sikiliza
The Swahili word for "listen" is sikiliza.
The verb is used when you want to express the act of paying attention to a sound.
Meaning: to pay attention to a sound (verb)
Which one should you use?
While sikiliza specifically means to pay attention to a sound, it is distinct from sikia, which can mean both "to hear" and "to listen" depending on the context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form sikiliza is the imperative form used to command someone to listen. For other tenses, the verb changes: anasikiliza is used for the present continuous "he/she is listening" and alisikiliza is used for the past tense "he/she listened".
Did you know?
- Because sikia can mean 'to hear' or 'to feel', a person might 'sikia' an emotion, whereas sikiliza is strictly reserved for auditory attention.
- In Swahili, the word sikia can mean both 'to hear' and 'to obey'. A parent telling a child to sikia is often commanding them to follow instructions rather than just perceiving a sound.
- In many East African cultures, saying sikiliza to an elder can be perceived as too blunt or rude. It is more respectful to use a phrase that asks for their attention rather than giving a direct command.
Examples in context
- Sikiliza.Listen.This sentence is useful for giving the command sikiliza.Tatoeba #3173539 by ecorralest101, translation #1913088 by CK
- Unanisikiliza?Are you listening to me?
- Tafadhali sikiliza maelekezo yake.Please listen to his/her instructions.
- Sikia, nina habari njema.Listen, I have good news.
- Sikiliza sauti hiyo kule.Listen to that sound over there.
Example conversation
Neema and Juma are walking in a forest.
- NeemaJuma, sikiliza!Juma, listen!
- JumaNinasikiliza, lakini sioni kitu.I am listening, but I don't see anything.
- NeemaSikiliza sauti ya ndege.Listen to the sound of the bird.
- JumaAh, nimeisikia sasa.Ah, I hear it now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
