karibu tena
The English phrase 'welcome back' is translated into Swahili as karibu tena.
While the word karibu on its own is used for a first-time arrival, adding tena specifically implies that the person is returning.
Meaning: welcome back (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of karibu, meaning 'welcome' or 'near' and tena, meaning 'again'.
Which one should you use?
Karibu is used for a first-time arrival, whereas karibu tena specifically implies a return.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are welcoming more than one person back, use karibuni tena instead of karibu tena.
When do people say it?
To welcome someone specifically back into a group or a community, you can use the phrase karibu tena kati yetu.
Did you know?
- The use of karibu to mean 'you are welcome' as a response to 'thank you' is a calque, meaning it was modeled directly after the English expression.
- In Swahili culture, the act of welcoming someone involves more than just words and often includes a physical gesture of guiding the guest into the home.
- Because karibu is fundamentally linked to the concept of 'nearness', using it to welcome someone is a way of metaphorically bringing them into your personal space.
Examples in context
- Karibu tena kazini!Welcome back to work!
- Karibu nyumbani!Welcome back home!
- Karibu tena kati yetu, ndugu!Welcome back among us, cousin!
- Karibu tena nyumbani.Welcome back home.
- Karibu tena ofisini.Welcome back to the office.
- Karibu tena darasani.Welcome back to class.
Example conversation
Zuwena greets Said at the entrance of their office.
- ZuwenaKaribu tena, Said.Welcome back, Said.
- SaidAsante sana, Zuwena.Thank you very much, Zuwena.
- ZuwenaJe, ulikuwa na safari njema?Did you have a good trip?
- SaidNdiyo, ilikuwa mizuri.Yes, it was good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “welcome back” translations and entries karibu tena, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries karibu, tena, CC BY-SA 4.0.
