KISWAHILI FOR BEGGINERS: Letter H

WE continue with the which start with letter H

Here’s a breakdown of the Swahili words hadithi, hafifu, and aidhuru:

HadithiMeaning:”Hadithi” means story or narrative. It can refer to any tale or account of events, whether factual or fictional. In certain contexts, it can also mean history or anecdote.

Origin:The word “hadithi” comes from Arabic, where it means saying or narration, which is then adopted into Swahili with the same meaning.

How to use: Sentence example: “Hadithi ya kale inavuma sana.” (The old story is very popular.)It is commonly used in everyday conversations to refer to tales, myths, or stories passed down, and even in the context of storytelling in books or oral traditions.

HafifuMeaning:”Hafifu” means shallow, insignificant, or lightweight. It refers to something that lacks depth or seriousness, such as an unimportant or trivial matter.

Origin:”Hafifu” has its roots in Arabic as well, where “hafīf” denotes something that is light or not heavy. How to use:Sentence example: “Maneno yake yalikuwa hafifu, hayakupata maana.” (His words were shallow, they didn’t have any meaning.)This word is used to describe something that lacks importance or does not have enough substance.

The Swahili phrase “haidhuru” translates to “it doesn’t matter” or “no problem” in English. It is often used in response to situations where something is not considered a big issue or is of no concern. It can also be used to reassure someone that there’s no inconvenience or trouble.

Origin: Swahili, known as Kiswahili in its native form, is a Bantu language widely spoken in East Africa. The word “haidhuru” is derived from the verb “dhuru,” which means harm or damage.

The prefix “hai-” is a form of negation, meaning “no” or “does not.” So, “haidhuru” can be understood literally as “does not harm” or “no harm,” which in context means “no problem.”

ALSO READ: KISWAHILI FOR BEGGINERS: Letter G

How to Use:1. Casual response: If someone apologizes or expresses concern about something small, you can respond with “haidhuru” to let them know it’s not an issue.Example: “Samahani kwa kuchelewa” (Sorry for being late).

Response: “Haidhuru” (No problem).2. Reassurance: When someone is unsure or hesitant about something, you can use it to make them feel at ease.

Example: “Usijali, haidhuru” (Don’t worry, it doesn’t matter).It’s commonly used in everyday conversations and is seen as a friendly, informal expression of understanding or dismissal of inconvenience.

It is commonly used in contexts that talk about the consequences of actions, usually in terms of negative or harmful effects.

These words are commonly used in various everyday contexts, ranging from casual conversations to more formal situations, depending on what is being discussed.

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