馃嚢馃嚜 Swahili phrases

How to Say "Sister" in Swahili

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
dada
"Sister" in Swahili 路 say it like dah-dah

The most natural way to say "Sister" in Swahili is dada. 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

dada mkubwa
used to refer to an older sister
dada mdogo
used to refer to a younger sister

When to use it

You can use 'dada' when referring to your sister or a close female friend. It is a term of endearment and can also be used in a casual context. In formal situations, you might specify the age difference with 'dada mkubwa' or 'dada mdogo'.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "Sister" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Swahili

SwahiliEnglish
Ninampenda dada yangu sana.I love my sister very much.
Dada mkubwa ananisaidia na kazi zangu.My older sister helps me with my work.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'dada' with 'dada mkubwa' and 'dada mdogo', forgetting to specify age when needed.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear dada, 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 'dada' for friends?

Yes, 'dada' can also be used affectionately for close female friends.

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