shikamoo
shee-kah-MOH-oh
How to say it
Swahilishikamooshee-kah-MOH-ohsoon
EnglishI greet you respectfully (to an elder)soon
Frenchje vous salue avec respect (à un aîné)soon
Meaning
The respectful greeting a younger person says to an elder or someone of higher standing, common in Tanzania.
Good to know
The elder answers marahaba. To several elders it is shikamooni; it is used with elders only, not with equals.
Examples
- Shikamoo babu, umeamkaje leo?Greetings grandfather, how did you wake up today?
- Mtoto alimwamkia mzee kwa kusema shikamoo.The child greeted the old man by saying shikamoo.
- Nilisema shikamoo naye akajibu marahaba.I said shikamoo and he answered marahaba.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.