kila la heri
The Swahili phrase for "good luck" is kila la heri.
kila la heri is used to wish fortune on someone or to provide encouragement. You can use it as a parting wish when saying goodbye, or as a way to encourage someone before they face a specific challenge or event.
Meaning: used to wish fortune on someone or as encouragement (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase kila la heri literally translates to "every of blessing" or "every blessing".
How does it change in a sentence?
kila la heri is an uncountable expression. It does not change its form based on the gender or the number of the person you are addressing.
Did you know?
- The word heri in the phrase is a direct loan from the Arabic word ḵayr, which means 'goodness' or 'virtue'.
- While 'good luck' is a common English idiom, the Swahili kila la heri focuses specifically on 'blessings'. In Swahili culture, luck is often viewed through a lens of divine or spiritual favor rather than mere coincidence.
- While kila la heri is used for luck, Swahili speakers often use kila la kheri with a kh sound to reflect the original Arabic pronunciation of the word 'blessing'.
Examples in context
- Nakutakia baraka katika mtihani wako.I wish you blessings in your exam.
- Natumai utapata mafanikio mema katika biashara yako.I hope you will achieve good success in your business.
- Safari njema katika maisha yako mapya.Have a good journey in your new life.
- Kila la heri katika safari yako.Good luck on your journey.
- Nakutakia kila la heri kwa mtihani.I wish you good luck with the exam.
- Kila la heri katika kazi mpya.Good luck in your new job.
Example conversation
Said is wishing Aisha luck before a job interview.
- SaidTayari kwa usaili wako, Aisha?Are you ready for your interview, Aisha?
- AishaNdiyo, lakini nina wasiwasi kidogo.Yes, but I am a little nervous.
- SaidUsihofu, kila la heri!Don't worry, good luck!
- AishaAsante sana, Said.Thank you very much, Said.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries heri, kila, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
