Signification
Referring specifically to water safe for consumption.
Contexte culturel
In Tanzania, it is very common to be served water in a glass from a large 1.5L bottle. It is polite to accept it even if you aren't thirsty. In Nairobi, 'maji ya kunywa' is often synonymous with 'mineral water'. People are very health-conscious about water sources in the city. On the coast (Zanzibar, Mombasa), water is often stored in clay 'mitungi' to keep it cool naturally. This water is highly prized for its taste. In many parts of Uganda, 'maji ya kunywa' is often boiled and then cooled. It may have a slightly smoky taste if boiled over firewood.
Always specify
In restaurants, always say 'ya kunywa' to avoid being brought a bowl for hand-washing.
Tap water safety
In many areas, tap water is not 'maji ya kunywa'. Always ask or buy bottled.
Signification
Referring specifically to water safe for consumption.
Always specify
In restaurants, always say 'ya kunywa' to avoid being brought a bowl for hand-washing.
Tap water safety
In many areas, tap water is not 'maji ya kunywa'. Always ask or buy bottled.
Temperature
If you want it cold, say 'maji ya kunywa ya baridi'. If you want it room temperature, say 'maji ya kunywa ya kawaida'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing associative marker.
Maji ___ kunywa ni safi.
'Maji' is a Class 6 noun, so it requires the associative marker 'ya'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to order water in a restaurant?
Choose the correct option:
'Maji ya kunywa' is for drinking; 'kuoga' is for bathing, and 'kunawa' is for washing hands.
Match the Swahili phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the four most common water-related collocations.
Complete the dialogue between a customer and a shopkeeper.
Mteja: Hodi! Muuzaji: Karibu! Unataka nini? Mteja: Nahitaji ______.
In a shop, you buy drinking water, not river or sea water.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Types of Water in Swahili
Safe
- • Maji ya kunywa
- • Maji ya chupa
- • Maji ya kuchemsha
Utility
- • Maji ya mfereji
- • Maji ya kuoga
- • Maji ya kunawa
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMaji ___ kunywa ni safi.
'Maji' is a Class 6 noun, so it requires the associative marker 'ya'.
Choose the correct option:
'Maji ya kunywa' is for drinking; 'kuoga' is for bathing, and 'kunawa' is for washing hands.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the four most common water-related collocations.
Mteja: Hodi! Muuzaji: Karibu! Unataka nini? Mteja: Nahitaji ______.
In a shop, you buy drinking water, not river or sea water.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, but it's ambiguous. It could mean water for washing. 'Maji ya kunywa' is clearer.
Mostly, yes. 'Maji ya chupa' specifically means bottled water, which is always 'maji ya kunywa'.
'Maji' belongs to the MA- noun class (Class 6), which uses 'ya' as its associative marker.
It varies. In major cities, it's often treated but pipes can be old. Most people boil it or buy 'maji ya kunywa'.
Ask for 'maji ya kunywa yenye gesi'.
Expressions liées
Maji safi
similarClean water
Maji ya chupa
specialized formBottled water
Maji ya mfereji
contrastTap water
Kiu
builds onThirst
Maji ya kuchemsha
specialized formBoiled water
