English to Kiswahili: phrases and vocabulary

Jambo!

Hello!

Short for Hujambo? ('you have no trouble?'). You hear it most with visitors; between Swahili speakers the full Hujambo? or Habari? is more usual.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Hujambo?

How are you? (to one person)

Literally 'you have no trouble?'. The reply is Sijambo.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Sijambo

I'm fine (reply to Hujambo?)

Literally 'I have no trouble'.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Hamjambo?

How are you all?

The reply is Hatujambo.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Hatujambo

We are fine (reply to Hamjambo?)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Habari?

How are things? (lit. news?)

Habari means 'news'. The polite answer is Nzuri ('good') or Salama, even on a bad day; details come after.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Habari yako?

How are you? (lit. your news?)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Habari za asubuhi?

Good morning (lit. news of the morning?)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Habari za mchana?

Good afternoon

Source: common usage, needs native check

Habari za jioni?

Good evening

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nzuri

Good / fine

The standard reply to any Habari? greeting.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Salama

Fine / peaceful

Another reply to Habari?; also a greeting on its own.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Shikamoo

Respectful greeting to an elder

Said by the younger person, especially in Tanzania. The elder answers Marahaba.

Source: Five College Center for the Study of World Languages, LangMedia: Basic Communica

Marahaba

Reply to Shikamoo

The elder's answer, accepting the respect.

Source: Five College Center for the Study of World Languages, LangMedia: Basic Communica

Mambo?

What's up? (lit. things?)

Informal, among friends and young people. Reply Poa or Safi.

Source: Five College Center for the Study of World Languages, LangMedia: Basic Communica

Poa

Cool / fine

Informal reply to Mambo? or Vipi?

Source: Five College Center for the Study of World Languages, LangMedia: Basic Communica

Safi

Fine (lit. clean)

Informal reply.

Source: Five College Center for the Study of World Languages, LangMedia: Basic Communica

Vipi?

How's it going? (lit. how?)

Informal.

Source: Five College Center for the Study of World Languages, LangMedia: Basic Communica

Kwaheri

Goodbye

Source: Five College Center for the Study of World Languages, LangMedia: Basic Communica

Kwaherini

Goodbye (to several people)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Tutaonana

See you (lit. we will see each other)

Source: Five College Center for the Study of World Languages, LangMedia: Basic Communica

Baadaye

See you later

Informal.

Source: Five College Center for the Study of World Languages, LangMedia: Basic Communica

Karibu

Welcome / come in

Said to one person. It is also the reply to Asante ('you're welcome').

Source: common usage, needs native check

Karibuni

Welcome (to several people)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Usiku mwema

Good night

Source: common usage, needs native check

Lala salama

Sleep well

Source: common usage, needs native check

Asante

Thank you

From Arabic. Reply Karibu ('you're welcome') or Asante pia.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Asante sana

Thank you very much

Source: common usage, needs native check

Asanteni

Thank you (to several people)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Asanteni sana

Thank you all very much

Source: common usage, needs native check

Tafadhali

Please

Source: common usage, needs native check

Samahani

Sorry / excuse me

For your own mistake, or to get attention.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Pole

Sorry (sympathy)

Said when someone is tired, ill or has had bad luck - not an apology. The reply is Asante or Nimeshapoa.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Pole sana

I'm so sorry (sympathy)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Hakuna shida

No problem

Source: common usage, needs native check

Si neno

Don't mention it (lit. it's not a word)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Naomba ...

May I have ... (lit. I request)

The polite way to ask for something: Naomba maji, 'may I have water'.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nisamehe

Forgive me

Source: common usage, needs native check

Usijali

Don't worry

Source: common usage, needs native check

Jina langu ni ...

My name is ...

Source: common usage, needs native check

Jina lako ni nani?

What is your name?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Unaitwa nani?

What are you called?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Naitwa ...

I'm called ...

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nimefurahi kukutana nawe

Pleased to meet you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Unatoka wapi?

Where are you from?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ninatoka Marekani

I'm from America

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ninaishi Nairobi

I live in Nairobi

Source: common usage, needs native check

Una umri gani?

How old are you?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nina miaka thelathini

I'm thirty years old

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ninazungumza Kiswahili kidogo

I speak a little Swahili

Source: common usage, needs native check

Unazungumza Kiingereza?

