Hello:
* Habari: This is a general greeting, similar to "Hello" or "How are you?". It is used in a wide range of contexts.
* Shikamoo: This is a more respectful greeting, particularly used when addressing someone older or of higher status. It literally translates to "I hold your feet."
* Jambo: This is another common greeting, similar in meaning to "Hello."
* Hujambo: This is a more formal way of saying "Hello" and means "Are you well?"
Goodbye:
* Kwaheri: This is the most common way to say goodbye.
* Kwaheri sana: This means "Goodbye, very much" and is a more affectionate way of saying goodbye.
* Twende salama: This means "Let us go in peace" and is used when you are leaving a place or ending a conversation.
* Salaam: This means "peace" and is a more formal way of saying goodbye.
Here's a breakdown of how to use them:
* Habari, Jambo, and Hujambo are all appropriate for casual greetings.
* Shikamoo is used when showing respect to elders or superiors.
* Kwaheri and Kwaheri sana are both suitable for casual goodbyes.
* Twende salama is used when departing, while Salaam is more formal.
Example:
* "Habari, rafiki! (Hello, friend!)"
* "Shikamoo, mwalimu. (Hello, teacher, I hold your feet.)"
* "Kwaheri, mama! (Goodbye, mother!)"
* "Twende salama, kaka. (Let us go in peace, brother.)"