Signification
To do everything possible to achieve a goal.
Contexte culturel
In Tanzania, this phrase is often linked to the concept of 'Kujitegemea' (Self-reliance). It is a point of pride to show that you are working hard for your family. In Kenya, 'juu chini' is frequently heard in the context of 'hustling.' It describes the grit needed to survive in the competitive economy of Nairobi. On the coast, the phrase retains a bit more of its 'searching' flavor. It is often used when looking for specific resources or people across the islands. Among Swahili speakers abroad, this phrase is used to describe the struggle of adapting to a new country and working multiple jobs.
Use it for Promises
If you want to impress a Swahili speaker with your commitment, use this phrase instead of just saying 'I will try'.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for every small thing, it loses its power. Save it for things that actually matter.
Signification
To do everything possible to achieve a goal.
Use it for Promises
If you want to impress a Swahili speaker with your commitment, use this phrase instead of just saying 'I will try'.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for every small thing, it loses its power. Save it for things that actually matter.
Pair with Subjunctive
Always try to follow it with a verb ending in '-e' (e.g., '...juu chini nifaul**e**') to sound more native.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Nitafanya ____ ____ ili nifaulu mtihani wangu.
The standard idiom is 'juu chini' (up down).
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to show determination?
Choose the best sentence:
This sentence correctly uses the idiom to mean 'doing everything possible' to get a job.
Complete the dialogue between a boss and an employee.
Boss: 'Kazi hii lazima iishe leo.' Employee: 'Sawa bosi, nitafanya ____ ____ ikamilike.'
'Juu chini' is the most idiomatic way to promise total effort to a superior.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of 'kufanya juu chini'.
Situation: Your best friend's car broke down and they need to get to a wedding.
Helping a friend in a crisis is a perfect context for this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Where to use Juu Chini
Work
- • Deadlines
- • Interviews
- • Promotions
Personal
- • Health
- • Family
- • Education
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNitafanya ____ ____ ili nifaulu mtihani wangu.
The standard idiom is 'juu chini' (up down).
Choose the best sentence:
This sentence correctly uses the idiom to mean 'doing everything possible' to get a job.
Boss: 'Kazi hii lazima iishe leo.' Employee: 'Sawa bosi, nitafanya ____ ____ ikamilike.'
'Juu chini' is the most idiomatic way to promise total effort to a superior.
Situation: Your best friend's car broke down and they need to get to a wedding.
Helping a friend in a crisis is a perfect context for this idiom.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it in a business meeting or with your friends.
Yes, you can use it to describe searching high and low for a lost object.
'Kujitahidi' simply means 'to try hard,' while 'kufanya juu chini' implies you are doing *everything* possible.
Yes, it is very common in both Kenya and Tanzania.
You change 'kufanya' to 'tutafanya' (we will do) or 'tulifanya' (we did).
You can, but it sounds more literal and less like an idiom.
Not really. You would just say 'Sikufanya juu chini' (I didn't do everything possible).
No, it is standard Swahili (Kiswahili Sanifu).
Yes, it's a great way to show you are committed to the relationship.
Reversing the words to say 'chini juu'.
Expressions liées
Kujitahidi kwa hali na mali
synonymTo strive with all conditions and resources.
Kupambana
similarTo struggle/fight.
Kutoa jasho
builds onTo sweat.
Kulala mlango wazi
contrastTo sleep with the door open (to be lazy/careless).
