kufanya — meaning in English: to do

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for to do

shughuli

kufanya

mzuri

kufuata

ni wazi

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Swahili for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers of Swahili often use the word 'kufanya' in both everyday conversations and formal settings. For example, one might say 'Ninahitaji kufanya kazi' (I need to do work) during a job discussion, or 'Tunafanya sherehe kesho' (We are doing a celebration tomorrow) when planning an event with friends.

Synonyms & nuances

'Kufanya' is quite similar to 'kutenda', which also means 'to do', but 'kutenda' often carries a formal or ethical connotation, referring to actions taken in terms of moral choices. You would choose 'kufanya' for a broader range of activities, from mundane tasks to significant actions.

Culture

The word 'kufanya' stems from the Proto-Bantu root, which relates to actions and doing. In Tanzanian culture, the concept of 'kufanya' extends beyond mere action to encompass a sense of purpose and responsibility, reflecting the communal spirit of the society where action often benefits the group.

FAQ

Q.What does 'kufanya' mean in English?

'Kufanya' translates to 'to do' in English, indicating an action or task that one is completing or planning to complete.

Q.How do I use 'kufanya' in a sentence?

You can use 'kufanya' similarly to how you would use 'to do' in English. For example: 'Ninapenda kufanya mazoezi' means 'I love to do exercise'.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'kufanya'?

'Kufanya' is often mistaken for 'fanya', which is the imperative form. Remember to use 'kufanya' when you are referring to doing something in a non-command way.

Learn swahili with Maspeak →

Swahili Vocabulary