Photography

1. Ninaweza kupiga picha hapa?

   Can I take photos here?

   Usage

   Used to ask permission to take photos at a location

   Grammar Note

   "kupiga picha" literally means "to strike an image" meaning "to take a photo"

2. Tafadhali nipige picha.

   Please take my photo.

   Usage

   Used to ask someone to take your photo

   Grammar Note

   "ni-" in "nipige" is the first-person object prefix meaning "me"

3. Je, ninaweza kukupiga picha?

   May I take your photo?

   Usage

   Used to request permission before photographing someone

   Grammar Note

   "ku-" is the second-person object prefix meaning "you"

4. Picha imekuja vizuri sana.

   The photo turned out very well.

   Usage

   Used to compliment someone on a great photo

   Grammar Note

   "imekuja vizuri" means "came out well" indicating a good result

5. Hairuhusiwi kupiga picha katika eneo hili.

   No photography in this area.

   Usage

   Used as a sign or notice in no-photography zones

   Grammar Note

   Hapana is the answer-word "no"; Swahili does not place it before a noun to form a prohibition the way English does in "No smoking". A prohibition uses the negative passive of -ruhusu — hairuhusiwi — or ni marufuku ("it is forbidden").

6. Nakuomba usishiriki picha zangu mtandaoni.

   Please do not share my photos online.

   Usage

   Used to request privacy regarding photo sharing

   Grammar Note

   "nakuomba usishiriki" means "I request you not to share"

7. Mwanga ni mzuri sana asubuhi.

   The light is very beautiful in the morning.

   Usage

   Used to discuss optimal photography lighting conditions

   Grammar Note

   "mzuri sana" means "very good/beautiful"

8. Safari ni mazingira mazuri ya kupiga picha.

   Safari is a wonderful environment for photography.

   Usage

   Used when discussing wildlife photography opportunities on safari

   Grammar Note

   "safari" is a Swahili word of Arabic origin meaning "journey/travel"

9. Mandhari hii lazima ipigwe picha.

   This scene must be photographed.

   Usage

   Used when encountering an unmissable photo opportunity

   Grammar Note

   "lazima" is a modal adverb expressing obligation or necessity; the verb after it is subjunctive (ipigwe = i-pig-w-e, passive agreeing with class 9 mandhari). "Tukio" means an event, not a view

10. Chaji ya kamera yangu inakaribia kwisha.

    My camera has low battery.

    Usage

    Used to inform others that the camera battery is low

    Grammar Note

    "inakaribia kwisha" means "is about to run out". "Betri ndogo" would mean a physically small battery, so it is not used for a low charge

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