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
1
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
1
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 notesIn 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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Etymology
From Swahili hakuna 'there is not' and matata 'troubles, problems'.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for hakuna matata
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.
What is the meaning of hakuna matata?
"hakuna matata" (phrase) means there are no problems; used as a reassurance meaning no worries or it's all fine.
