Latest / Learn Swahili with Fexingo / Swahili Directions - Ask for Directions
Transcript
- Lucas: Luna, last episode we talked about means of transport — baiskeli, gari, basi. Now imagine you're on a matatu and you need to tell the driver where to go. Luna: Oh, that's a good next step! I've been in that situation before, just pointing and hoping for the best. Lucas: Exactly. So today we'll learn a few key phrases for giving and asking for directions. Let's start simple: Wapi...? That means 'Where is...?' Luna: Wapi...? Like 'Wapi basi?' — Where is the bus? Lucas: Perfect, Luna. Wapi basi? Exactly. You can use it for anything: Wapi sokoni? Where is the market? Wapi choo? Where is the toilet? Luna: Wapi choo — that one's essential. So Wapi...? is the question. Then what do I do with the answer? Lucas: Well, the answer might include directions. Let's learn three key phrases. First: Pindia kulia. That means 'Turn right.' Luna: Pindia kulia. Pindia — that's the turn part, right? Lucas: Yes, pindia is like 'turn' in the command form. And kulia is 'right'. So Pindia kulia. Luna: Pindia kulia. Got it. Lucas: Now the opposite: Pindia kushoto — 'Turn left.' Luna: Pindia kushoto. Left is kushoto. So if someone says Pindia kushoto, I go left. Lucas: Exactly. And one more: Nenda moja kwa moja — 'Go straight.' Luna: Nenda moja kwa moja. Nenda is go, right? Like we had in 'Nenda shuleni' — go to school? Lucas: Yes, nenda is the command for 'go'. Moja kwa moja literally means 'one by one', but it's used for 'straight ahead'. So Nenda moja kwa moja. Luna: Nenda moja kwa moja. Okay, I think I can remember that. Let me try a whole dialogue. Lucas: Please do. Imagine you're asking for the market. Luna: Wapi sokoni? And the person says... let's see... Pindia kulia, then Nenda moja kwa moja, then Pindia kushoto. Lucas: That's a great route! Let's practice that. Repeat after me: Pindia kulia. Luna: Pindia kulia. Lucas: Nenda moja kwa moja. Luna: Nenda moja kwa moja. Lucas: Pindia kushoto. Luna: Pindia kushoto. I love that. It's like a little dance of words. Lucas: It is! And remember, you can also ask Wapi...? to start. So next time you're in a Swahili-speaking area, you can confidently ask for directions. Luna: I feel like I could actually do that now. Wapi...? Pindia kulia, Pindia kushoto, Nenda moja kwa moja. That's four phrases but they cover so much. Lucas: Exactly. And if Fexingo has been helping you make real progress with Swahili, a few listeners support us through buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo. It's what keeps this show ad-free and going strong. Luna: Yeah, it really does make a difference. We appreciate everyone who chips in. Now, let's practice one more time — I want to be ready for my next trip. Lucas: Alright, let's do a quick role-play. I'll give you directions. Ask me where the market is. Luna: Wapi sokoni? Lucas: Pindia kulia, then Nenda moja kwa moja, then Pindia kushoto. Sokoni iko pale. Luna: So the market is there. Pindia kulia, nenda moja kwa moja, pindia kushoto. I can do that. Asante, Lucas! Lucas: Karibu, Luna. And listeners, practice these phrases until we meet again. Tuonane wakati mwingine!