Swahili Reference

Learning a few simple phrases will make your experience all the more rewarding. Consider purchasing a phrasebook, and read the following section to begin learning the basics.

SELECT CONSONANT SOUNDS

dh - “th” as in this
ch - as in church
j - as in jump
g - as in get (hard “g”)
y - as in yes

Regular Vowel Sounds

a - ah
e - eh
i - ee
o - oh
u - oo (as in rule)

Helpful Phrases

  
    SWAHILI PHRASE
    PRONUNCIATION
    TRANSLATION
  

    Hujambo?
    (hu-JAHM-boh)
    How are you?
  

    Sijambo
    (see-JAHM-boh)
    I am fine
  

    Mambo?
    (MAHM-boh)
    How are things?
  

    Poa
    (POH-ah)
    Real cool
  

    Jina lako ni nani?
    (JEE-nah LAH-koh NEE NAH-nee)
    What is your name?
  

    Jina langu ni ___  
    (JEE-nah LAHN-gu NEE)
    My name is ____
  

    Unatoka wapi?
    (uu-na-TOH-kah WAH-pee)
    Where do you come from?
  

    Ninatoka ___
    (nee-nah-TOH-kah)
    I come from ____
  

    Karibu
    (kah-REE-boo)
    Welcome
  

    Asante sana
    (ah-SAHN-tay SAH-nah)
    Thank you very much
  

    Ndiyo
    (nn-DEE-oh)
    Yes
  

    Hapana
    (hah-PAH-nah)
    No
  

    Ninataka
    (nee-nah-TAH-kah)
    I want
  

    Sitaki
    (See-TAH-kee)
    I don’t want
  

    Ninaomba___*
    (nee-nah-OHM-bah)
    I would like ___
  

    Nimeshiba**
    (nee-may-SHEE-bah)
    I’m full
  

    Kwaheri
    (kwah-HAIR-ee)
    Goodbye
  