Signification
The act of photographing something.
Contexte culturel
In Tanzania, especially at weddings (Harusi), the photographer is a central figure. It is common for guests to spend a significant portion of the event 'kupiga picha' with the couple. In the narrow streets of Stone Town, it is culturally sensitive to ask before taking photos of people, especially women in traditional dress. Always ask 'Naweza?' first. Nairobi has a thriving 'street style' photography scene. Youth use 'kupiga picha' as a way to build their personal brands on Instagram and TikTok. In some Maasai villages, photography is a commercial interaction. It is expected to pay a small fee or ask permission before 'hitting' a photo of someone in traditional regalia.
The 'Hit' Rule
If it's a machine with a button, you probably 'piga' it in Swahili.
Permission First
In many East African cultures, taking a photo without asking is considered rude. Always ask 'Naweza?'
Signification
The act of photographing something.
The 'Hit' Rule
If it's a machine with a button, you probably 'piga' it in Swahili.
Permission First
In many East African cultures, taking a photo without asking is considered rude. Always ask 'Naweza?'
Object Markers
To sound like a native, use 'Nipige' (Take a photo of me) instead of 'Piga picha mimi'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing verb to complete the sentence: 'I want to take a photo.'
Nataka ____ picha.
'Kupiga' is the correct verb for taking a photo. 'Kuchukua' means to carry, and 'kuchora' means to draw.
Which sentence means 'He took a photo of me'?
Chagua jibu sahihi:
The object marker '-ni-' (me) must be included in the verb.
Match the Swahili phrase to the correct situation.
1. Tupige selfie! 2. Naweza kukupiga picha? 3. Nahitaji picha ya pasipoti.
1-C, 2-A, 3-B is the logical mapping.
Complete the dialogue at a safari park.
Mtalii: 'Angalia tembo!' Mwongoza: 'Ndiyo, ____ picha sasa!'
'Piga picha' is the only one that makes sense with an elephant (tembo).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNataka ____ picha.
'Kupiga' is the correct verb for taking a photo. 'Kuchukua' means to carry, and 'kuchora' means to draw.
Chagua jibu sahihi:
The object marker '-ni-' (me) must be included in the verb.
1. Tupige selfie! 2. Naweza kukupiga picha? 3. Nahitaji picha ya pasipoti.
1-C, 2-A, 3-B is the logical mapping.
Mtalii: 'Angalia tembo!' Mwongoza: 'Ndiyo, ____ picha sasa!'
'Piga picha' is the only one that makes sense with an elephant (tembo).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsOnly if you are physically picking up a photo that was already printed. For the act of using a camera, always use 'kupiga'.
It is both! 'Picha moja' (one photo) and 'Picha kumi' (ten photos).
You can say 'kupiga selfie' or 'kupiga picha ya mwenyewe'. 'Selfie' is very common.
A photographer is 'Mpiga picha'.
Not generally, but it is polite to ask permission, especially with elders or in private spaces.
Say 'Tupige picha' or 'Utupige picha'.
Yes, 'kupiga video' is the standard way to say 'to film' or 'to record a video'.
It means a 'still photo,' used to distinguish it from a video.
It comes from the mechanical action of the camera shutter 'striking' to capture the image.
You can say 'Picha haijatoka vizuri' (The photo didn't come out well).
Expressions liées
Kupiga simu
similarTo make a phone call
Kuchora picha
contrastTo draw a picture
Kupiga video
builds onTo record a video
Mpiga picha
specialized formPhotographer
