na
/nɑ/
The Swahili word for 'and' is na.
The word na is a conjunction used to connect two similar words or phrases. Depending on the context of the sentence, it can also mean 'with'.
Meaning: used to connect two similar words, phrases, et cetera (conj)
How does it change in a sentence?
na is an invariable conjunction, meaning it does not change its form based on the noun classes of the words it is connecting.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɑ/
Did you know?
- The word na is used to indicate the instrument used to perform an action, such as saying you wrote 'with' a pen.
- The word na is remarkably stable across many different Bantu languages, such as Lingala and Luganda, reflecting its ancient roots in Proto-Bantu.
- In poetic Swahili or formal oratory, na is often repeated multiple times in a row for rhetorical emphasis, a style that would seem redundant in English.
Examples in context
- Mimi ni Mfaransa na yeye ni Mamerika.I am French and she is American.This sentence demonstrates how to use na to connect two different subjects.Tatoeba #8999001 by Nyambura, translation #9014368 by liztrigger
- Wanakula asali na mkate.They feed on honey and bread.This sentence shows how to use na to connect two different objects.Tatoeba #10874763 by ecorralest101, translation #5045706 by alexcasper
- Waliiba farasi na ng'ombe.They stole horses and cattle.This sentence shows how to use na to connect two different nouns.Tatoeba #10833723 by ecorralest101, translation #802204 by Source_VOA
- 428 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Fatuma and Said are talking about their shopping list.
- FatumaTuna need maziwa na mayai.We need milk and eggs.
- SaidJe, tunahitaji sukari pia?Do we need sugar too?
- FatumaNdiyo, nunua sukari na chai.Yes, buy sugar and tea.
- SaidSawa, nitanunua vyote sasa.Okay, I will buy them all now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “and” translations and entries na, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries na, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
