matumaini
The Swahili word for hope is matumaini.
matumaini is used to express the desire for something to happen with the expectation that it might, as well as the belief that a wished-for outcome is possible. It can also refer to a person or thing that serves as a source of hope.
Meaning: to want something to happen, with expectation that it might (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the root -tumaini, which relates to trusting or expecting something.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Kenyan Swahili, you may also use matarajio or tarajio to express hope.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
matumaini functions as both a noun meaning hope and a plural noun meaning hopes or expectations.
Did you know?
- The root -tumaini is closely linked to the word amini, which means 'to believe' or 'to trust'. This shows that in the Swahili worldview, hope is functionally inseparable from faith.
- While matumaini is the standard word for hope, the related verb tumaini is frequently used in religious contexts to describe a total reliance on divine providence rather than just a wish.
- The distinction between matumaini and matarajio can be a source of confusion in business Swahili, where the latter sounds more like a 'forecast' than a 'wish'.
Examples in context
- Kujilisha tu kwa matumaini, unaweza kufa kwa njaa.While feeding only on hope, you can die of hunger.This sentence shows how matumaini is used in a metaphorical context regarding survival.Tatoeba #10850949 by ecorralest101, translation #2575281 by Jevgenija
- Matumaini ni sauti ndogo inayonong'ona "labda" wakati dunia nzima inasema "la"!Hope is a little voice whispering "maybe" when it seems the entire world is shouting "no"!This sentence uses matumaini to describe hope as a small, persistent voice.Tatoeba #10840159 by ecorralest101, translation #1398437 by bart
- Natumaini kuwa utafanikiwa katika kazi yako.I hope you will succeed in your work.
- Tuna matumaini makubwa ya kuona amani ikitawala duniani.We have great hope of seeing peace prevail in the world.
- Ana matumaini ya kupata nafuu haraka.He/she has hope of recovering quickly.
- Natumaini utakuwa na wakati mzuri Uarabuni!I hope you will have a great time in Arabia!
- Twahitaji tumaini la maisha bora siku zote.We need hope for a better life always.
- Natumaini safari yako itakuwa ya kufurahisha.I hope your journey will be enjoyable.
Example conversation
Aisha and Said are waiting for exam results.
- AishaSaid, una matumaini kuhusu matokeo yako?Said, do you have hope regarding your results?
- SaidNdiyo, nina matumaini nimefaulu kila kitu.Yes, I hope I passed everything.
- AishaMimi pia natumaini hivyo kwa ajili yako.I also hope so for your sake.
- SaidAsante, Aisha. Tuendelee kusubiri.Thanks, Aisha. Let's keep waiting.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry matumaini, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
