nenda zako
To say "go away" in Swahili, use nenda zako.
The phrase is used to tell someone to depart or leave a place. It is often used in a blunt or dismissive manner, similar to saying "get lost" in English.
Meaning: to depart or leave a place (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, nenda zako means "go your own ways". The word nenda is the imperative form for "go" and zako means "your" (plural or possessive).
Which one should you use?
While nenda zako is a common way to express this, you can also use Nenda mbali to specifically mean "go far away".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both nenda zako and Nenda mbali are considered informal. Nenda mbali is used informally to ask someone to leave your presence.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to only one person, you can use the singular imperative enda zako instead of the more common nenda zako.
Did you know?
- In some East African contexts, adding the word pole after telling someone to leave can soften the blow, as pole is a multipurpose word for empathy and apology.
- Using the plural form zako when speaking to only one person is a deliberate linguistic choice to increase rudeness. It transforms a simple direction into an expression of contempt.
- In a heated argument, nenda zako can be accompanied by a dismissive wave of the hand, which is a culturally recognized gesture of rejection in many Swahili-speaking regions.
Examples in context
- Nenda zakoGo your way
- Toka hapaLeave from here
- OndokaGo away
- Nenda mbaliGo far away
- Nenda zako sasa.Go away now.
Example conversation
Omari is trying to talk to Zuwena while she is busy.
- OmariZuwena, naomba nikuulize kitu.Zuwena, I want to ask you something.
- ZuwenaSina muda, nenda zako!I don't have time, go away!
- OmariLakini ni jambo la muhimu sana.But it is a very important matter.
- ZuwenaNimekuambia nenda zako hapa.I told you to go away from here.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nenda zako, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
