haki
haki is the Swahili word for a moral or legal entitlement to have or do something.
The word haki encompasses the meaning of justice, fairness and rights.
Did you know?
- The word haki shares a deep linguistic root with the Arabic term for 'The Truth', one of the 99 names of God in Islam.
- The expression haki ya Mungu is so common in East Africa that it functions as a conversational filler. People may use it to emphasize a trivial point, similar to an English speaker saying 'I kid you not' or 'honestly' during a casual story.
- The concept of haki is often conceptually paired with wajibu, meaning 'duty', creating a linguistic balance where one cannot exist without the other.
Examples in context
- Haki za binadamu zinapaswa kulindwa kwa kila mtu.Human rights should be protected for everyone.
- Kila mtu ana haki ya kusema.Everyone has the right to speak.
- Tunatafuta haki kwa watoto wetu.We are seeking justice for our children.
- Haki hii ni muhimu sana.This right is very important.
Example conversation
Bakari and Aisha are discussing a legal matter at a community center.
- BakariJe, tuna haki ya kupata msaada?Do we have the right to receive help?
- AishaNdiyo, Bakari, hiyo ni haki yako.Yes, Bakari, that is your right.
- BakariAsante kwa kunieleza hivyo, Aisha.Thank you for explaining that to me, Aisha.
- AishaKaribu, tutafanya kila kitu kwa haki.You're welcome, we will do everything justly.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry haki, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries haki, CC BY-SA 4.0.
