In this article, you will learn common Maasai phrases that you will most likely encounter when interacting with natives.
Table of Contents
Note: The consonants f,v,q,x and z do not occur in the Maasai language.
Personal Pronouns
Below is a table comparing personal pronouns in English vs Maasai languages:
| 1st person | 2nd person | 3rd person | ||||
| Singular | Plural | Singular | Plural | Singular | Plural | |
| English | I | We | You | You | He/she/it | They |
| Maasai | Nanu | Iyiok | Iyie | Intae | Ninye | Ninche |
| Maasai Example | Kara nanu supat | Kishomo iyiok sukuul | Kiyieu yieyio lai nekiduare iyie | Ingaringara intae kina | Kera ninye entito ai | Kesinyat ninche emetaa einotieki makosa |
| English Example | I am okay. | We went to school. | My mother wants to meet you. | You are siblings. | She is my daughter. | They are innocent until proven guilty. |
GREETINGS IN MAASAI
| English | Maasai |
| Good evening | Kejaa enteipa inno |
| Good evening too | kasidai eneteipa ai,metii enyamali katukul,oyie |
| Good Morning | Kejaa enkakenya inno |
| Good morning too | Kasidai enkakenya pii,maata enyamali. |
| Good afternoon | Kejaa endama inno |
| Good afternoon too | Kasidai endama ai,meti loiba kiyia. |
| How are you? | Ira supat? |
| I am fine,thank you | Eeh,kara supat naleng,ashe oleng |
| How are you today? | Kejaa endama inno? |
| I am doing great, thank you for asking. How about you? | Kasidai endama ai,maata enyamali.keja ninye eninno? |
| I am fine | Kara nanusupat |
| Okay | Ayia |
| Have a good day | Noto endama naropil |
| Thank you, have a good day too. | Ashe oleng,noto siiyie endama sidai |
| I am doing great | Atudupe katukul |
| We thank God for everything | Kishukoki Enkai enashei tonkiasin sidan nekitaasa |
| Hi/hello | Supa (an elder greeting a young boy/girl), Yieyio takwenya (greeting an old lady) |
| Hi too | Ipa |
| Nice to meet you | Sidai kinotote, amuu mekibayioro taa tonkolongi adoru oleng. |
| Nice to meet you too | Sidai kinotote katukul |
| See you soon | Matoduata tonkolongi doropu oleng,kalo nanu alau iyie.olesere naa meitutum yiok Enkai! |
| See you soon | Matoduata ejo olaitoriani. |
| See you later | Matoduata adake teipa, noto endama sidai. |
| Sure, see you later | Ayia,kidua |
LOVE WORDS IN MAASAI.
| English | Maasai |
| I love you | Kanyor iyie |
| I love you too | Kanyor sinanu iyie |
| I miss you | Maabayie |
| I miss you too | Maabayie sinanu |
| Love you so much | Kanyor iyie naleng’ |
| Love you too, so much | kanyor iyie siiyie, naleng. |
| I want to see you | Kayieu nadol iyie |
| I want to see you too | Kayieu sinanu nadol iyie. |
| I love you with all my heart | kanyor iyie toltau lai pookin |
| Me too | Ata nanu |
| I want to see you | Kayieu nadol iyie |
| I want to see you too | Kayieu sinanu nadol iyie |
| I like you | kekintiship iyie nanu katukul. |
| Really? | Nesiap? |
| You are beautiful | Ira sidai katukul |
| Thank you so much | Ashe oleng |
| My love | Oltau lai/lanyor lai/olkina lai/Emeloni ai |
| Yes darling | Eeoh,olarasi lai |
| You look beautiful | Keikishia ina kila ninchopito baasi ai |
