Signification
Engaging in labor or tasks.
Contexte culturel
The phrase 'Kazi iendelee' became a national mantra following the death of President John Magufuli, used by his successor Samia Suluhu Hassan to signal continuity in development projects. In Kenya, 'Kazi' is often associated with the 'Jua Kali' sector (informal artisans working under the hot sun). 'Kufanya kazi ya Jua Kali' implies manual, skilled labor. Historically, 'kazi' referred to maritime and plantation labor. There is a traditional song genre called 'Work Songs' used to synchronize labor in fields or on boats. Young people often avoid the formal 'kufanya kazi' in favor of 'kupiga mzigo' to sound more 'street-smart' and resilient.
The Machine Rule
Always use 'inafanya kazi' for electronics. It makes you sound much more natural than saying 'it is open' or 'it is on.'
Greeting Workers
If you walk past a construction site or a shop, saying 'Kazi njema' is a great way to build rapport with locals.
Signification
Engaging in labor or tasks.
The Machine Rule
Always use 'inafanya kazi' for electronics. It makes you sound much more natural than saying 'it is open' or 'it is on.'
Greeting Workers
If you walk past a construction site or a shop, saying 'Kazi njema' is a great way to build rapport with locals.
Avoid 'Mimi ni kazi'
Never say 'Mimi ni kazi' to mean 'I am working.' It sounds like you are claiming to be the physical manifestation of labor!
Sheng Power
Use 'kupiga mzigo' with friends to sound more like a local in Nairobi or Dar.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct subject prefix for 'I am working.'
____nafanya kazi.
'Ni-' is the subject prefix for 'I' in Swahili.
How do you say 'The phone is not working'?
Select the correct sentence:
Simu is in the N-class (9), so the negative prefix is 'hai-'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You see a friend cleaning their yard. What do you say?
'Kazi njema' is the standard polite greeting for someone working.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Unafanya nini ofisini? B: ___________.
The question asks 'What are you doing in the office?', so 'I am working' is the logical answer.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Working vs. Exercising
Banque d exercices
4 exercices____nafanya kazi.
'Ni-' is the subject prefix for 'I' in Swahili.
Select the correct sentence:
Simu is in the N-class (9), so the negative prefix is 'hai-'.
Situation: You see a friend cleaning their yard. What do you say?
'Kazi njema' is the standard polite greeting for someone working.
A: Unafanya nini ofisini? B: ___________.
The question asks 'What are you doing in the office?', so 'I am working' is the logical answer.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, you can say 'kufanya kazi ya shule.'
Yes, the word 'kazi' does not change its form in the plural.
Use 'Niko kazini.' The '-ni' suffix means 'at' or 'in.'
'Kazi' is general work/tasks, while 'ajira' specifically means formal employment or a job contract.
Yes, 'Dawa inafanya kazi' is perfectly correct.
It is neutral and can be used in any setting.
Nilifanya kazi.
It means 'Let the work continue,' a popular political and social slogan.
No, use 'kufanya mazoezi' instead.
'Kupiga mzigo' is the most common slang version.
Kazi ngumu or Kazi ya bidii.
Yes, e.g., 'Punda anafanya kazi' (The donkey is working).
Expressions liées
Kuchapa kazi
similarTo work very hard.
Kazi njema
builds onGood work / Have a good workday.
Mwanafunzi wa kazi
specialized formAn apprentice.
Kazi bure
contrastUseless effort / Work for nothing.
