Shengwords

Level 1: Mgeni

The words you need on day one: greetings, people, money and the replies that keep a conversation going.

Skip to the quiz or practise with flashcards

  1. Msee m-SEH-eh

    "Msee" is Sheng for guy (also: person, dude, mate).

    • Msee, niko na doo kidogo tu.Man, I only have a little money.

  2. Matatu mah-TAH-too

    "Matatu" is Sheng for minibus taxi.

    • Matatu ya mtaani imejaa.The matatu from the hood is full.

  3. Mambo MAH-mboh

    "Mambo" is Sheng for what's up (also: how are things).

    • Mambo vipi, msee?What's up, man?

  4. Poa POH-ah

    "Poa" is Sheng for cool (also: fine, all good).

    • Uko aje? — Poa kabisa.How are you? — All good.

  5. Chuma CHOO-mah

    "Chuma" is Sheng for money (also: to earn, to get hold of).

    • Leo nimechuma kidogo tu.Today I earned only a little.

  6. Sheng shehng

    "Sheng" is Sheng for Nairobi's street language.

    • Wasee wa mtaa wanabonga Sheng.People in the hood speak Sheng.

  7. Mbao MBAH-oh

    "Mbao" is Sheng for money (also: cash).

    • Sina mbao hadi mwezi uishe.I have no cash until the month ends.

  8. Mtaa m-TAH-ah

    "Mtaa" is Sheng for the hood (also: neighbourhood, street).

    • Nimekulia mtaani hapa.I grew up in this hood.

  9. Wasee wah-SEH-eh

    "Wasee" is Sheng for guys (also: people, folks).

    • Wasee, tuondoke sasa?Guys, shall we leave now?

  10. Niaje nee-AH-jeh

    "Niaje" is Sheng for what's up (also: how are you).

    • Niaje demu, uko aje leo?Hey girl, how are you today?

Quiz: 10 questions

1. What does Msee mean?

Next: Level 2: Msee wa mtaa