Signification
Quantity indicator.
Contexte culturel
In Tanzania, 'kidogo tu' is used extensively in the 'pole pole' culture to manage pace. In Kenya, especially in urban Nairobi, it is often used in bargaining for matatu fares or market goods. The influence of Arabic is strong here, making the use of 'tu' very natural and frequent. It is a sign of good manners to use 'kidogo tu' when offered food to show you are not greedy.
Use your hands
When you say 'kidogo tu', hold your thumb and index finger close together. It makes you look like a local!
Be polite
Always add 'tafadhali' (please) after 'kidogo tu' when making a request.
Signification
Quantity indicator.
Use your hands
When you say 'kidogo tu', hold your thumb and index finger close together. It makes you look like a local!
Be polite
Always add 'tafadhali' (please) after 'kidogo tu' when making a request.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence: 'Nataka sukari ______.'
Nataka sukari ______.
'Kidogo tu' is the correct quantifier for a small amount.
Which sentence is more polite?
Which sentence is more polite?
Adding 'kidogo tu' softens the request.
Complete the dialogue: A: 'Unajua Kiswahili?' B: 'Najua ______.'
A: 'Unajua Kiswahili?' B: 'Najua ______.'
This is the standard way to express limited language ability.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are at a market and the price is too high.
'Punguza' means reduce, so 'Punguza kidogo tu' means reduce it just a little.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNataka sukari ______.
'Kidogo tu' is the correct quantifier for a small amount.
Which sentence is more polite?
Adding 'kidogo tu' softens the request.
A: 'Unajua Kiswahili?' B: 'Najua ______.'
This is the standard way to express limited language ability.
You are at a market and the price is too high.
'Punguza' means reduce, so 'Punguza kidogo tu' means reduce it just a little.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, it is very polite and helpful for managing expectations.
Yes, 'subiri kidogo tu' is very common.
No, it is invariant.
No, it is standard Swahili.
Expressions liées
Kidogo kidogo
similarLittle by little
Kiasi
synonymAn amount
Punguza
builds onReduce
Sana
contrastVery/A lot
