Meaning
Asking to shut the entrance.
Cultural Background
Zanzibar is famous for its intricate doors. Closing a door here is often seen as a way to protect the 'Heshima' (honor) of the household. Leaving a door open is a sign of 'Karibu' (welcome). Closing it during the day might prompt neighbors to ask if everyone is okay. In the fast-paced city, 'Funga mlango' is often said quickly in public transport where safety from snatch-and-grab theft is a concern. In rural areas, closing the door at night is essential to keep out wild animals or livestock.
Politeness counts
Always add 'Tafadhali' at the end to sound like a local who has 'adabu' (manners).
The 'NG' sound
Make sure to pronounce the 'g' in 'funga'. It's a hard 'g' sound.
Meaning
Asking to shut the entrance.
Politeness counts
Always add 'Tafadhali' at the end to sound like a local who has 'adabu' (manners).
The 'NG' sound
Make sure to pronounce the 'g' in 'funga'. It's a hard 'g' sound.
Plurality
If you are in a room with many people, use 'Fungeni' to include everyone in the command.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the command.
Tafadhali ______ mlango.
'Funga' is the correct verb for closing.
How do you tell a group of people to close the door?
Addressing many people:
The suffix '-eni' is used for plural imperatives.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kuna baridi sana hapa ndani. B: Samahani, nita____ mlango sasa hivi.
If it is cold (baridi), you should close (funga) the door.
Match the phrase to the level of politeness.
1. Funga mlango! 2. Naomba ufunge mlango.
'Naomba' adds a layer of formal request.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Entrances
Home
- • Mlango
- • Dirisha
Street
- • Lango (Gate)
- • Duka (Shop)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTafadhali ______ mlango.
'Funga' is the correct verb for closing.
Addressing many people:
The suffix '-eni' is used for plural imperatives.
A: Kuna baridi sana hapa ndani. B: Samahani, nita____ mlango sasa hivi.
If it is cold (baridi), you should close (funga) the door.
1. Funga mlango! 2. Naomba ufunge mlango.
'Naomba' adds a layer of formal request.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBy itself, it can be. Adding 'Tafadhali' makes it perfectly polite.
'Funga' means to close or lock. 'Shindika' means to push it shut but not necessarily latch it.
Yes! 'Funga dirisha' is the correct way to say close the window.
You say 'Mlango umefungwa'.
You can still use 'Funga mlango', but 'Piga kufuli' (hit the lock) is more specific.
Yes, 'mlango wa gari' is the standard term.
They are telling the person near the door to slide it shut so the vehicle can move safely.
Yes, 'kufunga' is the verb for religious fasting, especially during Ramadan.
Use the prepositional form: 'Nifungie mlango'.
The plural is 'milango'.
Related Phrases
Fungua mlango
contrastOpen the door
Funga safari
builds onTo start a journey
Funga ndoa
specialized formTo get married
Funga mdomo
similarShut your mouth
Shindika mlango
similarShut the door partially
