Swahili · Greetings & Phrases
Sorry (sympathy)
An expression of sympathy for someone's trouble — uniquely Swahili; pole pole means slowly.
Umeumwa? Pole sana!
You are hurt? So sorry!
'Pole' means 'sorry' or 'sympathy' in Swahili and has its roots in Bantu languages, highlighting compassion in social interactions.
'Pole' is used informally to express sympathy or comfort. It appears in everyday conversations when someone experiences misfortune.