Signification
A standard plural greeting.
Contexte culturel
Greetings are very lengthy. Saying 'Hamjambo' is just the start; expect to spend 2-3 minutes on follow-up questions about family and work. The tone is often more melodic and 'Hamjambo' might be replaced by more religious greetings like 'Asalaam Alaykum', but 'Hamjambo' remains a polite secular alternative. In fast-paced Nairobi, 'Hamjambo' is often shortened or replaced by 'Mambo' or 'Sasa' among youth, but remains vital for formal business. In every Swahili-speaking school, the day begins with a rhythmic 'Hamjambo' from the teacher and a thunderous 'Hatujambo' from the students.
The Response Rule
Always wait for the 'Hatujambo' before moving to your next sentence. It's the 'handshake' of the conversation.
Singular vs Plural
If you say 'Hamjambo' to one person, they might think you are being sarcastic or asking about their whole family.
Signification
A standard plural greeting.
The Response Rule
Always wait for the 'Hatujambo' before moving to your next sentence. It's the 'handshake' of the conversation.
Singular vs Plural
If you say 'Hamjambo' to one person, they might think you are being sarcastic or asking about their whole family.
Eye Contact
When saying 'Hamjambo' to a group, try to make brief eye contact with as many people as possible to include them.
Teste-toi
You walk into a room with three people. What is the most appropriate greeting?
Greeting a group of three people:
Hamjambo is the plural form used for two or more people.
Complete the dialogue with the correct response.
Teacher: Hamjambo wanafunzi? Students: ________ mwalimu!
The plural question 'Hamjambo' requires the plural response 'Hatujambo' (We are well).
Match the greeting to the person/group.
1. One friend, 2. A group of elders, 3. Yourself (as a response)
Hujambo is for one person, Hamjambo for a group, and Sijambo is the singular response.
Fill in the missing parts of this formal greeting.
A: Hamjambo nyote? B: Hatujambo. Habari za ________? A: Nzuri sana.
After the initial greeting, it is common to ask about the time of day, like 'asubuhi' (morning).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesGreeting a group of three people:
Hamjambo is the plural form used for two or more people.
Teacher: Hamjambo wanafunzi? Students: ________ mwalimu!
The plural question 'Hamjambo' requires the plural response 'Hatujambo' (We are well).
1. One friend, 2. A group of elders, 3. Yourself (as a response)
Hujambo is for one person, Hamjambo for a group, and Sijambo is the singular response.
A: Hamjambo nyote? B: Hatujambo. Habari za ________? A: Nzuri sana.
After the initial greeting, it is common to ask about the time of day, like 'asubuhi' (morning).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral to formal. It's safe for the office, school, and greeting elders.
You can, but 'Hamjambo' is much more grammatically correct and shows you are a serious learner.
That's fine! Usually, one person speaks for the group, or they all murmur 'Hatujambo' together.
No, Swahili prefixes are gender-neutral. It works for men, women, and mixed groups.
Use 'Hawajambo?'.
Yes, 'Mambo?' or 'Vipi?' are the common slang equivalents for groups.
It means 'a matter' or 'an affair'.
Yes, it's a very common way to start an email to multiple recipients.
The 'ha' is the negative marker, because you are asking if they have 'no' problems.
Yes, it is standard in both countries and across East Africa.
Expressions liées
Hujambo?
similarHow are you? (singular)
Hatujambo
builds onWe are well
Hawajambo?
specialized formHow are they?
Shikamooni
specialized formI respect you all (to elders)
Habari zenu?
synonymHow is your (plural) news?
