Signification
Inviting someone into a house.
Contexte culturel
Hospitality is extremely formal. You may be offered 'kahawa' (black coffee) and 'tende' (dates) immediately upon entering 'ndani'. The 'Hodi' ritual is strictly followed. Even if the door is open, you must say 'Hodi' and wait for 'Karibu' before stepping inside. The phrase is often shortened to just 'Karibu' or 'Ingia' in fast-paced city life, but 'Karibu ndani' remains the polite standard. Removing shoes is common. If you hear 'Karibu ndani', look at the doorway to see if there are other shoes there; if so, take yours off.
The Hodi Rule
Never enter a house until you hear 'Karibu'. Even if the door is wide open, it is polite to wait for the verbal invitation.
Plural Respect
If you want to show extra respect to an elder or a boss, you can use the plural 'Karibuni ndani' even if they are alone. It's like the 'royal we' but for the guest.
Signification
Inviting someone into a house.
The Hodi Rule
Never enter a house until you hear 'Karibu'. Even if the door is wide open, it is polite to wait for the verbal invitation.
Plural Respect
If you want to show extra respect to an elder or a boss, you can use the plural 'Karibuni ndani' even if they are alone. It's like the 'royal we' but for the guest.
Shoes Off
When someone says 'Karibu ndani', it's a 90% chance you should leave your shoes at the door. Watch the host's feet!
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to welcome a single friend into your house.
Hodi! ____ ndani, rafiki yangu.
Since you are talking to one friend (rafiki yangu), you use the singular 'Karibu'.
Which phrase is correct when welcoming a family of four?
Choose the best option:
The suffix '-ni' is required for plural subjects.
Complete the dialogue between a guest and a host.
Guest: Hodi hodi! Host: ________
The standard response to 'Hodi' is 'Karibu'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are a taxi driver welcoming a passenger.
Gari means car.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHodi! ____ ndani, rafiki yangu.
Since you are talking to one friend (rafiki yangu), you use the singular 'Karibu'.
Choose the best option:
The suffix '-ni' is required for plural subjects.
Guest: Hodi hodi! Host: ________
The standard response to 'Hodi' is 'Karibu'.
You are a taxi driver welcoming a passenger.
Gari means car.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
6 questionsIt is neutral. It can be used with friends, family, or in a business setting. To make it more formal, add 'tafadhali' (please).
The plural is 'Karibuni ndani'. You add the suffix '-ni' to 'Karibu'.
Yes! You can say 'Karibu ndani ya gari' (car) or 'Karibu ndani ya mashua' (boat).
The most common response is 'Asante' (Thank you) or 'Asante sana' (Thank you very much).
Mostly, yes. But it can also mean 'near' (e.g., 'Karibu na mji' - Near the city). The context of a greeting makes it 'welcome'.
No, it's not rude, but 'Karibu ndani' sounds more inviting and warmer.
Expressions liées
Karibu tena
similarWelcome again / Come back again
Karibu mezani
specialized formWelcome to the table
Karibu sana
builds onYou are very welcome
Hodi
contrastMay I come in?
