phrase

hakuna matata

ha-KOO-na ma-TAH-ta

Hakuna matata (phrase) means There are no problems; used as a reassurance meaning no worries or it's all fine. Example: “He shrugged, said hakuna matata, and carried on cooking.”

phrase

There are no problems; used as a reassurance meaning no worries or it's all fine.

"He shrugged, said hakuna matata, and carried on cooking."

"The guide answered every question with a cheerful hakuna matata."

noun

A relaxed, untroubled attitude to life in which worries are set aside.

"The whole island runs on hakuna matata; nothing starts on time."

How to Use Hakuna matata

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishNo worries.

When to use it

Informal and cheerful; in English it is usually playful.

Memory tip

Both words are stressed on the second-to-last syllable, a general rule in Swahili.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

hakuna shida

Common pairings

hakuna matata attitude it means no worries

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

He shrugged, said _____, and carried on cooking.

Etymology

From Swahili hakuna 'there is not' and matata 'troubles, problems'.

Origin: Swahili

Synonyms

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no worries no problem never mind it's fine

Related Words

alright no problem no worries dw nm np nvm yw

Rhymes for hakuna matata

ATA kata mata Tata Lata Data Ogata Plata piñata strata sonata Renata

See all rhymes for hakuna matata →

Frequently Asked Questions

What language is hakuna matata?

Swahili, a language spoken widely across East Africa, including Kenya and Tanzania. It literally means there are no troubles.

Is hakuna matata really said in East Africa?

Yes, though hakuna shida and hamna shida are heard more often in everyday Swahili. Hakuna matata is well understood, and is used freely with visitors thanks to its worldwide fame from The Lion King.

How do you pronounce hakuna matata?

ha-KOO-na ma-TAH-ta, with the stress on the second-to-last syllable of each word and every vowel pronounced clearly, as in Italian or Spanish.

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