Ways to say it
| Swahili | IPA |
|---|---|
| kwenda | /ˈkʷɛ.ⁿdɑ/ |
| gura |
The verb kwenda is used to describe the act of moving through space, particularly when moving from one place to another. It is also related to the noun form gura, which can mean approval.
Which one should you use?
While kwenda is the standard form for moving from one place to another, the verb safiri is a more formal way to express going, specifically when the context involves traveling or embarking on a journey. Additionally, the word Go refers to the board game.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form gura is considered dialectal.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form nenda is the imperative (command) form of kwenda. If you want to suggest a group action, you can use twende, which is the first person plural form of nenda used to suggest a group action.
How do you pronounce it?
The word kwenda has two syllables with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced /ˈkʷɛ.ⁿdɑ/.
Did you know?
- The term safiri, used for traveling or going on a journey, is the root for the English word 'safari'.
- The word kwenda is used not only for physical movement but also to describe the passage of time or the process of aging.
- In Swahili, the root for 'to go' changes from kwenda to nenda when giving a direct command to someone.
Examples in context
- Nahitaji kwenda kupunga hewa.I needed to go for a ride.This sentence demonstrates the use of kwenda to express the need to go for a ride.Tatoeba #10875235 by ecorralest101, translation #5217327 by CK
- Ana umri wa kutosha kwenda shule.He's old enough to go to school.This sentence uses kwenda to describe being old enough to go to school.Tatoeba #10845141 by ecorralest101, translation #1891661 by CK
- Sijawahi kusema kuwa ninataka kwenda.I never said that I wanted to go.This sentence shows kwenda used when expressing a desire to go.Tatoeba #10884746 by ecorralest101, translation #6255258 by CK
- Tafadhali, nenda dukani.Please, go to the shop.
- Naomba uende kabisa.I kindly request you to go away.
- Twende kwenye tamasha.Let's go to the concert.
- Samahani, nakwenda nyumbani.Sorry, I'm going home.
- Tunataka kwenda kusini.We want to go south.
- Mwambie aende dukani.Tell him/her to go to the shop.
- Nawatakia safari njema.I wish you a safe journey.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Bakari and Neema are deciding where to go for a walk.
- BakariTutafanya nini leo?What shall we do today?
- NeemaJe, unataka kwenda mjini?Do you want to go to town?
- BakariNdio, twende sasa.Yes, let's go now.
- NeemaSawa, twende.Okay, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “go” translations and entries kwenda, gura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
