sawa
The Swahili word for okay is sawa.
sawa is a common way to say okay in Swahili, typically used to express agreement. It is important to note that while sawa functions as an expression of agreement, it is not typically used to describe the quality of an object as mediocre or average. For describing quality, you would use terms like nzuri (good) or mbaya (bad).
Meaning: OK (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word sawa literally means equal, even or level.
Which one should you use?
To intensify the meaning, you can double the word to sawa sawa, which means exactly, precisely or very well. If you wish to say something is just okay or just fine, you can use the informal phrase sawa tu.
Did you know?
- The word sawa is borrowed from the Arabic word sawāʔ.
- The use of sawa to express agreement is a linguistic reflection of the historical trade influences between East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
- In a way, saying sawa is like saying 'we are on the same level', emphasizing a shared understanding between speakers.
Examples in context
- Mama, unahitaji kutia sahihi. Wacha niisome. La, ni sawa. Hulazimiki."Mom, you need to sign this." "Let me read it." "No, it's okay. You don't have to."This sentence shows how to use sawa to indicate that something is okay or not necessary.Tatoeba #10853447 by ecorralest101, translation #2799061 by Hybrid
- Tutakutana saa nane jioni, sawa?We'll meet at 8 PM, okay?
- Je, unaelewa maagizo yangu?Do you understand my instructions?
- Ndio, nimeelewa.Yes, I understand.
- Tuko pamoja kesho?Are we meeting up tomorrow?
- Poa!Okay!
- Ulikuwa wapi jana?Where were you yesterday?
- Nilikuwa nyumbani, sawa tu.I was at home, just okay.
- Unahitaji msaada wangu?Do you need my help?
- Sawa, tutaonana kesho.Okay, we will see each other tomorrow.
- Sawa, nimeelewa.Okay, I understand.
Example conversation
Said and Fatuma are deciding when to meet for lunch.
- SaidTukutane saa mbili mchana?Shall we meet at eight in the afternoon?
- FatumaSawa, nitakuwepo.Okay, I will be there.
- SaidTutakutana wapi?Where will we meet?
- FatumaTukutane hotelini.Let's meet at the hotel.
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.
