jamani
jah-MAH-nee
How to say it
Swahilijamanijah-MAH-neesoon
Englishoh people!, come on!, my goodnesssoon
Frenchmes amis!, allons!, mon Dieu!soon
Meaning
An exclamation that calls on the listeners, used to plead, complain, show surprise or sympathy, or soften a request. It literally means friends or people.
Good to know
It never changes and can open or close a sentence: Jamani, tusaidieni!, please, people, help us!; Inauma jamani!, oh, it hurts! It is warm and informal, very common in speech and on social media.
Examples
- Jamani, tumsaidie mzee huyu kubeba mizigo.Come on, people, let us help this old man carry his bags.
- Jamani, mbona mnachelewa hivi?My goodness, why are you so late?
- Nimechoka jamani, naomba nipumzike.Oh, I am so tired, please let me rest.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.