Do you speak English?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Sielewi

I don't understand

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ninaelewa

I understand

Source: common usage, needs native check

Sema polepole, tafadhali

Please speak slowly

Source: common usage, needs native check

Rudia, tafadhali

Please say it again

Source: common usage, needs native check

Hii inaitwaje kwa Kiswahili?

What is this called in Swahili?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mimi ni mwanafunzi

I'm a student

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mimi ni mwalimu

I'm a teacher

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ndiyo

Yes

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Hapana

No

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Sawa

OK / fine

Source: common usage, needs native check

Labda

Maybe

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Nini?

What?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nani?

Who?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Wapi?

Where?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Lini?

When?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kwa nini?

Why?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ngapi?

How many?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Hii ni nini?

What is this?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Sijui

I don't know

Source: common usage, needs native check

Najua

I know

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ngoja kidogo

Wait a moment

Source: common usage, needs native check

Njoo hapa

Come here

Source: common usage, needs native check

Twende

Let's go

Source: common usage, needs native check

Haraka

Quickly

Source: common usage, needs native check

Polepole

Slowly / take it easy

Also written pole pole.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nimechoka

I'm tired

Source: common usage, needs native check

Inawezekana

It's possible

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kituo cha basi kiko wapi?

Where is the bus station?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Uwanja wa ndege uko wapi?

Where is the airport?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nataka kwenda mjini

I want to go to town

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ni bei gani kwenda ...?

How much is it to go to ...?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Simama hapa

Stop here

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nishushe hapa

Drop me off here

Source: common usage, needs native check

Gari linaondoka saa ngapi?

What time does the vehicle leave?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Matatu hii inaenda ...?

Does this matatu go to ...?

A matatu is a shared minibus in Kenya; in Tanzania it is a daladala.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Tiketi moja, tafadhali

One ticket, please

Source: common usage, needs native check

Hoteli iko wapi?

Where is the hotel?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kuna chumba?

Is there a room?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Pasipoti yangu hii hapa

Here is my passport

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nimepotea

I'm lost

Source: common usage, needs native check

Choo kiko wapi?

Where is the toilet?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ni mbali?

Is it far?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ni karibu

It's near

Source: common usage, needs native check

Safari njema

Have a good trip

Safari is simply the Swahili word for a journey.

Source: common usage, needs native check

... iko wapi?

Where is ...?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kulia

Right

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kushoto

Left

Source: common usage, needs native check

Moja kwa moja

Straight ahead

Source: common usage, needs native check

Geuka kulia

Turn right

Source: common usage, needs native check

Geuka kushoto

Turn left

Source: common usage, needs native check

Hapa

Here

Source: common usage, needs native check

Karibu na benki

Near the bank

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mbele

In front / ahead

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nyuma

Behind

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nionyeshe kwenye ramani

Show me on the map

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ni umbali gani?

How far is it?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Naweza kutembea?

Can I walk there?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ng'ambo ya barabara

Across the road

Source: common usage, needs native check

Bei gani?

How much?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Hii ni bei gani?

How much is this?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ni ghali sana

It's very expensive

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ni rahisi

It's cheap

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Punguza bei

Lower the price

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nataka hii

I want this

Source: common usage, needs native check

Sitaki

I don't want it

Source: common usage, needs native check

Una ...?

Do you have ...?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kuna nyingine?

Is there another one?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nipe ...

Give me ...

Source: common usage, needs native check

Soko liko wapi?

Where is the market?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Duka liko wapi?

Where is the shop?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Naweza kulipa kwa simu?

Can I pay by phone (mobile money)?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nipe chenji

Give me my change

Source: common usage, needs native check

Risiti, tafadhali

A receipt, please

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ninaangalia tu

I'm just looking

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nina njaa

I'm hungry

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nina kiu

I'm thirsty

Source: common usage, needs native check

Chakula kitamu

Delicious food

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ni kitamu sana

It's very tasty

Source: common usage, needs native check

Naomba maji

May I have some water?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Naomba menyu

May I have the menu?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Chai ya maziwa

Tea with milk

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kahawa, tafadhali

Coffee, please

Source: common usage, needs native check

Sili nyama

I don't eat meat

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nimeshiba

I'm full

Source: common usage, needs native check

Karibu chakula

Come and eat with us

The polite invitation to anyone present when food is served.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Bili, tafadhali

The bill, please

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ugali na sukuma wiki

Ugali with greens

Ugali is the stiff maize porridge eaten across East Africa; sukuma wiki (kale) is the Kenyan name.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Wali na maharagwe

Rice and beans

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nyama choma

Grilled meat

Source: common usage, needs native check

Bila pilipili

Without chilli

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mgahawa uko wapi?

