nzuri
The English phrase "great" is translated into Swahili as nzuri.
nzuri is an adjective used to describe something as very good. Depending on the context, it can also mean "good" or "beautiful." To add emphasis and say "very great," you can add the word sana after nzuri.
Meaning: very good (adj)
Which one should you use?
While nzuri can be used to mean "great" in an evaluative sense, it is also the standard Swahili word for "good" or "beautiful" depending on the context of your sentence.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Kenya, you may hear people casually use the phrase poa sana to mean "great" or "cool." In Tanzania, the phrase safi sana is used to convey a similar sentiment to "great."
Did you know?
- In Tanzania, the phrase safi sana is a common way to say 'great' or 'excellent', even though safi literally means 'clean'.
- If you use nzuri to describe a person, the ending changes to mzuri due to the noun class system.
- To say something is 'great' in a way that implies it is large or massive, Swahili speakers use different words like kubwa instead of nzuri.
Examples in context
- Mazoezi ya kila siku ni nzuri kwa afya yako.Routine exercise is great for your health.This example shows how nzuri is used to describe something being great for one's health.Tatoeba #10839694 by ecorralest101, translation #1260980 by CK
- "Naweza kuhesabu kutoka 1 hadi 100 kwa Kifaransa sasa." "Wow, hiyo ni nzuri. Vipi kuhusu kuhesabu kurudi nyuma kutoka 100 hadi 1? " "Hapana, hiyo bado haiwezekani kwangu.""I can count from 1 to 100 in French now." "Wow, that's great. How about counting backwards from 100 to 1?" "No, that's still impossible for me."This example shows the use of nzuri to respond to someone's achievement with "that's great."Tatoeba #10872548 by ecorralest101, translation #4644643 by corbinjurgens
Example conversation
Omari and Fatuma are talking about a new job opportunity.
- OmariNimepata kazi mpya leo!I got a new job today!
- FatumaHiyo ni nzuri, Omari!That is great, Omari!
- OmariAsante, Fatuma. Ninafurahi sana.Thanks, Fatuma. I am very happy.
- FatumaHongera kwa mafanikio yako.Congratulations on your success.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nzuri, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
