Significado
Literally 'to give eyes'.
Contexto cultural
In coastal Swahili culture, staring is often associated with 'Husuda' (envy). People might use this phrase to warn someone that their intense gaze is socially inappropriate. In Nairobi, 'kutoa macho' is frequently used in Sheng contexts to describe 'window shopping' or eyeing things in a mall that one cannot afford. In Congolese Swahili, the phrase can sometimes be used to describe someone who is 'alert' or 'on the lookout' in a dangerous situation, though the 'greed' meaning remains. The phrase is a common motif in Bongo Flava music, used to describe how people react to fame, money, or beautiful women.
Use with 'Kwenye'
Always use 'kwenye' to point your 'eyes' at an object. E.g., 'Kutoa macho kwenye pesa.'
Don't overdo it
Calling someone 'mwenye kutoa macho' (a starer) can be an insult, implying they are greedy.
Significado
Literally 'to give eyes'.
Use with 'Kwenye'
Always use 'kwenye' to point your 'eyes' at an object. E.g., 'Kutoa macho kwenye pesa.'
Don't overdo it
Calling someone 'mwenye kutoa macho' (a starer) can be an insult, implying they are greedy.
The 'Glance' alternative
If you just want to say 'look at,' use 'tazama.' Only use 'kutoa macho' when there's high emotion.
The Evil Eye
Be careful staring at babies in rural areas; 'kutoa macho' might be misinterpreted as casting a spell.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'kutoa' or 'kutolea'.
Mama alim_______ macho mtoto aliyekataa kula mboga.
Since the action is directed at the 'mtoto' (child), we use the prepositional form 'tolea'.
What does 'Kutoa macho' mean in this context: 'Juma alitoa macho alipoona pilau mezani'?
Juma was...
In the context of food, 'kutoa macho' signifies intense desire or greed.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You see a friend staring at your expensive new watch.
This is the most natural way to tell someone to stop eyeing your property.
Complete the dialogue.
Ali: 'Umesikia? Bei ya sukari imepanda mara mbili!' Baba: 'Nini? ________!'
Baba is expressing shock/disbelief at the news.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Kutoa vs. Kutolea
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosMama alim_______ macho mtoto aliyekataa kula mboga.
Since the action is directed at the 'mtoto' (child), we use the prepositional form 'tolea'.
Juma was...
In the context of food, 'kutoa macho' signifies intense desire or greed.
Situation: You see a friend staring at your expensive new watch.
This is the most natural way to tell someone to stop eyeing your property.
Ali: 'Umesikia? Bei ya sukari imepanda mara mbili!' Baba: 'Nini? ________!'
Baba is expressing shock/disbelief at the news.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
14 preguntasIt can be. If you tell someone 'Unatoa macho,' you are basically calling them greedy or nosy. Use it carefully.
Not really. For a sunset, use 'Kuvutiwa' (to be attracted/impressed). 'Kutoa macho' implies a more selfish or shocked kind of looking.
'Kutoa macho' is more idiomatic and implies greed/shock. 'Kukodolea' is more about the physical act of staring fixedly.
Use the prepositional form: 'Alinitolea macho.'
Yes, it is understood from the coast of Tanzania to the eastern DRC.
No, it is too informal. Use 'kufuatilia kwa karibu' (to follow closely).
No, it can also mean extreme surprise or a threatening look (if directed at someone).
The singular is 'jicho', but the idiom almost always uses the plural 'macho'.
Yes, 'kumanga mbulu' or 'kupiga chabo' are similar in slang.
No, that is 'kutazama TV.' 'Kutoa macho' would imply you are shocked by what's on TV.
Culturally, yes. Intense staring (kutoa macho) is often the physical sign of 'husuda' (envy/evil eye).
Tulitoa macho.
No, 'looking for' is 'kutafuta.' 'Kutoa macho' is about the *way* you look at something you've already found.
Seeing someone else's delicious food is the #1 most common use!
Frases relacionadas
Kutumbua macho
similarTo pop out the eyes
Kukodolea macho
similarTo stare fixedly
Macho makavu
builds onDry eyes
Kufumba macho
contrastTo close the eyes
Ana jicho la nje
specialized formHe has an outside eye
Kumezea mate
similarTo swallow saliva for something
