ahadi
The Swahili word for 'pledge' is ahadi.
The word ahadi is a formal term for 'pledge' signifying a promise or commitment.
Meaning: to make a solemn promise (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Kenya, the word kiapo can be used to mean 'pledge' in certain contexts. In Tanzania, ahadi ya uaminifu is a specific term used to refer to a pledge of loyalty.
Did you know?
- Because of its Arabic origins, ahadi is recognizable to many speakers of other East African languages like Arabic or even parts of Malay, due to shared Islamic influences.
- In some traditional contexts, a pledge like kiapo was historically sealed with a physical gesture or a symbolic gift to make it binding.
- While ahadi is a general promise, using it in a business negotiation in East Africa can imply a much higher level of moral obligation than a standard English 'agreement'.
Examples in context
- Tunatafuta mashujaa watakaotoa ahadi ya kulinda mazingira.We are looking for heroes who will make a pledge to protect the environment.
- Mimi nimejitolea kuisaidia jamii yangu.I have made a pledge to help my community.
- Nimevunja ahadi yangu.I have broken my pledge.
- Alitoa ahadi ya kusaidia.He made a pledge to help.
Example conversation
Neema and Omari are discussing a community project.
- NeemaOmari, utatoa ahadi ya kusaidia mradi huu?Omari, will you pledge to help this project?
- OmariNdiyo, natoa ahadi ya kutoa muda wangu.Yes, I pledge to give my time.
- NeemaAsante sana kwa moyo wako, Omari.Thank you very much for your heart, Omari.
- OmariNitatimiza kila ahadi niliyotoa.I will fulfill every pledge I made.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ahadi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
