furaha
Joy in Swahili is furaha.
furaha is the general term for joy in Swahili and can be used in formal settings. When you want to express the action of being joyful or rejoicing, you use the verb form kufurahi.
Meaning: feeling of happiness (noun)
Which one should you use?
While furaha is the general term for joy, you might use shangwe to denote a sense of celebration or festive happiness or uchangamfu to express cheerfulness or merriment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun furaha belongs to the N-class (noun class 9/10), which means it does not change form for singular or plural, but adjectives or verbs describing it will follow N-class agreement.
Did you know?
- The word furaha has its roots in Arabic, specifically the word faraḥ, which entered Swahili through centuries of trade and cultural exchange along the East African coast.
- While furaha describes an internal state, you might use shangwe to describe joy that is being expressed loudly through cheering or communal celebration.
- The word uchangamfu describes a type of joy that is specifically linked to being a lively, engaging, or socially active person.
Examples in context
- Nimejaa furaha tele!I am filled with great joy!
- Tumekusanyika hapa leo kwa shangwe tele!We have gathered here today with abundant joy!
- Mtoto ana uchangamfu mkubwa!The child has immense cheerfulness!
- Safari hii imekuwa raha sana!This trip has been really joyful!
- Alionyesha furaha kubwa.He/she showed great joy.
- Furaha yake ni kubwa leo.Her joy is great today.
- Tunapata furaha kwa muziki.We find joy in music.
- Alionyesha furaha tele moyoni mwake.He showed much joy in his heart.
Example conversation
Neema and Bakari are talking about a successful celebration.
- NeemaBakari, tuna furaha nyingi leo!Bakari, we have much joy today!
- BakariNi kweli, Neema, ni siku nzuri.It is true, Neema, it is a good day.
- NeemaMoyo wangu umejaa furaha.My heart is full of joy.
- BakariNafurahi kusikia hivyo kutoka kwako.I am happy to hear that from you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “joy” translations and entries furaha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries furaha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
