A1 Proverb 격식체

Ahadi ni deni

A promise is a debt

You must fulfill what you promise.

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문화적 배경

In Tanzania, this proverb is often used in political discourse to hold the government accountable to its 'Ilani ya Uchaguzi' (Election Manifesto). In Kenya, the phrase is frequently used in business negotiations, especially in the informal sector (Jua Kali), to build trust between parties. Due to strong Islamic roots, the proverb carries a spiritual weight, as breaking a promise is seen as a sin (dhambi) in addition to a social failing. Because of the historical links between Oman and the Swahili coast, the Arabic version of this proverb is equally prevalent and used in the same contexts.

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The Power of 'Ni'

Remember that 'ni' is your best friend in Swahili. It never changes, making proverbs like this very easy to use.

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Don't be too harsh

While it's a great proverb, using it too often can make you sound demanding. Use it when the promise actually matters.

You must fulfill what you promise.

💡

The Power of 'Ni'

Remember that 'ni' is your best friend in Swahili. It never changes, making proverbs like this very easy to use.

⚠️

Don't be too harsh

While it's a great proverb, using it too often can make you sound demanding. Use it when the promise actually matters.

🎯

Cultural Nuance

If someone says 'Inshallah' (God willing) after a promise, they are adding a layer of religious protection. You can still follow up with 'Ahadi ni deni' to keep the human element front and center.

셀프 테스트

Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.

Ahadi ni ____.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: deni

The standard proverb is 'Ahadi ni deni' (A promise is a debt).

Which situation best fits the use of 'Ahadi ni deni'?

Your friend promised to help you move house but now says they are 'too tired'. What do you say?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Ahadi ni deni!

This phrase is used to remind someone that they are obligated to fulfill their promise.

Complete the dialogue.

Baba: 'Mwanangu, nilikuahidi baiskeli ukifaulu mtihani.' Mtoto: 'Ndiyo baba, na unajua kuwa ____.'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: ahadi ni deni

The child is reminding the father that his promise is now an obligation because the condition (passing the exam) was met.

Match the proverb to its meaning.

Ahadi ni deni

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Promises are like debts that must be paid.

The proverb equates moral commitment to financial obligation.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

연습 문제 은행

4 연습 문제
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb. Fill Blank A1

Ahadi ni ____.

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: deni

The standard proverb is 'Ahadi ni deni' (A promise is a debt).

Which situation best fits the use of 'Ahadi ni deni'? Choose A2

Your friend promised to help you move house but now says they are 'too tired'. What do you say?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Ahadi ni deni!

This phrase is used to remind someone that they are obligated to fulfill their promise.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

Baba: 'Mwanangu, nilikuahidi baiskeli ukifaulu mtihani.' Mtoto: 'Ndiyo baba, na unajua kuwa ____.'

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: ahadi ni deni

The child is reminding the father that his promise is now an obligation because the condition (passing the exam) was met.

Match the proverb to its meaning. situation_matching A1

Ahadi ni deni

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Promises are like debts that must be paid.

The proverb equates moral commitment to financial obligation.

🎉 점수: /4

자주 묻는 질문

6 질문

No, it is rarely about literal money. It is about any commitment, from meeting for lunch to finishing a project.

Yes, but be careful. It's better to use it if the boss promised *you* something and forgot. Use a polite tone.

The plural is also 'ahadi'. It belongs to the N-class, which doesn't change in the plural.

It's not rude, but it is firm. It's a way of standing your ground.

You can say 'Mimi hutimiza ahadi zangu' (I fulfill my promises).

Yes, it is equally common in both countries and across the entire Swahili-speaking world.

관련 표현

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Kutoa ni moyo

similar

Giving is a matter of the heart.

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Maneno matupu hayajengi nyumba

builds on

Empty words don't build a house.

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Mtu ni neno lake

synonym

A person is their word.

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Kusema na kutenda

specialized form

To say and to do.

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