Meaning
Settling a debt or invoice.
Cultural Background
In Tanzania, paying the bill for a group is a sign of 'Uungwana' (gentlemanly behavior). If you are the eldest or the host, expect to pay. The 'Lipa na M-Pesa' culture is dominant. You will see a 6-digit 'Till Number' at almost every shop. Asking 'Naweza kulipia na M-Pesa?' is standard. In the tourist areas of Stone Town, bills are often presented in both TZS (Shillings) and USD. Always check which currency you are 'kulipia' in. Young people might use the word 'mulla' or 'ganji' for money when talking about paying, but 'bili' remains the standard for the invoice itself.
The '-ia' Rule
Always remember the 'ia' suffix when paying *for* something. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Check the Bill
In some tourist areas, a service charge is already included. Check before you 'lipia' to avoid double tipping.
Meaning
Settling a debt or invoice.
The '-ia' Rule
Always remember the 'ia' suffix when paying *for* something. It makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Check the Bill
In some tourist areas, a service charge is already included. Check before you 'lipia' to avoid double tipping.
The Handshake
When paying cash, it is polite to offer the money with your right hand, often touching your right elbow with your left hand as a sign of respect.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'lipia'.
Jana, mimi ______ bili ya chakula.
'Jana' means yesterday, so we use the past tense prefix 'li-'.
Choose the most natural way to ask for the bill.
How do you ask a waiter for the check?
'Niletee bili' means 'Bring me the bill.'
Match the Swahili phrase with its English translation.
Match these:
These are the three most common utility bills.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesJana, mimi ______ bili ya chakula.
'Jana' means yesterday, so we use the past tense prefix 'li-'.
How do you ask a waiter for the check?
'Niletee bili' means 'Bring me the bill.'
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the three most common utility bills.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, people will understand you, but 'Lipia' is more grammatically correct for bills.
No, never. A bribe is 'rushwa' or 'kitu kidogo'.
You can say 'Tulipe nusu kwa nusu' (Let's pay half-half) or 'Kila mtu alipe chake' (Everyone pay their own).
No, it is quite normal in East Africa to ask for the bill as soon as you are ready to leave.
Say 'Kuna makosa kwenye bili hii' (There are mistakes in this bill).
Usually, you use 'nunua' (buy), but you can say 'lipia' if you are making a payment toward the total cost.
Yes, though in very remote areas they might use 'deni' for any money owed.
In major cities, yes. Ask 'Naweza kulipia kwa kadi?'
It remains 'bili'. Swahili N-class nouns don't change in plural.
Yes, 'kulipia kodi' is the standard phrase for paying taxes.
Related Phrases
Lipa deni
similarPay a debt
Toa risiti
builds onGive a receipt
Bei ghalii
similarExpensive price
Punguza bei
contrastReduce the price
