TOURISTSSwahili for Travelers

Make a great first impression wherever you go.

Key words & phrases:

• Jambo / Habari? – Hello / How are you?
• Asante sana – Thank you very much
• Tafadhali – Please
• Samahani – Excuse me / Sorry
• Shikamoo – Respectful greeting for elders

Ask for directions and use local transport.

Key words & phrases:

• … iko wapi? – Where is …?
• Kulia / Kushoto – Right / Left
• Moja kwa moja – Straight ahead
• Simama hapa – Stop here
• Boda boda, matatu, daladala – Motorbike taxi and minibuses

Understand prices and pay with ease.

Key words & phrases:

• Moja hadi kumi – One to ten
• Elfu / Laki – Thousand / Hundred thousand
• Shilingi – Shillings

Shop like a local and negotiate with a smile.

Key words & phrases:

• Bei gani? – How much is it?
• Ni ghali sana! – That is too expensive!
• Punguza kidogo – Reduce it a little
• Nitachukua – I will take it

Order food and drinks and ask for the bill.

Key words & phrases:

• Naomba menyu – May I have the menu?
• Nataka maji / chai – I would like water / tea
• Sili nyama – I don’t eat meat
• Naomba bili – The bill, please

Check in and get what you need during your stay.

Key words & phrases:

• Nina chumba hapa – I have a room booked here
• Maji ya moto – Hot water
• Ufunguo – Key

Know what to say if you need help.

Key words & phrases:

• Msaada! – Help!
• Ninaumwa – I am sick
• Daktari / Hospitali – Doctor / Hospital
• Polisi – Police

Travel respectfully and connect with the people you meet.

Key words & phrases:

• Greet before asking questions, as it is considered polite
• Use your right hand to give and receive
• Ask before taking photos of people: Naweza kupiga picha?
• Pole pole – Slowly, take it easy
• Hakuna matata – No worries