How to Say "I don't know" in Swahili
The most natural way to say "I don't know" in Swahili is sijui. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.
Other ways to say it
When to use it
You can use 'sijui' in casual conversations when you are unsure about something. It is appropriate in both formal and informal settings. Use it when someone asks you a question and you genuinely do not have the answer.
Say it out loud, get corrected
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Examples in Swahili
| Swahili | English |
|---|---|
| Nina swali, lakini sijui. | I have a question, but I don't know. |
| Je, unajua wapi alipo? Sijui. | Do you know where he is? I don't know. |
The fastest way to remember it
Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear sijui, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Swahili with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use 'sijui' in a formal setting?
Yes, 'sijui' is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.
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