Signification
Polite way to ask for water.
Contexte culturel
In many homes, water is served in a communal cup or a specific 'kikombe cha maji'. It is polite to finish the water you are given. Due to the heat, offering water is the very first act of hospitality. You might be offered 'maji ya madafu' (coconut water) if you are near the beach. In fast-paced Nairobi, 'Naomba' is still used, but you might hear 'Nipatie' more often in casual cafes. Water is often fetched from wells. Asking for water ('Naomba maji') is a common way for travelers to find a place to rest and talk.
The 'Tafadhali' Boost
Always add 'tafadhali' at the end if you are in a formal setting or talking to someone much older.
Hand Etiquette
When someone gives you the water, receive it with your right hand (or both hands) to show respect.
Signification
Polite way to ask for water.
The 'Tafadhali' Boost
Always add 'tafadhali' at the end if you are in a formal setting or talking to someone much older.
Hand Etiquette
When someone gives you the water, receive it with your right hand (or both hands) to show respect.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to politely ask for water.
_______ maji, tafadhali.
'Naomba' is the polite way to request something.
Which phrase is best to use when asking an elder for water?
Asking an elder:
It includes the respectful greeting 'Shikamoo' and the polite 'Naomba'.
Match the Swahili phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
Correctly matching the adjectives for water types.
Complete the dialogue in a restaurant.
Waiter: Karibu! Unataka kunywa nini? You: ____________________.
This directly answers the question about what you want to drink.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Types of Water to Request
Temperature
- • Maji ya baridi (Cold)
- • Maji ya moto (Hot)
- • Maji ya uvuguvugu (Warm)
Source
- • Maji ya chupa (Bottled)
- • Maji ya bomba (Tap)
- • Maji ya kisima (Well)
Banque d exercices
4 exercices_______ maji, tafadhali.
'Naomba' is the polite way to request something.
Asking an elder:
It includes the respectful greeting 'Shikamoo' and the polite 'Naomba'.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Correctly matching the adjectives for water types.
Waiter: Karibu! Unataka kunywa nini? You: ____________________.
This directly answers the question about what you want to drink.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsNo, it is perfectly fine. It shows you have good manners. You can drop the 'tafadhali' with close friends.
Yes! 'Naomba kiti' (I'd like a chair), 'Naomba njia' (Excuse me/May I pass).
Say 'Naomba maji ya bomba'. But be careful, in many areas, tap water is not for drinking.
Expressions liées
Naomba chakula
similarI would like some food.
Nipe maji
contrastGive me water.
Nina kiu
builds onI am thirsty.
Naomba kinywaji
specialized formI would like a drink (general).
