Hofu
HOH-foo /ˈhɔ.fu/
"Hofu" is Sheng for fear (also: worry).
Meaning
- noun fear, worry. Fear or apprehension. 'Usiwe na hofu' is the standard reassurance.
Examples
- Nina hofu ya mtihani wa kesho. I'm worried about tomorrow's exam.
- Usiwe na hofu, tuko pamoja. Don't be afraid, we're together.
Similar and opposite words
Where it comes from
Arabic 'khawf' via Swahili 'hofu'.
How it was made: Swahili base.
Questions about Hofu
What does Hofu mean in Sheng?
"Hofu" is Sheng for fear (also: worry). Fear or apprehension. 'Usiwe na hofu' is the standard reassurance.
How do you use Hofu in a sentence?
"Nina hofu ya mtihani wa kesho." means "I'm worried about tomorrow's exam."
How do you pronounce Hofu?
Say it HOH-foo (/ˈhɔ.fu/). Sheng is spelled the way it sounds, with stress on the second-to-last syllable.
Where does the word Hofu come from?
Arabic 'khawf' via Swahili 'hofu'.
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To quote this page: “Hofu.” Shengwords Sheng Dictionary, updated 2026-11-10. https://shengwords.co.ke/word/hofu (accessed 2026-11-10).