How to Say "I don't understand" in Swahili
The most natural way to say "I don't understand" in Swahili is Sielewi. 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
Use this phrase when someone is explaining something and you are confused. It can be used in both formal and informal situations. It's a polite way to ask for clarification.
Say it out loud, get corrected
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Examples in Swahili
| Swahili | English |
|---|---|
| Samahani, sielewi. | Sorry, I don't understand. |
The fastest way to remember it
Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Sielewi, 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
How can I ask someone to explain something again?
You can say 'Tafadhali, unaweza kurudia?' which means 'Please, can you repeat?'
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