Signification
To talk too much or gossip.
Contexte culturel
In Tanzania, 'kupiga mdomo' is often used in political contexts to describe 'maneno ya mtaani' (street talk) that doesn't align with government efforts. In Kenya, you might hear the Sheng version 'Kuleta mdomo,' which is slightly more confrontational, meaning to talk back to someone in authority. Zanzibari culture values 'adabu' (manners). 'Kupiga mdomo' is seen as a sign of poor upbringing, especially if done by young people in front of elders. The 'Baraza' culture (men sitting outside to talk) is where 'kupiga soga' (friendly chat) often crosses the line into 'kupiga mdomo' (gossip).
Context is King
Always remember that 'kupiga mdomo' is negative. If you want to say someone is a good conversationalist, use 'mwenye mazungumzo mazuri' instead.
Elder Alert
Never use this with someone older than you unless you want to be seen as very rude.
Signification
To talk too much or gossip.
Context is King
Always remember that 'kupiga mdomo' is negative. If you want to say someone is a good conversationalist, use 'mwenye mazungumzo mazuri' instead.
Elder Alert
Never use this with someone older than you unless you want to be seen as very rude.
The 'Domo' Upgrade
If you want to sound more like a native speaker in a heated argument, use 'Acha kupiga domo!' It sounds much more natural in 'street' Swahili.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Acha kupiga ______, fanya kazi yako!
'Kupiga mdomo' is the idiom for talking too much instead of working.
Which situation is most appropriate for 'kupiga mdomo'?
When would you use this phrase?
It is an informal phrase used for gossip or idle chatter.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
Ali: 'Juma anasema atatusaidia kesho.' Beti: 'Usiamini, Juma ______ tu.'
Beti is skeptical of Juma's promises, implying he is 'all talk.'
Match the phrase to the meaning.
Match 'Kupiga mdomo' with its best definition.
The figurative meaning is chatter or gossip.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Friendly vs. Annoying Talk
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesAcha kupiga ______, fanya kazi yako!
'Kupiga mdomo' is the idiom for talking too much instead of working.
When would you use this phrase?
It is an informal phrase used for gossip or idle chatter.
Ali: 'Juma anasema atatusaidia kesho.' Beti: 'Usiamini, Juma ______ tu.'
Beti is skeptical of Juma's promises, implying he is 'all talk.'
Match 'Kupiga mdomo' with its best definition.
The figurative meaning is chatter or gossip.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it almost always carries a negative connotation of being annoying, useless, or gossipy.
No, use 'kupiga soga' for friendly chatting. 'Kupiga mdomo' implies you are annoyed by the talking.
The plural is 'wapiga mdomo' (loudmouths/gossips).
Yes, it is understood and used throughout the Swahili-speaking world, including Uganda and DRC.
You can say 'Tafadhali, naomba unyamaze kidogo' (Please, I ask that you be quiet for a bit).
It means both. In this idiom, it refers to the mouth as the organ of speech.
Yes, it's very common in informal texts and social media comments.
'Kupiga mdomo' is about the amount or nature of talk (gossip/empty), while 'kuropoka' is about saying things you shouldn't have said (blurting out).
The formal equivalent would be 'kuzungumza mambo yasiyo na tija' (to speak of unproductive matters).
In Swahili, 'piga' is used for actions that involve energy, rhythm, or a sudden start. Talking a lot fits this 'energetic' category.
Expressions liées
Kupiga soga
similarTo chat or have a conversation.
Kupiga domo
specialized formTo talk very loudly or rudely.
Kuropoka
synonymTo blurt out or talk without thinking.
Kupiga picha
contrastTo take a photo.
