KISWAHILI FOR BEGGINERS: Letter H

The Swahili word “heri” has multiple meanings depending on the context. It is derived from Arabic خير (khayr), which means “good,” “blessing,” or “well-being.”Meanings of “Heri” in Swahili:

1.Goodness / Blessing / FortuneExample: Heri njema! → “Good fortune!” or “Blessings!”Example: Heri ya mwaka mpya! → “Happy New Year!” (literally, “Blessings of the new year!”)

2. Better / Preferable (used in comparisons) Example: Heri uende mapema kuliko kuchelewa.→ “It’s better to go early than to be late.”

3. A Wish or Expression of Well-beingExample: Heri kwako! → “Blessings to you!”How to Use “Heri” in Sentences:As a greeting or well-wishingHeri ya sikukuu! → “Happy holiday!”Heri ya kuzaliwa! → “Happy birthday!”

In proverbs and wisdom sayings:Heri kuwa na amani kuliko mali bila amani.→ “It is better to have peace than wealth without peace.”

The word “hesabu” comes from Swahili and means “arithmetic,” “mathematics,” or “calculation” in English.

It originates from the Arabic word “ḥisāb” (حِسَاب), which also means “calculation” or “accounting.”How to Use “Hesabu” in a Sentence:

1. In Swahili: Ninajifunza hesabu shuleni.Translation: “I am learning mathematics at school.”

2. In Swahili: Lazima ufanye hesabu zako kabla ya kununua kitu kikubwa.Translation: “You must do your calculations before buying something big.”

3. In a Business Context: Hesabu za kampuni yetu ni safi mwaka huu.Translation: “Our company’s accounts are clean this year.”