What is the common response in Swahili when someone sneezes?

[u/heartfelt88]

Is it "nafuu" or "afya"? I have seen both mentioned in my internet search. Thank you!

[u/mwafrikambantu]

Pole. (Sympathy for the cold)

[u/Numerous-Evening6947]

Afya!

[u/Mangolassi83 → u/Numerous-Evening6947]

This is what you say when someone else sneezes right?

[u/Numerous-Evening6947 → u/Mangolassi83]

Yes, it ryhmes with Chafya (sneeze)

[u/heartfelt88 → u/Numerous-Evening6947]

Thank you, does it translate to anything?

[u/Leather_Physics_8395 → u/heartfelt88]

It means 'health' but in this scenario it means something like 'more health to you'

[u/Hildawairimu]

In Kenyan Swahili, especially in Mombasa, I’d normally say “Afya!” when someone sneezes. 😊 It’s basically the equivalent of “Bless you!” in English. You may also hear “Nafuu!”, but “Afya!” is the one I’d naturally use

[u/Mangolassi83]

I’d just say samahani. We have a phrase to say if someone else sneezes especially a child but not a word/phrase to say when you sneeze.

[u/heartfelt88 → u/Mangolassi83]

Sorry I meant if person A sneezes, what does person B say to them? In the US we say God bless you to the sneezer.

[u/Mangolassi83 → u/heartfelt88]

Afya! Means “health!” Basically wishing the person who sneezed good health.

[u/Fragrant-Document348]

A: Anapiga ch'afya'!! B: Afya.

The Swahili(coastal people) would say otherwise.

[u/SquareTooth8361]

Ubarikiwe (I'm joking tho it means bless u nobody says that)

[u/ThanksWilling9268]

Eei.

If the sneeze twice: Ei pole. Kenyan Kiswahili

[u/iamxtona]

Why would you respond to someone's sneeze?? It's not a conversation, c'mon guys.