Shengwords

Lakini

lah-KEE-nee /lɑ.ˈki.ni/

"Lakini" is Sheng for but (also: however).

Meaning

  1. conjunction but, however. The turn in a sentence. Sheng storytellers use lakini constantly to keep attention.

Examples

  • Nilitaka kwenda, lakini nimeishiwa na mbao. I wanted to go, but I ran out of money.
  • Ni mwanafunzi, lakini anafanya kazi pia. He's a student, but he works too.
See Lakini used in other entries
  • Nimemtext lakini amenilenga.I texted her but she ignored me.From Kulenga
  • Faranga sina, lakini nitapata kesho.I have no funds, but I'll get some tomorrow.From Faranga

Similar and opposite words

Where it comes from

Arabic 'lakin' via Swahili 'lakini'.

How it was made: Swahili base.

Questions about Lakini

What does Lakini mean in Sheng?

"Lakini" is Sheng for but (also: however). The turn in a sentence. Sheng storytellers use lakini constantly to keep attention.

How do you use Lakini in a sentence?

"Nilitaka kwenda, lakini nimeishiwa na mbao." means "I wanted to go, but I ran out of money."

How do you pronounce Lakini?

Say it lah-KEE-nee (/lɑ.ˈki.ni/). Sheng is spelled the way it sounds, with stress on the second-to-last syllable.

Where does the word Lakini come from?

Arabic 'lakin' via Swahili 'lakini'.

Share or improve this entry

Suggest a fix Record how you say it

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