No matter which country you visit just learning a few words of their national language is a great help to break down barriers and to enjoy yourself more.
You can learn a lot more swahili here but as a quick introduction the following few words and phrases should help…
| English | Swahili | Swahili Reply | Reply in English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello | Jambo | Sijambo | Hello (back) |
| How are you? | habari? | nzuri, asante | fine, thanks |
| thanks very much | asante sana | karibu | welcome |
| What’s your name? | Jina lako ni nani? | Jina langu ni Fred (or Freda) | my name is Fred (or Freda) |
| Good morning (Morning greeting) | Habari ya asubuhi | ||
| Good afternoon (Afternoon greeting) | Habari ya mchana | ||
| Good evening (Evening greeting) | Habari ya jioni | ||
| Good night | lala salama (sleep well) | ||
| Goodbye | kwaheri | ||
| Cheers (when drinking) | Maisha marefu! | ||
| OK | sawa | ||
| cool (slang) | por (street talk) | ||
| No problem! | hakuna matata! |
