Signification
A direction indicating where someone should stand still.
Contexte culturel
In Tanzania, politeness is paramount. Using 'Simama hapo' without 'tafadhali' to a stranger might result in a cold response. It's better to use the subjunctive 'Usimame hapo'. In urban Kenya (Nairobi), the phrase is often used more directly and quickly, especially in the transport sector (Matatus). It's less about rudeness and more about efficiency. Zanzibari Swahili is known for being very melodic and polite. You'll often hear 'Haya, simama hapo' where 'Haya' acts as a gentle conversational opener. In coastal regions, spatial awareness is very precise. If you say 'hapo' but mean 'pale' (further away), people will likely correct you or look confused.
Double it for emphasis
Say 'Simama hapo hapo' to mean 'Stand right there' or 'Don't move an inch!'
Watch your tone
A falling intonation makes it a command; a rising intonation with 'tafadhali' makes it a polite request.
Signification
A direction indicating where someone should stand still.
Double it for emphasis
Say 'Simama hapo hapo' to mean 'Stand right there' or 'Don't move an inch!'
Watch your tone
A falling intonation makes it a command; a rising intonation with 'tafadhali' makes it a polite request.
The 'Hapo' nuance
Use 'hapo' when the person is already at the spot or very close to it. It acknowledges their current position.
Pluralize it!
Always remember 'Simameni' if you are talking to more than one person. It's a common A1 mistake to forget this.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct word to tell a group of people to stand there.
________ hapo, tafadhali.
The suffix '-eni' is used for plural commands.
Fill in the blank with the correct demonstrative for 'there near you'.
Simama ____ (there near you), usisogee hapa.
'Hapo' refers to a location near the listener.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Phrase: 'Naomba usimame hapo, Mzee.'
'Naomba' and 'Mzee' are markers of high respect.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Nipige picha nikiwa wapi? B: ________ hapo karibu na mlango.
In photography, you usually ask someone to 'stand' (simama) in a spot.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say Simama hapo
Safety
- • Traffic
- • Danger
- • Stop!
Social
- • Photos
- • Queues
- • Games
Directions
- • Landmarks
- • Waiting
- • Meeting
Banque d exercices
4 exercices________ hapo, tafadhali.
The suffix '-eni' is used for plural commands.
Simama ____ (there near you), usisogee hapa.
'Hapo' refers to a location near the listener.
Phrase: 'Naomba usimame hapo, Mzee.'
'Naomba' and 'Mzee' are markers of high respect.
A: Nipige picha nikiwa wapi? B: ________ hapo karibu na mlango.
In photography, you usually ask someone to 'stand' (simama) in a spot.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsIt can be if said to an elder or superior without 'tafadhali'. To peers or children, it is neutral.
'Hapo' is 'there' near the listener. 'Pale' is 'there' far away from both people.
No, for a car use 'Simamisha gari' (Stop the car) or 'Egesha hapa' (Park here).
Use 'Usisimame hapo'.
In very casual settings, people might just say 'Hapo!' while pointing.
Yes, it is used for both 'standing up' and 'standing still'.
The plural is 'Simameni hapo'.
Usually, but it can metaphorically mean 'at that point in time' or 'in that situation'.
Doubling the word adds emphasis, meaning 'exactly there' or 'immediately'.
It's rare in writing unless giving very specific instructions for a physical meeting.
'Simama' is the physical posture of standing. 'Baki' means to remain or stay in a place.
Use 'Samahani, naomba usimame hapo' (Excuse me, I request you stand there).
Yes, referees use it to tell players to stop or stay in their positions.
Yes, they are both part of the 'PA-' locative class, differing only in the degree of proximity.
Expressions liées
Simama hapa
similarStand here (near me)
Simama pale
similarStand over there (far)
Simameni
specialized formStand (plural)
Baki hapo
similarStay there
Simamisha
builds onTo stop something
Kaa hapo
contrastSit/Stay there
