msaada
In Swahili, the English word help is translated as msaada.
Meaning: transitive: provide assistance to (someone or something) (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Northern Tanzania, Nipatie mkono means give me a hand.
Did you know?
- Swahili speakers might use the phrase niombe msaada to politely ask for help, which literally translates to 'I pray for help'.
- The word msaada is borrowed from the Arabic word musāʕada.
- The concept of msaada is closely tied to ujamaa, a social philosophy of extended family and collective brotherhood in Tanzania.
Examples in context
- Anahitaji msaada.She needs help.This sentence shows how to express that someone needs msaada.Tatoeba #9063925 by Nyambura, translation #310809 by Amastan
- Hatuwezi kufanya haya bila msaada wako.We can't do this without your help.This sentence demonstrates using msaada to refer to someone's assistance.Tatoeba #10881023 by ecorralest101, translation #5951523 by mailohilohi
- Nawakilisha wanafunzi wote darasani ninapokushukuru kwa msaada wako.I represent all of the students in the class when I thank you for the help that you've given us.This sentence is useful for thanking someone for the msaada they have provided.Tatoeba #10855839 by ecorralest101, translation #3060484 by trieuho
- Tafadhali, nisaidiePlease help me.
- Mtu yeyote anaweza kunisaidia?Can anyone help me?
- Rafiki, nipe mkono tafadhaliFriend, lend me a hand, please.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zuwena is struggling to carry a heavy box.
- ZuwenaJuma, naomba msaada wako hapa.Juma, I am asking for your help here.
- JumaSawa, nitakupa msaada sasa hivi.Okay, I will give you help right now.
- ZuwenaAsante sana kwa msaada huu.Thank you very much for this help.
- JumaHamna shaka, nimefurahi kutoa msaada.No problem, I am glad to provide help.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry msaada, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries msaada, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
