Karibu nyumbani.

at home

Breakdown of Karibu nyumbani.

• karibu: welcome

Questions & Answers about Karibu nyumbani.

What do the two words karibu and nyumbani literally mean?

• Karibu is an interjection meaning welcome when addressing one person. It can also function as an adverb meaning near/almost, and as a polite invitation like go ahead/please.
• Nyumbani is nyumba (house/home) plus the locative suffix -ni, which gives a sense of at/in/to the home depending on context.

When should I use karibu vs karibuni?

• Karibu: to one person (singular).
• Karibuni: to more than one person (plural).
• Add warmth with sana: Karibu sana / Karibuni sana.

How do people typically respond to Karibu nyumbani?

• Common replies: Asante, Asante sana, or Nashukuru.
• You can add something friendly like Nimefurahi kuwa hapa (I’m happy to be here).
• A brief back-and-forth is normal: Host says Karibu, guest says Asante, host may repeat Karibu.

Does karibu also mean you’re welcome after someone says thanks?