§ What 'lakini' means
The Swahili word 'lakini' is a conjunction, and it means 'but'. It's used to connect two clauses or phrases where the second part contrasts with the first. You'll hear this word a lot in everyday Swahili conversations, so it's a good one to learn early.
- Swahili Word
- lakini
- Part of Speech
- conjunction
- English Definition
- but
- CEFR Level
- A1
§ Examples of 'lakini' in sentences
Here are some common ways 'lakini' is used:
Nataka chai, lakini sina sukari.
Translation hint: I want tea, but I don't have sugar.
Anapenda kucheza, lakini hana muda.
Translation hint: He likes to play, but he doesn't have time.
Chakula ni kizuri, lakini bei ni ghali.
Translation hint: The food is good, but the price is expensive.
Nilijaribu, lakini sikufaulu.
Translation hint: I tried, but I didn't succeed.
§ Common mistakes with 'lakini'
While 'lakini' seems straightforward, learners often make a few specific mistakes. Knowing these can help you avoid them and sound more natural.
1. Overusing 'lakini' where a comma would suffice in English
In English, we sometimes use a comma to separate contrasting ideas without explicitly stating 'but'. In Swahili, 'lakini' is almost always present when expressing a contrast.
2. Confusing 'lakini' with 'ila' or 'isipokuwa'
These words can also mean 'except' or 'but', but they are used in different contexts. 'Lakini' is for general contrast between clauses. 'Ila' and 'isipokuwa' are more about exceptions to a rule or group.
Kila mtu alikuja, ila Mariam.
Translation hint: Everyone came, except Mariam. (Here 'ila' works, not 'lakini').
3. Placing 'lakini' awkwardly in a sentence
While 'lakini' typically comes at the beginning of the second clause, sometimes learners place it elsewhere, which can sound unnatural. It almost always acts as the bridge directly connecting the two contrasting ideas.
Incorrect: Nilinunua kitabu, niliipenda lakini sana.
Correct: Nilinunua kitabu, lakini sikukipenda sana.
4. Forgetting the nuance of 'but' in English
Sometimes 'but' in English implies more of a concession or a mild surprise rather than a strong contrast. In Swahili, 'lakini' still works for these, but understand it's a direct 'but'.
Ni ngumu, lakini inawezekana.
Translation hint: It's hard, but it's possible.
This usage is perfectly fine with 'lakini'. The key is to remember that 'lakini' is a strong connector of opposing or contrasting ideas. Keep practicing with these examples, and you'll master 'lakini' in no time!
Aussprachehilfe
- luh-KEE-nee (incorrect stress on 'luh')
- lah-kee-NEE (incorrect stress on 'nee')
Beispiele nach Niveau
Nina chai, lakini sina sukari.
I have tea, but I don't have sugar.
Anapenda kucheza, lakini hapendi kufanya kazi.
He likes to play, but he doesn't like to work.
Ni ghali, lakini ni nzuri.
It is expensive, but it is good.
Nataka kwenda sasa, lakini nimechoka.
I want to go now, but I am tired.
Mwalimu yuko hapa, lakini wanafunzi hawako.
The teacher is here, but the students are not here.
Kazi ni ngumu, lakini inawezekana.
The work is difficult, but it is possible.
Nina pesa, lakini sitaki kununua.
I have money, but I don't want to buy.
Jua linachomoza, lakini bado kuna baridi.
The sun is rising, but it is still cold.
Ninapenda matunda, lakini sipendi embe.
I like fruits, but I don't like mangoes.
Alisoma sana, lakini hakufaulu mtihani.
He studied a lot, but he didn't pass the exam.
Tunataka kwenda sokoni, lakini hatuna pesa.
We want to go to the market, but we don't have money.
Chakula kilikuwa kitamu, lakini kilikuwa na chumvi nyingi.
The food was delicious, but it had too much salt.
