Signification
Checking the amount of currency available.
Contexte culturel
In Tanzania, it is polite to receive money with your right hand or both hands. Counting it immediately is expected and not considered rude; it shows you are serious about the transaction. With the dominance of M-Pesa, 'kuhesabu pesa' often happens on a mobile screen. People are very protective of their PINs while doing this. In the narrow streets of Stone Town, transactions are often social. Counting money is accompanied by small talk (habari za asubuhi, nk). In Swahili-speaking parts of Uganda, the phrase is used similarly, but you might hear more influence from Luganda in the surrounding conversation.
Double Check
Always count your money twice in a busy market to avoid 'changanya' (confusion).
Safety First
Don't count large amounts of cash on the street; find a private spot or a bank.
Signification
Checking the amount of currency available.
Double Check
Always count your money twice in a busy market to avoid 'changanya' (confusion).
Safety First
Don't count large amounts of cash on the street; find a private spot or a bank.
M-Pesa Context
When someone says 'nimekuhesabia', they might mean they've calculated your share of a digital payment.
Right Hand
Always use your right hand when handing over the money you just counted.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'I am counting money'.
Mimi ______ pesa.
'Ninahesabu' is the present tense for 'I am counting'.
Which sentence is the most polite way to ask a bank teller to count the money?
Select the best option:
'Tafadhali' (please) and the subjunctive 'uhesabu' make it polite.
Match the Swahili phrase to its English meaning.
Match these:
Direct translation practice.
Complete the dialogue at the market.
Muuzaji: Bei ni shilingi mia tano. Mteja: Sawa, ngoja ______.
In a market context after hearing the price, you count your money.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Where to Count Money
Places
- • Soko (Market)
- • Benki (Bank)
- • Nyumbani (Home)
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMimi ______ pesa.
'Ninahesabu' is the present tense for 'I am counting'.
Select the best option:
'Tafadhali' (please) and the subjunctive 'uhesabu' make it polite.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Direct translation practice.
Muuzaji: Bei ni shilingi mia tano. Mteja: Sawa, ngoja ______.
In a market context after hearing the price, you count your money.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, it is a neutral and practical phrase used by everyone.
Not really. It's specifically for cash or checking a balance. For cards, use 'lipa kwa kadi'.
It remains 'pesa'. The noun class (N-class) doesn't change the word form.
Say 'Ninahesabu pesa zangu'.
Yes, 'kucheki chapaa' is common in Nairobi.
Yes, 'Hesabu' is also the word for the subject of Mathematics in school.
Yes, 'kuhesabu watu' means to count people (like a census).
You can say 'Nimekosea hesabu' (I made a mistake in the calculation).
'Fedha' is more formal, like 'finance' or 'currency'. 'Pesa' is like 'cash' or 'money'.
It is a way to ensure transparency and agreement between the buyer and seller.
Yes, especially when the bill comes and you are checking your cash.
No, in Swahili, you pronounce the 'h' clearly.
Expressions liées
Piga hesabu
similarTo calculate or do math
Toa pesa
builds onTo withdraw or give money
Weka pesa
contrastTo deposit or save money
Badili pesa
specialized formTo exchange currency
