wao

Third-Person Plural Pronoun

Level 1

Wao means "they" or "them." It is an independent pronoun used specifically for people and animals.

How It Works

1. Only for People and Animals
Wao is strictly for animate nouns. Because of Human Agreement Across Classes, all people and animals use wao regardless of their original noun class (for example, Class 9/10 mbwa or Class 5/6 marafiki). Never use it to mean "they" for inanimate objects like books, cars, or trees. Instead, use demonstrative pronouns (like hizo, vile, or yale) when you need to emphasize "they" for inanimate things.

2. Optional but Emphatic
Swahili is a language with Omitted Subject Pronouns. The verb usually does the heavy lifting, using the Class 2 Subject wa- prefix to show "they". Use the independent pronoun wao to highlight exactly who you are talking about.

3. Showing Contrast
It is perfect for comparing groups. For example: Sisi tunafanya kazi, lakini wao wanapumzika. (We are working, but they are resting.)

4. With Copulas (To Be)
Use it as the subject with the Present Copula ni or the Negative Copula si to say "They are" or "They are not."

5. As an Object
When using wao as an object for emphasis, Swahili requires the mandatory Class 2 Object -wa- inside the verb because the pronoun refers to animates. For example: Ninawaona wao. (I see them.)

6. Combined Forms
Nao means “with them/and they,” ndio can identify them emphatically, and sio can deny that identification. Learn the useful chunks first; the reference endings explains their endings in more detail.

7. Common Phrases
You will frequently hear wao in everyday phrases like wao wote (all of them) and wao kwa wao (among themselves).

They and Their:
Independent wao means “they/them.” Possessive -ao means “their” and changes with the noun: watoto wao (their children), vitabu vyao (their books). Kwao means to/at their place; for “for their sake,” use kwa ajili yao. Do not translate these as kwa wao.

Examples (4)

  1. Wao ni marafiki.

    They are friends.

    Word by Word: They are friends.

    Used as the subject in a simple sentence with the copula 'ni'.

  2. Sisi tunasoma, lakini wao wanacheza.

    We are reading, but they are playing.

    Word by Word: We we-are-reading, but they they-are-playing.

    Used to create a strong contrast between 'us' and 'them'.

  3. Wao wanamsalimia mwalimu kila asubuhi.

    They greet the teacher every morning.

    Word by Word: They they-him-greet teacher every morning.

    Used for emphasis. The verb 'wanamsalimia' already means 'they greet him', so adding 'wao' makes it emphatic.

  4. Wao si wanafunzi.

    They are not students.

    Word by Word: They are-not students.

    Used with the negative copula 'si'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'wao' for inanimate objects.

    Vitabu viko hapa, wao ni vizito.
    Vitabu viko hapa, ni vizito.

    English speakers often use 'wao' to mean 'they' for things. In Swahili, 'wao' can only be used for people and animals. For inanimate objects, Swahili relies entirely on the verb's noun-class prefixes.

  • Overusing 'wao' in every sentence.

    Wao wanakula. Wao wanakunywa maji. Wao wanalala.
    Wanakula. Wanakunywa maji. Wanalala.

    Because Swahili verbs already include the 'they' prefix (wa-), constantly repeating 'wao' sounds unnatural and overly emphatic. Only use it when you need to emphasize 'they' or contrast them with someone else.

How It Connects

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waoLevel 1Third-Person Plural Pronoun

Learn This First

To understand 'wao', learners need to be familiar with the Swahili noun class system, specifically Class 2 (people), as this pronoun is the plural equivalent of 'yeye' and corresponds to the 'wa-' agreement marker.

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wao