Anajua kuimba vizuri, lakini hawezi kucheza.
She knows how to sing well, but she can't dance.
Nilitaka kukusaidia, lakini sikuwa na muda.
I wanted to help you, but I didn't have time.
Ni giza sasa, lakini tutaendelea na kazi.
It's dark now, but we will continue with the work.
Walinialika shereheni, lakini nina miadi nyingine.
They invited me to the party, but I have another appointment.
Ninapenda chai, lakini sipendi kahawa.
I like tea, but I don't like coffee.
Alisema atakuja, lakini hakuonekana.
He said he would come, but he didn't show up.
Tunataka kusafiri, lakini hatuna pesa za kutosha.
We want to travel, but we don't have enough money.
Kazi ni ngumu, lakini inalipa vizuri.
The job is hard, but it pays well.
Ninaweza kuogelea, lakini siwezi kupiga mbizi.
I can swim, but I can't dive.
Alinipa ushauri mzuri, lakini sikufuata.
She gave me good advice, but I didn't follow it.
Chakula kilikuwa kitamu, lakini huduma ilikuwa mbaya.
The food was delicious, but the service was bad.
Anajua Kiingereza, lakini hapendi kuzungumza.
He knows English, but he doesn't like to speak.
Ninaweza kukusaidia, lakini sioni jinsi hii inavyoweza kutatua tatizo lako kuu.
I can help you, but I don't see how this solves your main problem.
The verb 'kuona' (to see) is used here in its negative form 'sioni'.
Alifanya kila awezalo kurekebisha hali hiyo, lakini jitihada zake zote zilionekana kuwa za bure kabisa.
He did everything he could to rectify the situation, but all his efforts seemed to be completely in vain.
The phrase 'kila awezalo' means 'everything he could'.
Wanahitaji msaada wa haraka, lakini serikali bado haijatoa tamko rasmi kuhusu suala hili.
They need urgent help, but the government has not yet issued an official statement on this matter.
The negative perfect tense is used with 'haijatoa' (has not given/issued).
Nilijaribu kuwasiliana nao mara kadhaa, lakini simu zangu zote zilienda hewani bila jibu lolote.
I tried to contact them several times, but all my calls went unanswered.
The phrase 'kwenda hewani' literally means 'to go to air' and is used to mean 'to go unanswered' for calls.
Ingawa alikuwa ameahidi kuja, lakini hakuonekana kwenye mkutano, jambo lililowashangaza wengi.
Although he had promised to come, he did not appear at the meeting, which surprised many.
'Ingawa' (although) is often followed by 'lakini' in Swahili, though it's not strictly necessary.
Aliueleza wazi msimamo wake, lakini bado kuna waliokataa kuelewa mantiki ya hoja zake.
He clearly explained his position, but there are still those who refused to understand the logic of his arguments.
'Bado kuna' means 'there are still'.
Wataalam walionya kuhusu matokeo mabaya, lakini ushauri wao ulipuuzwa na mamlaka husika.
Experts warned about severe consequences, but their advice was ignored by the relevant authorities.
'Mamlaka husika' means 'relevant authorities'.
Nilisoma kitabu chote, lakini niliishia kuchanganyikiwa zaidi kuliko nilivyotarajia mwanzoni.
I read the whole book, but I ended up more confused than I had initially expected.
'Niliishia kuchanganyikiwa' means 'I ended up confused'.
Grammatikmuster
Satzmuster
X, lakini Y
Mimi nina njaa, lakini sina chakula. (I am hungry, but I don't have food.)
X. Lakini Y.
Anapenda chai. Lakini hapendi kahawa. (He likes tea. But he doesn't like coffee.)
Ni nzuri, lakini...
Gari langu ni nzuri, lakini ni ghali. (My car is good, but it's expensive.)
Ninafanya X, lakini siwezi Y
Ninafanya kazi, lakini siwezi kulala. (I am working, but I can't sleep.)
