huJAMbo

Hujambo is a common greeting in Swahili, a Bantu language widely spoken in East Africa, especially in Kenya and Tanzania. The phrase is used when meeting someone and is commonly translated as “Are you well?” or “How are you?” It functions as a standard, polite salutation in both formal and informal contexts.

In everyday use, Hujambo is typically addressed to a single person. The usual response is Sijambo, meaning “I am fine” or “I have no problems.” People may also reply with Nzuri (fine) or Nzuri sana (very well), often followed by a courtesy phrase such as Asante (thank you). For groups, a related form Hamjambo is used, with responses varying by setting and region.

Pronunciation guides standard pronunciation as hu-JAM-bo, with the j pronounced as in jam. The word jombo itself is a common Swahili noun root used in greetings and common expressions, and Hujambo reflects Swahili’s simple subject–predicate construction and politeness norms.

Cultural context and usage: Hujambo is part of everyday social interaction in Swahili-speaking communities and is regarded as basic etiquette when meeting someone. It appears across media, education, commerce, and public life, contributing to a shared, courteous mode of communication. While alternatives such as Habari gani or Mambo are also used, Hujambo remains one of the most recognizable and widely used greetings in Swahili-speaking regions.

See also: Swahili language, Swahili greetings, East Africa.