Where is the restaurant?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Tule

Let's eat

Source: common usage, needs native check

Moja, mbili, tatu

One, two, three

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kumi na moja

Eleven (lit. ten and one)

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Ishirini na tano

Twenty-five

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mia moja

One hundred

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Elfu mbili

Two thousand

Source: common usage, needs native check

Watu wangapi?

How many people?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Watu wawili

Two people

Number words agree with the noun: watu wawili, vitu viwili, miti miwili.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Vitu vitatu

Three things

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mara moja

Once / at once

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mara mbili

Twice

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nusu

Half

Source: common usage, needs native check

Robo

Quarter

Source: common usage, needs native check

Wa kwanza

The first (person)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Namba yako ya simu ni ipi?

What's your phone number?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ni shilingi mia tano

It's five hundred shillings

Source: common usage, needs native check

Saa ngapi?

What time is it?

Swahili time counts from about 6 a.m.: saa moja asubuhi ('hour one in the morning') is 7 a.m.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Saa mbili asubuhi

8 a.m. (lit. hour two in the morning)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Saa nne kamili

Exactly 10 o'clock (lit. hour four exactly)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Sasa

Now

Source: common usage, needs native check

Leo

Today

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kesho

Tomorrow

Source: common usage, needs native check

Jana

Yesterday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kesho kutwa

The day after tomorrow

Source: common usage, needs native check

Juzi

The day before yesterday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Asubuhi

Morning

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mchana

Afternoon / daytime

Source: common usage, needs native check

Jioni

Evening

Source: common usage, needs native check

Usiku

Night

Source: common usage, needs native check

Baadaye kidogo

A little later

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mapema

Early

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nimechelewa

I'm late

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Wiki ijayo

Next week

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Jumatatu

Monday

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Jumanne

Tuesday

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Jumatano

Wednesday

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Alhamisi

Thursday

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Ijumaa

Friday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Jumamosi

Saturday

Jumamosi is 'day one': the Swahili count of days starts after Friday, the day of prayer.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Jumapili

Sunday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Januari

January

Source: common usage, needs native check

Februari

February

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Machi

March

Source: common usage, needs native check

Aprili

April

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Mei

May

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Juni

June

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Julai

July

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Agosti

August

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Septemba

September

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Oktoba

October

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Novemba

November

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Desemba

December

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Leo ni Jumatatu

Today is Monday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Tarehe ngapi leo?

What's the date today?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Familia yako hawajambo?

Is your family well?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Huyu ni mama yangu

This is my mother

Source: common usage, needs native check

Huyu ni baba yangu

This is my father

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nina kaka wawili

I have two brothers

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nina dada mmoja

I have one sister

Source: common usage, needs native check

Una watoto?

Do you have children?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nina watoto watatu

I have three children

Source: common usage, needs native check

Umeoa?

Are you married? (to a man)

Kuoa is 'to marry' for a man, kuolewa 'to be married' for a woman.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Umeolewa?

Are you married? (to a woman)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nimeoa

I'm married (said by a man)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nimeolewa

I'm married (said by a woman)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Wazazi wangu wanaishi Mombasa

My parents live in Mombasa

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mke wangu

My wife

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mume wangu

My husband

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mtoto wangu

My child

Source: common usage, needs native check

Wasalimie nyumbani

Greet everyone at home for me

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nakupenda

I love you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nakupenda sana

I love you very much

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nakukumbuka

I miss you (lit. I remember you)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nimekukumbuka

I missed you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Wewe ni mrembo

You are beautiful

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mpenzi wangu

My love / my darling

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Moyo wangu

My heart

Source: common usage, needs native check

Utaolewa nami?

Will you marry me? (to a woman)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Utanioa?

Will you marry me? (to a man)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nakuhitaji

I need you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nakuwaza

I'm thinking of you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Lala salama, mpenzi

Sleep well, my love

Source: common usage, needs native check

Unafanya kazi gani?