Napenda X, lakini si Y
Napenda kuimba, lakini si mwanamuziki. (I like to sing, but I am not a musician.)
Ana X, lakini hana Y
Ana pesa, lakini hana furaha. (He has money, but he doesn't have happiness.)
Tumekuja, lakini hatuwezi...
Tumekuja, lakini hatuwezi kukaa. (We have come, but we cannot stay.)
Wao ni X, lakini si Y
Wao ni wanafunzi, lakini si wavivu. (They are students, but they are not lazy.)
Tipps
Basic use of 'lakini'
You can use 'lakini' just like you use but in English. It connects two contrasting ideas.
Start simple sentences
Practice with short sentences first. For example: Anapenda kahawa, lakini sipendi chai. (He likes coffee, but I don't like tea.)
Connect actions
'Lakini' is also good for connecting contrasting actions. Nitakwenda dukani, lakini sitanunua chochote. (I will go to the shop, but I won't buy anything.)
Placement is key
Generally, 'lakini' comes between the two clauses it connects, just like but. Yeye ni mrefu, lakini mimi ni mfupi. (He is tall, but I am short.)
Don't overthink it
For A1 level, focus on direct translation. If you'd use but in English, 'lakini' is usually the right choice.
Listen for 'lakini'
Pay attention to how native speakers use 'lakini' in conversations. You'll hear it often. Try to identify the two contrasting ideas.
Practice speaking
Incorporate 'lakini' into your spoken Swahili as much as possible. Make up your own sentences. Nataka kulala, lakini nina kazi. (I want to sleep, but I have work.)
Combine with 'na'
Sometimes you'll see 'na' (and) and 'lakini' (but) in the same sentence, separating ideas. Nina ndugu wawili, na dada mmoja, lakini hawakai hapa. (I have two brothers, and one sister, but they don't live here.)
Use for mild contrasts
'Lakini' can also be used for mild contrasts, not just strong opposition. Anapenda matunda, lakini sipendi machungwa sana. (He likes fruits, but I don't like oranges very much.)
Read example sentences
Look for sentences using 'lakini' in simple Swahili texts or learning materials. Watoto walicheza, lakini wazazi walifanya kazi. (The children played, but the parents worked.)
Teste dich selbst 42 Fragen
Listen for 'but I don't have money'.
Listen for 'but finds it difficult'.
Listen for 'but he didn't answer'.
Read this aloud:
Nitakwenda shuleni lakini nimechelewa.
Focus: la-ki-ni
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Read this aloud:
Anapenda chai lakini hapendi kahawa.
Focus: ha-pen-di ka-ha-wa
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Read this aloud:
Ningependa kula lakini nimeshiba.
Focus: ni-me-shi-ba
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This sentence means 'I want tea, but I don't have sugar.' The word 'lakini' connects the two contrasting ideas.
This sentence means 'He/She has a lot of money, but he/she doesn't like to travel.' 'Lakini' introduces the contrasting action.
This sentence means 'The children want to play, but it is raining.' 'Lakini' connects the desire to play with the obstacle of the rain.
The speaker wants to go to the market, but there's an obstacle.
Someone made a promise, but it hasn't been fulfilled.
The speaker likes coffee, but has stopped drinking it.
Read this aloud:
Nataka kujifunza Kifaransa, lakini ninaona ni vigumu sana.
Focus: lakini
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Read this aloud:
Tutakwenda Mombasa, lakini tutarudi wiki ijayo.
Focus: lakini
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Read this aloud:
Amekasirika, lakini anajaribu kutabasamu.
Focus: lakini
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The sentence means: 'He read many books but understood nothing.' 'Lakini' acts as a conjunction connecting two contrasting clauses.
This translates to: 'We tried to call him but he didn't answer.' 'Lakini' introduces the contrasting action.
The sentence means: 'I love coffee but it always gives me a headache.' 'Lakini' highlights the contradiction.
