Bedeutung
You must fulfill what you promise.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Tanzania, this proverb is often used in political discourse to hold the government accountable to its 'Ilani ya Uchaguzi' (Election Manifesto). In Kenya, the phrase is frequently used in business negotiations, especially in the informal sector (Jua Kali), to build trust between parties. Due to strong Islamic roots, the proverb carries a spiritual weight, as breaking a promise is seen as a sin (dhambi) in addition to a social failing. Because of the historical links between Oman and the Swahili coast, the Arabic version of this proverb is equally prevalent and used in the same contexts.
The Power of 'Ni'
Remember that 'ni' is your best friend in Swahili. It never changes, making proverbs like this very easy to use.
Don't be too harsh
While it's a great proverb, using it too often can make you sound demanding. Use it when the promise actually matters.
Bedeutung
You must fulfill what you promise.
The Power of 'Ni'
Remember that 'ni' is your best friend in Swahili. It never changes, making proverbs like this very easy to use.
Don't be too harsh
While it's a great proverb, using it too often can make you sound demanding. Use it when the promise actually matters.
Cultural Nuance
If someone says 'Inshallah' (God willing) after a promise, they are adding a layer of religious protection. You can still follow up with 'Ahadi ni deni' to keep the human element front and center.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Ahadi ni ____.
The standard proverb is 'Ahadi ni deni' (A promise is a debt).
Which situation best fits the use of 'Ahadi ni deni'?
Your friend promised to help you move house but now says they are 'too tired'. What do you say?
This phrase is used to remind someone that they are obligated to fulfill their promise.
Complete the dialogue.
Baba: 'Mwanangu, nilikuahidi baiskeli ukifaulu mtihani.' Mtoto: 'Ndiyo baba, na unajua kuwa ____.'
The child is reminding the father that his promise is now an obligation because the condition (passing the exam) was met.
Match the proverb to its meaning.
Ahadi ni deni
The proverb equates moral commitment to financial obligation.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenAhadi ni ____.
The standard proverb is 'Ahadi ni deni' (A promise is a debt).
Your friend promised to help you move house but now says they are 'too tired'. What do you say?
This phrase is used to remind someone that they are obligated to fulfill their promise.
Baba: 'Mwanangu, nilikuahidi baiskeli ukifaulu mtihani.' Mtoto: 'Ndiyo baba, na unajua kuwa ____.'
The child is reminding the father that his promise is now an obligation because the condition (passing the exam) was met.
Ahadi ni deni
The proverb equates moral commitment to financial obligation.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
6 FragenNo, it is rarely about literal money. It is about any commitment, from meeting for lunch to finishing a project.
Yes, but be careful. It's better to use it if the boss promised *you* something and forgot. Use a polite tone.
The plural is also 'ahadi'. It belongs to the N-class, which doesn't change in the plural.
It's not rude, but it is firm. It's a way of standing your ground.
You can say 'Mimi hutimiza ahadi zangu' (I fulfill my promises).
Yes, it is equally common in both countries and across the entire Swahili-speaking world.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Kutoa ni moyo
similarGiving is a matter of the heart.
Maneno matupu hayajengi nyumba
builds onEmpty words don't build a house.
Mtu ni neno lake
synonymA person is their word.
Kusema na kutenda
specialized formTo say and to do.
