Other Swahili Greetings

 

Shikamoo

This greeting is reserved for someone older than the recipient and meant to show respect e.g. parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts, older siblings, teachers as well as people in authority

Greeting : Shikamoo  - Hello

Response: Marahaba – Hello

 

Salama?       -          Are you okay

Salam sana -          I’m Very okay

 

 

 

U hali gani? – What is your state

Njema – I am fine

 

Mambo? – What’s up

Poa – I’m good

 

Niaje - What’s up

Poa - I’m good

Arabic Greeting used by Swahili mostly coastal regions

Salam alekum? – How are you? Literally means “Peace be upon

you all.”

Alekum salam. – I am well. Literally means “Upon you all be

peace.”

Kwa heri – Goodbye

Kwa heri ya kuonana -  Goodbye till we meet again./ Goodbye hoping to see you again.

 

Karibu tena- Come again

A handshake is part of Swahili greeting.

The right hand is always offered for a handshake.