Alitaka kununua gari jipya, ___ hakuwa na pesa za kutosha.
The sentence implies a contradiction between wanting a new car and not having enough money, so 'ila' (but) is the most suitable conjunction.
Niliamua kusafiri kwa basi, ___ safari ilichukua muda mrefu kuliko nilivyotarajia.
The sentence expresses a contrast between deciding to travel by bus and the journey taking longer than expected. 'Lakini' (but) fits this context.
Alipenda sana kucheza mpira, ___ majukumu yake ya kazi yalimzuia.
The sentence shows a conflict between his love for playing football and his work responsibilities. 'Lakini' (but) correctly conveys this contrast.
Walitaka kuanza biashara mpya, ___ hawakuwa na uzoefu wowote katika sekta hiyo.
There is a clear contradiction between wanting to start a new business and lacking experience. 'Lakini' (but) is the appropriate choice.
Nilijaribu kumpigia simu mara kadhaa, ___ hakuweza kupatikana.
The action of trying to call is contrasted with the outcome of not being able to reach them. 'Lakini' (but) indicates this opposition.
Aliahidi kusaidia, ___ alishindwa kutimiza ahadi yake kwa sababu ya matatizo yake mwenyewe.
The sentence presents a contrast between promising to help and failing to fulfill the promise. 'Lakini' (but) accurately connects these two opposing ideas.
The global economy is facing unprecedented challenges, ___ resilient innovative solutions are emerging.
'Lakini' (but) introduces a contrasting idea, showing that despite challenges, solutions are appearing.
The geopolitical landscape is shifting rapidly, ___ the underlying principles of international diplomacy remain constant.
'Lakini' (but) highlights a contrast between the changing landscape and the stable principles.
Advancements in artificial intelligence promise transformative benefits, ___ ethical considerations demand careful navigation.
'Lakini' (but) signals a caveat or a contrasting point regarding the need for ethical considerations.
Climate change poses an existential threat to humanity, ___ collective international efforts offer a glimmer of hope.
'Lakini' (but) emphasizes the contrasting idea that hope exists despite the severe threat.
The intricate details of quantum mechanics can be perplexing, ___ their implications for technology are profound.
'Lakini' (but) introduces a contrasting idea: even if perplexing, the implications are significant.
Achieving sustainable development requires fundamental societal shifts, ___ the immediate economic pressures often hinder progress.
'Lakini' (but) shows the contrasting reality where immediate economic pressures impede sustainable development efforts.
Pay attention to the nuance of 'lakini' in a complex sentence expressing contrast despite effort.
Listen for how 'lakini' introduces a practical challenge following a theoretical positive.
Focus on 'lakini' showing a deliberate choice against an obvious action, for a greater good.
Read this aloud:
Hali ya uchumi inaendelea kuboreka, lakini bado kuna safari ndefu mbele yetu kufikia malengo yetu kamili.
Focus: lakini
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Read this aloud:
Walikubaliana juu ya misingi mikuu, lakini walishindwa kufikia muafaka kuhusu maelezo ya utekelezaji.
Focus: lakini
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Read this aloud:
Azma yao ilikuwa njema, lakini njia walizotumia hazikuendana na maadili waliyoyatetea.
Focus: lakini
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/ 42 correct
Perfect score!
Basic use of 'lakini'
You can use 'lakini' just like you use but in English. It connects two contrasting ideas.
Start simple sentences
Practice with short sentences first. For example: Anapenda kahawa, lakini sipendi chai. (He likes coffee, but I don't like tea.)
Connect actions
'Lakini' is also good for connecting contrasting actions. Nitakwenda dukani, lakini sitanunua chochote. (I will go to the shop, but I won't buy anything.)
Placement is key
Generally, 'lakini' comes between the two clauses it connects, just like but. Yeye ni mrefu, lakini mimi ni mfupi. (He is tall, but I am short.)
