Nyuma is a fundamental Swahili adverb for expressing 'behind' or 'back' in terms of location and direction.
nyuma في 30 ثانية
- Nyuma means 'behind' or 'back'.
- It's used for position or direction.
- Essential A1 vocabulary for location.
أمثلة حسب المستوى
Weka kitabu nyuma ya meza.
Put the book behind the table.
Alisimama nyuma yetu kwenye foleni.
He stood behind us in the queue.
Usirudi nyuma, endelea mbele.
Don't go back, keep moving forward.
Tazama nyuma kabla hujavuka barabara.
Look back before you cross the road.
Gari lilianguka nyuma ya jengo.
The car crashed at the back of the building.
Anaweza kuona nyuma ya pazia.
He can see behind the curtain.
Mtoto alijificha nyuma ya mama yake.
The child hid behind their mother.
Nyuma ya kila mafanikio kuna bidii.
Behind every success there is hard work.
Hata hivyo, tunapaswa kuelewa kuwa historia daima hutubeba nyuma yetu, na kujifunza kutoka kwayo ni muhimu ili tusirudie makosa yaliyopita.
However, we must understand that history always carries us behind us, and learning from it is essential so that we do not repeat past mistakes.
Wengine wanasema kuwa maendeleo ya kiteknolojia yanaweza kutupeleka mbele kwa kasi, lakini pia yanaweza kutuacha nyuma kama hatutazingatia usawa wa kijamii.
Some say that technological advancements can propel us forward quickly, but they can also leave us behind if we do not consider social equality.
Kuna hoja kwamba serikali inapaswa kuwekeza zaidi katika elimu na afya ili kuhakikisha kuwa hakuna raia anayeachwa nyuma katika jamii.
There is an argument that the government should invest more in education and health to ensure that no citizen is left behind in society.
Katika mijadala ya kisiasa, ni muhimu kusikiliza pande zote ili kuepuka kupitisha maamuzi ambayo yanaweza kuacha baadhi ya makundi nyuma.
In political debates, it is important to listen to all sides to avoid making decisions that might leave some groups behind.
Changamoto za mabadiliko ya hali ya hewa zinahitaji ushirikiano wa kimataifa ili tusije tukafikia hatua ambayo uharibifu utakuwa nyuma ya uwezo wetu wa kuudhibiti.
The challenges of climate change require international cooperation so that we do not reach a point where the damage will be beyond our ability to control it.
Wataalamu wa uchumi wanasisitiza kuwa ukuaji wa haraka wa uchumi unapaswa kuambatana na juhudi za kupunguza pengo la kipato, ili tusiondoke na wengi nyuma.
Economists emphasize that rapid economic growth should be accompanied by efforts to reduce the income gap, so that we don't leave many behind.
Ni muhimu kutafakari juu ya athari za muda mrefu za maamuzi yetu ya sasa, kwani tunaweza kujikuta tumefanya makosa ambayo yataathiri vizazi vijavyo nyuma yetu.
It is important to reflect on the long-term effects of our current decisions, as we might find ourselves having made mistakes that will affect future generations behind us.
Baadhi ya wanazuoni wameeleza wasiwasi wao kuwa utandawazi unaweza kusababisha baadhi ya tamaduni ndogondogo kuachwa nyuma na kupoteza utambulisho wao.
Some scholars have expressed their concern that globalization might cause some smaller cultures to be left behind and lose their identity.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
"kukaa nyuma"
to stay behind; to fall behind (literally: to sit behind)
Usiogope, sitakukaa nyuma. (Don't worry, I won't leave you behind.)
neutral"kurudi nyuma"
to go back; to retreat; to backtrack
Hatuwezi kurudi nyuma sasa. (We cannot go back now.)
neutral"kutazama nyuma"
to look back (literally: to look behind)
Usitazame nyuma kwa majuto. (Don't look back with regret.)
neutral"kumuacha nyuma"
to leave someone behind
Usikimbie haraka sana, utaniniacha nyuma. (Don't run too fast, you will leave me behind.)
neutral"kuwa nyuma ya"
to be behind something/someone
Alisimama nyuma ya mlango. (He stood behind the door.)
neutral"kuweka nyuma"
to put something behind; to postpone
Hebu tuweke masuala hayo nyuma kwa sasa. (Let's put those issues aside for now.)
