tafadhali
The English phrase "please" is translated into Swahili as tafadhali.
tafadhali is used as an interjection or adverb to make a polite request. While the English word "please" can function as a verb meaning to give pleasure to someone, tafadhali is strictly limited to making requests and cannot be used as a verb.
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word tafadhali is derived from an Arabic-origin root meaning "favor" or "grace".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word tafadhali is invariable, meaning it does not change its form based on the subject or the person you are addressing.
When do people say it?
If you wish to add extra emphasis to your request, you can use the phrase tafadhali sana.
Did you know?
- While tafadhali is the standard translation, in informal settings, Swahili speakers may use the word na (meaning 'and' or 'with') at the start of a sentence to soften a request.
- Despite its use in polite requests, tafadhali is rarely used by parents when speaking to children or by superiors to subordinates in traditional hierarchical settings.
- Because tafadhali is borrowed from Arabic, it belongs to a large family of loanwords that entered Swahili through centuries of trade along the East African coast.
Examples in context
- Naweza kupata bili, tafadhali?Could I have the bill, please?This sentence shows how to use tafadhali when asking for a bill.Tatoeba #1121717 by megamanenm, translation #435203 by CK
- Tafadhali jifurahishe kwenye densi.Please enjoy yourself at the dance.This sentence demonstrates the use of tafadhali in a polite wish.Tatoeba #10809558 by ecorralest101, translation #40314 by CK
- Tafadhali mpe mumeo, heri zangu njema.Please bid farewell, my Lady, to your husband.This sentence illustrates tafadhali being used in a formal farewell instruction.Tatoeba #10855251 by ecorralest101, translation #2887827 by Scott
- Tafadhali nipe majiPlease give me water.
- Tafadhali nisaidiePlease help me.
- Tafadhali nipeleke hoteliniPlease take me to the hotel.
- Nipe maji, tafadhaliGive me water, please.
- Saidia, tafadhaliHelp, please.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Zuwena asks Omari to help her with a bag.
- ZuwenaOmari, nisaidie kubeba begi hili, tafadhali.Omari, help me carry this bag, please.
- OmariSawa Zuwena, nitakusaidia sasa hivi.Okay Zuwena, I will help you right now.
- ZuwenaAsante sana kwa msaada wako.Thank you very much for your help.
- OmariKaribu sana, rafiki yangu.You are very welcome, my friend.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations and entries tafadhali, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tafadhali, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
