and more expressive. Integrating them into your speech will help you to sound more fluent and natural. Don't be afraid to use them, but make sure you understand their meaning before doing so.
This concludes our lesson on Swahili (individual language) idiomatic expressions. Practice them with native speakers and see how you can integrate them into your spoken and written communication.
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Countries Nchi
- Means of Transport
- City
- Birds
- Health
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Time
- Suits of a deck of cards
- Days of the week Siku
- How to say Good Bye?
Sources[edit | edit source]