neutral"kufanya kazi nyuma ya pazia"
to work behind the scenes
Anapenda kufanya kazi nyuma ya pazia. (He likes to work behind the scenes.)
neutral"kuuma nyuma"
to backbite (literally: to bite behind)
Sipendi watu wanaouma nyuma. (I don't like people who backbite.)
neutral"kujificha nyuma ya"
to hide behind
Mtoto alijificha nyuma ya mama yake. (The child hid behind his mother.)
neutral"kutoa jicho nyuma"
to keep an eye out (literally: to give an eye behind)
Tafadhali toa jicho nyuma wakati naenda dukani. (Please keep an eye out while I go to the shop.)
informalنصائح
Basic use of 'nyuma'
The most common use of 'nyuma' is to mean behind or at the back. Think of it like describing a physical location.
Referring to the past with 'nyuma'
'Nyuma' can also be used to refer to time past, similar to how we might say 'back in the day' or 'some time back'. For example, 'miaka miwili nyuma' means 'two years ago'.
Combined with 'ya' for possession
When you want to say behind something, you often combine 'nyuma' with 'ya' (which means 'of'). So, 'nyuma ya nyumba' means 'behind the house'.
Expressing position with 'yake/yao'
To say behind him/her/it or behind them, you'd use 'nyuma yake' or 'nyuma yao' respectively. The possessive suffix changes with the subject.
Common phrases with 'nyuma'
Learn common phrases like 'kurudi nyuma' which means to go back or to retreat. This is a very practical use.
Don't confuse 'nyuma' with 'mbele'
'Nyuma' is the opposite of 'mbele' (in front or forward). Make sure you don't mix these up when giving directions or describing locations.
Understanding 'nyuma' in a sentence
Pay attention to the context of the sentence to understand if 'nyuma' refers to physical space or time. The surrounding words will usually make it clear.
Using 'nyuma' for sequence
In some cases, 'nyuma' can imply coming after or following behind in a sequence. For example, a car following another car.
Practice with examples
The best way to get comfortable with 'nyuma' is to see and use it in various sentences. Try forming your own sentences using the examples provided.
Directional context in Swahili
In Swahili, directions like 'nyuma' are often relative to the speaker or a prominent landmark. It's less absolute than in English, so context is key.
اختبر نفسك 48 أسئلة
Which word means 'behind' or 'back'?
'Nyuma' means behind or back. 'Mbele' means in front, 'ndani' means inside, and 'nje' means outside.
The dog is ______ the house. (Mbwa yuko ______ ya nyumba.)
'Nyuma' fits best to mean 'behind' the house. 'Mbele' is in front, 'ndani' is inside, and 'juu' is on top.
Where is the car? It is behind the tree. (Gari liko wapi? Liko ______ ya mti.)
'Nyuma' correctly translates to 'behind' in this context. 'Kati' means between, 'chini' means under, and 'pamoja' means together.
The word 'nyuma' means 'in front'.
'Nyuma' means 'behind' or 'back', not 'in front'. The word for 'in front' is 'mbele'.
You can use 'nyuma' to describe something being at the back of another object.
'Nyuma' is used to indicate a position behind something.
If someone asks you to go 'nyuma', they want you to go forward.
If someone asks you to go 'nyuma', they want you to go backward or behind, not forward. 'Mbele' means forward.
Write a short sentence saying 'The car is behind the house.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Gari liko nyuma ya nyumba.
Translate 'I am going back home.' into Swahili.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ninaenda nyumbani nyuma.
Complete the sentence: 'Mtoto analala ___ ya mama.' (The child is sleeping behind the mother.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Mtoto analala nyuma ya mama.
Where is Juma standing?
Read this passage:
Juma anasimama nyuma ya mlango. Anafunga mlango. Mwalimu anaingia darasani.
Where is Juma standing?
The passage says 'Juma anasimama nyuma ya mlango,' which means Juma is standing behind the door.
The passage says 'Juma anasimama nyuma ya mlango,' which means Juma is standing behind the door.
Where is the chair?
Read this passage:
Kiti kiko nyuma ya meza. Kitabu kiko juu ya meza. Mimi ninasoma kitabu.
Where is the chair?
The passage states 'Kiti kiko nyuma ya meza,' which translates to 'The chair is behind the table.'
