A Comprehensive Guide to Basic Kenyan Swahili for Tourists
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to basic Kenyan Swahili, a must-have for any tourist planning a visit to this vibrant East African nation. Swahili, also known as Kiswahili, is the lingua franca of East Africa, with its roots in Bantu, an ethnic and linguistic group native to the region.
It is enriched with loan words from different languages such as Arabic due to historical contact with Arab nations. This guide aims to provide a fundamental understanding of the Swahili language, its origins, cultural significance, and some commonly used phrases translated from Swahili to English. Sit back, take notes, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Swahili language and culture.
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Swahili: The Language of Kenya
Swahili is one of the official languages of Kenya, spoken by approximately 90% of the population. It is also widely used in other East African countries such as Tanzania, Uganda, and parts of Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
While there are minor differences in dialects and accents across these regions, the core language remains largely the same. Swahili is written in a modified version of the Latin alphabet, making it easy for visitors to read and understand.
Origins of Swahili
The exact origin of Swahili is still debated among linguists, but most theories agree that it emerged as a trading language along the East African coast between Arab and Bantu communities.
Its name, Kiswahili, is derived from the Arabic word “sawahil”, meaning coast or shore. Over time, Swahili has evolved to become a language of communication and cultural identity for East Africans. It has also been influenced by European languages through colonialism and more recently, English due to globalization.
Commonly Used English Phrases by Tourists & Swahili Version
It is always polite to learn a few basic phrases in the local language of any country you visit. Here are some commonly used Swahili phrases translated into English:
English Word | Swahili Version |
Hello | Jambo/Hujambo |
How are you | Habari gani |
Fine (Response to ‘how are you’) | Nzuri |
Goodbye | Kwaheri or Kwaherini (if 2 or more people) |
See you later | Tutaonana baadae |
Nice to meet you | Nafurahi kukuona |
Goodnight | Lala salama |
Yes | Ndio |
No | Hapana |
Thank you | Asante |
Thank you very much | Asante sana |
Please | Tafadhali |
Ok | Sawa |
Excuse me | Samahani |
You’re welcome | Starehe |
Can you help me? | Tafadhali, Naomba Msaada |
What is your name? | Jina lako nani? |
My name is | Jina langu ni |
Where are you from? | Unatoka wapi? |
I’m from | Natoka |
May I take a picture? | Naomba kupiga picha |
Do you speak English/Swahili? | Unasema Kiingereza/Kiswahili |
Just a little bit | Kidogo tu |
How do you say…in swahili | Unasemaje….kwa kiswahili |
I don’t understand | Sielewi |
Friend | Rafiki |
Where is the…? | Ni wapi…? |
Airport | Uwanja wa ndege |
Bus station | Stesheni ya basi |
Bus stop | Bas stendi |
Train station | Stesheni ya treni |
Bank | Benki |
Market | Soko |
Police station | Kituo cha polisi |
Post office | Posta |
Tourist office | Ofisi ya watali |
Toilet/bathroom | Choo |
What time is the…leaving? | Inaondoka saa…ngapi? |
Bus | Basi |
Minibus | Matatu |
Plane | Ndege |
Train | Treni/ gari la moshi |
Is there a bus going to…? | Kuna basi ya…? |
Hotel | Hoteli |
Is it far? | Ni mbali? |
Is it near? | Ni karibu |
Ticket | Tikiti |
Where are you going? | Unakwenda wapi? |
Room | Chumba |
Are there any vacancies for tonight? | Mna nafasi leo usiku? |
How much is it per night? | Ni bei gani kwa usiku? |
I’d like | Nataka |
Food | Chakula |
Cold/Hot | Baridi/moto |
Water | Maji |
Soda | Soda |
Beer | Bia |
Milk | Mziwa |
Meat | Nyama |
Chicken | Nyama ya kuku |
Fish | Nyama ya samaki |
Beef | Nyama ya ng’ombe |
Fruit | Matunda |
Vegetables | Mboga |
Wild Animals Translated to Swahili
As a tourist in Kenya, you are sure to come across the country’s abundant wildlife. Many of these animals have Swahili names, which can be interesting to learn and add to your experiences. Here are some examples.
