Browse African Slang

Shirika la Mitihani (National Examinations Council)

Chuo cha Teknolojia (National Institute of Technology)

Nahau/lugha ya picha (Idioms/picture language)

Nanaa/majani (Mint/herbs)

Nanasi/tunda (Pineapple/fruit)

Nandy/msanii wa kike (Nandy/female artist)

Nazi/tunda (Coconut/fruit)

Ndege/chombo cha anga (Plane/air vehicle)

Ndege wa anga (Sky birds)

Yes

“It is what it is” or acceptance of a situation.

Ndoa/muungano (Marriage/union)

Ndoto/maono ya usiku (Dreams/night visions)

Sibling; relative

Jamaa wa ukweli (Blood relative)

Rafiki aliyechaguliwa (Chosen friend)

Hali mbaya (Bad condition)

Mchezo wa wasichana (Girls game)

Ng'ombe/mnyama wa maziva (Cow/milk animal)

Mama wa Kisukuma (Sukuma mother)

Wait

Ngoma/muziki (Music/song)

Michezo ya jadi (Traditional performances)

Muziki wa ndoa (Wedding music)

Muziki wa kale (Old music)

Ng'ombe/mtu mjinga (Cow/stupid person)

Bonde la Ngorongoro (Ngorongoro crater)

Nguo/mavazi (Clothes/clothing)

Ni ukweli (It's true)

Nidhamu/utaratibu (Discipline/order)

“I’m fresh,” meaning I’m doing good.

I’m great or I’m on top form (literally “I’m up”).

Njegere/mboga za majani (Indigenous greens/leafy vegetable)

Njia/muelekeo (Road/direction)

Njia za mjini (City roads)

Come

Mchezo wa mawe (Stone game)

Sheng for 'problem' or 'terrible', derived from Swahili 'norma' (to be fierce). Saying 'ni noma' can mean 'it's awesome'...

Nondo/mtu mrefu (Heron/tall person)

Mfalme wa Kisukuma (Sukuma king)

Nungu/mboga za kisasa (Modern vegetables)

Nusu/sehemu ya miwili (Half/two parts)

Mchaga wa Kihaya (Haya youth)

Meat

Nyama ya kondoo (Sheep meat)

Nyama ya kuku (Chicken meat)

Nyama ya mbuzi (Goat meat)

Nyama ya wingi (Abundant meat)

Nyama na mchuzi (Meat with sauce)

Nyama ya ng'ombe (Beef)