Bedeutung
Telling someone to reduce their speed.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Tanzania, 'polepole' is more than a speed; it's a social lubricant. Rushing through a greeting or a transaction is seen as 'kukosa adabu' (lacking manners). In the fast-paced environment of Nairobi, 'Nenda polepole' is often used as a warning against 'matatu' drivers who are known for their high-speed maneuvers. The 'Island Time' of Zanzibar is the epitome of 'polepole.' Life moves with the tides, and the phrase is used to remind tourists to relax. In Uganda, Swahili is often associated with security forces. 'Nenda polepole' might be heard at checkpoints as a formal instruction to drivers.
The Safety Phrase
If you only learn one phrase for your safety in a taxi, make it this one. Drivers respect it.
The Philosophy
Embrace the 'polepole' lifestyle. It will help you make more friends in East Africa than being efficient and fast.
Bedeutung
Telling someone to reduce their speed.
The Safety Phrase
If you only learn one phrase for your safety in a taxi, make it this one. Drivers respect it.
The Philosophy
Embrace the 'polepole' lifestyle. It will help you make more friends in East Africa than being efficient and fast.
Don't just say 'Pole'
Saying 'Pole' to a driver might make them think you are apologizing for something, rather than asking them to slow down.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of 'to go' for a group of people.
Jamani, _________ polepole! Barabara ni mbaya.
'Jamani' and the context imply addressing a group, so the plural imperative 'Nendeni' is required.
Which phrase is the most polite way to ask a driver to slow down?
Unataka dereva apunguze mwendo. Utasema nini?
Adding 'tafadhali' (please) makes the command a polite request.
Match the Swahili phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are teaching a child to write their first letters.
'Andika' means 'write', and 'polepole' encourages the child to take their time.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Naogopa, gari hili linaenda kasi sana! B: Usiogope, nitamwambia dereva _________.
This requires the subjunctive form 'aende' (that he go) because it follows a verb of telling/requesting.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Speed in Swahili
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenJamani, _________ polepole! Barabara ni mbaya.
'Jamani' and the context imply addressing a group, so the plural imperative 'Nendeni' is required.
Unataka dereva apunguze mwendo. Utasema nini?
Adding 'tafadhali' (please) makes the command a polite request.
Situation: You are teaching a child to write their first letters.
'Andika' means 'write', and 'polepole' encourages the child to take their time.
A: Naogopa, gari hili linaenda kasi sana! B: Usiogope, nitamwambia dereva _________.
This requires the subjunctive form 'aende' (that he go) because it follows a verb of telling/requesting.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, it is generally neutral. To make it very polite, add 'tafadhali' (please).
Yes, but it's better to say 'Sema polepole' (Speak slowly).
The plural is 'Nendeni polepole'.
Yes, in Swahili, adverbs usually follow the verb they modify.
It sounds unnatural. Stick to 'Nenda polepole'.
The opposite is 'haraka' or 'kasi'.
Yes, to suggest a cautious approach to a deal or project.
Yes, it is a perfect translation for 'Take it easy' in a physical or metaphorical sense.
Reduplication is a common feature in Bantu languages to create adverbs or show intensity.
Yes, 'mdogo mdogo' is often used as a more casual way to say 'slowly' or 'bit by bit'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Punguza mwendo
synonymReduce speed
Mdogo mdogo
similarLittle by little
Haraka haraka
contrastVery fast / In a hurry
Taratibu
similarCarefully / Orderly
Kaa chonjo
builds onBe on the lookout / Be careful
