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Basic Phrases in Swahili

A Traveler’s Guide

Swahili, or Kiswahili, is one of Africa’s most widely spoken languages and the official or national language of several East African countries, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Tanzania, Swahili serves as the primary language of communication across diverse ethnic groups and is a key cultural element.

Whether you’re planning a safari, a business trip, or a beach holiday in Tanzania or neighboring countries, learning some basic Swahili phrases will enhance your experience. It shows respect, opens doors to deeper interactions, and helps navigate everyday situations.

  • Swahili is spoken by over 100 million people as a first or second language.

  • It serves as a common language bridging dozens of ethnic groups.

  • Tanzania’s official language alongside English — many locals speak Swahili fluently.

  • Useful for bargaining in markets, ordering food, asking directions, and socializing.

  • It’s a phonetic language — words are pronounced as they are written, making it easier to learn.

Basic Greetings and Polite Expressions

1. Hello and Greetings

  • Jambo / Hujambo? — Hello / How are you?
    (Response: Sijambo — I’m fine)

  • Habari? — How are you? / What’s the news?
    (Response: Nzuri — Good)

  • Shikamoo — Respectful greeting to an elder
    (Response: Marahaba — Respectful reply)

  • Mambo? — How are things? (informal)
    (Response: Poa — Cool/okay)

  • Asante — Thank you
    (Response: Karibu — You’re welcome)

  • Tafadhali — Please

  • Samahani — Excuse me / Sorry

  • Kwaheri — Goodbye (singular)

Common Questions

  • Unaitwa nani? — What is your name?

  • Ninaitwa... — My name is...

  • Unatoka wapi? — Where are you from?

  • Ninatoka... — I am from...

  • Unaongea Kiingereza? — Do you speak English?

  • Ninaongea Kiingereza kidogo — I speak a little English.

  • Je, kuna Wi-Fi hapa? — Is there Wi-Fi here?

  • Shingapi? — How much does it cost?

  • Choo kiko wapi? — Where is the toilet?

  • Hapa ni wapi? — Where is this? (asking for location)

Food and Drink

  • Ninaomba chakula — I want food.

  • Ninaomba maji — I want water.

  • Tafadhali, samahani — Please, excuse me.

  • Chakula hiki ni kitamu — This food is delicious.

  • Ninakula mboga tu.— I only eat vegetables.

  • Hakuna nyama — No meat.

  • Kahawa — Coffee

  • Chai — Tea

  • Maji baridi — Cold water

  • Ninaomba pombe — I want alcohol.

Travel and Directions

  • Wapi...? — Where is...?

  • Kituo cha dala dala ni wapi? — Where is the bus station?

  • Nataka kwenda... — I want to go to...

  • Gari ya abiria — Taxi / Public transport

  • Kusogea mbele — Move forward

  • Kusogea nyuma — Move backward

  • Nisubiri hapa — Wait here.

  • Niko wapi? — Where am I?

Useful Everyday Phrases

  • Ndiyo — Yes

  • Hapana — No

  • Sijui — I don’t know

  • Nisaidie! — Help me!

  • Nimepotea — I’m lost.

  • Niko na shida — I have a problem.

  • Naomba kuongea na daktari — I want to speak to a doctor.

  • Leo — Today

  • Kesho — Tomorrow

  • Asubuhi — Morning

  • Mchana — Afternoon

  • Jioni — Evening

  • Usiku — Night

Numbers 1 to 10

  • Moja — 1

  • Mbili — 2

  • Tatu — 3

  • Nne — 4

  • Tano — 5

  • Sita — 6

  • Saba — 7

  • Nane — 8

  • Tisa — 9

  • Kumi — 10

Learning numbers is very helpful for bargaining, shopping, and understanding prices.

Pronunciation Tips

Swahili is mostly phonetic:

  • ‘J’ is pronounced like the English “J” in “jump.”

  • ‘G’ is always hard, as in “go.”

  • ‘R’ is rolled lightly.

  • Vowels are pronounced clearly and consistently:

    • A as in “father”

    • E as in “bet”

    • I as in “machine”

    • O as in “go”

    • U as in “rule”

Practical Advice for Using Swahili

  • Start conversations with greetings — locals appreciate the effort.

  • Speak slowly and clearly.

  • Use polite phrases like tafadhali (please) and asante (thank you).

  • Don’t be discouraged by mistakes — locals are usually happy to help learners.

  • Practice common phrases before your trip to build confidence.

Conclusion

Learning basic Swahili phrases unlocks a richer experience of Tanzania and East Africa, from bustling markets and safari lodges to local villages and coastal towns. It fosters connections, helps navigate everyday situations, and enriches cultural understanding.

Whether you use just a handful of words or dive deeper into the language, Swahili will be your key to welcoming smiles, meaningful conversations, and unforgettable memories.