10 Swahili quotes about life that will inspire you!

Swahili is a wholesome language because it possesses cultural wealth. It is also easy to learn because most of the words are written how they are said. It is a language that is rich in hybridity meaning it is a culmination of different Bantu languages, Arabic, and a few words from European languages. All this was made possible by the interaction between merchants and explorers who visited the East African coast in the 1800s.

If you have learned some Swahili or just want to be inspired by quotes in a different language then continue reading. Below is a list of 10 carefully selected and curated Swahili quotes about life. 

Haraka haraka haina Baraka - Hurry Hurry has no blessings

This is a very common quote among Swahili-speaking people used to inform people that there is no need to rush in life. 

Subira huvuta heri- Patience pays

This quote is equivalent to the English one ‘patience pays.’ Most people use it to encourage people that eventually things will turn out fine; they just have to be patient. 

Ukiona vyaelea jua vimeundwa- If you see things looking good it’s because it took time to make them

Things don’t just happen or create themselves. So while we enjoy certain things we should appreciate and recognize those that took the time to make them that way. 

Bahati haibishi mara mbili- Luck doesn’t knock twice

How many times can one meet lady luck? Probably not many! This quote is used to remind people that they should take advantage of opportunities that present themselves in life. 

Bahata ikikukataa hata kwa mganga haitafaa- If luck is not on your side if the witch doctor won’t help.

Sometimes we need to be reminded not to push things so much especially if they don’t seem to work. This is so, especially for those who compare themselves with their peers. 

Duniani kuna pepo wawili wapendanapo- In the world there is evil when two people decide to love one another.

This is a cautionary quote for people to be aware that most people don’t like to see or celebrate love. Evil normally presents itself by trying to separate people. 

Kinolewacho hupata- That which is sharpened finally becomes sharp

The equivalent of this Swahili quote is ‘practice makes perfect.’ This is used to encourage people to continually sharpen their skills. 

Uzuri wa taa utaujua kiza kiingiapo- The goodness of a lamp is known when it gets dark

This reminds me of the song ‘Let her go' by Passenger. The song just like the above Swahili quote stresses the importance of appreciating the people in our lives when they are here. 

Matamshi mazuri ni heri kuliko zawadi- Good words are better than gifts

This quote is used to encourage people to watch what they say because words are very important and they shape who we become, especially children. 

Afya ni bora kuliko mali- Good health is better than physical wealthy

Most cultures stress the importance of taking care of our health because without good health, we cannot do anything. We cannot even enjoy our material wealth if all we do is spend time in hospitals. 

There is almost a Swahili quote on any situation or circumstance in life. Most of those are used as checks and balances to ensure that people live together in harmony. Swahili Women put these sayings on kangas (shawls) and wear them to pass messages subtly.