Signification
A command for a group of people to look at something.
Contexte culturel
In Tanzanian schools, 'Tazameni' is the standard command from teachers. It reflects the high value placed on discipline and collective attention in the education system. In Kenya, especially in urban areas like Nairobi, you might hear 'Angalieni' or the Sheng 'Chekini' more often in casual settings, but 'Tazameni' remains the choice for formal media and news. Zanzibari Swahili is often more formal and poetic. 'Tazameni' is used with a melodic intonation, often preceded by 'Hebu' to make it a polite invitation rather than a harsh command. In both Christian and Muslim Swahili-speaking communities, 'Tazameni' is used to introduce signs or wonders, echoing the 'Behold' of ancient texts.
The 'E' Rule
Remember that the 'a' at the end of 'tazama' MUST change to 'e' before you add 'ni'. This is a golden rule for Swahili plural commands.
Don't be too bossy
In some contexts, a direct command like 'Tazameni!' can sound harsh. Add 'Tafadhali' (Please) at the beginning to be more polite.
Signification
A command for a group of people to look at something.
The 'E' Rule
Remember that the 'a' at the end of 'tazama' MUST change to 'e' before you add 'ni'. This is a golden rule for Swahili plural commands.
Don't be too bossy
In some contexts, a direct command like 'Tazameni!' can sound harsh. Add 'Tafadhali' (Please) at the beginning to be more polite.
Eye Contact
When you say 'Tazameni,' people will look at the object, but they will also look back at you for further explanation. Be ready to speak next!
Teste-toi
You are talking to a group of five students. Which command is correct?
Wanafunzi, _______ ubao!
Since you are addressing 'Wanafunzi' (students, plural), you must use the plural imperative 'Tazameni'.
Fill in the missing plural suffix.
Tazam____ picha hizi nzuri!
The plural imperative suffix for verbs ending in -a is -eni.
Match the phrase to the correct number of people being addressed.
1. Tazama! / 2. Tazameni!
Tazama is singular; Tazameni is plural.
Complete the dialogue between a safari guide and tourists.
Guide: '_____! Kuna simba kule!' / Tourists: 'Wow! Tunamwona!'
The guide is speaking to a group of tourists.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Singular vs. Plural Commands
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWanafunzi, _______ ubao!
Since you are addressing 'Wanafunzi' (students, plural), you must use the plural imperative 'Tazameni'.
Tazam____ picha hizi nzuri!
The plural imperative suffix for verbs ending in -a is -eni.
1. Tazama! / 2. Tazameni!
Tazama is singular; Tazameni is plural.
Guide: '_____! Kuna simba kule!' / Tourists: 'Wow! Tunamwona!'
The guide is speaking to a group of tourists.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo. Unlike French or German, Swahili does not use the plural form as a formal singular. For one person, always use 'Tazama' or 'Tazama, tafadhali'.
'Tazameni' is for focused looking/viewing. 'Angalieni' is for paying attention or being careful. Think 'View' vs. 'Watch'.
The negative form is 'Msitazame'.
Rarely. In Sheng, you would more likely hear 'Chekini' or 'Mcheki'.
It's better to use 'Angalieni filamu' or 'Oneni filamu'. 'Tazameni' is more for a specific moment of looking.
Yes, but you should add the object marker: 'Nitazameni' (Look at me - plural).
Not inherently, but like any command, it depends on your tone. In a classroom or tour, it's perfectly normal.
Then you don't change the vowel. It becomes 'Fikirini' (Think you all). 'Tazameni' changes because it ends in 'a'.
Yes! This is very common and means 'Look here (you all)'.
Yes, news anchors often use it to direct viewers to a specific clip or image.
Expressions liées
Angalieni
similarWatch out / Pay attention (plural)
Oneni
similarSee / Witness (plural)
Shuhudieni
specialized formWitness you all
Tazama
singular formLook (singular)
Msitazame
contrastDon't look (plural)
