How to Say “Hare” in Swahili

By Alana Kaylee • Updated October 4, 2026

sungura

The Swahili word for the animal hare is sungura.

Meaning: animal (noun)

Did you know?

While English distinguishes between a 'hare' and a 'rabbit', Swahili uses sungura to refer to both animals.
In Swahili folklore, sungura is not just an animal but a legendary 'trickster' character, similar to Brer Rabbit or Anansi, who uses wit to outsmart much larger animals.
Unlike in some Western cultures where rabbits symbolize luck, the sungura in Swahili contexts more often symbolizes intelligence and survival.

Examples in context

Sungura huyu ni mdogo.
This hare is small.

Example conversation

Neema and Bakari are looking at animals in a field.

Neema

Tazama, kuna sungura yule!
Look, there is a hare over there!
Bakari

Ndiyo, ni mzuri sana.
Yes, it is very beautiful.
Neema

Je, sungura huyo ana uoga?
Is that hare shy?
Bakari

Ndiyo, atatoroka haraka.
Yes, it will run away quickly.

Sources

Wiktionary, “hare” translations and entries sungura, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.

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About The Author

Alana Kaylee

Jina langu ni Alana. As a woman deeply in love with the Swahili culture, I've combined my love for writing and language to craft comprehensive guides on speaking Swahili. When I'm not curled up with a good book on Swahili proverbs, you can find me sipping coffee and saying, "Kahawa ni tamu" (coffee is sweet). Apart from my intense love for language, I also have a soft spot for animals, leading to guides like "How to Say Cat in Swahili". My love for Swahili led me to its neighbor Luganda, and I now write guides on how to say things in Luganda as well.

Alana KayleeHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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