| Thank you so much for the compliment | Ashe oleng’ teilo kilikuai sidai. |
| My beautiful wife | Enkitok aii sidai, naisiriri, enkitok nanare olosinko, enkitok nanare enkanyit tenishori, enkitok nanyor iltunganak nemepiak. |
| Thank you, my husband. | Ashe oleng olee lai |
| I miss you so much, darling. | Aatala oleng, maabayie oltau lai |
| I miss you too,my love | Aatala oleng sinanu, maabayie oltau lai |
| I need you | Kayieu nanu iyie, kayieu nekibuita oyie |
| I need you too | Kayieu sinanu nanu iyie |
| You will miss me | Kekilo iyie alau nanu.kalo enkop nalakua kake kashukunye.kadamu ake sinanu tewueji natii |
| I know i will | Kayiolo njere ajo,kake to |
| Goodbye my love | Olesere oltau lai,kaalo nanu alau iyie oleng.kake kikanya lomon anaake nekiyiolokino isidan |
| Goodbye | Olesere |
| See you tomorrow | Kekidua ejenkai/ maisho eitutum iyiok olaitoriani |
| See you | Kidua |
| I will marry you | Kayieu nayaam, amuu kanyor nanu iyie.nekibik ntarasi kira nabo nekitum olmarei sidai loisho yiok enkai oo nkera kumok oo mali kumok naipu boo |
| I can't wait for that | Majo kebau inna kata |
| I want some space | Tung’uayioki nanu amu mayieu naitanyamali katukul. Kayieu nai naitiringie ndamunot ainei niaku mayieu nitaana arashu oltungani laisumbua |
| Why do you need some space? | Kanyo piyie erishata? |
| I need your love | Kayieu enyorata inno.kayieu nekiaku enkitok olmoruo, nekinya olmomai tedukuya oltunganak neyiolou sininche ajo kekinyora. |
| I need your love too | Kayieu sinanu enyorata inno |
| You are mine | Ira iyie ennai.niaku mayieu natum ibuitare likay tungani amuu kiaku enara sapuk oleng.keyieu neyiolou pooki ngae ajo neijia eikununo imbaa peekipaasha ake olewa |
| Thank you darling | Ashe oltau lai |
DIRECTIONS IN MAASAI.
| English | Maasai |
| Where are you? | Kaji itii? |
| I am caught up in traffic, but I will be home soon, I promise | ainepua oloidikidik loongarin tenkoitoi, kake agira alotu ang tesaa nemiado aliki ntae |
| Where did you go? | Kaji duo ishomo? |
| I went to pick up my daughter from school. | Ashomo duo ayau enkera ai tesukul amuu eikeno duo taata ninche. |
| Where do you live? | Kaji nekimanya? |
| I live in Nairobi city. I bought land in Huruma Estate and built an apartment that could accommodate everyone in the family. | Amanya nanu entaon ee Nairobi,ainyangua olchampa tewueji naji Huruma nashet enkaji naata iljilat onguan naa kejing pooki ng’ae lolmarei lai. |
| Where are you going? | Kaji ene niloito? |
| I am going to the salon to do my hair and nails. We have a graduation party next week. | Kaloito eneitobirieki ilpapit tenebo oloisotok.kekiata olsirua loidipieki sukul tenda wiki. |
| Where were you? | Kaji duo itii? |
| I was in the supermarket. It is the end month, and many people have come shopping. | Atii duo eneinyangishoreki.kitii enkitingoto olapa negira iltunganak kumok ainyangisho neyau emana tenkaraki olkereri sapuk. |
COMMON QUESTIONS IN CONVERSATIONS.
Commonly used in the marketplace when buying/selling items or to ask how much of something someone needs.
