Swahili Language

Local people will appreciate any attempt you make to speak the common language of Swahili.

Swahili-English

BASIC PHRASES TRAVEL
Jambo or hujambo – hello, how are you Teksi – taxi
Nzuri – ok, fine, good Basi – bus
Jambo or sijambo – no problem Gari – vehicle
Karibu – welcome, come in Ndege – plane
Kwaheri – goodbye Njia – road/path
Asante – thank you Kwa miguu – walking
Bwana – mister Inaondoka lini - when does it leave
Mama – woman Pole pole – slowly
Kijana – youth Haraka – faster
Mtoto – child Ngoja kidogo – wait on a moment
Jina lako Ni nani – what’s you name Simama - Stop
Tafadhali – Please Unaenda wapi – Where are you going
Samahani – Sorry Kutoka wapi – from where
Ndiyo – yes Kilomita ngapi – how many kilometers
Hapana – no Twende – let’s go
Sijui – I don’t know Kushoto - Left
Hapa – here Kulia – right
Lini – when Juu – up
Kwa Nini – why Chini – down
Nani? – Who? Gari imeharibika – car has broken down
Nini? – What? TIME
Kweli – true Leo – today
Naweza kukaa hapa? – Can I stay here? Kesho – tomorrow
Choo – toilet Mchana – daytime
Bafu – bathroom Usiku – night time/at night
Ni Na njaa – I’m hungry Asubuhi – morning/in the morning
Nina kiu – I am thirsty Mapema – early
Nipe – give me Dakika – minutes
Tena – again Saa ngapi – what time
Mimi ni mgojwa – I am ill ANIMALS (BIG FIVE)
Polisi - police Chui – Leopard
VERBS Ndovu – Elephant
To eat – ku-la Nyati – Buffalo
To drink – Ku-nywa Simba – Lion
To stay – Ku-kaa Kifaru – Rhino
To see – kuona MORE BASIC PHRASES
To look – kutazama Sawa – ok
To buy – kununua Habari –hello/hi
To love – kupenda Habari za asubuhi – good morning
To be/become – kuwa Habari za jioni – good evening
To come from – kutoka Usiku mwema – good night
PRONOUNS Kwaheri – god bye
Us – sisi Tuonane – see you
We – tu Samahani – excuse me
You – ninyi Samahani – sorry
Them – wao Nataka – I’d like
Me – mimi Pombe - Beer
You – wewe Kahwa - Coffee
Him/her – yeye Ngapi? - How much/many?