Swahili – The Language of North East Africa
Enhance a Visit to Africa by Learning Some Common Words and Phrases
Jul 6, 2009
Swahili is the most widely spoken African language – spoken by over 50 million people.
Spoken in several African countries such as Madagascar, the Comores, Kenya, Tanzania, parts of Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and even parts of South Africa. Swahili is viewed as an international African language and it is considered to be one of the easiest to learn.
Tourists to the African countries listed above will be greeted with huge smiles of approval when an attempt is made by visitors to speak their language. Try a few Swahili words and see how the visit can be enhanced – it will thrill the local people and show them that their culture and language is appreciated.
The Swahili language is phonetic and so is pronounced as it is read, which makes it even easier!
Familiar Swahili Words and Phrases
Many people will recognize the following words and phrases – reinforcing these words is a good place to start for tourists who want to learn a little Swahili:
- Safari – a Swahili word which means trip or voyage
- Askari – soldier
- Jambo – hello, hi, good morning, good evening, nice to see you
- Rafiki – of Lion King movie fame, the word means friend
- Simba – also made famous in Lion King, simba means lion
- Hakuna Matata – no troubles / no worries – most will recognize it from the Lion King movie
- Nakupenda pia, nakutake pia, mpenzi we – Swahili phrase Michael Jackson used in his song titled “Liberian girl”
- Kazi – a word familiar to British households, the word means work.
Useful Swahili – Greetings
- Hello sir – Hujambo bwana
- Hello madam – Hujambo mama
- Hello sir, what's news? - Habari yako bwana
- Everything is fine – Mzuri sana
- What is your name? – Jina lako nani?
- My name is – Jina langu ni...
- Where do you come from? – Unatoka wapi?
- I come from... – Mimi ninatoka Amerika/Australia/England
- Thank you very much – Asante sana
- Welcome – Karibu
- Goodbye – Kwaheri
- Sleep well – Lala mzuri
Useful Swahili Words
- Yes – Ndiyo
- No – Hapana
- Please – Tafazali
- Sorry – Pole (pronounced poh-leh)
- Excuse me please – Samahani
- Danger – Hatari
- Slowly – Polepole
- I am lost – Nimepotea
- Please show me the way – Nionyeshe njia tafazali
- I am happy – Nimefurahi
- Okay – Haya
- Where? – Wapi?
- Why? – Kwa nini?
- When – Lini?
- How? – Vipi?
Ordering Food and Drink in Swahili
- Beer – Bia
- Bread – Mkate
- Coffee – Kahawa
- Egg(s) – Yai (Mayai)
- Fish – Samaki
- Food – Chakula
- Fruit – Tunda
- Meat – Nyama
- Milk – Maziwa
- Plenty – Mingi
- Potatoes – Viazi
- Rice – Wali
- Salt – Chumvi
- Sugar – Sukari
- Tea – Chai
- Vegetables – Mboga
- Water – Maji
- Plenty – Mingi
- Stop, enough! – Basi
Buying in Swahili
- How much? – Bei gani?
- Thats very expensive! – Ghali sana!
- Give me discount please – Tafazali nipunguzie
For those interested in progressing beyond Swahili words and phrases for beginners in preparation for an African safari, there are an abundance of language courses, free lesson plans and other resources available on the Internet.
Source:
Prep Safaris International Ltd - Useful Swahili Phrases
More Articles on Travel in Africa:
The Ruwenzori - Mountains of the Moon
Malawi National Parks and Safaris
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