Meaning
Explaining something simply or revealing truth.
Cultural Background
In Tanzanian political discourse, 'Uwazi na Ukweli' (Transparency and Truth) was a major slogan during the Benjamin Mkapa administration, emphasizing government accountability. In coastal cultures, directness can sometimes be seen as 'kosa la adabu' (lack of manners). 'Kuweka wazi' is used only when indirect methods (like proverbs) have failed. In Kenya, 'weka wazi' is frequently used in activist circles and on social media (KOT - Kenyans on Twitter) to demand clarity from leaders. In East African business, 'kuweka wazi' is crucial during the 'negotiation' phase to avoid future 'migogoro' (conflicts).
Use for Honesty
When you want to tell a friend 'be honest with me', say 'Weka wazi mambo yako'.
Not for Doors
Don't use this to ask someone to open a door. Use 'Fungua mlango'.
Meaning
Explaining something simply or revealing truth.
Use for Honesty
When you want to tell a friend 'be honest with me', say 'Weka wazi mambo yako'.
Not for Doors
Don't use this to ask someone to open a door. Use 'Fungua mlango'.
Object Infixes
Mastering the object infix (e.g., 'kuliweka wazi') will make you sound like a native speaker.
Politeness
In formal Swahili culture, 'kuweka wazi' is a strong move. Use it when you really need the truth.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'kuweka wazi'.
Mwalimu alitaka _______ somo la leo kwa wanafunzi wake.
The teacher wants to 'clarify' the lesson, which is 'kuweka wazi'.
Which sentence correctly uses an object infix to say 'I made IT (the plan - mpango) clear'?
Choose the correct sentence:
'Mpango' belongs to the M-Mi class, so the object infix is 'u'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: A government official releasing a report on corruption.
'Ufisadi' means corruption. Making it clear/revealing it is the correct usage.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Sielewi mkataba huu. B: Usijali, mwanasheria _______ kila kitu kesho.
The word 'kesho' (tomorrow) indicates the future tense 'ata-'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Weka Wazi vs. Fungua
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMwalimu alitaka _______ somo la leo kwa wanafunzi wake.
The teacher wants to 'clarify' the lesson, which is 'kuweka wazi'.
Choose the correct sentence:
'Mpango' belongs to the M-Mi class, so the object infix is 'u'.
Situation: A government official releasing a report on corruption.
'Ufisadi' means corruption. Making it clear/revealing it is the correct usage.
A: Sielewi mkataba huu. B: Usijali, mwanasheria _______ kila kitu kesho.
The word 'kesho' (tomorrow) indicates the future tense 'ata-'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Only if you mean 'leaving them in an open state' for a long time, but 'acha wazi' is more common for that.
'Kueleza' is just to explain. 'Kuweka wazi' implies making something clear that was confusing or hidden.
You say 'Nitaweka wazi' or 'Nitakiweka wazi' if referring to a specific thing (ki-vi class).
It can be. It's better to use 'Naomba ufafanuzi' (I pray for elaboration).
No, 'wazi' is an invariable adjective/adverb.
Yes, it's very common when discussing feelings or the future of the relationship.
'Kuficha' (to hide) or 'Kuweka siri' (to keep a secret).
Yes, 'kumwaga mboga' (to spill the vegetables) is a slang way to reveal everything.
No, that would be 'kusafisha' or 'kuchuja'.
Related Phrases
Kuweka bayana
synonymTo make manifest/clear
Kueleza
similarTo explain
Kufunua
similarTo uncover
Kuweka siri
contrastTo keep a secret
Kufafanua
specialized formTo elaborate
