Signification
To call someone on the phone.
Contexte culturel
In Tanzania, it is common to 'beep' (piga na kukata) to save airtime. The receiver is then expected to call back if they have a bundle. Kenyans often use 'Nicheki' or 'Nipigie' interchangeably with M-Pesa transactions. 'Piga simu' is the start of many business deals. Greetings are paramount. Even on a quick 'piga simu', you must ask about the family before stating your business. Youth might say 'Nivutie waya' (Pull the wire for me) instead of 'Nipigie simu'.
The 'Pigia' Rule
Always remember to add the 'i' (pigia) when you are calling a person. 'Piga simu' is just the act; 'Pigia' is the direction.
Greetings First
Never start a call by asking for what you want. Always say 'Hujambo' or 'Habari' first.
Signification
To call someone on the phone.
The 'Pigia' Rule
Always remember to add the 'i' (pigia) when you are calling a person. 'Piga simu' is just the act; 'Pigia' is the direction.
Greetings First
Never start a call by asking for what you want. Always say 'Hujambo' or 'Habari' first.
Don't 'Ita'
If you say 'Nitamwita rafiki yangu', people will wait for you to shout. Use 'Nitampigia' for the phone.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'piga' to say 'I will call you'.
Mimi ____kupigia simu kesho.
'Nita-' is the future tense prefix for 'I'.
Which sentence means 'Call the doctor'?
Chagua jibu sahihi:
'Mpigie' is the correct applicative form for calling someone.
Match the Swahili phrase to its English meaning.
Oanisha maneno:
Matching tenses and object infixes.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Sikuoni ofisini. B: Pole, niko nyumbani. ____ simu baadaye.
The context implies a future action (baadaye = later).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMimi ____kupigia simu kesho.
'Nita-' is the future tense prefix for 'I'.
Chagua jibu sahihi:
'Mpigie' is the correct applicative form for calling someone.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Matching tenses and object infixes.
A: Sikuoni ofisini. B: Pole, niko nyumbani. ____ simu baadaye.
The context implies a future action (baadaye = later).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, it is perfectly natural to say 'Nitakupigia simu ya WhatsApp'.
'Piga simu' is 'to make a call' (general). 'Pigia simu' is 'to call [someone]'.
Not at all! In this context, it is a neutral, standard verb with no violent connotation.
You say 'Niko kwenye simu'.
In informal speech, you can just say 'Nitakupigia' (I'll call you) and 'simu' is implied.
Expressions liées
Pokea simu
contrastTo answer/receive a call.
Kata simu
builds onTo hang up/end a call.
Tuma ujumbe
similarTo send a message.
Piga picha
specialized formTo take a photo.
