Signification
Being very industrious.
Contexte culturel
The phrase was a cornerstone of President Magufuli's administration (2015-2021) under the slogan 'Hapa Kazi Tu.' It became a symbol of national discipline and anti-corruption. In Kenya, 'kuchapa kazi' is often linked to the 'hustle' spirit. It's common to hear it in the context of 'Jua Kali' (informal sector) workers who work under the hot sun. In Zanzibar and Mombasa, while the pace of life is sometimes seen as slower ('pole pole'), 'kuchapa kazi' is still used to distinguish serious professionals from idlers. On LinkedIn and Instagram, young East Africans use #MchapaKazi to showcase their professional achievements and side hustles.
Use it as a compliment
Calling someone 'mchapa kazi' is one of the best compliments you can give in a Swahili workplace.
Don't use for small tasks
If you just washed one plate, don't say you 'chapa kazi.' It sounds sarcastic.
Signification
Being very industrious.
Use it as a compliment
Calling someone 'mchapa kazi' is one of the best compliments you can give in a Swahili workplace.
Don't use for small tasks
If you just washed one plate, don't say you 'chapa kazi.' It sounds sarcastic.
Political context
Be aware that in Tanzania, this phrase has strong associations with the late President Magufuli's era.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'kuchapa'.
Jana, mimi ________ kazi sana ofisini.
The word 'Jana' (yesterday) requires the past tense marker '-li-'.
Which sentence means 'He is a hard worker'?
Chagua jibu sahihi:
'Mchapa kazi' is the noun form used to describe a person's character.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: Mradi huu ni mgumu sana! B: Usijali, tukishirikiana na ________, tutamaliza.
The context of a 'difficult project' requires 'working hard' to finish it.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A manager motivating a team on Monday morning.
'Hapa kazi tu' is a famous variation of the 'kuchapa kazi' spirit used for motivation.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Intensity Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJana, mimi ________ kazi sana ofisini.
The word 'Jana' (yesterday) requires the past tense marker '-li-'.
Chagua jibu sahihi:
'Mchapa kazi' is the noun form used to describe a person's character.
A: Mradi huu ni mgumu sana! B: Usijali, tukishirikiana na ________, tutamaliza.
The context of a 'difficult project' requires 'working hard' to finish it.
Situation: A manager motivating a team on Monday morning.
'Hapa kazi tu' is a famous variation of the 'kuchapa kazi' spirit used for motivation.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is very positive and encouraging.
Yes, it is very common for students to say they are 'kuchapa kazi' for exams.
'Kupiga mzigo' is slang (like 'grinding'), while 'kuchapa kazi' is standard idiom.
Say 'Mimi ni mchapa kazi.'
Yes, it is used throughout East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Yes: 'Nilichapa kazi' (I worked hard).
In this context, yes, but it also means to print or type.
For the noun: 'Wachapa kazi' (Hard workers).
Only if it's a lot of work, like a full day of cleaning.
'Kuzembea' (to be lazy) or 'kucheza' (to play).
Expressions liées
Kupiga mzigo
synonymTo work hard (slang)
Kujituma
similarTo show initiative
Kufanya kazi kwa bidii
synonymTo work with effort
Kuzembea
contrastTo be lazy/negligent
Uchapakazi
builds onIndustriousness