The passage states 'Kiti kiko nyuma ya meza,' which translates to 'The chair is behind the table.'
What is 'nyuma ya duka'?
Read this passage:
Mama anasimama nyuma ya duka. Ananunua mkate. Mtoto wake anasubiri.
What is 'nyuma ya duka'?
The phrase 'nyuma ya duka' directly translates to 'behind the shop'.
The phrase 'nyuma ya duka' directly translates to 'behind the shop'.
The car is behind the house. 'Gari' (car) is the subject, 'iko' (is) is the verb, and 'nyuma ya nyumba' (behind the house) specifies the location.
He/she hid behind the tree. 'Alijificha' (he/she hid) is the verb, and 'nyuma ya mti' (behind the tree) tells us where.
The students are sitting behind the teachers. 'Wanafunzi' (students) is the subject, 'wanakaa' (are sitting) is the verb, and 'nyuma ya walimu' (behind the teachers) indicates their position.
Musa alisimama ___ ya gari, akisubiri rafiki yake.
The sentence indicates Musa was waiting 'behind' the car. 'Nyuma' means behind/back.
Tafadhali kaa ___ ya darasa ili uone ubao vizuri.
To see the board well, one should sit at the 'back' of the classroom. 'Nyuma' means back.
Watoto walicheza mpira ___ ya nyumba yao.
The children played 'behind' their house. 'Nyuma' means behind.
Usisahau kuangalia ___ kabla ya kuvuka barabara.
It's important to look 'behind' you before crossing the road. 'Nyuma' means behind/back.
Alificha zawadi hiyo ___ ya sofa ili isionekane.
The gift was hidden 'behind' the sofa. 'Nyuma' means behind.
Wanafunzi walikaa ___ ya basi walipokuwa wakisafiri.
The students sat at the 'back' of the bus. 'Nyuma' means back.
Alificha zawadi yake _____ ya mti mkubwa.
'Nyuma' (behind) fits the context of hiding something behind a large tree. 'Kati' means 'among/between', 'mbele' means 'in front', and 'juu' means 'on top'.
Tafadhali kaa _____ yangu, ili uweze kusikia vizuri.
If someone wants to hear well, sitting 'behind' (nyuma) the speaker, especially in a quiet setting, implies a close proximity for better hearing. 'Mbali' means 'far', 'karibu' means 'near', and 'ndani' means 'inside'.
Watoto walicheza _____ ya nyumba, mbali na barabara.
'Nyuma' (behind) implies a safer place away from the road, which fits the context of children playing. 'Mbele' means 'in front', 'kati' means 'among/between', and 'ndani' means 'inside'.
Jua linazama _____ ya milima, na kuacha anga la kupendeza.
The sun sets 'behind' (nyuma) the mountains, which is a common and poetic description. 'Juu' means 'above', 'mbele' means 'in front', and 'chini' means 'below'.
Ukuta uliwekwa _____ ya bustani ili kutoa faragha.
A wall placed 'behind' (nyuma) a garden is a common way to provide privacy. 'Mbele' means 'in front', 'ndani' means 'inside', and 'kando' means 'beside'.
Gari lilikwama kwenye matope _____ ya duka la rejareja.
It's common for a car to get stuck in mud 'behind' (nyuma) a building, perhaps in an unpaved area. 'Mbele' means 'in front', 'juu' means 'on top', and 'ndani' means 'inside'.
The object's location.
Where was the person standing?
Where was the car parked?
Read this aloud:
Tafadhali kaa nyuma.
Focus: nyuma
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Read this aloud:
Njoo nyuma yangu.
Focus: nyuma yangu
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Read this aloud:
Kuna bustani kubwa nyuma ya jengo.
Focus: nyuma ya jengo
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Jumba la kumbukumbu liko ___ ya jengo la serikali, limefichwa kidogo.
The sentence indicates the museum is 'hidden a bit' behind the government building, so 'nyuma' (behind) is the most fitting word.
Wanasiasa walijificha ___ ya ukweli, wakiepuka maswali magumu.
In this metaphorical context, 'nyuma ya ukweli' (behind the truth) implies hiding or obscuring the truth, which aligns with the politicians avoiding difficult questions.
Majengo mapya yatajengwa ___ ya yale ya zamani, yakihifadhi urithi wa jiji.
