Language/Swahili-individual-language/Vocabulary/Greetings-and-Farewells
As a Swahili language teacher for 20 years, I understand the importance of greetings and farewells in daily life. Learning basic greetings and farewells is essential for beginners to start their Swahili language-learning journey. In this lesson, you will learn the most common Swahili greetings and farewells.
Swahili Greetings and Responses
Swahili greetings are a vital part of the culture, and it's important to understand how they work. Here are some of the most common Swahili greetings and their responses:
- Jambo! - Hello! (Response: Jambo!)
- Habari? - How are you? (Response: Nzuri - Fine)
- Shikamoo! - Respectful greeting to an older person or leader (Response: Marahaba)
- Mambo? - What's up? (Response: Poa - Cool)
- Karibu - Welcome (Response: Asante - Thank you)
Note: "Nzuri" is the standard response to "Habari," but locals may respond with "Nzuri sana" or "Nzuri tu."
Swahili Introductions
Introducing yourself in Swahili is an essential part of social interaction. Here are some Swahili phrases for introducing yourself:
- Jina langu ni... - My name is...
- Naitwa... - I'm called...
- Mimi ni... - I'm...
Here are a few examples of how you could introduce yourself in Swahili:
- Jina langu ni Fatima. - My name is Fatima.
- Naitwa John. - I'm called John.
- Mimi ni mwalimu. - I'm a teacher.
Swahili Farewells
Just like greetings, farewells are an important part of social interaction in Swahili culture. Here are some Swahili phrases for saying goodbye:
- Kwaheri - Goodbye
- Tutaonana - See you later
- Baadaye - Later
Here are a few examples of how you could say goodbye in Swahili:
- Kwaheri, tutaonana kesho. - Goodbye, see you tomorrow.
- Asante kwa muda wako, kwaheri. - Thank you for your time, goodbye.
- Baadaye, na furaha siku yako. - Later, and have a good day.
Swahili Vocabulary Table
Here is a table of common Swahili greetings and farewells:
| Swahili (individual language) | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Jambo | jahm-bo | Hello |
| Habari | hah-bah-ree | How are you? |
| Nzuri | n-zoo-ree | Fine |
| Shikamoo | shee-kah-moh-oh | Respectful greeting to an older person or leader |
| Marahaba | mah-rah-hah-bah | Response to "Shikamoo" |
| Mambo | mahm-boh | What's up? |
| Poa | poh-ah | Cool |
| Karibu | kah-ree-boo | Welcome |
| Asante | ah-sahn-teh | Thank you |
| Kwaheri | kwah-hay-ree | Goodbye |
| Tutaonana | too-tah-oh-nah-nah | See you later |
| Baadaye | bah-dah-yeh | Later |
Practice these phrases with a friend or tutor and start incorporating them into your everyday conversations. Greetings and farewells are just the beginning of developing your Swahili language skills.
Related Lessons
- Geometry
- Days of the Week
- How to say Good Bye?
- Birds
- Farm
- Transportation
- Mammal
- Feelings and Emotions
- Food
- At the Post Office