Bedeutung
Used to inform someone that you have limited time.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Tanzania, the phrase is often softened with 'kidogo' (a little) even if you are in a big rush, to maintain politeness and avoid appearing arrogant. In urban Kenya, 'Niko na haraka' or the Sheng 'Niko mbio' is more common and reflects the faster pace of life in Nairobi. On the islands, where 'pole pole' is a way of life, saying 'Nina haraka' might be met with a smile and the proverb 'Haraka haraka haina baraka'. The Arabic influence is strongest here; you might hear 'Nina hima' in older, more formal circles.
Add 'Kidogo'
Adding 'kidogo' (a little) makes the phrase sound much more polite and less demanding.
Don't forget the 'na'
Saying 'Mimi ni haraka' is a common beginner mistake. Always use 'Nina'.
Bedeutung
Used to inform someone that you have limited time.
Add 'Kidogo'
Adding 'kidogo' (a little) makes the phrase sound much more polite and less demanding.
Don't forget the 'na'
Saying 'Mimi ni haraka' is a common beginner mistake. Always use 'Nina'.
The Proverb Trap
If you say 'Nina haraka' to an elder, they might tease you with the proverb 'Haraka haraka haina baraka'. Just smile and apologize!
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct subject prefix for 'I have a hurry'.
____na haraka.
'Ni-' is the subject prefix for 'I'.
How do you say 'I am in a big hurry'?
Choose the best option:
'Sana' means 'very' or 'a lot'.
Complete the dialogue politely.
Rafiki: Mambo! Unaweza kuongea? Wewe: Samahani, ________.
The context of 'Samahani' (Sorry) suggests an excuse like being in a hurry.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are late for a flight.
High urgency requires 'sana'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Hurry vs. Fast
Aufgabensammlung
4 Aufgaben____na haraka.
'Ni-' is the subject prefix for 'I'.
Choose the best option:
'Sana' means 'very' or 'a lot'.
Rafiki: Mambo! Unaweza kuongea? Wewe: Samahani, ________.
The context of 'Samahani' (Sorry) suggests an excuse like being in a hurry.
You are late for a flight.
High urgency requires 'sana'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot inherently, but it can be if said abruptly. Always add 'Samahani' (Sorry) or 'Asante' (Thank you) to keep it polite.
'Haraka' is haste/urgency. 'Upesi' is speed/efficiency. You 'have' haraka, but you 'do' things upesi.
Yes, this is very common in Kenya and is perfectly understood, though 'Nina haraka' is more standard in textbooks.
Use 'Sina haraka'.
Yes, 'Naomba radhi, nina dharura' (I ask for pardon, I have an emergency/urgency) is more formal.
Doubling the word makes it an adverb meaning 'quickly' or 'hurriedly'.
Yes, for example: 'Samahani kwa jibu la haraka...' (Sorry for the quick/hurried reply...).
'Hima' is an older, more formal synonym for 'haraka', often used in coastal regions.
Say 'Fanya haraka!' (Do hurry!) or 'Harakisha!' (Hasten!).
No, it's usually for actions or people. For a fast car, you'd use 'kasi'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Haraka haraka haina baraka
builds onHurry hurry has no blessings.
Sina haraka
contrastI am not in a hurry.
Fanya haraka
similarHurry up / Do quickly.
Kwa haraka
similarQuickly / In a hurry.
Nina dharura
specialized formI have an emergency.
Niko mbio
synonymI'm on the run / I'm rushing.
