15 Must-Know Swahili Phrases

When travelling to East Africa for the first time, it would be useful to learn the following Swahili phrases to help you get around easier.

No Problem - Hakuna matata
Made famous by the movie “The Lion King”, this phrase is commonly used to let your audience know that everything is alright and you are ok.

Hallo – Jambo
This phrase means hallo and may be used in greeting anyone at any time of the day.

How are you - Habari gani
This phrase is a great icebreaker, especially if you wish to begin a longer conversation with the person you are talking to. It is a polite and courteous way of asking the person about how they are doing.

Thank you very much- Ahsante sana
This phrase will endear you to the people you interact with whenever you wish to thank them for their hospitality.

Bye - Kwaheri ya kuonana
It is always polite to bid your host goodbye, so be sure to use this phrase which also expresses your desire to see the person again.

Good Morning - Habari za Asubuhi?
It is polite to always use this phrase in greeting people when you first meet them in the morning.

Good Afternoon - Habari za Mchana?
This phrase is used to politely greet people whenever you meet them in the afternoon.

Good Evening - Habari za Jioni?
Remember to be polite to the people you meet in the evening by greeting them with this phrase.

Please, I would like – Tafadhali naomba
This phrase is a polite way of making a request either for something or even information.

Yes, thank you – Ndiyo asante
This phrase is used as a polite way of accepting an offer that someone has made to you.

No, thank you – La shukrani

You may use this phrase as a polite way of rejecting an offer that is made to you.

What is your name? - Jina lako nani?

You may use this phrase when asking someone to tell you their name.

My name is - Jina langu ni
This is the response to give someone who asks you to tell them your name. You will begin with “Jina langu ni” and complete by including your name at the end. For instance “Jina langu ni Mary”.

I would like to go – Tafadhali, nataka kuenda
When asking for directions, you may use this polite phrase and end the sentence with your intended destination. For example, “Tafadhali, nataka kuenda Nairobi.”

Please give me – Tafadhali naomba
This phrase is used as a polite way of asking for something. For example, “tafadhali naomba msaada” is a request for assistance or help.

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