How to Pronounce the Words of Kwanzaa
How to Pronounce the Words of Kwanzaa
One of the beautiful things about Kwanzaa is its use of Swahili, a language spoken by millions across East Africa. These words aren’t just decorations—they carry meaning, history, and purpose. Saying them correctly is one small way we show respect to the culture and the values they represent.
Whether you’re new to Kwanzaa or have been celebrating for years, this simple guide will help you pronounce the key words of the celebration with confidence and understanding. Take your time. Let the words breathe. Let them live on your tongue as they live in your spirit.
Swahili Vowels: The Key to Correct Pronunciation
Kwanzaa (KWAHN-zah) uses Swahili words that reflect the values and principles of the celebration. This guide helps you pronounce them correctly and understand their meaning.
Swahili words follow a simple, consistent vowel system. Each vowel always has the same sound:
a = ah (as in “father”)
e = eh (as in “bed”)
i = ee (as in “see”)
o = oh (as in “go”)
u = oo (as in “food”)
Pronounce every syllable clearly. Swahili is not rushed—let the words breathe.
Say each vowel clearly and avoid blending them into English sounds.
Kwanzaa Terms and Their Meanings
Mkeka (mm-KEH-kah) – The mat, symbolizing the foundation and traditions we build upon.
Kinara (kee-NAH-rah) – The candle holder that holds seven candles, representing the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles).
Mishumaa Saba (mee-shoo-MAH-ah SAH-bah) – The seven candles, each standing for one of the seven principles.
Nguzo Saba (n-GOO-zoh SAH-bah) – The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, values to live by throughout the year.
The Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba)
Umoja (oo-MOH-jah) – Unity: To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.
Kujichagulia (koo-jee-chah-goo-LEE-ah) – Self-Determination: To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves.
Ujima (oo-JEE-mah) – Collective Work and Responsibility: To build and maintain our community together and solve our problems together.
Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah) – Cooperative Economics: To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and businesses and profit from them together.
Nia (NEE-ah) – Purpose: To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah) – Creativity: To always do as much as we can, in the way we can, to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
Imani (ee-MAH-nee) – Faith: To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness of our struggle.
The Symbols of Kwanzaa
Mazao (mah-ZAH-oh) – Crops, representing the rewards of collective labor.
Muhindi (moo-HEEN-dee) – Ears of corn, symbolizing children and the future they carry.
Kikombe cha Umoja (kee-KOHM-beh chah oo-MOH-jah) – The Unity Cup, used for the libation ritual to honor ancestors and bring people together.
Zawadi (zah-WAH-dee) – Gifts, given to encourage growth, achievement, and success.
Kwanzaa Greeting
Habari gani? (hah-BAH-ree GAH-nee) – This means “What’s the news?” or “How are you?”
It is the traditional Kwanzaa greeting, especially used when asking about the principle of the day.
The proper response is to say the name of that day's principle (for example, "Umoja" on the first day).
This greeting is used specifically during Kwanzaa celebrations.
Learning the words of Kwanzaa isn’t just about pronunciation—it’s about honoring the meaning behind each one. These are more than just sounds; they are reminders of unity, purpose, creativity, and faith. They are the language of harvest, hope, and heritage.
May these words walk with you not just during the seven days of Kwanzaa, but every day you choose to live with intention and pride.
Habari gani? The answer lives in how we show up for each other.