sawa
sawa is the Swahili word for ok.
sawa is used to express agreement, acknowledgement or to indicate that things are equal or balanced. It can also function as an adjective meaning equal or even in a mathematical or comparative sense.
Meaning: acknowledgement or acceptance (intj)
Which one should you use?
While sawa is used for acknowledgement or agreement, the form Sawasawa is an informal version used among friends and peers. The doubled form sawa sawa is used emphatically to mean exactly, perfectly or just right.
How does it change in a sentence?
Doubling the word to sawa sawa intensifies the meaning to express that something is exactly or perfectly right.
Did you know?
- The word sawa is borrowed from the Arabic word sawāʔ, which shares the same root of equality and balance.
- While sawa means 'ok', using it repeatedly as sawa sawa sawa in a conversation can sometimes signal impatience or a desire to end the discussion.
- Using the informal Sawasawa with a superior or an elder can be perceived as too casual or slightly disrespectful in traditional settings.
Examples in context
- Una hakika uko sawa?Are you sure you're OK?This sentence uses sawa to ask about someone's well-being.Tatoeba #10858847 by ecorralest101, translation #3333931 by CK
- Sawa, sawa.Alright, OK.This sentence uses the repetition of sawa to say alright or ok.Tatoeba #8776534 by ICThomas, translation #6577528 by Eccles17
- Sawa, tumainia hilo.OK, hop to it.This sentence uses sawa to give an acknowledgement.Tatoeba #10888965 by ecorralest101, translation #6629702 by Eccles17
- Sawa.Ok
- Unakubaliana na hali hii?Do you agree with this situation?
- Tutakutana saa ngapi?What time shall we meet?
- Unaenda klabu leo?Are you going to the club today?
Example conversation
Bakari and Neema are agreeing on a meeting time.
- BakariTukutane saa nne asubuhi.Let's meet at ten in the morning.
- NeemaSawa, nitakuwepo.OK, I will be there.
- BakariNitakutumia ujumbe nikifika.I will send you a message when I arrive.
- NeemaSawa, Bakari.OK, Bakari.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sawa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sawa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
