tafadhali
The Swahili word for "please" is tafadhali.
tafadhali is used as an interjection to make a request more polite. To soften a request, you can place tafadhali either at the beginning or at the end of a sentence.
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word tafadhali is derived from an Arabic root meaning favor or grace.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverbial interjection, tafadhali does not change its form based on the subject or the person you are addressing.
Did you know?
- In many Swahili-speaking cultures, using tafadhali alone is often not enough to be polite. It is frequently paired with a respectful title like shikamoo when addressing an elder to avoid appearing rude.
- In some highly formal Swahili settings, instead of using tafadhali, speakers might use the phrase ninaomba which means 'I pray' or 'I request' to show even deeper deference.
- In many parts of East Africa, politeness is often signaled more through a change in tone and volume than the actual insertion of tafadhali.
Examples in context
- Naweza kupata bili, tafadhali?Could I have the bill, please?This example shows how to use tafadhali at the end of a sentence.Tatoeba #1121717 by megamanenm, translation #435203 by CK
- Tafadhali jifurahishe kwenye densi.Please enjoy yourself at the dance.This example shows how to use tafadhali at the beginning of a sentence.Tatoeba #10809558 by ecorralest101, translation #40314 by CK
- Tafadhali mpe mumeo, heri zangu njema.Please bid farewell, my Lady, to your husband.Tatoeba #10855251 by ecorralest101, translation #2887827 by Scott
- Tafadhali nipeleke hotelini.Please take me to the hotel.
- Naweza kuomba kuketi?May I request to sit?
- Tafadhali samahani nisaidie kufungua mlango.Please, forgive my intrusion, and help me open the door.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Said is asking Aisha to pass him some water.
- SaidAisha, nipe maji, tafadhali.Aisha, give me some water, please.
- AishaHaya, chukua maji haya.Okay, take this water.
- SaidAsante sana, mke wangu.Thank you very much, my wife.
- AishaKaribu, mume wangu.You're welcome, my husband.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations and entries tafadhali, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
