Signification
Participating in an election.
Contexte culturel
In Tanzania, voting is seen as a 'sherehe ya demokrasia' (celebration of democracy). People often dress in their best clothes to go to the polling stations. In Kenya, the phrase 'Kura Yangu, Sauti Yangu' (My Vote, My Voice) is a powerful slogan used to encourage youth participation in elections. In Zanzibar, political discussions are very vibrant in 'Baraza' (local meeting spots). 'Kupiga kura' is a frequent topic of debate over coffee. For Swahili speakers abroad, 'kupiga kura' often involves absentee ballots or traveling to embassies, which is discussed with a sense of patriotic pride.
The 'Pigia' Secret
If you want to sound like a native, always use 'Nitampigia kura [Name]' instead of 'Nitapiga kura kwa [Name]'. The applicative form is much more natural.
Don't 'Hit' People
Remember that 'kupiga' also means 'to hit' physically. Context is everything! If you say 'Nilimpiga Juma', it means you punched him. If you say 'Nilimpigia kura Juma', it means you voted for him.
Signification
Participating in an election.
The 'Pigia' Secret
If you want to sound like a native, always use 'Nitampigia kura [Name]' instead of 'Nitapiga kura kwa [Name]'. The applicative form is much more natural.
Don't 'Hit' People
Remember that 'kupiga' also means 'to hit' physically. Context is everything! If you say 'Nilimpiga Juma', it means you punched him. If you say 'Nilimpigia kura Juma', it means you voted for him.
Ink on the Finger
In many Swahili-speaking countries, after you 'piga kura', your finger is dipped in purple ink. This is called 'wino wa kura'. It's a badge of honor on election day!
Teste-toi
Jaza nafasi kwa neno sahihi la kitenzi 'piga'.
Sisi ____ kura kesho asubuhi.
The word 'kesho' (tomorrow) requires the future tense marker 'ta'.
Chagua sentensi iliyo sahihi.
Unataka kumsaidia Juma awe kiongozi. Utasema nini?
When voting *for* someone, you use the applicative form 'pigia' and the object infix 'm'.
Linganisha sentensi na muktadha wake.
1. 'Tupige kura ya maoni.' | 2. 'Nimepoteza kadi yangu ya kura.' | 3. 'Tupige kura tule nini.'
'Kura ya maoni' is formal, 'kadi ya kura' is political, and 'tule nini' is informal.
Kamilisha mazungumzo haya.
A: Je, utampigia kura nani? B: Bado sijaamua, lakini lazima ____.
The speaker is talking about their own obligation (I must vote).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Where to Piga Kura
Formal
- • Uchaguzi Mkuu
- • Referendum
- • Bunge
Informal
- • Chakula
- • Filamu
- • Mchezo
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSisi ____ kura kesho asubuhi.
The word 'kesho' (tomorrow) requires the future tense marker 'ta'.
Unataka kumsaidia Juma awe kiongozi. Utasema nini?
When voting *for* someone, you use the applicative form 'pigia' and the object infix 'm'.
1. 'Tupige kura ya maoni.' | 2. 'Nimepoteza kadi yangu ya kura.' | 3. 'Tupige kura tule nini.'
'Kura ya maoni' is formal, 'kadi ya kura' is political, and 'tule nini' is informal.
A: Je, utampigia kura nani? B: Bado sijaamua, lakini lazima ____.
The speaker is talking about their own obligation (I must vote).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsOnly if you are in a group and everyone is voting to decide on one color. If it's just your preference, use 'ninachagua'.
The word 'kura' belongs to the N-class, so it remains 'kura' in plural. 'Kura moja' (one vote), 'Kura nyingi' (many votes).
Yes, it is a perfectly neutral and polite term used in all levels of society.
You would say 'Nilijipigia kura mwenyewe'.
In some contexts, 'kura' can mean 'lots' as in 'casting lots' for a prize, but 'voting' is its primary modern meaning.
It is called 'sanduku la kura'.
No! 'Kula' means to eat. 'Kula kura' is sometimes used as slang for 'taking bribes for votes', but it's not standard and has a negative connotation.
Not really. 'Kupiga kura' is the standard unit. In headlines, you might just see 'Kura' (The Vote).
You say 'Kura zinahesabiwa'.
It is often translated as 'idadi ya wapiga kura waliojitokeza'.
Expressions liées
Kupiga kura ya maoni
specialized formTo vote in a referendum or opinion poll.
Kuhesabu kura
builds onTo count the votes.
Kuiba kura
contrastTo steal votes (electoral fraud).
Kujiandikisha kupiga kura
prerequisiteTo register to vote.
