sijambo

Sijambo is a Swahili expression used in East Africa, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania. The word is formed from the negation prefix si- and jambo, meaning matter or affair, yielding a literal sense of “no problem.” In everyday speech it is idiomatically understood as “I am fine” or “I have no problems.”

Sijambo is most commonly used as a response to the greeting Hujambo? (Are you well?). In a typical exchange, someone asks Hujambo? and the other person replies Sijambo to indicate that they are well. There is a related set of phrases for groups: Hamjambo? (Are you all well?) and the customary response Hatujambo (We are well). Swahili speakers may also extend the reply with politeness such as asante (thank you) or add a further remark about one’s state.

Etymology and linguistic notes: Sijambo is built from si- (negation) and jambo (matter, issue), a common root in Swahili for everyday greetings. Jambo itself is often encountered in greetings and social expressions, highlighting Swahili’s focus on social well-being and community.

Cultural context: The sijambo/hujambo greeting pair is a staple of informal conversation in Swahili-speaking communities. While the core meaning remains constant, regional variations and levels of formality can influence exact usage, but sijambo remains widely understood as a courteous, neutral way to acknowledge one’s health.