Polite Expressions & Titles
Learn common polite expressions, honorifics, and titles in Kiswahili
📚 Theory: Polite Expressions and Titles
Learn common polite expressions, honorifics, and titles in Kiswahili
| Kiswahili | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Samahani | Excuse me | |
| Niwie radhi | My apologies / Pardon me | |
| Tafadhali | Please | |
| Pole | Sorry | Also used to express sympathy or empathy, not only apologies. |
| Makiwa | Condolences | Used when expressing sympathy after a loss. The response is: 'Tunayo'. |
| Asante | Thank you | |
| Hongera | Congratulations | |
| Shukrani | Thanks or I appreciate. | Derived from the verb 'shukuru' which means 'to appreciate'. |
| Inshallah | God willing | Borrowed from Arabic; commonly used in everyday speech. |
| Binti | Daughter of | |
| Bin | Son of | |
| Bi | Miss / Ms. | |
| Bibi | Mrs. | |
| Bwana | Mr. / Sir | |
| Marehemu | The late | Used when referring respectfully to someone who has passed away. |
| Bimdogo | Little miss / young lady | A combination of the word 'bi' meaning 'lady' and 'dogo' meaning 'small' |
| Bwanamdogo | Little sir / young man | |
| Bimkubwa | Middle-aged or elderly woman | A combination of the word 'bi' meaning 'lady' and 'kubwa' meaning 'big' |
| Bwanamkubwa | Middle-aged or elderly man | |
| Hayati | Distinguished deceased person | A more honorific form than 'marehemu'. |
| Ustadh | Distinguished scholar | Commonly used for religious or academic scholars. |
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