Home/Detail
Basic Swahili phrases
The phrases you will use most in Swahili: greetings, polite words, small talk and travel. Tap the speaker to hear each one, tap a phrase to see how to say it.
Greetings
| Swahili | Meaning |
|---|---|
habari | Hello |
Mambo | Hi |
Habari za asubuhi | Good morning |
Habari za mchana | Good afternoon |
Habari za jioni | Good evening |
Usiku mwema | Good night |
kwaheri | Goodbye |
Tuonane baadaye | See you later |
Tuonane kesho | See you tomorrow |
karibu | Welcome |
Nimefurahi kukutana nawe | Nice to meet you |
Conversation
| Swahili | Meaning |
|---|---|
Habari yako? | How are you? |
Sijambo, asante | I am fine, thank you |
Jina lako ni nani? | What is your name? |
Jina langu ni Anna | My name is Anna |
Unatoka wapi? | Where are you from? |
Je, unazungumza Kiingereza? | Do you speak English? |
sielewi | I do not understand |
Je, unaweza kurudia hilo? | Can you repeat that? |
Tafadhali ongea polepole | Please speak slowly |
Polite words
| Swahili | Meaning |
|---|---|
Asante | Thank you |
Asante sana | Thank you very much |
Karibu sana | You are welcome |
tafadhali | Please |
Pole | Sorry |
Samahani | Excuse me |
Ndiyo | Yes |
hapana | No |
Travel
| Swahili | Meaning |
|---|---|
Msaada! | Help! |
Bafuni iko wapi? | Where is the bathroom? |
Hii ni bei gani? | How much is this? |
Naomba bili, tafadhali | The bill, please |
Ningependa maji | I would like some water |
Feelings & celebrations
| Swahili | Meaning |
|---|---|
nakupenda | I love you |
Hongera sana | Congratulations |
Heri ya kuzaliwa | Happy birthday |
Afya! | Cheers! |
Practise Swahili with real lessons
Read, listen, speak and write at your level. Every lesson is free.
Swahili