Ninaogopa! I’m Scared! Swahili Halloween Vocabulary
In this post we’ll learn some Swahili Halloween vocabulary. First, we’ll learn vocabulary and expressions related to costumes. Then we’ll learn some vocabulary for how children and adults celebrate Halloween. Finally, we’ll wrap up with some scary vocabulary to get you in the mood for mizimu (ghosts) and wachawi (witches).
Things that go bump in the night.
First, let’s learn how to talk about costumes in Swahili. Je, utavaa vazi la Halloween mwaka huu? (Are you wearing a Halloween costume this year?) Kids aren’t the only ones who wear mavazi ya kujificha (costumes). Some of the classics are mumiani (a mummy), mtu-mbwa mwitu (a werewolf), zombi (a zombie), jitu la kutisha (a monster), shetani (a devil), or vampiri (a vampire).
But vazi la kutisha (a scary costume) is not your only option. You could also be sanamu ya kufukuza ndege (a scarecrow), mchawi (a sorcerer), kiumbe wa kichawi (a fairy), binti mfalme (a princess), haramia (a pirate), or mhusika wa filamu (a character from a movie).
- Utavaa kama nani Halloween hii?
What are you dressing as this Halloween? - Vazi lako linapendeza sana!
Your costume looks great! - Vazi lako ni la ubunifu sana!
Your costume is very creative! - Vazi lako linatisha!
Your costume is scary!
Kwa Watoto: For Kids
Now let’s talk about how kids celebrate Halloween. Kids love to go trick-or-treating. They walk around their neighborhood and wanabisha hodi (they knock on doors). When someone answers, they hold up their mifuko (bags) and ask for pipi (candy). If the person doesn’t give the kids candy, beware of the trick! Since no one needs to give kids any more ideas about utundu (mischief), we’ll leave that to your imagination. Jihadhari! (Be careful!). Best to just make sure you have enough candy.
- Msichana/mvulana ameshika mfuko uliojaa pipi.
The girl/boy is holding a bag full of candy. - Ni pipi gani unayoipenda zaidi?
What’s your favorite candy? - Napenda chokoleti.
I love chocolate. - Nimekufanyia mzaha!
I played a trick on you!
Kwa Watu Wazima: For Adults
Next, let’s turn to adults. Halloween isn’t just for kids. Adults also like to get dressed up. Do you wear your vazi la Halloween (Halloween costume) to work? Or maybe you go to sherehe (a party) where everyone is dressed up. Even if you don’t go to any parties, you probably get boga (a pumpkin) for a jack-o’-lantern. You’ll carve uso (a face) into it, and put mshumaa (a candle) inside so the face glows.
- Tunaenda kwenye sherehe ya mavazi ya kujificha.
We’re going to a costume party. - Hebu tununue boga wikendi hii.
Let’s buy a pumpkin this weekend.
Ninaogopa! I’m Scared!
Halloween is a great time of year to watch filamu za kutisha (horror movies) or maybe visit nyumba yenye mizimu (a haunted house). It’s fun to kupiga mayowe (scream), as long as ndoto mbaya (nightmares) aren’t too bad. Now that summer is over and usiku (the night) is longer, it’s the perfect time to visit mahali pa kutisha (eerie places), places for some good Halloween fun. Walk through msituni (the woods) gizani (in the dark), take a shortcut through makaburi (the graveyard), visit that nyumba iliyotelekezwa (abandoned house) where you know there are probably no pepo wabaya (evil spirits). Or at least you hope.
- Mahali hapa panatisha!
This place is spooky! - Hebu tutazame filamu ya kutisha.
Let’s watch a horror film. - Niliota ndoto mbaya jana usiku.
I had a nightmare last night. - Nimesisimka kwa hofu!
I have goosebumps from fear! - Ninasikia sauti ya ajabu.
I hear a strange noise! - Je, unaamini kwamba mizimu ipo?
Do you believe in ghosts? - Hebu tutembee msituni gizani.
Let’s walk through the woods in the dark.
Whatever you do for Halloween, kaeni salama na mfurahie! (stay safe and have fun!))
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