Signification
It is better to avoid problems.
Contexte culturel
In coastal culture, health is often tied to spiritual and environmental balance. This proverb is used to reinforce the idea of 'Tahadhari' (caution) which is a highly valued trait in a merchant society. The Tanzanian government uses this proverb as a primary slogan for national health campaigns, from malaria prevention to HIV/AIDS awareness. This is one of the first 'Methali' (proverbs) taught to primary school students in Kenya as part of the Kiswahili curriculum to instill moral and practical wisdom. In modern corporate East Africa, the proverb is adapted to mean 'Risk Management'. It is common to hear it in boardrooms when discussing insurance or audits.
Use it for non-medical things
Native speakers love using this for money, cars, and exams. It makes you sound very fluent!
Don't use it after a disaster
If someone is already sick or hurt, this phrase sounds like you are blaming them. Use 'Pole' instead.
Signification
It is better to avoid problems.
Use it for non-medical things
Native speakers love using this for money, cars, and exams. It makes you sound very fluent!
Don't use it after a disaster
If someone is already sick or hurt, this phrase sounds like you are blaming them. Use 'Pole' instead.
The power of 'Bora'
In Swahili, 'Bora' implies a moral or qualitative superiority, not just a mathematical one.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
Kinga ni ____ kuliko tiba.
'Bora' is the standard word for 'better' in this proverb.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Kinga ni bora kuliko tiba'?
A person is doing something to avoid a problem.
Prevention (wearing a seatbelt) is better than dealing with the injury (tiba).
Match the Swahili words with their English meanings.
Match the following:
These are the four core components of the proverb.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
Mama: 'Mwanangu, osha mikono kabla ya kula.' Mtoto: 'Kwa nini mama?' Mama: 'Kwa sababu ____.'
The mother is giving hygiene advice, which fits the proverb perfectly.
Match the advice to the proverb.
Why should you save money every month?
Saving money is a form of 'kinga' (protection) against future financial 'tiba' (fixes).
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Kinga vs Tiba
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesKinga ni ____ kuliko tiba.
'Bora' is the standard word for 'better' in this proverb.
A person is doing something to avoid a problem.
Prevention (wearing a seatbelt) is better than dealing with the injury (tiba).
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the four core components of the proverb.
Mama: 'Mwanangu, osha mikono kabla ya kula.' Mtoto: 'Kwa nini mama?' Mama: 'Kwa sababu ____.'
The mother is giving hygiene advice, which fits the proverb perfectly.
Why should you save money every month?
Saving money is a form of 'kinga' (protection) against future financial 'tiba' (fixes).
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is used for any situation where being proactive avoids a future problem, like car maintenance or saving money.
It's grammatically okay, but it's not the proverb. People will know you are a learner. Stick to 'bora'.
It is a comparative word meaning 'than'. It literally comes from 'ku-li-ko' (where there is).
It is formal because it is a proverb, but it is used in everyday informal conversation as well.
It's a hard 'ng' like in 'angle'.
Yes, you can just say 'Kinga ni bora'.
There isn't a direct opposite proverb, but 'Maji yakimwagika hayazoleki' is what you say when you failed to prevent the problem.
Yes, though often to be funny or when giving serious advice to a friend.
'Dawa' is medicine (the physical thing). 'Tiba' is treatment or the act of curing.
Absolutely. It's a very professional way to talk about risk management.
Expressions liées
Maji yakimwagika hayazoleki
contrastOnce water is spilled, it cannot be picked up.
Usipoziba ufa, utajenga ukuta
similarIf you don't repair a crack, you will build a wall.
Tahadhari kabla ya hatari
synonymCaution before danger.
Aisifuye mvua imemnyea
builds onHe who praises the rain has been rained upon.
