Nipigie simu
To say "call me" in Swahili, use Nipigie simu.
This phrase is used to request that someone contact you via telephone. Although the literal meaning is "hit me a phone", it is the standard way to express the idea of a telephone call rather than the act of calling out someone's name.
Which one should you use?
Nipigie simu is the singular form. If you are addressing more than one person, or if you wish to use a more polite/formal tone, use Nipigieni simu.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb pigia is used in the prepositional form. This is required in Swahili when an action is performed for or towards a specific person, such as "me" in this phrase.
Did you know?
- If you were to say Nipige simu instead of Nipigie simu, you would literally be asking someone to hit you with a phone.
- The word simu for 'phone' traces its lineage back to the Omani Arabic word for 'telegram' and the Persian word for 'wire'.
- In many East African contexts, using the plural form Nipigieni simu is a way to show deep respect to an elder even if you are only expecting one person to call you.
Examples in context
- Nipigie simu baada ya kuzungumza nao.Call me after you talk to them.This example is useful for learning how to request a call after a specific event has occurred using Nipigie simu.Tatoeba #10866602 by ecorralest101, translation #3906151 by CH
- Nipigie jioniCall me in the evening
- Nipigie kwa simu asubuhiCall me in the morning
- Nipigie simu kesho.Call me tomorrow.
Example conversation
Zuwena and Juma are saying goodbye at the bus station.
- ZuwenaKwaheri Juma, safari njema!Goodbye Juma, have a safe trip!
- JumaAsante Zuwena, tutaonana hivi karibuni.Thanks Zuwena, we will see each other soon.
- ZuwenaNipigie simu ukishafika huko.Call me when you get there.
- JumaSawa, nitafanya hivyo.Okay, I will do that.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries simu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
