Swahili · Greetings & Phrases
hapana
No
Beginnerinterjection
Definition
A negative answer.
Example
Unataka kahawa? — Hapana, asante.
Do you want coffee? — No, thanks.
Etymology
'Hapana' means 'no' and is derived from the Bantu languages, serving as a direct negation in conversation.
How & Where It’s Used
'Hapana' is used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate refusal or denial and is widely employed in everyday spoken language.