The Maasai speak Maa, a Nilotic language that originates from the Nile region. Nilotic simply means ‘of the Nile’. Maasai translates as ‘one who speaks the Maa language.’

Few other peoples speak or incorporate Maa in their own tongue including the Ndorobo, Njemps, Mukugodo, Rendille, Samburu, Arusha, Baraguyu, Parakuyu, Sonjo and those Elmolo who live on the eastern shore of Lake Turkana. However it is the Maasai who originally spoke Maa.

The Maa language can now be found in written form, although the process of properly documenting it are in the early stages.

There is a Maa/English dictionary which is sold in East Africa by Frans Mol (Dutch missionary) called Maasai Language & Culture Dictionary, published in 1996.

There is also a Bible and a few other publications in Maa.

Maasai school children have classes in Maa but learn the National languages of Swahili and English.

Here are a few helpful words and phrases in Maa:

Sopa
Maasai greeting.

Epa
Reply to the greeting.

Ashe (oleng)
Thank you (very much).

Ole Sere
Goodbye.

Imaning
I don’t understand.

Mayiolo
I don’t know.

Meyiolo
You don’t know?

Enkai ake naiyiolo
Only god knows.

Ira Ole’gae
Who are you?

Ira Supat
Are you okay?

Rolangai
Who is your father?

Kajingwa
Where are you from?

Ero
Over there.

Maape
Let’s go.

Kanji Ilo
Where are you going?

Ang
Home.

Oldoinyio
Mountain.

Taretuoki
Please help.

Keyirobi
Cold.

Keirowa
Hot.

Meeta
Nothing.

Pi
Used to strongly agree or emphasize a statement.

Diserei
Tomorrow.

Oou ene
Come here.

Ingo
Here you go.

Sidai (oleng)
(Very) good

Ee (pronounced ‘eh’)
Yes or to agree.

Olchore Lai
My friends.

Counting to ten in Maa:

One - Nabo
Two - Are
Three - Uni
Four - Onguan
Five - Imiet
Six - Ile
Seven - Napishana
Eight - Isiet
Nine - Naudo
Ten - Tomon