jambo
JAH-mboh
How to say it
SwahilijamboJAH-mbohsoon
Englishmatter, thing, issue; hello (greeting)soon
Frenchaffaire, chose, question ; bonjoursoon
Meaning
Something abstract that people talk about, deal with or that happens, such as an issue, an event or an idea. Jambo! is also a friendly greeting, heard mostly with visitors.
Good to know
Plural mambo, with ji/ma agreement: jambo hili, jambo ambalo, mambo mengi. The greeting Jambo comes from hujambo; Mambo? answered with Poa is the casual greeting of young people.
Examples
- Hili ni jambo muhimu kwa familia yetu.This is an important matter for our family.
- Nina jambo moja la kukuambia.I have one thing to tell you.
- Jambo! Karibu Mombasa, rafiki yangu.Hello! Welcome to Mombasa, my friend.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.