Signification
Having an opportunity.
Contexte culturel
In Tanzania, 'kupata nafasi' is often used in the context of 'Nafasi za Kazi' (Job vacancies) which are highly sought after. It's common to see people gathered around notice boards looking for 'nafasi'. In Kenya, especially in Nairobi, 'nafasi' is critical in the context of 'Matatus' (minibuses). Getting a 'nafasi' means you won't have to wait for the next bus, which could take an hour. In the narrow streets of Stone Town, 'nafasi' is a literal request for space. Because the alleys are so thin, 'Nipe nafasi' is a polite necessity when passing someone. In business, 'kupata nafasi' is often a euphemism for 'getting an audience' with a high-ranking official. It implies a level of prestige and access.
Polite Refusal
If you want to say 'no' to an invitation politely, say 'Sina nafasi' (I don't have space/time). It sounds less harsh than 'Sitaki' (I don't want).
Don't say 'Pata Nafasi' to a clock
Remember, 'nafasi' is not for telling time. Don't use it for 'What time is it?'
Signification
Having an opportunity.
Polite Refusal
If you want to say 'no' to an invitation politely, say 'Sina nafasi' (I don't have space/time). It sounds less harsh than 'Sitaki' (I don't want).
Don't say 'Pata Nafasi' to a clock
Remember, 'nafasi' is not for telling time. Don't use it for 'What time is it?'
Job Hunting
When writing a cover letter in Swahili, always use the phrase 'Shukrani kwa nafasi hii' (Thanks for this opportunity). It's a standard professional courtesy.
The Daladala Rule
On public transport, if someone says 'Sogeza upate nafasi,' they are asking you to move so they can fit in. It's a communal way of sharing space.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'kupata nafasi'.
Jana nilikuwa na kazi nyingi, hivyo si____ ya kupumzika.
The sentence is in the past negative ('Jana... si...'), so 'sikupata nafasi' (I didn't get a chance) is correct.
Which sentence means 'I am looking for a job opportunity'?
Choose the best translation:
'Nafasi ya kazi' is the standard idiom for a job opportunity or opening.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are on a crowded bus and want to sit down.
'Kuna nafasi ya kukaa?' means 'Is there a space to sit?'
Complete the dialogue.
A: Je, utakuja kwenye sherehe? B: Ndio, niki____ nitakuja.
'Nikipata nafasi' is the most natural way to say 'If I get the chance/time'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Nafasi vs. Muda
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJana nilikuwa na kazi nyingi, hivyo si____ ya kupumzika.
The sentence is in the past negative ('Jana... si...'), so 'sikupata nafasi' (I didn't get a chance) is correct.
Choose the best translation:
'Nafasi ya kazi' is the standard idiom for a job opportunity or opening.
Situation: You are on a crowded bus and want to sit down.
'Kuna nafasi ya kukaa?' means 'Is there a space to sit?'
A: Je, utakuja kwenye sherehe? B: Ndio, niki____ nitakuja.
'Nikipata nafasi' is the most natural way to say 'If I get the chance/time'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, for a bedroom use 'chumba'. 'Nafasi' means the space or room *inside* a place, or the opportunity.
Yes! 'Nafasi ya maegesho' is the correct term for a parking spot.
Both are good, but 'fursa' sounds slightly more formal and 'big-picture,' while 'nafasi' is more common for the actual meeting slot.
You say 'Sina nafasi' or 'Sina tumaini' (I have no hope).
It is both! It belongs to the N-class. 'Nafasi moja' (one chance), 'Nafasi mbili' (two chances).
In some poetic contexts, yes, as in 'having the space to be free,' but 'uhuru' is the direct word for freedom.
The opposite is 'kukosa nafasi' (to miss/lack an opportunity).
Yes, it means 'my chance' or 'my space/seat'.
Yes, 'kupata nafasi ya kufunga' means 'getting a chance to score'.
Use the 't' tense: 'Nitapata nafasi kesho' (I will get a chance tomorrow).
Sometimes. 'Nafasi yake katika jamii' means 'his position/status in society'.
Yes, it is a very respectful and neutral phrase.
Expressions liées
Kupata fursa
synonymTo get an opportunity
Kutoa nafasi
builds onTo give an opportunity
Nafasi ya pili
specialized formA second chance
Kukosa nafasi
contrastTo miss an opportunity
Nafasi wazi
similarA vacancy
