sana
adverb
very; very much.
Place sana after the word or expression it strengthens: nzuri sana is “very good,” and asante sana is “thank you very much.”
Origins
Sana strengthens an expression without changing to agree with a noun. Its earlier history is still under review.
African Studies Institute, University of Georgia, KIKO: Unit 1 glossary (University of Georgia, 2026-09-13), sana.
Lists sana as very.
African Studies Institute, University of Georgia, KIKO: Unit 13 grammar notes (University of Georgia, 2026-09-13), Relativization: amba- example.
Illustrates sana after a verb, translated as very much.
Examples
Asante sana.
Thank you very much.
Nimefurahi sana.
I am very happy.
Chai hii ni nzuri sana.
This tea is very good.
Leo kuna joto sana.
It is very hot today.
Ninakupenda sana.
I love you very much.
Tumefika mapema sana.
We have arrived very early.
Usitembee haraka sana.
Do not walk too fast.
Nyumba yako iko mbali sana.
Your house is very far away.
Nimechoka sana.
I am very tired.
