bado
The Swahili word bado means 'still' or 'not yet'.
bado is an adverb used to indicate that a state continues to exist (still) or that an expected action has not occurred (not yet). You can also use the phrase Bado kidogo to mean 'a little more time' or 'a little longer'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In negative sentences, bado is used to mean 'not yet' to show that an expected action has not taken place.
When do people say it?
bado can be used as a single-word response to a question asking if a certain task or action has been completed.
Did you know?
- The word bado is an Arabic loanword, originating from the Arabic word baʕdu which means 'after' or 'later'.
- In East African social contexts, bado kidogo is often used as a polite way to avoid saying 'no' or to delay a departure without sounding rude.
- While it often means 'not yet', if you use bado with a sense of persistence, it can express that a situation is stubbornly ongoing despite efforts to change it.
Examples in context
- Bado.Not yet.
- Bado sijafanya hivyo.I haven't done that yet.
- Sijafanya bado.I haven't done it yet.
- Bado kidogo, lakini nitakamilisha hivi punde.It's taking a bit more time, but I'll complete it shortly.
- Hatujapata majibu bado.We haven't received the answers yet.
- Bado sina uhakika kuhusu hilo.I'm still unsure about that.
- Bado sijafika.I have not arrived yet.
- Bado anasoma.He/she is still studying.
- Bado sijakula chakula cha mchana.I have not yet eaten lunch.
- Je, bado unajifunza Kiswahili?Are you still learning Swahili?
Example conversation
Fatuma and Said are waiting for food at a restaurant.
- FatumaChakula chako kimefika, Said?Has your food arrived, Said?
- SaidHapana, bado sijakila.No, I haven't eaten yet.
- FatumaMimi pia bado nasubiri.I am also still waiting.
- SaidTutauliza mhudumu sasa hivi.We will ask the server right now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
