Signification
A command to pay attention to sounds or speech.
Contexte culturel
Listening is a core part of 'Uungwana' (gentlemanly/civilized behavior). A person who interrupts is seen as lacking 'adabu' (manners). In Tanzanian schools, 'Sikilizeni' is often followed by 'Kimya!' (Silence!). It is a very authoritative command. Storytellers use 'Sikiliza' to create suspense. They might pause after saying it to ensure they have the full attention of the 'hadhira' (audience). In Sheng (Swahili slang), 'Sikiliza' might be replaced by 'Sikiza' or 'Cheki', but the core meaning of 'pay attention' remains.
The 'Hebu' Trick
If you want to sound like a native, always put 'Hebu' before 'Sikiliza' when you're about to tell a story.
Plural Matters
If you say 'Sikiliza' to a group, they will think you are only talking to one person. Use 'Sikilizeni'!
Signification
A command to pay attention to sounds or speech.
The 'Hebu' Trick
If you want to sound like a native, always put 'Hebu' before 'Sikiliza' when you're about to tell a story.
Plural Matters
If you say 'Sikiliza' to a group, they will think you are only talking to one person. Use 'Sikilizeni'!
Eye Contact
In some traditional Swahili contexts, 'listening' involves looking down slightly as a sign of respect, rather than staring directly at an elder.
Teste-toi
How do you tell a group of people to listen?
Watu wengi, tafadhali _______!
The suffix '-eni' is used for the plural imperative in Swahili.
Complete the sentence to say 'Listen to me'.
_______, nina jambo muhimu.
The object infix 'ni-' (me) is added to the front, and the final 'a' changes to 'e'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a library and want someone to listen to a faint sound.
'Hebu' is used for a gentle or curious 'Hey, listen'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Samahani, mwalimu anasema nini? B: _________! Anasema tufungue vitabu.
The speaker is telling the other person to pay attention to the teacher.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWatu wengi, tafadhali _______!
The suffix '-eni' is used for the plural imperative in Swahili.
_______, nina jambo muhimu.
The object infix 'ni-' (me) is added to the front, and the final 'a' changes to 'e'.
You are in a library and want someone to listen to a faint sound.
'Hebu' is used for a gentle or curious 'Hey, listen'.
A: Samahani, mwalimu anasema nini? B: _________! Anasema tufungue vitabu.
The speaker is telling the other person to pay attention to the teacher.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questions'Sikia' is passive (to hear), while 'Sikiliza' is active (to listen). You 'sikia' a noise, but you 'sikiliza' a person.
Say 'Nisikilize'. The 'ni' means 'me'.
It can be if used alone with an elder. Add 'Tafadhali' (Please) to be safe.
It is the plural form. Use it when talking to two or more people.
It's better to use 'Tafadhali zingatia' (Please note) in formal emails, but 'Sikiliza' is fine for casual texts.
In Swahili imperatives, when you add an object prefix (like 'ni-'), the final vowel of the verb changes from 'a' to 'e'.
Yes, 'Sikiza' is common in songs and street talk.
Say 'Usisikilize'.
It is the noun form, meaning 'attentiveness' or 'listening ability'.
Yes, in contexts like 'Sikiliza wazazi wako' (Obey/Listen to your parents).
Expressions liées
Sikia
similarTo hear
Tega sikio
specialized formTo prick up one's ears
Sikilizana
builds onTo understand each other / listen to each other
Nyamaza
contrastBe quiet
