nyamaza
The Swahili phrase for "be quiet" is nyamaza.
The phrase is a command used to tell someone to stop talking or to make less noise.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing more than one person, the command changes from nyamaza to nyamazeni.
When do people say it?
In Tanzania, Tafadhali tulia is a polite and respectful way of asking someone to be quiet.
Did you know?
- In some East African contexts, putting a finger to the lips while saying nyamaza can be seen as overly aggressive or rude depending on the social hierarchy.
- To describe someone who is naturally quiet or shy, Swahili speakers use the word mnyamavu. This transforms the action of the command nyamaza into a permanent personality trait.
- The command nyamaza is considered a 'strong' verb. Using it with an elder or a superior without adding a softening word like tafadhali is a serious breach of social etiquette.
Examples in context
- Nyamaza, tafadhali.Be quiet, please.
- Nyamaza sasa, ninajaribu kusoma.Be quiet now, I am trying to read.
- Tafadhali nyamaza kidogo.Please be quiet for a bit.
- Nyamaza! Mtoto analala.Be quiet! The baby is sleeping.
Example conversation
Aisha and Juma are in a library.
- AishaJuma, tafadhali nyamaza.Juma, please be quiet.
- JumaSamahani, Aisha. Nitanyamaza.Sorry, Aisha. I will be quiet.
- AishaAsante, hapa ni kimya.Thank you, it is quiet here.
- JumaNdiyo, nimekuelewa.Yes, I understand you.
