Bedeutung
Asking someone to wait briefly.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Tanzania, 'Subiri kidogo' is often accompanied by a gentle hand gesture—palm down, moving slightly up and down. This reinforces the request for patience. In urban Kenya, you might hear 'Ngoja' more often than 'Subiri', as the pace of life in Nairobi is slightly faster and more direct. Due to the strong Arabic influence, 'Subiri' is preferred over 'Ngoja' as it sounds more 'kiungwana' (gentlemanly/civilized). In the diaspora, 'Subiri kidogo' is a way for speakers to maintain cultural identity and the 'pole pole' (slowly) lifestyle even in fast-paced Western cities.
The 'Kidogo' Nuance
In Swahili, 'kidogo' can sometimes mean 'a lot' if said with a certain tone or in a sarcastic context. Pay attention to the speaker's face!
Polite Gestures
When saying 'Subiri kidogo' to an elder, a slight nod of the head shows extra respect.
Bedeutung
Asking someone to wait briefly.
The 'Kidogo' Nuance
In Swahili, 'kidogo' can sometimes mean 'a lot' if said with a certain tone or in a sarcastic context. Pay attention to the speaker's face!
Polite Gestures
When saying 'Subiri kidogo' to an elder, a slight nod of the head shows extra respect.
Don't Overuse
If you keep saying 'Subiri kidogo' without ever following through, people will stop trusting your timeline.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word to ask someone to wait politely.
Samahani, ______ kidogo.
'Subiri' means wait, which fits the context of 'kidogo' (a little).
Which phrase is the plural form (speaking to many people)?
Asking a group to wait:
The suffix '-ini' is added to the imperative verb for the plural form.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
You are on the phone and someone knocks on your door.
You need to pause the phone call to attend to the door.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Twende sasa! B: ________, ninafunga mlango.
Person B needs a moment to lock the door before leaving.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Where to use 'Subiri kidogo'
Shopping
- • Paying
- • Asking for price
- • Checking stock
Social
- • Phone calls
- • Interrupting
- • Getting ready
Travel
- • Boarding
- • Paying fare
- • Asking directions
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenSamahani, ______ kidogo.
'Subiri' means wait, which fits the context of 'kidogo' (a little).
Asking a group to wait:
The suffix '-ini' is added to the imperative verb for the plural form.
You are on the phone and someone knocks on your door.
You need to pause the phone call to attend to the door.
A: Twende sasa! B: ________, ninafunga mlango.
Person B needs a moment to lock the door before leaving.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it is generally neutral and polite. However, tone of voice matters. A sharp, loud delivery can sound like a command.
Yes, but it's better to say 'Naomba unisubiri kidogo' or 'Tafadhali subiri kidogo' for a more professional tone.
'Subiri' has roots in the concept of patience (Arabic), while 'Ngoja' is a more direct Bantu word for waiting.
You say 'Unisubiri' or 'Nisubiri'. The 'ni' stands for 'me'.
Yes, in Nairobi, youth might say 'Dedi kiasi'.
It's subjective! It could be 30 seconds or 10 minutes. Context is key.
Yes, but add 'Samahani' (Excuse me) at the beginning.
You would say 'Subiri sana' or 'Subiri kwa muda mrefu'.
No, the phrase remains the same, though your tone might be more casual.
Yes, it is universally understood across all Swahili-speaking regions.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Ngoja kidogo
synonymWait a little
Tulia
similarBe calm / Settle down
Subira huvuta heri
builds onPatience brings blessings
Dakika moja
specialized formOne minute
Usiondoke
contrastDon't leave
