njoo hapa
In Swahili, "come here" is translated as njoo hapa.
The phrase is a command used to tell someone to move toward the speaker's current location.
What does it mean word for word?
The word njoo is the imperative (command) form of the verb kuja (to come) for a single person, while hapa means "here" and refers to the immediate vicinity of the speaker.
Which one should you use?
While njoo hapa is for one person, njooni hapa uses the plural imperative suffix -ni to address a group.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form njoo hapa is used when addressing one person or someone you are on informal terms with. To say "come here" to more than one person or to show respect to a single person, use njooni hapa.
Did you know?
- Using njooni hapa to address a single person is a common way to show high respect, such as when speaking to an elder. This 'plural of respect' treats one person as a group to elevate their status.
- The word njoo is an irregular imperative. While most Swahili verbs follow a predictable pattern to form commands, njoo deviates completely from its infinitive root kuja.
- In some coastal regions, the phrase njoo hapa might be accompanied by a gesture where the palm is faced upward and fingers are curled toward the speaker, rather than the downward palm common in some Western cultures.
Examples in context
- Njoo hapa, tafadhaliCome here, please.
- Kuja hapa, rafikiCome here, my friend.
- Njoo hapa haraka.Come here quickly.
- Mtoto, njoo hapa.Child, come here.
- Tafadhali njoo hapa kidogo.Please come here for a moment.
Example conversation
Zuwena is calling Omari to show him something in the garden.
- ZuwenaOmari, njoo hapa!Omari, come here!
- OmariNakuja, kuna nini?I'm coming, what's the matter?
- ZuwenaAngalia hapa kwenye ua.Look here at the flower.
- OmariWow, ni nzuri sana!Wow, it is very beautiful!
