Swahili for Rafiki

Jambo Rafiki,

I have thought that will be good for me share a few swahili words since most of us will be receiving our letters from Rafiki in Kenya and will want to reply.

Swahili is the national Language in Kenya while english is the official language. Together with these two other vernacular or Mother tongues are derived from the 52 different tribes in Kenya. In Africa, swahili is spoken widely in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda,zambia, Democratic republic of Congo, Mozambique rwanda Burundi, parts of Somali amongst other regions in Africa.

In our letter ( Barua) writing program there are a number of words that we could use may be in greetings, to know places, to know colours, time, days of the week etc. which you can share with your Friend ( Rafiki)

Before that Note that Swahili words are composed of a repeat of Consonant and vowel to make verbs, nouns and all articles of grammer. The Pronounciation follows those of English. There is no much difference. So it is as simple as Ra-fi-ki.

To start with, Let share some greeting words you may use in your Letter.

Hujambo? -How are you (to one person)
Bwana - Sir/ Mr/ gentleman
Sijambo - I am fine
Bibi - lady/ Mrs/ ( said to married woman) casually you can address a married/elderly woman as Mama
Bi - Miss/Ms (said to an unmarried woman) casually you can address an unmarried woman as Dada
Mama - Mother
Dada - Sister
Kwaheri- Bye
Tafadhali- Please
Asante- Thank you
Ninakupenda - I love you

I hope that you can enjoy using a few swahili words in your letter. In case of any questions, may a swahili word that your Rafiki used and you don't undestand the meaning, or an English word you wish to translate to Swahili, dont hesitate to ask for help.

I will share some more swahili words in the near future

Ninawapenda ( I love you all)

MamaAfrica