afadhali

How to say it

Meaning

Says that one choice or state is better than another, or that things have improved a little. Afadhali nife means I would rather die.

Good to know

It does not change and often opens a clause, with the next verb in the subjunctive: afadhali uende sasa, you had better go now. Ni afadhali and heri are close; nina afadhali means I am better, after an illness.

Examples

• Afadhali tuondoke mapema kabla ya mvua.We had better leave early before the rain.
• Leo mgonjwa ana afadhali kidogo.Today the patient is a little better.
• Ni afadhali kukaa kimya kuliko kusema uongo.It is better to keep quiet than to tell lies.