Swahili readings / Beginner 2 / Community & City Life

A Busy Weekly Market Day

Siku ya Soko la Kila Wiki

Kila Jumatano, mji mdogo wa Mtoni huwa na siku ya soko. Watu kutoka vijiji vya karibu huamka mapema, wanabeba vikapu, na wanafika uwanjani. Asha na kaka yake, Musa, huenda pamoja. Wanasalimia walinzi wa lango na jirani zao. Meza nyingi zimejaa matunda, mboga, viungo, na nguo. Harufu ya pilipili, tangawizi, na samaki wa kukaanga inajaa hewani. Wafanyabiashara wanaita kwa sauti nzuri, bei nzuri, karibuni, tafadhali njoo uangalie. Asha ananunua nyanya, vitunguu, na ndizi kwa familia. Anapima uzito, anauliza bei, na anajaribu kupunguza kidogo. Musa anatafuta kiatu cha shule na daftari jipya. Anajaribu viatu, anatembea kidogo, na anauliza kama kuna rangi nyeusi. Karibu na chemchemi, watoto wanacheza na wanacheka. Wazee wanakaa chini ya mti mkubwa, wanazungumza kuhusu habari za siku, mvua, na michezo. Mchana unapoendelea, jua linawaka lakini upepo mdogo unaleta baridi tamu. Saa sita, Asha na Musa wanakaa kwenye kibanda cha chakula. Wanakula wali na maharage, na wanakunywa juisi ya ukwaju. Baada ya kulipa, wanarudi nyumbani kwa baiskeli. Vikapu vyao vimejaa vizuri, na mioyo yao inafurahi. Siku ya soko huwasaidia kukutana na marafiki, kujifunza bei mpya, na kuhisi nguvu ya jamii yao.

English Translation

Every Wednesday, the small town of Mtoni has a market day. People from nearby villages wake up early, carry baskets, and arrive at the field. Asha and her brother, Musa, go together. They greet the gate guards and their neighbors. Many tables are full of fruits, vegetables, spices, and clothes. The smell of chili, ginger, and fried fish fills the air. Traders call out with a nice voice: good prices, welcome, please come and look. Asha buys tomatoes, onions, and bananas for the family. She measures the weight, asks the price, and tries to reduce it a little. Musa looks for a school shoe and a new notebook. He tries on shoes, walks a little, and asks if there is a black color. Near the spring, children play and laugh. Elders sit under a big tree and talk about the news of the day, the rain, and sports. As the afternoon continues, the sun is hot, but a small wind brings a sweet coolness. At noon, Asha and Musa sit at a food stall. They eat rice and beans, and drink tamarind juice. After paying, they ride home by bicycle. Their baskets are nicely full, and their hearts are happy. The market day helps them meet friends, learn new prices, and feel the strength of their community.