Signification
Telling someone it is time for bed.
Contexte culturel
In Tanzanian households, children often perform a 'Shikamoo' greeting to all elders in the room before departing for bed after being told 'Nenda kulala'. Coastal Swahili speakers might prefer the more rhythmic 'Nenda ukalale' over the direct 'Nenda kulala', reflecting a more indirect and poetic communication style. In Nairobi, you might hear a mix of English and Swahili, like 'Nenda kusleep', though 'Nenda kulala' remains the standard for proper Swahili. The concept of 'Lala salama' (Sleep peacefully) is a vital follow-up. It is considered slightly abrupt to tell someone to go to sleep without wishing them a peaceful night.
Soften the blow
Add 'Haya' at the beginning to make the command sound less harsh and more like a suggestion.
Watch your status
Never say this to an elder; it's like telling your grandmother what to do. Use 'kupumzika' (to rest) instead.
Signification
Telling someone it is time for bed.
Soften the blow
Add 'Haya' at the beginning to make the command sound less harsh and more like a suggestion.
Watch your status
Never say this to an elder; it's like telling your grandmother what to do. Use 'kupumzika' (to rest) instead.
The 'Ka' trick
Try saying 'Nenda kalale' to sound more like a native speaker from Tanzania.
The Response
If someone tells you 'Nenda kulala', the polite response is 'Sawa, lala salama' (Okay, sleep peacefully).
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'go' for one person.
Mtoto, ____ kulala sasa.
'Nenda' is the singular imperative used for one person.
Which phrase is the most appropriate for multiple children?
Watoto wangu...
'Nendeni' is the plural imperative form.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You are telling your tired best friend to go to bed.
'Nenda kulala' is used for friends, while 'Shikamoo' is a greeting for elders.
Complete the dialogue.
Baba: Ni saa tano usiku. ____. Mtoto: Sawa baba, lala salama.
The context of 'saa tano usiku' (11 PM) and the child's response 'lala salama' indicates a bedtime command.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Singular vs Plural Imperative
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMtoto, ____ kulala sasa.
'Nenda' is the singular imperative used for one person.
Watoto wangu...
'Nendeni' is the plural imperative form.
You are telling your tired best friend to go to bed.
'Nenda kulala' is used for friends, while 'Shikamoo' is a greeting for elders.
Baba: Ni saa tano usiku. ____. Mtoto: Sawa baba, lala salama.
The context of 'saa tano usiku' (11 PM) and the child's response 'lala salama' indicates a bedtime command.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsIt depends on who you say it to. To a child or close friend, it's normal. To a stranger or elder, it's very rude.
'Nenda kulala' is 'Go to sleep' (Infinitive). 'Nenda ukalale' is 'Go so that you sleep' (Subjunctive). The latter is more common in natural conversation.
Yes! It's a perfect command for pets.
Use the plural form: 'Nendeni kulala'.
'Lala' is the verb root for sleep or lie down. As a command, 'Lala!' just means 'Sleep!'
Yes, 'Kakalale' is a common contraction used in casual settings.
The verb 'kwenda' is irregular in the imperative. It takes an 'N' prefix in the singular.
Absolutely not. It is far too informal and commanding.
'Amka!' which means 'Wake up!'
No, 'Nenda kulala' implies going to bed. Adding 'kitandani' is possible but usually redundant.
Yes, many Swahili lullabies and pop songs use this phrase or variations of it.
Say 'Nenda kulala sasa hivi'.
In this phrase, it's an infinitive verb (to sleep), but 'kulala' can also be used as a noun meaning 'sleeping'.
Yes, it is very common between couples, usually said with a gentle tone.
Expressions liées
Lala salama
similarSleep peacefully / Goodnight
Usiku mwema
similarGood night
Pumzika
specialized formRest
Amka
contrastWake up
Zima taa
builds onTurn off the lights
