kabisa
The Swahili phrase kabisa means completely or totally.
kabisa is used to express that something is done completely or totally.
Which one should you use?
kabisa is more emphatic than the word sana, which means 'very'. While sana denotes the degree of something, kabisa denotes totality.
When do people say it?
In informal conversation, you can use kabisa! as a standalone response to express strong agreement, similar to saying 'Absolutely!' or 'Exactly!' in English.
Did you know?
- The word kabisa is borrowed from Arabic.
- While many English speakers use 'completely' to describe a state, using kabisa in Swahili can actually function as a conversational way to shut down a topic by signaling absolute finality.
- In Swahili, doubling the word to kabisa kabisa creates an even stronger layer of emphasis, signaling that a situation is beyond any possible doubt.
Examples in context
- Nimechoka kabisa.I am completely tired.
- Nimechoka kabisa leo.I am completely tired today.
- Huo ni ukweli kabisa.That is the absolute truth.
- Sielewi kabisa jambo hili.I don't understand this matter at all.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a difficult exam.
- SaidJe, uliweza kumaliza mtihani?Were you able to finish the exam?
- NeemaHapana, sikuelewa kabisa.No, I didn't understand it at all.
- SaidMtihani ulikuwa mgumu sana.The exam was very difficult.
- NeemaNi kweli kabisa.That is absolutely true.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kabisa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
