Basic Swahili
Know some lingo! Learning a few words of the local language is a great way to break barriers: greet shopkeepers, waiters, drivers, clerks, etc. It is equally important to say your thank-yous and goodbyes. See some examples in Swahili below
Swahili |
English |
Asante sana Baiskeli Bia Bia baridi Daktari Duka habari Hakuna matata Hapana Hatari Gari Hoteli Iko wapi…? Inatosha jambo Jina lako ni nani Jina langu ni … Karamu karibu Karibu chakula Karibu tena Kesho Kiasi gani Labda Matunda Mzungu Mzuri nafikiri hivyo Nakupenda Ndiyo Ni saa ngapi? Ninasoma kiswahili Pikipiki Pole pole Rafiki Safari Samahani Soko Subiri Tafadhali Toka Tutaonana Twende Unaishi wapi? Unakaa wapi? Unatoka wapi Unaumwa? |
Thank you very much Bicycle Beer Cold beer Doctor Shop How are you No problem No Danger Car Restaurant Where is … ? It’s enough hello What’s your name ? My name is … Feast welcome Enjoy your meal Welcome again Tomorrow How much? Maybe Fruits White man Good I think so I love you Yes What time is it ? I learn Swahili Motorcycle Slowly Friend Journey Excuse me Market Wait Please Go away See you Let’s go Where do you live? Where do you stay? Where are you from ? Are you sick? |