usemi

How to say it

Meaning

A known phrase or saying used to express an idea, a statement someone made, and in grammar the way words are reported, as in direct or reported speech.

Good to know

U class noun, plural semi: usemi usemao, as the saying goes. In grammar: usemi halisi, direct speech; usemi wa taarifa, reported speech. Msemo is a close word for a saying.

Examples

• Kuna usemi kwamba haraka haraka haina baraka.There is a saying that haste has no blessing.
• Usemi wake uliwakasirisha wapinzani.His statement angered the opponents.
• Badilisha sentensi hii kutoka usemi halisi kuwa usemi wa taarifa.Change this sentence from direct speech to reported speech.