Signification
Using a camera to take a picture.
Contexte culturel
In Dar es Salaam, 'piga picha' is often followed by 'nitumie kwa WhatsApp' (send it to me via WhatsApp). Sharing photos immediately is a key social ritual. Kenyans often use 'piga picha' in the context of 'picha za pozi' (posed photos). It's common to see elaborate posing at public parks like Uhuru Park. In the narrow streets of Stone Town, it is polite to ask 'Naomba nipige picha?' before photographing locals, especially women and elders. The term 'piga selfie' is ubiquitous among Gen Z Swahili speakers, often accompanied by the 'V' sign or 'peace' sign.
The 'E' Rule
When asking someone to take a photo of you, always use 'Nipige' (with an E) instead of 'Nipiga'.
Privacy First
Always ask 'Naomba nipige picha?' before photographing people in rural areas or religious sites.
Signification
Using a camera to take a picture.
The 'E' Rule
When asking someone to take a photo of you, always use 'Nipige' (with an E) instead of 'Nipiga'.
Privacy First
Always ask 'Naomba nipige picha?' before photographing people in rural areas or religious sites.
The Pose
Don't be surprised if people stop smiling and look very serious/formal when you say 'Piga picha'—it's a sign of respect for the photo!
Screenshotting
You can use 'Piga picha ya skrini' for screenshots on your phone or computer.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb '-piga'.
Jana, mimi ____ picha nyingi za simba.
'Jana' means yesterday, so we need the past tense prefix 'ni-li-'.
How do you ask someone to take a photo of YOU?
Chagua jibu sahihi:
'Nipige' includes the object prefix 'ni-' (me) and the imperative 'e' ending.
Match the Swahili phrase to its English meaning.
Linganisha:
These are common variations of the core phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
Mtalii: Samahani, naomba ____ picha hapa? Mlinzi: Ndiyo, hapa inaruhusiwa.
'Naomba' is followed by the infinitive 'kupiga'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Piga vs Chukua
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJana, mimi ____ picha nyingi za simba.
'Jana' means yesterday, so we need the past tense prefix 'ni-li-'.
Chagua jibu sahihi:
'Nipige' includes the object prefix 'ni-' (me) and the imperative 'e' ending.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are common variations of the core phrase.
Mtalii: Samahani, naomba ____ picha hapa? Mlinzi: Ndiyo, hapa inaruhusiwa.
'Naomba' is followed by the infinitive 'kupiga'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, it sounds like you are physically taking a printed photo away. Always use 'Piga picha'.
You can say 'Piga selfie' or 'Piga picha mwenyewe'.
A photographer is called 'Mpiga picha'.
No, while it literally means 'hit', in this context it is perfectly neutral and polite.
Say 'Tupige picha' (Hit-us-picture).
Yes, 'Piga video' is very common, though 'Rekodi video' is also used.
Say 'Naomba nipige picha?' (May I take a photo?).
No, 'picha' is the same for one or many. 'Picha moja', 'Picha mbili'.
It means a 'still' photo, as opposed to a video.
Yes, 'Nasa taswira' is more formal/poetic, but rarely used in speech.
Say 'Picha haijatokea vizuri' or 'Picha ina ukungu'.
It is 'Piga picha ya skrini'.
Expressions liées
Mpiga picha
specialized formPhotographer
Piga video
similarTo record a video
Picha ya mnato
specialized formStill photo
Nasa taswira
synonymCapture an image
Piga picha ya skrini
builds onTake a screenshot
