au

§ What does 'au' mean in Swahili?

The Swahili word 'au' is a conjunction, and it means 'or'. It's a very common word, just like 'or' in English. You'll hear it and use it all the time when you're speaking Swahili. It's used to connect two or more choices, alternatives, or possibilities.

Definition

Or

Think of any situation where you would use 'or' in English. Chances are, you'll use 'au' in the same way in Swahili. It can connect nouns, verbs, adjectives, or even entire phrases and clauses.

§ When do people use 'au'?

People use 'au' constantly to present options. Here are some common scenarios:

• Giving choices: This is the most straightforward use. You offer two or more things someone can pick from.
• Asking questions with options: When you want someone to choose between things in a question.
• Indicating alternatives: Showing that something could be one way or another.
• Expressing uncertainty: Sometimes 'au' can imply that you're not sure which of two things is true.

Let's look at some examples so you can see 'au' in action. Pay attention to how it connects different parts of the sentence.

This translates to: Do you want tea or coffee? (Here, 'au' connects two nouns: 'chai' (tea) and 'kahawa' (coffee)).

This means: Will you arrive today or tomorrow? (Here, 'au' connects two adverbs of time: 'leo' (today) and 'kesho' (tomorrow)).

This means: Does he/she like to read or watch movies? ('au' connects two verb phrases: 'kusoma' (to read) and 'kuangalia filamu' (to watch movies)).

When you're trying to figure out if you should use 'na' (and) or 'au' (or), remember the core meaning. If you're combining things, use 'na'. If you're offering alternatives or choices, use 'au'.

This means: I want water or juice. (You want one or the other, not both).

This means: I want water and juice. (You want both).

Understanding this basic difference between 'na' and 'au' is crucial for clear communication in Swahili. Keep practicing with examples, and you'll get the hang of it quickly. It's a fundamental building block for forming more complex sentences and expressing your thoughts clearly.

§ What 'au' means

Word

au

Part of Speech

Conjunction

CEFR Level

A1

Definition

Or

The Swahili word 'au' is a conjunction, just like 'or' in English. It's used to offer choices between two or more things, ideas, or actions. You'll hear and use 'au' very often in daily conversations, so it's a fundamental word to learn early on.

§ Using 'au' for choices

'Au' connects alternatives. It can join nouns, verbs, adjectives, or even entire phrases. Look at these examples to see how it works.

Hint

Do you want tea or coffee?

Here, 'au' connects two nouns: 'chai' (tea) and 'kahawa' (coffee). The speaker is asking for a choice between two drinks.

Hint

Shall we eat now or later?

In this example, 'au' connects two adverbs of time: 'sasa' (now) and 'baadaye' (later). It's about choosing when to do an action.

Hint

Does he/she like to read or watch television?

Here, 'au' connects two infinitives (verb forms that mean 'to do something'): 'kusoma' (to read) and 'kutazama' (to watch). These are both activities someone might like.

§ 'Au' in questions

When asking questions that involve choices, 'au' is essential. The intonation (how your voice rises and falls) will naturally indicate it's a question, similar to English.

Hint

Is it big or small?

This asks about the size, presenting two opposite options.

Hint

Do you like this dress or that one?

Here, 'au' helps compare two specific items.

§ Repeating 'au' for emphasis (less common but possible)

While 'au' usually appears once between two options, you might sometimes see it repeated, especially for emphasis or in longer lists. This is similar to saying 'either... or...' in English, though simply using 'au' once is more common.

• Chakula hiki ni kitamu au kibaya?

Hint

Is this food tasty or bad?

§ 'Au' in longer lists

When you have more than two options, 'au' is typically used before the last option, just like 'or' in English. You don't need to put 'au' between every single item in a list.

Hint

Does he/she like mangoes, bananas, or oranges?

Here, the list has three fruits, and 'au' comes right before the last one.

§ What 'au' means

Swahili Word

au

Part of Speech

Conjunction

CEFR Level

A1

Definition

Or

§ Using 'au' in daily life

The word 'au' is simple but incredibly useful in Swahili. It directly translates to 'or' in English and is used in exactly the same way to present choices or alternatives. You'll hear and use 'au' constantly, whether you're asking a question, giving options, or discussing possibilities. Mastering this word early on will make your Swahili conversations much smoother.

§ 'au' in work settings

In a work environment, 'au' is essential for making decisions, scheduling, and discussing tasks. Here are some common ways you might encounter it:

• Asking about preferences or availability.
• Presenting different options for a project or task.
• Clarifying instructions.

_Do you prefer tea or coffee in the morning?_ (A common office question.)

_Shall we have the meeting on Monday or Tuesday?_ (Scheduling a meeting.)

§ 'au' in school

In a school or learning environment, 'au' is used for asking questions, giving choices for assignments, or during discussions:

• Offering different subjects or activities.
• Asking students about their understanding.
• Giving instructions with options.

_Do you want to learn math or science?_ (A teacher asking about subject preference.)

_Answer the first question or the second._ (An instruction on an exam.)

§ 'au' in the news and public information

You'll often hear 'au' in news broadcasts, public announcements, or official statements when presenting alternatives, possibilities, or conditions. It helps in giving comprehensive information:

• Reporting on different outcomes or scenarios.
• Giving options for public services.
• Presenting different viewpoints in a discussion.

_The minister will speak this evening or tomorrow morning._ (A news report about a public figure's schedule.)

_You can pay by cash or card._ (A public service announcement about payment options.)

§ What 'au' means

The Swahili word 'au' is a conjunction. It means 'or' in English. You'll use it when you want to present two or more options or alternatives.

Swahili Word

au

Meaning

or

§ Basic examples of 'au'

Here are some simple ways to use 'au' in sentences.

Translation hint

Do you want tea or coffee?

Translation hint

I will come tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.

§ Using 'au' with questions

'Au' is very common when asking questions that involve choices.

Translation hint

Are you okay or are you sick?

Translation hint

Will we eat at home or at the restaurant?

§ 'Au' in lists

You can also use 'au' to separate items in a list, much like 'or' in English.

• Tununue ndizi, embe, au machungwa.

  Translation hint

  Let's buy bananas, mangoes, or oranges.

• Unaweza kuja Jumatatu, Jumanne, au Jumatano.

  Translation hint

  You can come Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday.

§ 'Au' vs. other words for 'or' (not really)

In Swahili, 'au' is pretty much the only common and direct translation for 'or'. Unlike English which sometimes uses 'either... or...', Swahili keeps it simpler with 'au'.

Sometimes, you might hear a sentence structured in a way that implies 'or' without explicitly using 'au'. This usually happens with questions where the choice is obvious from the context, or by simply listing options with a rising intonation for the last item.

Translation hint

Do you want to sleep? (Or) To work?

However, including 'au' makes the 'or' explicit and is always grammatically correct and natural-sounding.