المعنى
Cleaning the floor with water.
خلفية ثقافية
In many Tanzanian homes, 'piga deki' is done using a 'kipande cha gunia' (a piece of burlap) or an old T-shirt. It is a sign of a well-managed home. In urban Kenya, especially Nairobi, 'piga deki' is often a Saturday morning ritual accompanied by loud music (often Gospel or Bongo Flava). Because of the humid coastal climate, 'piga deki' is essential to keep tiled floors cool and free from salt air residue. Swahili is often a second language here; 'piga deki' is widely understood in the military and police forces where Swahili is the primary language.
The 'Piga' Rule
Whenever you see 'piga' with a noun, it usually means 'to do' that action vigorously. Don't translate it as 'hit'!
Wet Floors
After you 'piga deki', always warn others by saying 'Sakafu ni mbichi' (The floor is wet).
المعنى
Cleaning the floor with water.
The 'Piga' Rule
Whenever you see 'piga' with a noun, it usually means 'to do' that action vigorously. Don't translate it as 'hit'!
Wet Floors
After you 'piga deki', always warn others by saying 'Sakafu ni mbichi' (The floor is wet).
Natural Flow
To sound like a native, use the passive 'Deki imepigwa' to announce you've finished your chores.
Gender Roles
In modern urban settings, men 'piga deki' just as much as women, especially in bachelor pads or shared apartments.
اختبر نفسك
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'piga'.
Jana, mimi ______ deki nyumba nzima.
'Jana' means yesterday, so we need the past tense marker '-li-'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I am mopping'?
Chagua jibu sahihi:
'Piga deki' is the standard collocation for mopping.
Match the Swahili phrase with its English meaning.
Oanisha maneno haya:
These are all common household chores.
Complete the dialogue.
Mama: 'Chumba hiki ni kichafu!' Mtoto: 'Samahani mama, ngoja ______.'
If a room is dirty, 'piga deki' is the most thorough way to clean it.
Which tool do you need to 'piga deki'?
Unahitaji nini ili kupiga deki?
Soap and water are essential for mopping.
🎉 النتيجة: /5
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Cleaning Verbs
بنك التمارين
5 تمارينJana, mimi ______ deki nyumba nzima.
'Jana' means yesterday, so we need the past tense marker '-li-'.
Chagua jibu sahihi:
'Piga deki' is the standard collocation for mopping.
طابق كل عنصر على اليسار مع زوجه على اليمين:
These are all common household chores.
Mama: 'Chumba hiki ni kichafu!' Mtoto: 'Samahani mama, ngoja ______.'
If a room is dirty, 'piga deki' is the most thorough way to clean it.
Unahitaji nini ili kupiga deki?
Soap and water are essential for mopping.
🎉 النتيجة: /5
الأسئلة الشائعة
12 أسئلةYes, but be careful! In Swahili, the phrase is used for any floor cleaning with water, but you might want to specify 'futa' if you are using very little water on wood.
It is a loanword from English 'deck' that has been fully integrated into Swahili grammar.
It is often called 'fagio la deki' (mopping broom) or 'dekio'.
Yes, if you are applying for a cleaning or hospitality position, it is the correct professional term.
It is 'deki' with an 'i'. 'Deke' is a different word related to pampering someone.
You say 'Nimeshapiga deki' or 'Deki imekwisha'.
Yes, but the traditional method of a cloth and a squeegee is still very common and is also called 'piga deki'.
Some people say 'kupiga maji chini' (hitting water on the ground).
No, for walls you would say 'osha kuta'.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'chafua sakafu' means to make the floor dirty.
No, that would be considered very rude in Swahili culture! Guests are treated like royalty.
In literal terms, yes, but in collocations like this, it just means 'to perform an action'.
عبارات ذات صلة
Fagia sakafu
similarSweep the floor
Futa vumbi
similarDusting
Piga mswaki
builds onBrush teeth
Osha sakafu
specialized formWash the floor
Ng'arisha
builds onTo polish/make shine
