How Do You Say Hi In Swahili?

The word 'hi' is an informal abbreviation of hello, and so has no direct translation in Swahili. Instead, you could use something like "hujambo" or "jambo" - which is the equivalent of saying "hello".

However, 'Hi' in itself may be common enough in Swahili speaking nations, due to the prevalence of English-speaking films and TV shows in all parts of the world.

Greetings are an important part of Swahili linguistic culture and if you are conversing with a native speaker of Swahili, you should remember that opening a conversation involves more than saying hello. That said, there are some short useful phrases you can use when you want to greet someone.

How to Greet Someone in Swahili

Hello - hujambo or jambo

Good morning - asubuhi njema or habari za asubuhi?

Good afternoon - habari za mchana?

Good evening - jioni nzuri or habari za usiku?

How are you? - jinsi ni wewe

To learn more about greetings in Swahili, watch this film: