No definition in English

No is used to give a negative response.

No in Swahili

There many ways to say no in Swahili

1. Hapana: Hapana is the most common way to say “no” in Swahili. It is pronounced ha-pa-na.

Example

Hapana, sitaki kwenda: No, I don’t want to go.

Je, unapenda mbwa? (Do you like dogs?)  – Hapana, sipendi mbwa. (No, I don’t like dogs.)

2. Hasha: Hasha is a more emphatic way to say “no” in Swahili. It is pronounced ha-sha.

Example

Hasha, siamini hilo! No way, I don’t believe that!

3. Sivyo: It is mostly used when you disagree with someone. It is pronounced si-vyo.

Example

Sivyo, sikubaliani na hilo: No, I don’t agree with that.

4. La! – La! is a short, sharp way to say “no.” It is pronounced la, with a strong emphasis on the “a”.

Example

La! Sitaki kula! (No! I don’t want to eat!)

5. Asilani: Asilani is a word used to reject a decision, no matter what. It is pronounced a-si-la-ni.

Example

Hata akinialika sitakwenda kwake asilani. (Even if he invites me, I will not go to his home.)

Other words related to no in Swahili are:

• Abadani
• Kamwe
• Katu
• Hata kidogo
• Bilikuli