Meaning
Stating that one lacks funds.
Cultural Background
In Tanzania, 'Sina pesa' is often followed by 'Mungu atasaidia' (God will help), showing a religious resilience to poverty. In Kenya, 'Sina pesa' is a common response to 'Kitu kidogo' (bribes). It's a way for citizens to stand their ground. Due to the tourism economy, 'Sina pesa' is used by locals to tell 'Papasi' (street guides) that they aren't interested in services. Youth often avoid 'Sina pesa' because it sounds too 'standard'. They prefer 'Nimeparara' or 'Sina ganji'.
Add 'Leo'
Adding 'leo' (today) makes the statement less permanent and more polite.
Don't over-use
If you say 'Sina pesa' while wearing expensive jewelry, it may be seen as dishonest.
Meaning
Stating that one lacks funds.
Add 'Leo'
Adding 'leo' (today) makes the statement less permanent and more polite.
Don't over-use
If you say 'Sina pesa' while wearing expensive jewelry, it may be seen as dishonest.
The Hand Gesture
Place your right hand on your chest while saying it to show sincerity.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to say 'I don't have money'.
____ pesa.
'Sina' is the 1st person negative form.
Which sentence is the most polite way to refuse a vendor?
A vendor asks you to buy a shirt.
Adding 'Samahani' (Sorry/Excuse me) makes the refusal polite.
Match the Swahili phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Matching subject prefixes with their meanings.
Complete the dialogue.
Rafiki: Twende sokoni? Mimi: Hapana, ____ pesa leo.
The context 'Hapana' (No) requires a negative verb.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to say 'I have no money'
Formal
- • Sina fedha
- • Sina uwezo
Neutral
- • Sina pesa
- • Sina kitu
Slang
- • Sina chapaa
- • Nimekauka
Practice Bank
4 exercises____ pesa.
'Sina' is the 1st person negative form.
A vendor asks you to buy a shirt.
Adding 'Samahani' (Sorry/Excuse me) makes the refusal polite.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching subject prefixes with their meanings.
Rafiki: Twende sokoni? Mimi: Hapana, ____ pesa leo.
The context 'Hapana' (No) requires a negative verb.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, it is a standard and neutral statement. Tone and body language determine politeness.
'Pesa' is common and informal; 'fedha' is formal and often used in banking or literature.
Use 'Sina pesa kabisa'.
Yes! 'Sina maji' (I have no water), 'Sina gari' (I have no car).
'Chapaa' is a popular slang term for money, similar to 'bucks' or 'dough'.
It is written as one word in modern Swahili orthography.
Related Phrases
Sina kitu
synonymI have nothing
Sina chapaa
similarI don't have cash
Nina pesa
contrastI have money
Sina fedha
formalI lack funds
Hali ngumu
builds onHard times
