Meaning
Playing soccer.
Cultural Background
Soccer is the national sport. The rivalry between Simba and Yanga is so intense that it can divide families for a day! While running is famous globally, soccer is the most played sport locally in urban centers like Nairobi. Beach soccer is very popular here. You will see hundreds of people playing on the sand at sunset. The 'Cranes' (national team) are a source of great pride, and local leagues are heavily followed.
Context is King
If you are in East Africa and say 'mpira', everyone will assume you mean soccer unless you specify otherwise.
Avoid 'Play' for Music
Never use 'cheza' for playing an instrument. It's a very common beginner mistake!
Meaning
Playing soccer.
Context is King
If you are in East Africa and say 'mpira', everyone will assume you mean soccer unless you specify otherwise.
Avoid 'Play' for Music
Never use 'cheza' for playing an instrument. It's a very common beginner mistake!
Sound Native
Use 'Napenda kucheza' instead of 'Ninapenda kucheza' to sound more like a local speaker.
The 'Simba vs Yanga' Rule
Before saying you play soccer, be prepared to be asked which of these two teams you support!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'cheza' for 'We'.
Sisi ____ mpira kila siku.
The subject prefix for 'Sisi' (We) is 'tu-'.
Which sentence means 'I want to play soccer'?
Chagua jibu sahihi:
'Nataka' means 'I want'.
Match the Swahili phrase with its English translation.
Linganisha maneno haya:
Basic vocabulary related to the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
Ali: Je, unajua kucheza mpira? Ben: Ndiyo, ____.
Ben is answering for himself, so he uses 'ni-'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Verbs for 'Play'
Sports
- • Cheza mpira
- • Cheza soka
Music
- • Piga gitaa
- • Piga ngoma
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSisi ____ mpira kila siku.
The subject prefix for 'Sisi' (We) is 'tu-'.
Chagua jibu sahihi:
'Nataka' means 'I want'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Basic vocabulary related to the phrase.
Ali: Je, unajua kucheza mpira? Ben: Ndiyo, ____.
Ben is answering for himself, so he uses 'ni-'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsPrimarily yes, but it can mean any ball. To be specific, use 'mpira wa miguu' for soccer.
Yes, but you should say 'cheza mpira wa kikapu'.
The plural is 'mipira'. So, 'mipira miwili' means two balls.
In newspapers and TV, 'soka' is common. In the street, 'mpira' is king.
You say 'Mimi ni mchezaji wa mpira'.
Yes, if you specify 'wa video' or 'wa PlayStation'.
They usually mean 'kick the ball' or are using slang for playing very well.
It's neutral. For a very formal report, use 'mchezo wa kandanda'.
It means netball, a popular sport for women in East Africa.
No, that is usually called 'mpira wa Kimarekani'.
Related Phrases
Mpira wa miguu
specialized formSoccer (literally: ball of feet)
Shabiki wa mpira
builds onSoccer fan
Uwanja wa mpira
builds onSoccer field/stadium
Kupiga mpira
similarTo kick/hit the ball
