Hatujambo

Hatujambo is a Swahili greeting that translates to "we are fine" or "we have no problems." It is a common and polite response to the greeting "Jambo," which means "hello" or "how are you?" The greeting is used in various East African countries where Swahili is spoken, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The structure of the greeting is noteworthy. "Hatujambo" is derived from the Swahili words "hatuna" (we don't have) and "mambo" (affairs/matters/issues). Therefore, literally, it means "we don't have affairs/matters/issues." This implies a state of well-being and absence of troubles. It is a positive affirmation of one's current state.

When someone is greeted with "Jambo," responding with "Hatujambo" is a standard and expected reply. It signifies that the person or group being addressed is in good health and spirits. This exchange is a fundamental part of social interaction in Swahili-speaking communities, fostering a sense of community and mutual regard. While "Jambo" is often used by tourists or in simplified contexts, "Hatujambo" is the more authentic and widely used response among native speakers. Other variations and more formal greetings exist, but "Hatujambo" remains a popular and easily understood way to convey that all is well.