Signification
Someone who does not like spending money.
Contexte culturel
In Tanzania, calling someone 'mkono wa birika' is often done with a smile but carries a real social warning. It is common in 'Bongo Flava' lyrics to describe a lover who is not supportive. On the coast, the 'birika' is specifically associated with the tea culture. Since tea is the symbol of welcoming, the 'kettle hand' is the ultimate irony for someone who is not welcoming. In Nairobi, the phrase is often mixed with Sheng. While 'mkono wa birika' is understood, younger people might use 'mchoyo' or 'kebit' more frequently in fast speech. In business, this phrase is used to describe 'tight' investors or partners who are unwilling to release funds for projects.
Visualizing the Kettle
If you forget the word 'birika', just think of 'tea' (chai). The thing you pour tea from is the 'birika'.
Don't use for the poor
Calling a poor person 'mkono wa birika' is very rude. Only use it for those who have money but won't spend it.
Signification
Someone who does not like spending money.
Visualizing the Kettle
If you forget the word 'birika', just think of 'tea' (chai). The thing you pour tea from is the 'birika'.
Don't use for the poor
Calling a poor person 'mkono wa birika' is very rude. Only use it for those who have money but won't spend it.
Plural Agreement
Remember to change 'wa' to 'ya' if you are talking about many people: 'Mikono ya birika'.
Humor is key
This idiom is often used as a joke among friends to tease someone for being cheap.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Juma hataki kulipia vinywaji, yeye ana mkono wa _______.
The correct idiom is 'mkono wa birika'. 'Sufuria' (pot) and 'kijiko' (spoon) are not used in this phrase.
What does 'Mkono wa birika' mean?
Mtu mwenye mkono wa birika ni mtu wa aina gani?
The idiom refers to a person who does not like spending money (a stingy person).
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate response.
A: Je, bosi amekupa ongezeko la mshahara? B: Wapi! Unajua bosi wetu ________.
'Mkono wa birika' fits the context of a boss refusing a raise. 'Mkono mrefu' means a thief, and 'mkono wa baraka' means a blessed/generous hand.
Match the person to the description.
Nani ana 'mkono wa birika' hapa?
Sara fits the description because she hides her money and refuses to help, which is the definition of being stingy.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Mkono wa Birika vs. Mkono Mrefu
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJuma hataki kulipia vinywaji, yeye ana mkono wa _______.
The correct idiom is 'mkono wa birika'. 'Sufuria' (pot) and 'kijiko' (spoon) are not used in this phrase.
Mtu mwenye mkono wa birika ni mtu wa aina gani?
The idiom refers to a person who does not like spending money (a stingy person).
A: Je, bosi amekupa ongezeko la mshahara? B: Wapi! Unajua bosi wetu ________.
'Mkono wa birika' fits the context of a boss refusing a raise. 'Mkono mrefu' means a thief, and 'mkono wa baraka' means a blessed/generous hand.
Nani ana 'mkono wa birika' hapa?
Sara fits the description because she hides her money and refuses to help, which is the definition of being stingy.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is a mild insult or a critique of character. It's not a 'bad word,' but it's not a compliment either.
Yes, you can say 'Nina mkono wa birika leo' if you are trying to save money or don't want to spend.
The plural is 'Mikono ya birika'.
Yes, it is widely understood and used in both countries and throughout the Swahili-speaking world.
'Mchoyo' is a general term for someone who doesn't share. 'Mkono wa birika' specifically targets spending money.
No, it is too informal for a professional interview.
It literally means a kettle or teapot. In some contexts, it can also mean a small pool or tank of water.
Yes, in Sheng (Nairobi slang), people often use 'kebit'.
You can say 'Yeye hana mkono wa birika' or 'Yeye ni mkarimu'.
Because the handle is rigid and curves back, symbolizing a hand that won't open to give.
Expressions liées
Bahili
synonymA miser
Mchoyo
similarA selfish person
Mkono wa wazi
contrastGenerous (Open hand)
Mkono mrefu
contrastA thief (Long hand)
Mkarimu
contrastA hospitable person