The Big Five | Wanyama Watano Wakubwa |
Lion | Simba |
Leopard | Chui |
Buffalo | Nyati |
Rhino | Kifaru |
Elephant | Tembo or Ndovu |
The Small Five | Wanyama Watano Wadogo |
Ant Lion | Mchwa Simba |
Rhino Beetle | Kifaru Mende |
Buffalo Weaver Bird | Wafumaji wa Nyati |
Elephant Shrew | Sengi |
Leopard Tortoise | Kobe Chui |
Samburu Special Five | Wanyama Watano Maaluum wa Samburu |
Somali Ostrich | Mbuni Somali |
Reticulated Giraffe | Twiga |
Beisa Oryx | Choroa |
Grevy Zebra | Punda Milia Gravy |
Generuk Antelope | Swara Twiga |
| The Ugly Five Animals | Wanyama Watano wa Mbaya |
Hyena | Fisi |
Warthog | Ngiri |
Wildebeest | Nyumbu |
Marabou Stork | Korongo |
Vulture | Samba |
|
The Shy Five Animals | Wanyama Watano Wenye Aibu |
Meerkat | Nguchiro |
Porcupine | Nungu |
Aardvark | Muhanga |
Aardwolf | Mbwa Mwitu |
Bat Eared Fox | Mbweha Maskio |
The Deadliest Land Mammals | Mamalia Wabaya Zaidi wa Ardhini |
Hippopotamus | Kiboko |
Crocodile | Mamba |
Antelope Family | Familia ya Swala |
Greeter Kudu | Tandala Mkubwa |
Eland | Pofu |
Sable | Palahala |
Klipspringer | Mbuzi Mawe |
Roan | Korongo |
Waterbuck | Kuro |
Hartebeest | Kongoni |
Reedbuck | Tohe |
Impala | Swala Pala |
Bushbuck | Pongo |
Gazelle Family | Familia ya Paa |
Dik Dik | Digi Digi |
Thomson’s Gazelle | Swalia Tomi |
Topi | Nyamera |
Grant’s Gazelles | Swala Granti |
Wild Big Mammals | Wanyama Wakubwa Mwituni |
Giraffe | Twiga |
Zebra | Punda Milia |
Monkey | Timbili |
.Cheetah | Duma |
Wild Dog | Mbwa Mwitu |
Chimpanzee | Sokwe |
Gorilla | Nyani |
Jackal | Mbweha |
Pangolin | Kakakuona |
Bear ( Ol Jogi) | Dubi |
Bat | Popo |
Sea Animals | Wanyama wa Baharini |
Fish | Samaki |
Nguva | Mermaid |
Whale | Nyangumi |
Crayfish | Kamba |
Octopus | Pweza |
Sea Turtle | Kasa |
Dolphin | Pomboo |
.Shark | Papa |
Snail | Konokono |
Nile Perch | Sangara |
Common Birds | Ndege wa Kawaida |
Wear Bird | Mzingi |
Crow | Kunguru |
Sparrow | Shorewanda |
Parrot | Kasuku |
Owl | Bundi |
Flamingo | Heroe |
Eagle | Tai |
Guinea Fowl | Kanga |
Attractions | Vivutio |
Waterfall | Maporomoko |
National Park/Reserve | Mbuga za Wanyama |
Mountains | Milima |
Beaches | Fukwe |
Oceans | Bahari |
Swahili to English Translation Resources
Thanks to modern technology, translation resources for Swahili are easily accessible. Google Translate offers translations from Swahili to English and vice versa, making it a convenient tool for quick translations.
However, for a more accurate translation, it is recommended to consult a professional translator or use online dictionaries such as Swahili-English Dictionary by Kamusi Project.
Cultural Significance of Swahili
Aside from its practical uses as a language of communication, Swahili also holds cultural significance for East Africans. It is a symbol of unity and identity, bringing together people from different ethnic groups and backgrounds.
Swahili sayings and proverbs are widely used in everyday conversations, reflecting the rich cultural heritage embedded in the language.