A simple smile, a cheerful hello or a word of encouragement...what an impact you will have."
Zig Zieglar.
Human beings all around the world are similar in many ways despite our different cultures. A simple hello can brighten someone’s day as if it is a way of telling the other, “I see you, you are not alone.” In Swahili, there are multiple ways to acknowledge one another. Here are a few of them:
Salamu na Maamkuzi
Shikamoo - Marahaba
This greeting is used by younger people to show respect to the elderly in the society and it cannot be used vice versa. Example: a child can greet the parent Shikamoo however, the parent cannot greet the child Shikamoo.
Asalaam aleikum - Aleikum salaam.
This greeting can be said by anyone at anytime. The greeting is a blessing to you and all the angels around you.
Mwambaje? - Sina la kuamba
This is another greeting that can be said by anyone at anytime. It inquires what’s new with a response of there is nothing to tell.
Umeamkaje? - Salama
A greeting for the mornings when you want to ask others how their night was or how they woke up with a response of all is well.
Sabalkheri - Akheri / Sabalkheri
Good morning - Good morning
Chewa - Chewa
Chewa are the winds that blow in the morning from the East on the Indian Ocean. The name of these winds can also be used to say good morning instead of Sabalkheri.
Masalkheri - Akheri / Masalkheri
This is how we say Good afternoon.
Alamsiki - Binuru / Binuri
Good evening
Lala unono -Nawe Pia
Before bed we tell our loved ones to Sleep well. Lala unono literally translates to have a fat sleep which in this case would mean to sleep well. The only response you should be expecting from that is you too.
Ndoto njema - Nawe pia
Sweet dreams - you too
Tuonane tena- Maajaliwa
let’s see each other again - God willing
Kwaheri ya kuonana - Kwaheri ya Kuonana
This means good bye till next time. The phrase is usually shortened to Kwaheri meaning good bye but the next time is implied.
You are now ready to step into the world of Swahili after pleasantries have been exchanged.
Below are 7 more ways to spice up you Swahili greeting game.
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/swahili/greeting-ii-salamu-na-maammkuzi-part-2