Signification
Moving fast due to time.
Contexte culturel
In places like Zanzibar, 'haraka' is often discouraged by the phrase 'Pole pole ndio mwendo' (Slowly is the way to go). Being in too much of a hurry can be seen as lacking poise. In Nairobi, 'haraka' is the default state. The city is known for its fast pace, and 'nina haraka' is a very common justification for almost any behavior in traffic. In modern East African business, 'kuwa na haraka' is used to signal that a project is 'urgent.' It is often paired with 'ASAP' in emails. Regardless of how much 'haraka' you have, failing to say 'Hujambo' or 'Habari' before stating your rush is considered 'kosa la adabu' (a mistake of manners).
The 'Kidogo' Softener
Always add 'kidogo' (a little) after 'haraka' to sound more polite. 'Nina haraka kidogo' sounds less aggressive than 'Nina haraka!'
Don't use 'ni'
Remember: 'Mimi ni haraka' is wrong. It's always 'Nina' (I have).
Signification
Moving fast due to time.
The 'Kidogo' Softener
Always add 'kidogo' (a little) after 'haraka' to sound more polite. 'Nina haraka kidogo' sounds less aggressive than 'Nina haraka!'
Don't use 'ni'
Remember: 'Mimi ni haraka' is wrong. It's always 'Nina' (I have).
Greetings First
Even if your house is on fire, say 'Habari' before 'Nina haraka'!
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct subject prefix for 'I am in a hurry'.
____na haraka.
'Ni-' is the subject prefix for 'I' in Swahili.
Which sentence means 'We were in a hurry'?
Choose the past tense form:
'Tuli-' indicates the past tense for 'we'.
Match the response to the situation.
Someone asks you 'Habari gani?' but you are late for a bus.
It is polite to answer the greeting first, then explain your rush.
Complete the dialogue between a boss and an employee.
Boss: 'Mbona unakimbia?' Employee: 'Samahani, ____ na haraka ya kuwahi mkutano.'
The employee is talking about themselves, so 'nina' (I have) is correct.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Haraka vs Kasi
Banque d exercices
4 exercices____na haraka.
'Ni-' is the subject prefix for 'I' in Swahili.
Choose the past tense form:
'Tuli-' indicates the past tense for 'we'.
Someone asks you 'Habari gani?' but you are late for a bus.
It is polite to answer the greeting first, then explain your rush.
Boss: 'Mbona unakimbia?' Employee: 'Samahani, ____ na haraka ya kuwahi mkutano.'
The employee is talking about themselves, so 'nina' (I have) is correct.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! You can say 'Kula haraka' (Eat quickly) or 'Tembea haraka' (Walk quickly).
The opposite is 'kutokuwa na haraka' or simply being 'pole pole' (calm/slow).
No, it is a standard Swahili word used in all formal and informal contexts.
Add 'sana' or 'sana sana' at the end: 'Nina haraka sana sana!'
Yes, the meaning is identical, though Tanzanians might emphasize 'pole pole' more in their culture.
Yes, this is a common, slightly humorous way to say you urgently need to use the bathroom.
'Haraka' is haste/urgency (human), 'kasi' is speed/velocity (mechanical/physical).
Yes, 'kuharakisha' means 'to hasten something' or 'to speed something up'.
You can say 'Usiniharakishe!'
Swahili uses 'na' (with) to express possession. 'Kuwa na' literally means 'to be with'.
Expressions liées
Haraka haraka haina baraka
contrastHurry hurry has no blessings.
Fanya haraka
similarHurry up / Make haste.
Wahi
builds onTo be on time / To manage to.
Mbio
specialized formSpeed / Running.
Hima
synonymUrgency / Zeal.
