Shengwords

Karibu

kah-REE-boo /kɑ.ˈɾi.bu/

"Karibu" is Sheng for welcome (also: you're welcome, close by).

Meaning

  1. interjection welcome, you're welcome, close by. Said to a guest arriving, to someone who thanked you, or to mean 'near'. Sheng speakers use it unchanged because no cooler replacement ever caught on.

Examples

  • Karibu nyumbani kwangu. Welcome to my place.
  • Asante. — Karibu, msee. Thanks. — You're welcome, man.
See Karibu used in other entries
  • Skuli yetu iko karibu na stage.Our school is near the stage.From Skuli
  • Karibu nyumbani kwetu.Welcome to our home.From Nyumbani
  • Karibu digs yangu.Welcome to my home.From Digs

Similar and opposite words

Where it comes from

Swahili/Arabic 'karibu' (near, welcome).

How it was made: Swahili base.

Questions about Karibu

What does Karibu mean in Sheng?

"Karibu" is Sheng for welcome (also: you're welcome, close by). Said to a guest arriving, to someone who thanked you, or to mean 'near'. Sheng speakers use it unchanged because no cooler replacement ever caught on.

How do you use Karibu in a sentence?

"Karibu nyumbani kwangu." means "Welcome to my place."

How do you pronounce Karibu?

Say it kah-REE-boo (/kɑ.ˈɾi.bu/). Sheng is spelled the way it sounds, with stress on the second-to-last syllable.

Where does the word Karibu come from?

Swahili/Arabic 'karibu' (near, welcome).

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To quote this page: “Karibu.” Shengwords Sheng Dictionary, updated 2026-11-10. https://shengwords.co.ke/word/karibu (accessed 2026-11-10).