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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/sw-shikamoo-for-elders

Who should you greet with 'Shikamoo'?

An elder or older person, as a sign of respect.

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  1. A close friend your own age
  2. A small child
  3. An elder or older person ✔

Why: Shikamoo is the respectful greeting a younger person says first to someone older, like a grandparent, teacher or parent figure. It is heard most in Tanzania and on Zanzibar, where greeting etiquette matters a lot.

Huh, didn't know that: To greet a group of elders at once, say 'Shikamooni'.

The dad joke
My grandpa loves Swahili lessons. Every time I say shikamoo, he gets a little taller.
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References

Answer: An elder or older person. Shikamoo is the respectful greeting a younger person says first to someone older, like a grandparent, teacher or parent figure. It is heard most in Tanzania and on Zanzibar, where greeting etiquette matters a lot.

  1. Northwestern University, Elementary Swahili: Greetings nulib-oer.github.io/swahili/topics/greetings
    Shikamoo is used by a young person to an adult, professor, or parent figure.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. University of Wisconsin-Madison LCTL Resources: Swahili Greetings wisc.pb.unizin.org/lctlresources/chapter/swahili-greetings
    Very important to have proper greeting etiquette, especially in Tanzania or the more conservative Zanzibar.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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