Jifunze Kiswahili

We proceed with the Swahili word which start with letter H.

“Hata kidogo” is a Swahili phrase that translates to “not even a little” or “not at all” in English. It is commonly used to express strong denial, refusal, or disagreement.

Origin and Usage:The phrase comes from “hata”, meaning “even”, and “kidogo”, meaning “a little”.

Together, it literally means “not even a little bit.”It is often used in informal and formal conversations to emphasize complete negation of something.Examples in Sentences:

1. Swahili: Je, una pesa? – Hata kidogo!English: Do you have money? – Not even a little!

2. Swahili: Uliona mwizi huyo? – Hata kidogo, sijamwona.English: Did you see that thief? – Not at all, I didn’t see him.

3. Swahili: Ulifikiri itakuwa rahisi? – Hata kidogo!English: Did you think it would be easy? – Not at all!

This phrase is widely used in East Africa, especially in Kenya and Tanzania, where Swahili is a dominant language.

The Swahili word “hatari” means “danger” or “risk” in English. It is used to warn about a potentially harmful or risky situation. Origin:The word comes from the Swahili language, which is widely spoken in East Africa, particularly in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Swahili itself has influences from Arabic, Bantu languages, and other languages due to historical trade and cultural exchanges.

How to Use “Hatari” in a Sentence:

1. As a Warning:Hatari! Usikaribie moto! → Danger! Don’t go near the fire!

2. Describing a Risky Situation:Kazi hii ni hatari sana. → This job is very dangerous.

3. Expressing Concern:Tuliona simba, lakini hatukuwa katika hatari. → We saw a lion, but we were not in danger.The word “hatari” gained some international recognition because of the 1962 Hollywood film Hatari! starring John Wayne, which was about a group capturing wild animals in Africa.

We will continue next time