SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/sw-hujambo-sijambo

Someone greets you with 'Hujambo?' What is the standard Swahili reply?

Sijambo, which means I am fine.

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  1. Sijambo ✔
  2. Marahaba
  3. Hujambo

Why: Hujambo asks if anything is the matter with you. Sijambo answers that nothing is the matter, so you are fine. Replying 'Hujambo' just asks the same question back.

Huh, didn't know that: The same root changes for other people: a teacher asks a class 'Hamjambo?' and the class answers 'Hatujambo!'

The dad joke
I said 'Hujambo?' to my mirror. It said the same thing right back, so we are both fine.
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References

Answer: Sijambo. Hujambo asks if anything is the matter with you. Sijambo answers that nothing is the matter, so you are fine. Replying 'Hujambo' just asks the same question back.

  1. University of Kansas Kiswahili, Lesson 2: Greetings kiswahili.ku.edu/sites/kiswahili/files/documents/lessons/lesson_02.pdf
    Person A: Hujambo? Person B: Sijambo!
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. Northwestern University, Elementary Swahili: Greetings nulib-oer.github.io/swahili/topics/greetings
    Hujambo How are you? Sijambo I am fine
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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