Hey definition in English

Hey is used as a friendly greeting or to attract attention.

Hey in Swahili

Saying hey in Swahili depends on the context and who you’re talking to.

Here are some ways of saying hey in Swahili with pronunciation and examples:

1. Jambo: (JAHM-boh) A general greeting meaning “hello” or “hey” or “hi”.

Example

Jambo bwana (Hello sir or hey sir).

Answer: Sijambo: (see-JAHM-boh) (I’m alright, no worries)

2. Habari: (ha-BAH-ree) This is the most common greeting in Swahili, similar to “hi” or “hello”.

Example

Habari yako? (How are you? Or hey there.)

Answer: Nzuri: (nZOO-ree) (Fine, good.)

3. Vipi? (VEE-pee) Short for “vipi mambo?” (what’s up?), another casual greeting of saying hey in Swahili.

Example Vipi leo? (Hi, how’s your day?)

Answer:  Salama: (sah-LAH-mah) (peace or well.)

4. Sasa: (SAH-sah), this simply means “now” but is often used as a casual greeting among young people.

Example: Sasa! Umefanya nini leo? (Hi! What have you been doing today?)

There is no one way of saying hey in Swahili, you can use these greetings to say hey in Swahili as well:

Salamu za Kiswahili of saying hey:

Mambo – “Poa” au “Nzuri”.

 Hujambo? –  “Sijambo”.

Umeshindaje? – “Salama”.

For more Swahili greetings read here.

For Kenyan youths they say hey in swahili using these sheng greetings:

Salamu za sheng of saying hey:

Niaje? – Poa.

Mambo? – Poa.

Saseni? – Poa.

Vipi? – Poa sana.

Aje? – Freshi.

For more sheng greetings read here.