jali
In Swahili, "take care" is expressed as jali.
The word jali is used as an interjection to mean "good-bye".
Meaning: good-bye (intj)
Did you know?
- The word jali is a linguistic traveler from Arabic, meaning 'to care' or 'to heed'.
- When you tell someone to 'take care' using jitunze, you are essentially telling them to 'guard' or 'preserve' themselves.
- While jali is used as a farewell, the root verb kujali can describe the act of valuing or treasuring someone, moving beyond a simple 'take care' to a deeper emotional appreciation.
Examples in context
- Jali afya yako, fanya vipimo mara kwa mara.Take care of yourself, get regular check-ups.
- Jitunze kule shuleni, nakupenda sana.Take care at school, I love you very much.
Example conversation
Neema and Said are saying goodbye after a meeting.
- NeemaSasa ninaenda, Said.I am going now, Said.
- SaidHaya, tutaonana baadaye.Okay, we will see each other later.
- NeemaKwa heri, jali!Goodbye, take care!
- SaidAsante, na wewe pia.Thanks, you too.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries jali, CC BY-SA 4.0.
