KIDS · AGES 6–12Junior Swahili Explorers

Learners build immediate rapport, show cultural respect and handle daily social interactions smoothly. Swahili culture places a big emphasis on politeness, so using the right greeting shows you value the person and their culture.

Key words & phrases:

• Jambo / Habari? – Hello / How are you?
• Nzuri / Salama – Fine / Peaceful (well)
• Shikamoo – respectful greeting for elders (reply: Marahaba)
• Asante – Thank you
• Tafadhali – Please

Learners can introduce themselves, make new friends and lay a strong foundation for fluency.

Key words & phrases:

• Mimi ni… – I am…
• Jina langu ni… – My name is…
• Jina lako ni nani? – What is your name?
• Ninatoka… – I come from…

We learn the names of people at home and their responsibilities, so learners can talk about their family, build social connections and understand East African family life.

Key words & phrases:

• Mama / Baba – Mother / Father
• Kaka / Dada – Brother / Sister
• Bibi / Babu – Grandmother / Grandfather
• Mtoto – Child

We explore the sitting room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, so learners can talk about everyday life, describe where they live and hold simple, practical conversations.

Key words & phrases:

• Sebule – Sitting room
• Jiko – Kitchen
• Bafu – Bathroom
• Chumba cha kulala – Bedroom
• Kiti, meza, kitanda – Chair, table, bed

Learners gain the words to read menus, name different foods and ask for what they like, reducing the chance of getting something they dislike.

Key words & phrases:

• Wali – Cooked rice
• Ugali – Maize meal
• Matunda – Fruit
• Maji / Chai – Water / Tea

A quick guide to telling time like a pro. Learners can follow daily schedules, plan meetings and understand the Swahili time system, which counts the hours from sunrise (around 7:00 a.m. is saa moja asubuhi, the first hour of the day).

Key words & phrases:

• Saa ngapi? – What time is it?
• Asubuhi / Mchana / Jioni / Usiku – Morning / Afternoon / Evening / Night
• Saa moja asubuhi – 7:00 a.m.

Learners can handle schedules in daily conversation and read calendars. They also discover how the traditional weekday names are counted, which makes them easy to remember.

Key words & phrases:

• Jumamosi, Jumapili, Jumatatu – Saturday, Sunday, Monday
• Jumanne, Jumatano – Tuesday, Wednesday
• Alhamisi, Ijumaa – Thursday, Friday
• Januari, Februari, Machi… – January, February, March…

Naming places makes it easier to reach your destination, give or follow directions and describe where things are. Colour words (rangi) let learners describe clothes, cars, nature and everyday items, express what they like, and build simple sentences.

Key words & phrases:

• Sokoni, shuleni, hospitali – At the market, at school, hospital
• Nyekundu, nyeupe, nyeusi – Red, white, black
• Kijani, njano, buluu – Green, yellow, blue
• Gari nyeusi – A black car

Learners can travel smoothly, confidently ask for directions and tell the difference between modes of travel in East Africa.

Key words & phrases:

• Pikipiki – Motorcycle
• Baiskeli – Bicycle
• Basi / Gari – Bus / Car
• Meli / Ndege – Ship (ferry) / Aeroplane

Counting from 1 to 100 prepares learners for shopping, telling time, sharing quantities and talking about age.

Key words & phrases:

• Moja, mbili, tatu… – One, two, three…
• Kumi / Ishirini – Ten / Twenty
• Mia moja – One hundred
• Una miaka mingapi? – How old are you?

Core food items, everyday objects and how to ask the price, so learners can shop, say what they need and chat with sellers confidently.

Key words & phrases:

• Bei gani? – How much is it?
• Nataka… – I want…
• Ghali / Rahisi – Expensive / Cheap
• Punguza bei, tafadhali – Lower the price, please

Action words unlock real communication. Learners can ask for things, give simple instructions, describe daily routines and start building full sentences.

Key words & phrases:

• Kula / Kunywa – To eat / To drink
• Kusoma / Kuandika – To read / To write
• Kucheza / Kulala – To play / To sleep
• Kwenda / Kuja – To go / To come