المعنى
Feeling anxious.
خلفية ثقافية
In Tanzania, 'wasiwasi' is often discussed in the context of 'amani' (peace). A common social goal is to live without wasiwasi, which is achieved through strong family ties. In urban Kenya, especially Nairobi, 'wasiwasi' is frequently replaced by the Sheng term 'presha' in casual conversation among youth. Due to the strong Arabic influence, you might hear the word 'waswasi' (with an extra 'i' sound) or references to the spiritual origins of the word. The phrase 'Usiku wa wasiwasi' (A night of worry) is a common literary trope in Swahili Taarab music, describing the pain of waiting for a lover.
The 'Na' Rule
Always remember that 'wasiwasi' is a noun. You must use 'na' (with) to connect it to the verb 'kuwa' (to be).
Responding to Worry
If someone tells you they have wasiwasi, the most culturally appropriate response is 'Pole' followed by 'Usijali'.
المعنى
Feeling anxious.
The 'Na' Rule
Always remember that 'wasiwasi' is a noun. You must use 'na' (with) to connect it to the verb 'kuwa' (to be).
Responding to Worry
If someone tells you they have wasiwasi, the most culturally appropriate response is 'Pole' followed by 'Usijali'.
Quantifying Worry
Use 'mwingi' (much) instead of 'sana' (very) if you want to sound more native when describing the amount of worry.
اختبر نفسك
Fill in the correct form of 'kuwa na' for the pronoun 'Mimi'.
Mimi ____ wasiwasi na mtihani wa kesho.
'Nina' is the first-person singular form (I have).
Choose the best response to comfort someone who is worried.
Mtu: 'Nina wasiwasi sana!' Wewe: '____'
'Usiwe na wasiwasi' means 'Don't worry' and is the standard response.
Match the Swahili phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
All pairs are correctly matched in the prompt.
Complete the dialogue with the correct word.
Juma: 'Mama hajafika nyumbani bado.' Asha: 'Je, una ____?'
In the context of someone being late, 'wasiwasi' (worry) is the most logical feeling to ask about.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينMimi ____ wasiwasi na mtihani wa kesho.
'Nina' is the first-person singular form (I have).
Mtu: 'Nina wasiwasi sana!' Wewe: '____'
'Usiwe na wasiwasi' means 'Don't worry' and is the standard response.
طابق كل عنصر على اليسار مع زوجه على اليمين:
All pairs are correctly matched in the prompt.
Juma: 'Mama hajafika nyumbani bado.' Asha: 'Je, una ____?'
In the context of someone being late, 'wasiwasi' (worry) is the most logical feeling to ask about.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةYes, it almost always describes a state of unease or anxiety. However, it can imply that a person is responsible and cares about their duties.
Yes, this means 'I am worried for you' or 'on your behalf'. It is a very common way to show concern for a friend.
'Wasiwasi' is anxiety (feeling), while 'mashaka' is doubt (uncertainty of truth). You have 'mashaka' if you don't believe someone; you have 'wasiwasi' if you are nervous about an outcome.
You can say 'Sina wasiwasi tena' or 'Wasiwasi wangu umeisha'.
'Wasiwasi' is the standard Swahili spelling. 'Waswasi' is closer to the Arabic root and is sometimes heard in coastal dialects.
Yes, but it's better to use 'Nina wasiwasi kuhusu...' (I have concerns about...) to sound professional.
No, 'wasiwasi' is an abstract mass noun and does not have a plural form.
It means 'to remove worry' or 'to clear one's mind of anxiety'.
No, for 'excited' use 'changamka' or 'furaha'. 'Wasiwasi' is strictly for nervous/anxious feelings.
You would say 'wasiwasi wa kudumu' or 'hali ya wasiwasi ya kila wakati'.
عبارات ذات صلة
Kuwa na hofu
similarTo have fear/terror
Kuwa na shaka
similarTo have doubt
Kuingiwa na kiwewe
specialized formTo be in a state of shock or extreme anxiety
Kutulia
contrastTo be calm/settled
