Significado
Telling something that was meant to be private.
Contexto cultural
Keeping a secret is a sign of 'Uungwana' (gentlemanliness/nobility). A person who reveals secrets is often socially isolated. In modern music, 'kutoa siri' is a common theme in songs about betrayal and heartbreak, reflecting the high stakes of trust in urban life. In Nairobi, 'kutoa siri' is often replaced by 'kuchoma', which implies that revealing the secret 'burned' or ruined a situation. In the close-knit communities of Stone Town, 'kutoa siri' is particularly taboo because everyone knows everyone, and news travels fast.
Use with possessives
Always try to specify whose secret it is (yangu, yako, yake) to sound more natural.
Don't over-use
It's a strong phrase. Don't use it for small, unimportant information.
Significado
Telling something that was meant to be private.
Use with possessives
Always try to specify whose secret it is (yangu, yako, yake) to sound more natural.
Don't over-use
It's a strong phrase. Don't use it for small, unimportant information.
The 'Millet' alternative
If you want to sound like a local, use 'Kumwaga mtama' in casual conversations!
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'kutoa'.
Jana, rafiki yangu ____ siri yangu.
'Jana' means yesterday, so we need the past tense prefix -ali-.
Which sentence means 'Don't reveal the secret'?
Chagua sentensi sahihi:
'Usitoe' is the negative imperative (don't).
Match the Swahili phrase with its English meaning.
Linganisha maneno haya:
Direct translation practice.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kwanini unakasirika? B: Kwa sababu mwalimu ____ siri yangu.
In the context of a secret, 'alitoa' (revealed) is the only logical verb.
Which situation fits 'Kutoa siri'?
Ni hali gani inafaa?
This is a classic example of revealing a private secret.
🎉 Puntuación: /5
Ayudas visuales
Types of Secrets
Personal
- • Mapenzi
- • Maisha
Work
- • Mshahara
- • Miradi
Banco de ejercicios
5 ejerciciosJana, rafiki yangu ____ siri yangu.
'Jana' means yesterday, so we need the past tense prefix -ali-.
Chagua sentensi sahihi:
'Usitoe' is the negative imperative (don't).
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
Direct translation practice.
A: Kwanini unakasirika? B: Kwa sababu mwalimu ____ siri yangu.
In the context of a secret, 'alitoa' (revealed) is the only logical verb.
Ni hali gani inafaa?
This is a classic example of revealing a private secret.
🎉 Puntuación: /5
Preguntas frecuentes
6 preguntasUsually, yes, as it implies a breach of trust. However, in whistleblowing contexts, it can be seen as a positive act of justice.
Yes! You can say 'Usitoe siri ya filamu' (Don't give away the movie's secret/spoilers).
It remains 'siri'. Swahili N-class nouns don't change in the plural. 'Siri nyingi' means many secrets.
You would say 'Niliambiwa siri' or 'Nilipewa siri' (I was given a secret).
'Kutoa' is general; 'Kufichua' is more like 'uncovering' something that was intentionally hidden deep.
Only if discussing confidentiality. 'Siwezi kutoa siri za mwajiri wangu wa zamani' (I cannot reveal my former employer's secrets).
Frases relacionadas
Kumwaga mtama
similarTo spill the beans (literally: to pour millet)
Kufichua siri
synonymTo uncover/reveal a secret
Kuweka siri
contrastTo keep a secret
Siri ya kambi
specialized formA camp secret / inside info
Kuvuja kwa siri
builds onThe leaking of a secret
