المعنى
Providing details or reasons.
خلفية ثقافية
In Tanzania, providing 'maelezo' is often accompanied by a long preamble of greetings. Jumping straight to the explanation without saying 'Habari' can be seen as rude. In Kenyan urban settings (Sheng culture), 'toa maelezo' might be replaced by 'shusha stori' (drop the story) or 'peana mchongo'. However, in formal Kenyan Swahili, 'toa maelezo' remains the standard. Here, the language is more poetic. 'Maelezo' might be delivered with more formal vocabulary and a slower pace, emphasizing the 'uungwana' (civility) of the speaker. In business, 'toa maelezo' is used to demand transparency. If a project fails, a 'ripoti ya maelezo' (explanatory report) is expected immediately.
Politeness counts
Always add 'Tafadhali' when using this as a command to avoid sounding like a police officer.
Plurality
Remember 'maelezo' is plural. If you want to say 'one piece of information', you still use 'maelezo'.
المعنى
Providing details or reasons.
Politeness counts
Always add 'Tafadhali' when using this as a command to avoid sounding like a police officer.
Plurality
Remember 'maelezo' is plural. If you want to say 'one piece of information', you still use 'maelezo'.
The 'Eleza' shortcut
If you forget 'toa maelezo', just use the verb 'eleza'. It's faster and usually works in the same situations.
Storytelling
When someone says 'Toa maelezo' in a social setting, they are inviting you to tell a story. Don't be too brief!
اختبر نفسك
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Tafadhali ______ maelezo ya safari yako.
'Toa' is the verb used with 'maelezo' to mean 'give an explanation'.
Which sentence is the most polite way to ask for details?
Choose the best option:
'Naomba' (I request) and 'tafadhali' (please) make the request polite.
Match the Swahili phrase with its English meaning.
Match the pairs:
These are all common variations of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue between a boss and an employee.
Boss: Kwanini ulichelewa? Employee: Samahani, gari liliharibika. Boss: Sawa, ______ maelezo zaidi kuhusu gari hilo.
The boss is asking for more details about the car breaking down.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Toa vs. Sema
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينTafadhali ______ maelezo ya safari yako.
'Toa' is the verb used with 'maelezo' to mean 'give an explanation'.
Choose the best option:
'Naomba' (I request) and 'tafadhali' (please) make the request polite.
طابق كل عنصر على اليسار مع زوجه على اليمين:
These are all common variations of the phrase.
Boss: Kwanini ulichelewa? Employee: Samahani, gari liliharibika. Boss: Sawa, ______ maelezo zaidi kuhusu gari hilo.
The boss is asking for more details about the car breaking down.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةIt is neutral-to-formal. It's perfectly fine for both a job interview and a conversation with a friend.
Yes, 'Nipe maelezo' (Give me details) is very common and slightly more informal than 'Toa maelezo'.
The singular is 'elezo', but it is rarely used. Swahili speakers almost always use the plural 'maelezo'.
You say 'Sina maelezo'.
Yes, 'Toa maelezo ya kufika huko' means 'Give directions on how to get there'.
'Habari' is news or general information. 'Maelezo' is a specific explanation or description of something.
No, 'toa' is for 'giving out' or 'producing'. For 'giving to a person', 'pa' (e.g., 'nipe') is more common.
Yes, it's very common in professional emails: 'Naomba utoe maelezo ya malipo' (Please provide details of the payment).
Only if you use it as a sharp command without 'tafadhali' or a polite tone.
Use 'maelezo ya kina'.
عبارات ذات صلة
Toa ufafanuzi
specialized formTo provide clarification
Eleza
synonymExplain
Fafanua
synonymClarify/Elaborate
Toa hoja
builds onTo give an argument/point
Toa taarifa
similarTo give information/report
