Significado
To get married.
Contexto cultural
In Tanzania, this phrase is used in almost every wedding speech. It is often followed by advice from the 'Kungwi' (traditional marriage counselor) about how to keep the 'pingu' strong. Among the Swahili people of Mombasa and Lamu, marriage is a multi-day affair. This phrase is used during the 'Nikah' (religious ceremony) to signify the legal binding of the couple. In Christian contexts, the phrase is often linked to the biblical verse 'What God has joined, let no man put asunder.' The 'pingu' are seen as God's binding. Younger generations in cities like Dar es Salaam use the phrase on Instagram to show that they are 'off the market.' It has a trendy, high-status feel.
Use it for congratulations
If someone tells you they are getting married, saying 'Hongera kwa kufunga pingu za maisha!' makes you sound very fluent.
Don't forget 'za maisha'
Just saying 'kufunga pingu' can sound like you are arresting someone. Always add 'za maisha' to make it romantic.
Significado
To get married.
Use it for congratulations
If someone tells you they are getting married, saying 'Hongera kwa kufunga pingu za maisha!' makes you sound very fluent.
Don't forget 'za maisha'
Just saying 'kufunga pingu' can sound like you are arresting someone. Always add 'za maisha' to make it romantic.
Noun Class Agreement
Remember that 'pingu' is plural. If you use an adjective with it, use the 'z-' prefix (e.g., pingu nzuri).
Gender Neutral
This phrase can be used by both men and women, unlike 'kuoa' (to marry - for men) and 'kuolewa' (to be married - for women).
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Wameamua kufunga ______ za maisha leo.
The standard idiom uses 'pingu' (handcuffs).
Which sentence is the most formal way to say 'They got married'?
Chagua sentensi sahihi:
This idiom is the most formal and poetic way to describe marriage.
Match the Swahili phrase with its English meaning.
Linganisha maneno haya:
All these terms relate to marriage but have different registers.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the verb.
A: Je, kaka yako ataoa lini? B: Yeye na mpenzi wake ______ pingu za maisha mwezi ujao.
Since the question asks 'when will he marry' (future), the answer must use the future tense 'wata-'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Formal vs. Informal Marriage Terms
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosWameamua kufunga ______ za maisha leo.
The standard idiom uses 'pingu' (handcuffs).
Chagua sentensi sahihi:
This idiom is the most formal and poetic way to describe marriage.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
All these terms relate to marriage but have different registers.
A: Je, kaka yako ataoa lini? B: Yeye na mpenzi wake ______ pingu za maisha mwezi ujao.
Since the question asks 'when will he marry' (future), the answer must use the future tense 'wata-'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasIn a literal sense, yes (handcuffs). But in this idiom, it is overwhelmingly positive and respectful.
Yes, it applies to any legal or formal marriage ceremony.
Absolutely. It is standard Swahili used across all of East Africa.
'Kufunga ndoa' is literal (to marry). 'Kufunga pingu za maisha' is idiomatic and more poetic.
No, it is only for the actual wedding ceremony.
You would say 'Wamefunga pingu za maisha.'
Only if you are close with the colleague and are congratulating them on their personal life.
Not necessarily, though it is very common in religious speeches.
Yes, it is used regardless of whether it is the first or second time.
Yes, 'kuvuta jiko' is a common slang version for men.
It symbolizes that the two people are now 'locked' together in a bond that shouldn't be broken.
Yes, it is a very common trope in Swahili novels and plays.
Frases relacionadas
Kufunga ndoa
synonymTo get married (literal)
Kuvuta jiko
similarTo get a wife (slang)
Kuvalishana pete
builds onTo exchange rings
Kuvunja pingu
contrastTo break the handcuffs / To divorce
Mume na mke
similarHusband and wife
