Signification
Confirming the truth of a statement.
Contexte culturel
In Tanzania, 'Ni kweli' is often accompanied by a slow nod. It is considered polite to use it frequently when an elder is speaking to show you are paying attention (active listening). In urban Kenya, you might hear 'Ni true' or 'Ni real' in Sheng, but 'Ni kweli' remains the standard for formal agreement and is used widely in news and media. In Zanzibar, the phrase might be uttered with a more melodic intonation. You might also hear 'Hakika,' which is a more formal Arabic-influenced synonym for 'Ni kweli.' Truthfulness is a highly guarded virtue. Using 'Ni kweli' is seen as a commitment to the statement. If someone says 'Ni kweli tupu,' they are swearing by the absolute truth of their words.
The Nod
Always pair 'Ni kweli' with a slight nod to look like a native speaker.
Don't over-use
If you say 'Ni kweli' to every single sentence, you might sound like you aren't actually listening.
Signification
Confirming the truth of a statement.
The Nod
Always pair 'Ni kweli' with a slight nod to look like a native speaker.
Don't over-use
If you say 'Ni kweli' to every single sentence, you might sound like you aren't actually listening.
Add 'Kabisa'
Adding 'kabisa' (completely) at the end makes you sound very fluent and passionate about your agreement.
Polite Disagreement
If you must disagree, start with 'Ni kweli, lakini...' to soften the blow.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to agree with the statement.
A: Leo ni Ijumaa. B: ______, kesho ni Jumamosi.
Since tomorrow is indeed Saturday if today is Friday, you are confirming a fact.
Which response is the most natural for confirming a fact?
Je, ni kweli mwalimu amefika?
'Ndiyo, ni kweli' is a very natural, emphatic way to confirm a question starting with 'Je, ni kweli...?'
Match the situation to the best use of 'Ni kweli'.
Situation: Someone tells you that learning Swahili is fun.
'Ni kweli' is used to validate opinions you share.
Complete the dialogue with the correct negative form.
A: Wewe ni Mmarekani? B: ______, mimi ni Mwingereza.
The speaker is correcting a false assumption, so 'Si kweli' (It's not true) is required.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesA: Leo ni Ijumaa. B: ______, kesho ni Jumamosi.
Since tomorrow is indeed Saturday if today is Friday, you are confirming a fact.
Je, ni kweli mwalimu amefika?
'Ndiyo, ni kweli' is a very natural, emphatic way to confirm a question starting with 'Je, ni kweli...?'
Situation: Someone tells you that learning Swahili is fun.
'Ni kweli' is used to validate opinions you share.
A: Wewe ni Mmarekani? B: ______, mimi ni Mwingereza.
The speaker is correcting a false assumption, so 'Si kweli' (It's not true) is required.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, in casual conversation, dropping the 'Ni' is very common and sounds natural.
It is neutral. It works in a palace, a boardroom, or a kitchen.
'Hakika' is stronger, meaning 'It is a certainty.' Use it for things that are 100% undeniable.
Just add a question mark in writing, or use a rising intonation: 'Ni kweli?'
Yes, 'Kweli, nimefurahi kukuona' (Truly, I am happy to see you) works well.
Yes, it is one of the most stable phrases across all Swahili dialects.
The opposite is 'Si kweli' (It is not true) or 'Ni uongo' (It is a lie).
No, that would not make sense. Use 'Njema' or 'Safi'.
No, 'kweli' is an invariable noun/adverb in this context.
Yes, it is very common in journalism and literature.
Expressions liées
Kweli?
similarReally? / Is it true?
Si kweli
contrastIt is not true
Hakika
synonymCertainly / For sure
Ni ukweli
builds onIt is the truth
Kweli tupu
specialized formThe bare truth
