Meaning
Putting in effort.
Cultural Background
In Tanzania, 'bidii' is linked to the national spirit of 'Kazi ni Kazi'. It was a central theme in post-colonial nation-building, where manual labor and intellectual effort were equally valued. In Kenya, 'bidii' is the heart of the 'hustle'. It's often associated with the 'Jua Kali' sector, where people work in tough conditions with great ingenuity and effort. Due to the strong Arabic influence in Zanzibar, 'bidii' is often discussed in the context of religious and moral education (Madrasa), where diligence in study is a spiritual virtue. For Swahili speakers living abroad, 'fanya bidii' is a common phrase used to remind younger generations to maintain their work ethic and cultural identity in a new environment.
Use it as a cheer
You can shout 'Fanya bidii!' at a football match or when a friend is running a race. It's the perfect encouragement.
Avoid 'Tengeneza'
Never say 'Tengeneza bidii'. It sounds like you are trying to build effort in a factory. Stick to 'Fanya'.
Meaning
Putting in effort.
Use it as a cheer
You can shout 'Fanya bidii!' at a football match or when a friend is running a race. It's the perfect encouragement.
Avoid 'Tengeneza'
Never say 'Tengeneza bidii'. It sounds like you are trying to build effort in a factory. Stick to 'Fanya'.
The 'Kwa' trick
If you want to describe an action, always use 'kwa bidii'. Example: 'Anakimbia kwa bidii' (He runs diligently).
Response
When someone tells you 'Fanya bidii', a common and polite response is 'Asante, nitajaribu' (Thanks, I will try) or 'Inshallah' (God willing).
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the motivational phrase.
Mwanafunzi mzuri anapaswa ____ bidii shuleni.
'Fanya' is the standard verb used with 'bidii' to mean 'work hard'.
Which sentence correctly uses 'bidii' as an adverb?
How do you say 'He reads diligently'?
The preposition 'kwa' is used to turn the noun 'bidii' into an adverbial phrase meaning 'diligently'.
Complete the dialogue between a coach and an athlete.
Kocha: 'Bado mzunguko mmoja! ____ bidii!' Mwanariadha: 'Sawa, nitajaribu!'
The coach is speaking to one person (singular imperative), so 'Fanya' is correct.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Situation: A friend is about to start a difficult new job.
This is an encouraging phrase suitable for someone starting a new challenge.
Match the Swahili phrase with its English equivalent.
1. Fanya bidii 2. Mwenye bidii 3. Kwa bidii
These are the three most common forms of the word 'bidii' in use.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
How to use Bidii
As a Command
- • Fanya bidii!
- • Fanyeni bidii!
As a Description
- • Mwenye bidii
- • Ana bidii
As an Adverb
- • Kwa bidii
Practice Bank
5 exercisesMwanafunzi mzuri anapaswa ____ bidii shuleni.
'Fanya' is the standard verb used with 'bidii' to mean 'work hard'.
How do you say 'He reads diligently'?
The preposition 'kwa' is used to turn the noun 'bidii' into an adverbial phrase meaning 'diligently'.
Kocha: 'Bado mzunguko mmoja! ____ bidii!' Mwanariadha: 'Sawa, nitajaribu!'
The coach is speaking to one person (singular imperative), so 'Fanya' is correct.
Situation: A friend is about to start a difficult new job.
This is an encouraging phrase suitable for someone starting a new challenge.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the three most common forms of the word 'bidii' in use.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it in almost any context, from a formal speech to a casual chat with a friend.
Not directly. You use 'mwenye bidii' (having diligence) to describe a person. Example: 'Yeye ni mwanafunzi mwenye bidii'.
'Bidii' is more common in daily speech, while 'jitihada' is more formal and often used in writing or news reports.
You say 'Nilifanya bidii'.
It might be a bit bold. It's better to say 'Nitafanya bidii' (I will work hard) to your boss rather than telling them to do so!
No, 'bidii' is an N-class noun and stays the same in both singular and plural contexts.
The opposite is 'legea' (to be slack/weak) or 'fanya uzembe' (to be negligent/lazy).
It's better to stick to 'fanya bidii' in an office as 'piga bidii' is quite casual/slang.
Because 'bidii' is a noun. To make it an adverb (diligently), you need 'kwa' (with).
Yes, it is universal across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and the DRC.
Yes! Adding 'sana' at the end means 'Work very hard'.
Yes, 'inabidi' means 'it is necessary'. They share a root related to necessity and requirement.
Related Phrases
Tia bidii
synonymPut in effort
Jitahidi
similarTo try one's best
Piga bidii
specialized formStrike effort
Fanya kazi
builds onDo work
Pambana
similarStruggle/Fight
Laza damu
contrastTo be lazy
