Signification
Stating that you do not want to eat.
Contexte culturel
In Tanzania, it is common to be invited to eat even by strangers. Saying 'Sina njaa' is acceptable, but adding 'Asante' is crucial to show you appreciate the gesture. In urban Kenya, 'Sheng' might be used. You might hear 'Niko sawa' (I'm okay) as a way to imply you don't need food, though 'Sina njaa' remains the standard. Zanzibari culture is very formal. Using 'Sihisi njaa' (I don't feel hunger) can sound slightly more refined in a formal household. Swahili is often a second or third language here. 'Sina njaa' is used directly and functionally, often in trade or travel contexts.
Add 'Asante'
Always add 'Asante' (Thank you) when saying 'Sina njaa' to a host to remain polite.
Don't say 'Si njaa'
Remember that Swahili uses 'to have' for hunger. 'Si njaa' is grammatically incorrect.
Signification
Stating that you do not want to eat.
Add 'Asante'
Always add 'Asante' (Thank you) when saying 'Sina njaa' to a host to remain polite.
Don't say 'Si njaa'
Remember that Swahili uses 'to have' for hunger. 'Si njaa' is grammatically incorrect.
The 'Full' Alternative
If you've just finished a meal, 'Nimeshiba' is more common and polite than 'Sina njaa'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct negative form of 'to have'.
Mimi ____ njaa leo.
'Sina' is the first-person singular negative form ('I don't have').
How do you politely decline food in Swahili?
Someone says: 'Karibu chakula!' You want to say you aren't hungry.
This is the most polite and accurate way to decline.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Je, una njaa? B: Hapana, ____ njaa. Nilikula asubuhi.
The speaker is answering for themselves in the negative.
Match the Swahili phrase to the situation.
You are full after a big meal.
'Nimeshiba' means 'I am full,' which fits the situation.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Hunger vs Thirst
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMimi ____ njaa leo.
'Sina' is the first-person singular negative form ('I don't have').
Someone says: 'Karibu chakula!' You want to say you aren't hungry.
This is the most polite and accurate way to decline.
A: Je, una njaa? B: Hapana, ____ njaa. Nilikula asubuhi.
The speaker is answering for themselves in the negative.
You are full after a big meal.
'Nimeshiba' means 'I am full,' which fits the situation.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's not rude, but it's better to pair it with 'Asante' (Thank you) or 'Nimeshiba' (I'm full) if someone has offered you food.
No, for thirst you must say 'Sina kiu.'
'Sina njaa' means you don't feel hungry. 'Nimeshiba' means you are full/satisfied from eating.
You say 'Nina njaa sana.'
You ask 'Je, una njaa?'
It can mean 'famine' in a broader context.
It is 'Sina njaa' with two 'a's.
Yes, that means 'I am not hungry at all.'
Children use the same phrase: 'Sina njaa.'
You can say 'Nina njaa kidogo.'
Expressions liées
Nimeshiba
similarI am full/satisfied
Nina njaa
contrastI am hungry
Sina kiu
similarI am not thirsty
Sina hamu
specialized formI have no appetite
Chakula kimebaki
builds onFood is left over