What work do you do?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Unafanya kazi wapi?

Where do you work?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ninafanya kazi benki

I work at a bank

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mkutano ni saa ngapi?

What time is the meeting?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ofisi iko wapi?

Where is the office?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Niko kazini

I'm at work

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nina shughuli nyingi

I'm very busy

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nitakupigia simu kesho

I'll call you tomorrow

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nitumie barua pepe

Send me an email

Barua pepe, 'wind letter', is the Swahili for email.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nimemaliza

I've finished

Source: common usage, needs native check

Tuanze

Let's begin

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kazi nzuri!

Good work!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ninatafuta kazi

I'm looking for a job

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nimepata kazi

I got a job

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kazi njema

Have a good day at work

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ninaumwa

I'm sick

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Nahitaji daktari

I need a doctor

Source: common usage, needs native check

Hospitali iko wapi?

Where is the hospital?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Duka la dawa liko wapi?

Where is the pharmacy?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ninaumwa kichwa

I have a headache

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ninaumwa tumbo

I have a stomach ache

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nina homa

I have a fever

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nina mzio

I have an allergy

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ninakohoa

I'm coughing

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nimeumia

I'm hurt

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ugua pole

Get well soon (lit. be ill gently)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nimepona

I've recovered

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nimeshapoa

I'm better now

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ninahitaji kupumzika

I need to rest

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nisaidie!

Help me!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Msaada!

Help!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ita polisi!

Call the police!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Piga simu ambulensi

Call an ambulance

Source: common usage, needs native check

Moto!

Fire!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mwizi!

Thief!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kuna ajali

There has been an accident

Source: common usage, needs native check

Angalia!

Watch out!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Simu yangu imeibiwa

My phone has been stolen

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nimepoteza begi langu

I've lost my bag

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kituo cha polisi kiko wapi?

Where is the police station?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ni dharura

It's an emergency

Source: common usage, needs native check

Niache!

Leave me alone!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Hatari!

Danger!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Pole sana kwa msiba

I'm so sorry for your loss

Msiba is a death in the family and the time of mourning.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Poleni kwa msiba

Sorry for your loss (to the family)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mungu amweke mahali pema peponi

May God rest him/her in a good place in paradise

The usual words of condolence, in speech and in writing.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Pumzika kwa amani

Rest in peace

Source: common usage, needs native check

Tuko pamoja nawe

We are with you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mungu awape nguvu

May God give you strength (to several people)

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mungu akutie nguvu

May God strengthen you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Nimesikitika sana

I'm deeply saddened

Source: common usage, needs native check

Rambirambi zangu

My condolences

Source: common usage, needs native check

Alikuwa mtu mwema

He/she was a good person

Source: common usage, needs native check

Bwana asifiwe

Praise the Lord

A common greeting among Christians; the reply is Amina.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Amina

Amen

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mungu akubariki

God bless you

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mungu awabariki

God bless you all

Source: common usage, needs native check

Tuombe

Let us pray

Source: common usage, needs native check

Kanisa liko wapi?

Where is the church?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Msikiti uko wapi?

Where is the mosque?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Ibada inaanza saa ngapi?

What time does the service start?

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mungu ni mwema

God is good

Source: common usage, needs native check

Sifa kwa Mungu

Praise to God

Source: common usage, needs native check

Mungu akipenda

God willing

Source: common usage, needs native check

Asalaam aleikum

Peace be upon you

The Muslim greeting, common on the coast. The reply is Waaleikum salaam.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Hongera!

Congratulations!

Source: common usage, needs native check

Hongera sana

Many congratulations

Source: common usage, needs native check

Heri ya siku ya kuzaliwa

Happy birthday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Heri ya Krismasi

Merry Christmas

Source: common usage, needs native check

Heri ya Mwaka Mpya

Happy New Year

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Sikukuu njema

Happy holiday

Source: common usage, needs native check

Heri ya Pasaka

Happy Easter

Source: common usage, needs native check

Idd Mubarak

Happy Eid

Also written Eid Mubarak.

Source: common usage, needs native check

Hongera kwa harusi

Congratulations on your wedding

Source: common usage, needs native check

Hongera kwa kuhitimu

Congratulations on graduating

Source: common usage, needs native check

Karibu sherehe

Welcome to the party

Source: common usage, needs native check