| English | Maasai |
| How much? For example, how much is this shoe? | Keropiyiani aja imirita ena amuke? Arashu kebaa imukateni niata tiatu olduka? |
| I am selling it at 200ksh only | kamirita too ropiyiani miai are |
| How are you feeling? | Kaji ining’ito? |
| I am feeling better, thank you! I am responding well to treatment and getting stronger every day | Kaningito ajo kara sidai katukul,ashe oleng! Kagira aingu ilkiet nagira agolu anaake |
| How have you been? | Kaja inkununo?/Kajaa enkishui inno tangu kibayioro?/ Kejaa imbaa kibayioro kirorita tesimu? |
| I have been better. Life has been fairing on so well.I got a job recently in a shoe-making company in Nairobi last month. God has blessed me with a husband, and we are planning to have a wedding next month you are very welcome. | Kara supat maata enyamali.sidai enkishui ai katukul atamayiana Enkai naisho esiai telde apa opa otulusoyie.Kintobirita nkamuka te Nairobi. Atamayiana sii naisho olmoruo kiata arusi telde apa, niaku karibu ashe ninye kinotote. |
| What is your name? This can be formal or informal. | Kekiji ng’ae enkarna? |
| My name is Angel Piraon. I am 21 years of age and a first year student pursuing nursing in college. (Formal introduction) | Kaji enkarna ai Angel Piraon.niangua olosho le Kenya, naata ilarin tikitam obo.kara enkerai esukul atii olari ledukuya nagira aisuma esiai olkitarini |
| What are you doing? | kanyoo iasista? |
| I am writing an article. | Kagira aiger embuku enkitengena. |
| What are you cooking/ eating? | Kanyoo iyierita/ inosita? |
| Today I am cooking fried liver, rice, mashed potatoes and steamed cabbage. | Kagira taata ayier emonyua naikaranga,olmushele,nkuashen,oo kabej |
| Are you okay, dear? | Ira supat, laishoo (boy), naishoo (girl)? |
| I am okay, thank you for asking. | Enabanji natabawua naa kara supat pii, Ashe kinkilikuana. |
| When are you coming? | kanu igira alotu? |
| I am coming hopefully next week on Wednesday in the afternoon | Aisilig kagira alotu tenda wikii enkolong eo olkasi uni dama |
| How was your night/day? | Kejaa enkewarie ino (night) kejaa endama inno (day) |
| I had a very good night and slept so well with a beautiful dream. I thank God. My day has been busy, although very fruitful. We made so many sales today, unlike yesterday. | Ainoto enkewarie sidai airure aitobiraki natum enkidetidet sidai.ashukoki Enkai enashei. Keidinga duo enkolong ai ohoo nainoto sidan.kitimirishote duo taata metiu anaa ng’ole. |
| How are you doing? | I am good, not bad |
| How is your family? | Kejaa olmarei lino? |
| My family is doing great. The children went to school, and their mother went to the market to buy a few household items. I have a meeting with a client before going to the office, so let me rush to catch up with you later. | Kasidai olmarei lai pookin.eshomo nkera sukul nelo sininye ng’otonye osokoni ainyangu ntokiting iatua aji. Kaata entumo nagira alo aduare oltungani eton eitu alo esiai,ntosho makweta pekidua enkae kata. |
| What is wrong? | Kanyoo enyamali? |
| Actually, there is nothing wrong. I just fell down and hit my elbow, and my sister is giving me first aid to stop the bleeding. | Ata metii enyamali.atusulari ake naosh enkop oloidolol kaishorita enkanashe ai ereteto pemaitoki olsarge aimu |
| What do you mean? | Kanyo igira aimanisha? |
| I mean, our teacher said we should not have school tomorrow | Aimanisha ,etejo emalimui ang ajo meetae taisere suku |
| How is the weather over there? | kejaa oloingange teine nitii? |
| It is raining over here. Such a good time for the farmers, they will have better yields | Kegira asha tena kop natii, enkata sidai to lairemok lolchampai, ketum endaa sidai. |
| Have you gone to church? | Ishomo kanisa? |
| No, I haven’t. I had visitors in my place and no one to attend to them | Agha,eitu.kaata ilomon tiang’ nemetii iltunganak amu eshomoki duo. |
| What is this? | Kanyo ena? |
| It is a book.I borrowed it from my deskmate to help me read over the weekend. I shall return it once it is done. | Embuku ena.atoomono duo enchoruet ai nekitoni oninye paisumare enkata orusa.kashuk anaidip atasishore. |
