Hello in Swahili
Saying hello in Swahili depends on the context and who you’re talking to. Here are some ways of saying hello in swahili with pronunciation and examples:
Informal:
Habari: (ha-BAH-ree) This is the most common greeting in Swahili, similar to “hi” or “hello”.
Example
Habari yako? (How are you?)
Answer: Nzuri: (nZOO-ree) (Fine, good.)
Mambo? (mahm-BOH) A casual greeting in Swahili, like “what’s up?”
Example
Mambo vipi? (What’s happening?)
Answer: Mzuri: (mZOO-ree), poa (Fine, good.)
Vipi? (VEE-pee) Short for “vipi mambo?” (what’s up?), another casual greeting in Swahili.
Example
Vipi leo? (How’s your day?)
Answer: Salama: (sah-LAH-mah) (peace or well.)
Formal:
Jambo: (JAHM-boh) A general greeting meaning “hello”.
Example
Jambo bwana (Hello sir).
Answer: Sijambo: (see-JAHM-boh) (I’m alright, no worries)
U hali gani? (oo HA-lee GA-nee) More formal, like “how are you doing?”
Example:
U hali gani leo? (How are you doing today?)
Answer: Njema: (NJEH-ma) (Good, well.)
Shikamoo: (shee-kah-MOO) Used by a younger person to greet an elder, showing respect.
Example:
Shikamoo mzee (Hello elder).
Answer: Marahaba (ma-ra-ha-ba) (I’m good)
