Significado
The act of running at high speed.
Contexto cultural
In Kenya, 'piga mbio' is almost a national motto for the Kalenjin community, who have produced world-record marathoners. It is used with deep respect for the physical discipline of running. In Tanzanian urban centers like Dar es Salaam, 'piga mbio' is often used metaphorically for the 'hustle'—working hard and fast to make a living in a competitive environment. On the islands, life is generally 'pole pole' (slow), so 'piga mbio' is used less frequently and usually indicates a genuine emergency or a specific sporting event. In Swahili-speaking parts of Uganda, the phrase is common in military and police contexts to describe rapid tactical movement.
Use it for emphasis
If you want to sound like a native, use 'piga mbio' instead of 'kimbia haraka'. It shows you understand Swahili collocations.
Not for cars
Remember, this is a 'leg' idiom. Don't use it for driving fast!
Significado
The act of running at high speed.
Use it for emphasis
If you want to sound like a native, use 'piga mbio' instead of 'kimbia haraka'. It shows you understand Swahili collocations.
Not for cars
Remember, this is a 'leg' idiom. Don't use it for driving fast!
Sports talk
This is the #1 phrase to use when watching a football match or a race with Swahili speakers.
Teste-se
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'piga' in the past tense.
Jana, mimi ________ mbio sana uwanjani.
'Jana' means yesterday, so we need the past tense prefix 'ni-' (I) + '-li-' (past) + 'piga'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to tell someone to hurry up and run?
Choose the best option:
'Piga mbio!' is the standard idiomatic way to command someone to sprint.
Complete the dialogue between two friends at a bus stop.
A: Basi linakuja! B: ________!
In the context of a bus arriving, you need to run fast to catch it.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: A professional athlete in the 100m final.
'Anapiga mbio' describes the action of a sprinter.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Kimbia vs. Piga Mbio
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosJana, mimi ________ mbio sana uwanjani.
'Jana' means yesterday, so we need the past tense prefix 'ni-' (I) + '-li-' (past) + 'piga'.
Choose the best option:
'Piga mbio!' is the standard idiomatic way to command someone to sprint.
A: Basi linakuja! B: ________!
In the context of a bus arriving, you need to run fast to catch it.
Situation: A professional athlete in the 100m final.
'Anapiga mbio' describes the action of a sprinter.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, it is neutral and can be used with anyone, though 'Piga mbio!' as a command should be used with friends or children.
No, for that you use 'endesha kampuni'. 'Piga mbio' is strictly physical.
The verb changes: 'Tunapiga mbio' (We run), 'Pigeni mbio' (Run! - plural).
'Mbio' is specifically running speed, while 'kasi' is general speed (like a car or wind).
Yes, adding 'sana' (very) is very common to emphasize extreme speed.
You say 'Mimi ni mwanariadha'. You wouldn't usually say 'Mimi ni mpiga mbio'.
Yes, it is very common in Swahili literature to describe action scenes.
No, unless you are 'piga mbio' away from your responsibilities!
Yes, 'Simba anapiga mbio' (The lion is running fast) is perfectly correct.
The opposite would be 'tembea polepole' (walk slowly).
Frases relacionadas
Kimbia
similarTo run
Piga spidi
synonymTo speed
Toka mbio
builds onTo start running suddenly
Mbio za sakafuni
specialized formA futile effort
Haraka
similarQuickly