| What’s going on? | Kanyo nagira aasa? |
| There is an accident along Mombasa road; two people have been confirmed dead on the spot, it was a head on collision for the two vehicles, avoid that road if you are in a hurry because there is plenty of traffic. | Ketii olbuket lolbaribara le Mombasa,etuata iltunganak are teina kata ake,ketoshote nona garin are telukunya, tapasha ilo baribara enindim amu ketii enkidinga sapuk oleng. |
| Are you listening? | Ekigira ainining? |
| Yes, I am listening. Sorry someone interrupted me with a phone call | Eeh,kagira ainining,sore amu oltungani laitanyamala latoshoko esimu |
| Have you heard of it? | Itoningo toi iyie? |
| Have you heard that newly wedded couples are going to their honeymoon tomorrow courtesy of their parents? It was the bride's wish and I know she will be very happy | Itoningo toi iyie ajo ore lelo ngole loyamishote nakepuito serenje taisere tenkarakintoiwuo enyenak? Yieuna sapuk oleng ina tito naa kayiolo ajo kelo ashipa. |
| Can I go home? | Kaidim ashomo ang’ |
| Not at the moment, we still have some questions for you. You are a major suspect in this case | Ahah,meetenakata,kekiata nkikilikuanak nekiyieu nekincho iyie.kekiata ewuriata sapuk teeyie tiatua ele kesi |
| Can I ask something? | Kaidim aikilikuana entoki? |
| Sure you can go ahead. I hope it’s not something silly because I am not in the mood for such. | Eeh,somo dukuya.kake aisilig ajo meentoki emodai amu maidim tenakata emodai. |
| How is everything? | Kejaa pooki toki? |
| Everything is quite okay, no major problem.I thank God for life. | Kasidai pooki toki,metii enyamali sapuk.kashukoki Enkai enashei tenkishui. |
| What’s your phone number? | Kanyo nambai esimu inno? |
| Sure, just a minute; zero seven fifteen twelve ten | Ayia,ntasho penyo; olmosori napishana tomoni imiet tomon aare. |
EVERYDAY CONVERSATION.
| English | Maasai |
| Happy birthday | Enchipai tenkolong einoto ino,mekincho Enkai ilarin lentirma. |
| Thank you | Ashe |
| I am sorry | Tapalikiaki/ sore/maigil. |
| You are welcome. | Tushukunye /karibu. |
| Me too! | Onanu/Ata nanu! |
| God bless you | Mekitamayiana Enkai / Noto mayianata Enkai. |
| May God protect you | Mekitoripo Enkai/ Mekimulumula Enkai |
| She is happy | Etishipe ninye/ Keshipa enda tito |
| Please help me | Atomonoo taretuoki/ Kayieu ereteto |
| I don’t know | Mayiolo |
| I will come tomorrow | Kalotu taisere/ ejenkai |
| Come here! | ou ene! |
| Feel at home | Toning’o ajo itii ang’/Talakunoyu |
| Be blessed | Mekitamayiani |
| Leave me alone | Tapalaki / Tunguayioki nanu. |
| It is okay | Ayia |
| I am going home | Kaloito nanu ang’ |
| I don’t want | Mayieu nanu |
| Love is a beautiful thing | Ore enyorata naa entoki sidai oleng’ |
| Let me try | Ntasho matetema/ ntosho matonyua. |
| Welcome home | Karibu ang’ |
| I reached home safety | Atabayie ang’ tesidano |
| God is good | Kasidai Enkai/ olaitoriani/eledaudi |
| I don’t understand | Magira aningu. |
| We are happy to see you | Kitishipate iyiok kitodua iyie |
| I have it | Kaata ina toki. |
| Rest in peace | Yenyiyengayu teseriani /Tepetai enkulukuoni nairobi |
| don’t have money | Maata ropiyia |
| I am done | Aidipa |
| I am going to the shop | Kaloito olduka |
| Happy New Year | Enchipai olari ngejuk |
| Bad manner | Mekira sidai olkuak. |
| Stop using your phone | Mintoki aibung esimu inno |
| I need a favour, please | Kayieu nekintaas embae nati enne,aomon |
| I haven't seen you for ages | Mabayie atodua toolarin |
| Great to see you again | Sidai ainyiaka dol enenkaigil |
| I really appreciate it | Atishipakine inna toki |
| You made my day | Intobira enkolong ai |
| No problem | Metii enyamal |
| Goodbye | Ole sere |
| Prayer | Enkomono |
| Sacrifice | Olasar |
| Inheritance | Enjung’ore |
Congratulations on starting the language learning journey. The next step is to master at least five Maasai words daily from the Maasai dictionary. Practice makes perfect.
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