Signification
Putting out flames.
Contexte culturel
The Fire and Rescue Force (Jeshi la Zimamoto na Uokoaji) is a highly visible paramilitary organization. Their motto is 'Kinga ni Bora kuliko Tiba' (Prevention is better than cure). In the narrow streets of Stone Town, fire is a major risk. Community-based 'zima moto' efforts are common because fire trucks often can't fit in the alleys. In Kenyan political slang, 'kuzima moto' can refer to a politician trying to silence a scandal or a protest using 'water cannons' (which are also used by firefighters). Fire is the heart of the home. 'Kuzima moto' at night is a ritual to ensure the house doesn't burn down while people sleep, but a few embers are often kept alive under ash.
The 'Zima' Rule
Use 'zima' for anything you want to stop: fires, lights, radios, and even arguments.
Don't say 'Funga'
English speakers often say 'funga moto' (close the fire). This is a dead giveaway that you are a beginner. Always use 'zima'.
Signification
Putting out flames.
The 'Zima' Rule
Use 'zima' for anything you want to stop: fires, lights, radios, and even arguments.
Don't say 'Funga'
English speakers often say 'funga moto' (close the fire). This is a dead giveaway that you are a beginner. Always use 'zima'.
The Peacemaker
Being called a 'mzima moto' (fire extinguisher) in a social sense is a high compliment for your emotional intelligence.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing verb to complete the phrase 'to put out the fire'.
Tafadhali ____ moto ule.
'Zima' is the correct verb for extinguishing fire or turning off electronics.
What does 'Zimamoto' refer to in a city?
Zimamoto ni nini?
'Zimamoto' is the official noun for the fire brigade.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: Two friends are shouting at each other in a cafe.
You use 'zima moto' to de-escalate a heated argument.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kuna moshi mwingi jikoni! B: Haraka! Lete maji ____.
If there is smoke (moshi) in the kitchen, you need to put out the fire.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Uses of the verb 'Zima'
Electronics
- • Simu
- • Taa
- • Redio
Fire
- • Moto
- • Mshumaa
- • Sigara
Social
- • Ugomvi
- • Hasira
- • Uvumi
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTafadhali ____ moto ule.
'Zima' is the correct verb for extinguishing fire or turning off electronics.
Zimamoto ni nini?
'Zimamoto' is the official noun for the fire brigade.
Situation: Two friends are shouting at each other in a cafe.
You use 'zima moto' to de-escalate a heated argument.
A: Kuna moshi mwingi jikoni! B: Haraka! Lete maji ____.
If there is smoke (moshi) in the kitchen, you need to put out the fire.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes! 'Zima kompyuta' is the standard way to say 'shut down the computer.'
As a noun (the department), it is one word: 'Zimamoto.' As a verb phrase (to put out fire), it is two: 'zima moto.'
The literal opposite is 'washa moto' (light a fire).
It can be slightly patronizing, like saying 'calm down' in English. Use it carefully.
It can also mean 'hot' (adjective), as in 'maji ya moto' (hot water).
Expressions liées
Washa moto
contrastTo light a fire
Chochea moto
similarTo stoke the fire
Zima taa
builds onTurn off the light
Moto mlipuko
specialized formExplosion
