Kiswahili is a beautiful, free-flowing language that is the most spoken language in East Africa. Swahili is the main language in Tanzania, Kenya, parts of Uganda, and parts of the Congo. We feel it is essential to learn at least the basics before you arrive for a Tanzanian safari or beach holiday. While many Swahili speakers have a good grasp of English and other European languages, it’s both polite and safer to know some basic Kiswahili. Here are some essential words and phrases to learn before your adventure:
Shikamoo / Habari / Mambo – “Hello” & “How Are You”
Greetings in Swahili work differently than in English. Habari (literally “news”) is the most common greeting, like saying “How are you?” Respond with Nzuri (fine), Safi (clean), Salama (peaceful), or Mbaya (bad). Then return the greeting.
For elders, use Shikamoo – a respectful greeting meaning “I respect you.” They’ll respond with Marahaba (“I accept your respect”).
A casual greeting you’ll hear often is Mambo (or Jambo in Zanzibar), meaning “What’s up?” The usual response is Poa (“cool”). Avoid using Mambo with elders as it can seem rude—stick with Habari if unsure.
Naomba – “I Would Like…”
A polite way to ask for something. Use Naomba instead of Nataka (“I want”), which can sound rude in some places.
- Example: Naomba bia – “I would like a beer.”
- Naomba samaki na wali – “I would like fish with rice.”
- Naomba kwenda msalani – “I would like to go to the bathroom.”
To say “I don’t want,” use Sitaki (e.g., Sitaki pilipili – “I don’t want spice”).
Ndiyo / Hapana – “Yes” and “No”
Straightforward and essential:
- Ndiyo = Yes
- Hapana = No
Asante – “Thank You”
Easy to learn and very useful. Add sana for emphasis: Asante sana = “Thank you very much.”
Karibu – “Welcome / You’re Welcome”
Used to welcome someone into a home, invite them in, or respond to thanks.
- Vendors may call “Karibu!” to invite you to look at their goods (plural: Karibuni).
- Reply with Asante, even if you’re just passing by.
Mimi ni mgonjwa – “I Am Sick”
Helpful if you need medical assistance.
- Mimi ni mgonjwa = “I am sick.”
- Nina kuharisha = “I have diarrhoea.”
- Wewe ni = “You are,” Yeye ni = “He/She is.”
Carry rehydration salts and basic medicine, just in case.
Nishangapi – “How Much Does It Cost?”
Useful when bargaining. Ask Nishangapi? to find out the price of an item or service.
Numbers
Learning numbers helps when paying, asking for quantities, or checking bills. With practice, you’ll retain them for future trips!
- Moja
- Mbili
- Tatu
- Nne
- Tano
- Sita
- Saba
- Nane
- Tisa
- Kumi
This is then followed by multiples of 10, followed by each number. For instance, 11 is Kumi na Mbili, 22 is Isharini na mbili and so on.
- 10 Kumi
- 20 Ishirini
- 30 Thelathini
- 40 Arobaini
- 50 Hamsini
- 60 Sitini
- 70 Sabini
- 80 Themanini
- 90 Tisini
- 100 Mia Moja
The largest numbers are as follows:
- 100 mia (eg. 446 – Mia nne, arobaini na sita)
- 1000 Elfu (eg. 30,455 – Elfu thelathini, mia nne na hamsini na tano)
- 100000 Laki
- 1000000 Milioni
Angalia – “Look!”
Fun to use on safari.
- Angalia simba! – “Look, there’s a lion!”
Goodbye / See You Later / Goodnight
- Lala salama = “Sleep peacefully” (Goodnight).
- Tutaonana baadaye = “See you later” (short-term goodbye).
- Kwa heri = “Goodbye” (long-term/final farewell).
Swahili is a beautiful language and fun to learn. Our partnered guides are excellent teachers and will surely help you along the way.
Asante kwa kusoma blog! Tutaonana baadaye, rafiki. (“Thank you for reading! See you later, friend.”)
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