Swahili Classes

How to Ask and Answer “What Time is It?” in Swahili

Knowing how to ask and tell the time is essential for daily interactions. In Swahili, these expressions help you manage your day and communicate effectively about schedules and appointments.

Asking “What Time is It?”: Saa Ngapi?

The standard way to ask “What time is it?” in Swahili is “Saa ngapi?” This phrase is widely used and understood across all Swahili-speaking regions.

Phonetics: [sah AH NGAH-pee]

Example:

  • English: What time is it?

  • Swahili: Saa ngapi?

Telling the Time: Saa…

To tell the time, you use “saa” followed by the number. Swahili timekeeping starts counting hours from sunrise (6 AM) and sunset (6 PM), so it's a bit different from the conventional 12-hour clock.

Phonetics: [sah…]

Examples:

  • English: It is 1 o'clock (7 AM).

  • Swahili: Saa moja asubuhi.

  • English: It is 6 o'clock (12 PM).

  • Swahili: Saa sita mchana.

  • English: It is 7 o'clock (1 PM).

  • Swahili: Saa saba mchana.

  • English: It is 12 o'clock (6 PM).

  • Swahili: Saa kumi na mbili jioni.

Differentiating Between AM and PM

Swahili differentiates between morning (asubuhi), afternoon (mchana), evening (jioni), and night (usiku).

  • Morning (AM): Asubuhi

  • Afternoon (PM): Mchana

  • Evening (PM): Jioni

  • Night (PM): Usiku

Examples:

  • English: It is 10 o'clock (4 PM).

  • Swahili: Saa kumi jioni.

  • English: It is 9 o'clock (3 AM).

  • Swahili: Saa tisa usiku.

Asking Specific Times

You might want to ask about specific times for appointments or events:

  1. What time is the meeting?

    • Swahili: Mkutano ni saa ngapi?

  2. What time does the bus leave?

    • Swahili: Basi linaondoka saa ngapi?

Conclusion

Understanding how to ask and tell the time in Swahili is crucial for effective communication and daily interactions. Whether you're scheduling a meeting or simply managing your day, these expressions are essential.

Remember, Swahili timekeeping is unique, so practicing these phrases will help you become more comfortable and fluent. Next time you need to ask or tell the time, confidently use “saa ngapi?” and “saa…”