Swahil phrase
Swahili (Kishwahili) – Useful Words and Phrases
Are you planning a trip to Tanzania? Then some Kiswahili (also short: Swahili ) words and phrases can be very useful before the Tanzania Adventure begins
First of all, Karibu Tanzania! means: Welcome to Tanzania!
Planning a trip to an unfamiliar location is one thing, but really getting to know a new community is quite another. We are writing this post because it is always worthwhile to learn some basic knowledge of the national language Swahili during your holiday and
because you can impress with your new knowledge on the spot.
Few Swahili words can open doors:
Let’s be honest! Everyone is happy to hear a few words in their own language every now and then in a conversation in English.
So if you make the effort to learn a few phrases in Swahili, you’re guaranteed to get points. Not only does it immerse you deeper into culture, but most importantly, it shows respect.
Since it is mainly about the effort and also about the fun, mistakes are of course allowed.
Kiswahili in Tanzania:
Many languages are spoken in Tanzania, but Kiswahili is the main and official language. Swahili is a Bantu language (a tribal language) and the most widely spoken language in all of Africa. Fortunately, thanks to its simple pronounciation, also one of the easiest to learn.
Words in Swahili:
Below are basic words that can be very helpful. These Swahili words will prepare you for conversation during your trip.
Do not be shy! It is best to say it loud and practice.
Have fun and let’s go !!
Welcome ………….. Karibu
Thank you ………….. Asante
Thank you very much………… Asante sana
Hello ………….. Habari
Greetings to elders ………….. Shikamoo
Hi ………….. Mambo
Whats up ………….. Vipi
Cool/nice ………….. Poaa
How are you ………….. Habari yako
Very good ………….. Nzuri sanaa
How is you ………….. Hali yako
Please ………….. Tafadhali
Bye ………….. Kwaheri
See you later ………….. Tutaonana baadae
Have a safe trip ………….. Safari njema
No problem ………….. Hakuna Matata
Good morning ………….. Habari ya asubuhi
Good afternoon ………….. Habari ya mchana
Good evening ………….. Habari ya jioni
Good night ………….. Lala salama
Yes ………….. Ndiyo
No ………….. Hapana
OK ………….. Sawa
Right ………….. Kulia
Left ………….. Kushoto
Behind ………….. Nyuma
Infront ………….. Mbele
Above ………….. Juu
Below ………….. Chini
Where is the hotel ………….. Hotel iko wapi
Where is the toilet ………….. Choo iko wapi
Where is the car ………….. Gari iko wapi
Food ………….. Chakula
Drinks ………….. Kinywaji
Water ………….. Maji
The BIG 5
The most famous wild animals in Africa. These Kiswahili words are especially useful on your safari.
Lion ………….. Simba
Elephant ………….. Tembo
Buffalo ………….. Mbogo
Rhino ………….. Kifaru
Leopard ………….. Chui
Numbers
1 Moja 30 Thelathini
2 Mbili 40 Arobaini
3 Tatu 50 Hamsini
4 Nne 60 Sitini
5 Tano 70 Sabini
6 Sita 80 Themanini
7 Saba 90 Tisini
8 Nane 100 Mia moja
9 Tisa 500 Mia tano
10 Kumi 1000 Elfu moja
11 Kumi na moja 2000 Elfu mbili
12 Kumi na mbili 10.000 Elfu kumi
20 Ishirini 100.000 Laki
21 Ishirini na moja 1.000.000 Milioni moja
- With these handy Swahili words, you can start right away and apply your vocabulary to your Tanzania trip !!!
We look forward to welcoming you to Tanzania soon!