Signification
Planning something secret or bad.
Contexte culturel
The word 'njama' is a staple in Tanzanian political discourse, often used by both the government and opposition to describe the other's secret meetings. It reflects a political culture where 'behind-the-scenes' negotiations are seen as the real seat of power. In coastal regions, 'njama' can sometimes refer to the private deliberations of elders (Wazee wa mji). While it can be negative, it also carries a sense of 'exclusive knowledge' that only the initiated possess. Many Bongo Flava songs use 'kula njama' to describe 'haters' or 'snitches' (wasaliti) who plot to bring down a successful artist. It's a common theme of 'us against the world.' In boarding schools across Kenya and Tanzania, 'kula njama' is the term used for organizing 'strikes' or mass disobedience. It is a word that every student knows by the age of 12.
Use 'Suka' for Complexity
If you want to sound like a native speaker describing a very clever plot, use 'Suka njama' (weave a plot) instead of 'kula'.
Negative Connotation
Be careful! Calling someone's plan a 'njama' is an insult. It implies they are being dishonest.
Signification
Planning something secret or bad.
Use 'Suka' for Complexity
If you want to sound like a native speaker describing a very clever plot, use 'Suka njama' (weave a plot) instead of 'kula'.
Negative Connotation
Be careful! Calling someone's plan a 'njama' is an insult. It implies they are being dishonest.
The 'Eating' Metaphor
Swahili uses 'kula' for many things: kula rushwa (bribe), kula kiapo (oath), kula hasara (loss). It always means experiencing something fully.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'kula' in the past tense.
Jana, wezi walikuwa wame_______ njama ya kuiba gari.
In the past perfect 'walikuwa wamekula', the infinitive 'kula' is used.
Which situation best describes 'kula njama'?
Chagua jibu sahihi:
'Kula njama' involves a secret plan (siri) and usually some form of deceit (kumdanganya).
Match the phrase to the most likely context.
Mechi ya mpira ilikuwa na njama.
In sports, 'njama' refers to secret agreements to influence the outcome.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Kwa nini watu wale wanajificha? B: Nahisi wanaku____ njama.
The root is -la. 'Wanakula' is the present continuous form.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJana, wezi walikuwa wame_______ njama ya kuiba gari.
In the past perfect 'walikuwa wamekula', the infinitive 'kula' is used.
Chagua jibu sahihi:
'Kula njama' involves a secret plan (siri) and usually some form of deceit (kumdanganya).
Mechi ya mpira ilikuwa na njama.
In sports, 'njama' refers to secret agreements to influence the outcome.
A: Kwa nini watu wale wanajificha? B: Nahisi wanaku____ njama.
The root is -la. 'Wanakula' is the present continuous form.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, but it's slightly ironic. It's like saying 'we are conspiring' to give you a gift. It adds a playful, mischievous tone.
It is both. In the N-class, the word doesn't change. 'Njama moja' (one plot), 'Njama nyingi' (many plots).
'Siri' is just a secret (information). 'Njama' is a secret *plan* or *action* involving multiple people.
No. By definition, a 'njama' requires more than one person. You would just say 'Nilifanya siri'.
Absolutely. You will see it in every Swahili newspaper and in formal literature like the works of Shaaban Robert.
Expressions liées
Panga mipango
contrastTo make plans (neutral/positive)
Suka njama
similarTo weave a plot
Fichua siri
contrastTo reveal a secret
Kula rushwa
builds onTo take a bribe
