Language/Swahili-individual-language/Vocabulary/Useful-Sentenses

What is Swahili?

Swahili belongs to the Bantu language group, a term for all the languages of Central, Eastern and Southern Africa. It borrows many words of Arabic origin, English, Portuguese and a little German.

In 2015, Tanzania officially abandoned English in favor of Swahili used as a teaching language. The Ministry of Education also wants to educate young people and encourage them to participate in the development of their country instead of starting a career abroad.

For Tanzanians and for someone who has the facilities to grasp a new language, Swahili is easy. But for people who have trouble learning new vocabulary by heart and understand the logic of a language other than their own, Swahili is not so obvious!

Words to feel welcomed by the population

• Habari! = Hello! (Local version)
• Tafadhali = please
• Asante = thank you
• Asante Sana = thank you very much
• Kwa heri = goodbye
• Habari gani? = How are you?
• Nzuri! = Well, thank you!
• Ndio = yes
• Hapana = no

Useful words

• Pole Pole = gently
• Nimefurahi = I'm happy
• Maji = water
• Kunywa = drink
• Kula = eat
• Baridi = cold
• Hongera! = Congratulations!

Useful phrases

• Sizungumzi Kiswahili = I do not speak Swahili
• Hiyo sijaelewa = I do not understand
• Sijui = I do not know (very useful and easy to remember!)
• What is your name? = Jina lako ni nani?
• My name is ______ . = Jina langu ni ______.
• Where are you coming from? = Unatoka wapi?
• Excuse me. (getting attention) = Samahani.
• Please forgive me = tafadhali nisamehe
• Goodbye = Kwa heri.
• Good night. = Usiku mwema.
• Sleep well. = Lala Salama.