المعنى
Working harder.
خلفية ثقافية
In Tanzania, 'Ongeza bidii' is often linked to the national motto 'Uhuru na Kazi' (Freedom and Work), emphasizing that independence requires hard work. In the Kenyan education system, this phrase is ubiquitous in 'Report Forms' (report cards). A student who gets a C grade will almost always see 'Ongeza bidii' written in the comments. In the coastal culture, 'bidii' is often contrasted with 'bahati' (luck). There is a saying that 'Bidii hushinda bahati' (Effort beats luck). Among Swahili speakers abroad, 'Ongeza bidii' is used as a reminder to maintain cultural identity and succeed in new environments.
Use it for yourself
Don't just wait for others to say it. Say 'Lazima niongeze bidii' when you are tired but want to finish a task.
Plurality matters
If you are talking to a group, always use 'Ongezeni'. Using 'Ongeza' for a group sounds grammatically weak.
المعنى
Working harder.
Use it for yourself
Don't just wait for others to say it. Say 'Lazima niongeze bidii' when you are tired but want to finish a task.
Plurality matters
If you are talking to a group, always use 'Ongezeni'. Using 'Ongeza' for a group sounds grammatically weak.
Combine with specific subjects
To sound more natural, add 'katika' (in) and the subject. E.g., 'Ongeza bidii katika Kiswahili'.
The 'Kaza Buti' alternative
If you are with friends under 30, use 'Kaza buti' to sound more like a local.
اختبر نفسك
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'ongeza' for a group of people.
Wanafunzi, tafadhali ________ bidii katika masomo yenu!
When addressing a group (Wanafunzi), the imperative takes the '-ni' suffix.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I will work harder'?
Chagua jibu sahihi:
'Nita-' is the future tense prefix for 'I'.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
A coach wants his team to win the second half of a match.
'Ongezeni bidii' is used for motivation in sports.
Complete the dialogue.
Mwalimu: 'Hujafanya vizuri mtihani huu.' Mwanafunzi: 'Samahani mwalimu, ________.'
The student is making a promise for the future.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينWanafunzi, tafadhali ________ bidii katika masomo yenu!
When addressing a group (Wanafunzi), the imperative takes the '-ni' suffix.
Chagua jibu sahihi:
'Nita-' is the future tense prefix for 'I'.
A coach wants his team to win the second half of a match.
'Ongezeni bidii' is used for motivation in sports.
Mwalimu: 'Hujafanya vizuri mtihani huu.' Mwanafunzi: 'Samahani mwalimu, ________.'
The student is making a promise for the future.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, it is generally seen as encouraging. However, if said to a superior, it might be seen as overstepping. Use it with peers, subordinates, or children.
'Bidii' is more common in daily speech and school. 'Juhudi' is slightly more formal and often used in plural (juhudi nyingi) in news or politics.
Yes! It is very common in the gym or during sports to mean 'push harder'.
You would say 'Ninafanya bidii'. 'Ongeza bidii' is specifically for *increasing* the effort.
Yes, 'Kaza buti' is the most popular slang version among youth.
Yes, but it's less common. 'Ongeza bidii' is usually enough as the 'your' is implied.
The opposite is 'uvivu' (laziness).
No, 'bidii' is a noun. 'Ongeza' is the verb.
Yes, it is appropriate for motivating a team or discussing performance improvements.
While not strictly religious, it aligns with the value of industriousness found in both Christian and Islamic teachings in East Africa.
عبارات ذات صلة
Fanya bidii
similarDo effort / Work hard
Kaza buti
synonymTighten your boots
Zidisha juhudi
specialized formIncrease efforts
Punguza bidii
contrastReduce effort
Jitume
builds onPush yourself
