karibu
In Swahili, "my pleasure" is expressed as karibu.
The word karibu is the standard way to respond to asante (thank you). It functions much like "you're welcome" or "my pleasure" in English.
Meaning: a polite reaction to receiving thanks (intj)
Which one should you use?
While karibu is a response to thanks, it is also used as a greeting to invite someone into a home or a space, similar to the English "welcome".
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are responding to a group of people who have thanked you, use the plural form karibuni instead of the singular karibu.
Did you know?
- The word karibu is borrowed from the Arabic word qarīb, which literally means 'nearby'.
- In some Swahili-speaking contexts, karibu can be used to encourage someone to start eating or drinking.
- In Omani Arabic, a similar root is used to welcome visitors, reflecting the historical trade links between the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa.
Examples in context
- Nafurahi kusaidia.My pleasure.
- Karibu sana.You're welcome/It's a pleasure.
- Hakuna shida.My pleasure/No problem.
- Karibu, rafiki yangu.You're welcome, my friend.
- Karibu wakati wowote.You are welcome anytime.
Example conversation
Aisha helps Bakari carry a heavy bag.
- AishaHapa hivi, Bakari.Here it is, Bakari.
- BakariAsante sana, Aisha.Thank you very much, Aisha.
- AishaKaribu.My pleasure.
- BakariWewe ni nzuri sana.You are very kind.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry karibu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries karibu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
