Sheng Words for Beginners
Updated 2026-01-05, 7 min read
Sheng is the vibrant street language of Nairobi that mixes Swahili, English and local Kenyan languages. If you are new to it, the best place to start is with the words you will hear every single day.
Greetings you will use daily
Every conversation starts with a greeting. These are the building blocks of Sheng.
- Niaje – How are you / what's up?
- Sasa – Hi / hello
- Mambo – What's up?
- Poa – Cool / fine
- Fiti – Fine / good
- Shwari – All good / peaceful
Words about people
These words describe the people around you.
- Dem – A girl or young woman
- Msupa – A beautiful girl
- Chali – A guy / boyfriend
- Buda – Father or respected older man
- Mbogi – A crew or group of friends
- Sonko – A rich or flashy person
Money talk
Money has many names in Sheng. Knowing them will save you in any market or matatu.
- Ganji / Chapaa / Doh – Money
- Thao – KSh 1,000
- Soo / Jongo – KSh 100
- Chuani – KSh 50
- Ashu / Kinde – KSh 10
Getting around
Transport is a big part of Nairobi life, and Sheng has its own words for it.
- Nganya / Mathree – A matatu (minibus)
- Nduthi – A motorcycle (boda boda)
- Ndai / Mrenga – A car
- Mtaa – Your neighborhood
- Keja – House / home
Everyday actions
Finally, learn the verbs you will use in everyday talk.