Ways to say it
| Swahili | IPA |
|---|---|
| jambo | /ˈʄɑ.ᵐbɔ/ |
| salaam | /sɑˈlɑːm/ |
The Swahili language offers several ways to greet others depending on the level of familiarity. jambo is a common way to say "hi" or "hey" and is often used with tourists or in casual settings. salaam is another way to say hello. Other informal options include Sasa, which means "what's up?" or "what's happening?" among friends.
What does it mean word for word?
The word jambo literally means a matter, an affair or a thing.
Which one should you use?
jambo is a common, slightly more informal way to say hello.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Kenya, you may hear Shwari? used to mean "Are you fine?" when greeting friends or Vipi? to mean "How are you?"
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʄɑ.ᵐbɔ/
When do people say it?
When someone says jambo to an individual, the standard response is sijambo, meaning "I am fine" or "I have no problems". If someone greets you with jambo, you might also hear the informal response Mambo, which means "what's up?" or "how are things?"
Did you know?
- While jambo is the most famous greeting for foreigners, locals in East Africa often avoid using it with each other, preferring more specific greetings based on age and status.
- In Swahili culture, failing to greet someone properly is considered a serious social offense, and greetings are often extended into long conversations about family and health.
- The greeting salaam comes from the Arabic word for 'peace', reflecting the deep historical influence of Arab traders on the Swahili coast.
Examples in context
- Jambo, jina lako ni nani?Hello, what's your name?This sentence is useful for practicing how to use jambo in a question about names.Tatoeba #4622551 by ecorralest101, translation #435080 by lukaszpp
- Habari, Bwana Smith?Hello, Mr. Smith?
- Habari, Mwalimu Kimani?Hello, Teacher Kimani?
- Mambo, rafiki yangu?What's up, my friend?
- Shikamoo, mzee wangu!Hello, my elder!
- Jambo, rafiki yangu.Hello, my friend.
- Jambo, habari za asubuhi?Hello, how is the morning?
Example conversation
Juma and Aisha meet on a street in the morning.
- JumaJambo, Aisha!Hello, Aisha!
- AishaJambo, Juma. Habari yako?Hello, Juma. How are you?
- JumaNzuri sana, asante.Very good, thank you.
- AishaHaya, tutaonana baadaye.Okay, see you later.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations and entries jambo, salaam, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jambo, salaam, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