The phrase 'yakihifadhi urithi wa jiji' (preserving the city's heritage) suggests that the new buildings will be located 'behind' the old ones, allowing the old structures to remain prominent.
Siri nyingi zimefichwa ___ ya pazia la historia, zikisubiri kufichuliwa.
'Nyuma ya pazia la historia' (behind the curtain of history) is an idiomatic expression meaning hidden or concealed within historical events, awaiting revelation.
Msanii alitazama kwa makini ___ ya kazi yake, akitafakari undani wake.
'Nyuma ya kazi yake' (behind his work) can be interpreted figuratively as looking at the underlying meaning, intention, or deeper aspects of the artwork, which fits with 'kutafakari undani wake' (reflecting on its depth).
Hoja zenye utata zilitolewa, lakini nia halisi ilibaki ___ ya maneno matupu.
'Nyuma ya maneno matupu' (behind the empty words) signifies that the true intention was concealed or hidden beneath superficial or misleading statements.
Which sentence correctly uses 'nyuma' to indicate something is located behind another object, rather than referring to a past event or a general direction?
The sentence 'Alisimama nyuma ya jengo, akisubiri rafiki yake.' (He stood behind the building, waiting for his friend) clearly uses 'nyuma' to denote physical location behind an object. The other options refer to time ('Miaka mingi nyuma' - Many years ago), a general warning ('Tazama nyuma yako' - Look behind you), or past problems ('matatizo yaliyomkabili nyuma' - problems that faced him in the past).
In a philosophical discussion about progress and regression, which phrase uses 'nyuma' most aptly to suggest a step backward in development or thought?
'Kurudi nyuma kiakili' (to regress mentally) specifically uses 'nyuma' in a metaphorical sense to indicate a step backward in intellectual or philosophical progress, which aligns with a C2 level understanding of nuance. The other options describe physical positions.
When describing a complex sequence of events, which sentence effectively uses 'nyuma' to refer to a foundational or preceding cause, rather than just a chronological predecessor?
The phrase 'Sababu kuu ya tatizo hili iko nyuma ya matukio mengi yaliyotokea.' (The main cause of this problem lies behind many events that occurred) uses 'nyuma' to signify a fundamental or underlying cause, demonstrating a C2 level of abstract usage. The other sentences use 'nyuma' for literal physical location.
The sentence 'Mwanasiasa huyo alijificha nyuma ya ahadi zisizotekelezeka' implies a physical hiding place.
This sentence 'Mwanasiasa huyo alijificha nyuma ya ahadi zisizotekelezeka' (That politician hid behind unfulfillable promises) uses 'nyuma' metaphorically to mean that the politician used empty promises as a shield or excuse, not a literal physical hiding spot. This is a C2 level metaphorical understanding.
In the context of historical analysis, 'kuangalia nyuma katika historia' exclusively means to literally turn one's head and look backward in time.
'Kuangalia nyuma katika historia' (to look back in history) is an idiom meaning to reflect upon or review past events, not a literal physical action. Understanding this idiomatic usage is characteristic of a C2 level.
If someone says 'Nitakusapoti nyuma ya pazia,' they are literally offering to support you from behind a stage curtain.
'Nitakusapoti nyuma ya pazia' (I will support you behind the scenes) is a common idiomatic expression meaning to offer discrete, often uncredited, support. This requires a C2 level understanding of metaphorical and idiomatic language.
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Summary
Nyuma is a fundamental Swahili adverb for expressing 'behind' or 'back' in terms of location and direction.
- Nyuma means 'behind' or 'back'.
- It's used for position or direction.
- Essential A1 vocabulary for location.
Basic use of 'nyuma'
The most common use of 'nyuma' is to mean behind or at the back. Think of it like describing a physical location.
Referring to the past with 'nyuma'
'Nyuma' can also be used to refer to time past, similar to how we might say 'back in the day' or 'some time back'. For example, 'miaka miwili nyuma' means 'two years ago'.
Combined with 'ya' for possession
When you want to say behind something, you often combine 'nyuma' with 'ya' (which means 'of'). So, 'nyuma ya nyumba' means 'behind the house'.
Expressing position with 'yake/yao'
To say behind him/her/it or behind them, you'd use 'nyuma yake' or 'nyuma yao' respectively. The possessive suffix changes with the subject.
