Signification
Strong emphasis or agreement.
Contexte culturel
In Tanzania, 'Kabisa' is often used with a rhythmic nod of the head. It is considered very polite to use it when an elder is speaking to show you are paying full attention. In Kenyan Swahili, 'Kabisa' is frequently mixed with English in 'Sheng.' You might hear 'I am serious kabisa!' which blends the two languages for maximum emphasis. On the island of Zanzibar, the Arabic influence is stronger. 'Kabisa' is used with a specific melodic intonation that lingers on the 'i', making it sound more poetic. In Eastern DRC, Swahili speakers use 'Kabisa' to distinguish their 'pure' Swahili from the local dialects, emphasizing that something is 'truly' Swahili.
The Double Kabisa
If you really, really agree, say 'Kabisa kabisa!' It makes you sound like a local.
Word Order Matters
Always put 'kabisa' AFTER the word you want to emphasize. Never before!
Signification
Strong emphasis or agreement.
The Double Kabisa
If you really, really agree, say 'Kabisa kabisa!' It makes you sound like a local.
Word Order Matters
Always put 'kabisa' AFTER the word you want to emphasize. Never before!
Active Listening
Use 'Kabisa' as a filler while someone else is talking to show you are following along.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct sentence to say 'I am completely tired.'
How do you say 'I am completely tired'?
In Swahili, the intensifier 'kabisa' must follow the adjective 'mchovu'.
Fill in the blank to agree strongly with the statement.
A: Leo ni joto sana. B: ______, kuna jua kali!
'Kabisa' is the perfect response to show strong agreement.
Complete the dialogue about finishing a task.
Mwalimu: Je, umemaliza kusoma kitabu? Mwanafunzi: Ndiyo, mwalimu. Nimesoma ______.
'Nimesoma kabisa' implies you have read the whole thing from start to finish.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Which situation fits 'Sielewi kabisa'?
'Sielewi kabisa' means 'I don't understand at all.'
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Ways to Use Kabisa
Agreement
- • Kabisa!
- • Ndiyo kabisa
- • Kweli kabisa
Completion
- • Imeisha kabisa
- • Nimemaliza kabisa
- • Nimesahau kabisa
Intensity
- • Mpya kabisa
- • Mbali kabisa
- • Safi kabisa
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHow do you say 'I am completely tired'?
In Swahili, the intensifier 'kabisa' must follow the adjective 'mchovu'.
A: Leo ni joto sana. B: ______, kuna jua kali!
'Kabisa' is the perfect response to show strong agreement.
Mwalimu: Je, umemaliza kusoma kitabu? Mwanafunzi: Ndiyo, mwalimu. Nimesoma ______.
'Nimesoma kabisa' implies you have read the whole thing from start to finish.
Which situation fits 'Sielewi kabisa'?
'Sielewi kabisa' means 'I don't understand at all.'
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot on its own. To say 'Absolutely not,' you must say 'Hapana kabisa.'
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your best friend.
'Sana' means 'very' (80%), while 'Kabisa' means 'totally' (100%).
No, it is an adverb and stays the same regardless of the noun.
Only as a one-word answer. Otherwise, it usually comes at the end of a phrase.
Yes, it is universally understood and used throughout the Swahili-speaking world.
Use 'Sielewi kabisa.'
Yes, 'Saa kumi kabisa' means 'Exactly 4 o'clock.'
No, it is invariable.
Yes, they share the same Arabic root meaning 'to press in.'
Expressions liées
Sana
similarVery / A lot
Mno
similarExcessively
Kamwe
specialized formNever / Not at all
Halisi
similarGenuine / Real
Hasa
similarEspecially / Exactly
Pekee
contrastOnly / Alone
