Hakuna Matata: Basic Swahili Phrases For Your Trip To East Africa

Swahili or Kiswahili, is a Bantu language spoken along the East African coast. Think about the countries of the United Republic of Tanzania, the Republic of Kenya, and the Republic of Mozambique – the Swahili communities living in these countries speak Swahili among other languages.

If the East African coast, with its azure waters and rich wildlife, is where you're going on vacation this year, it's definitely smart to learn some basic Swahili terms. Why? Well, Swahili is a beautiful language that really isn’t too difficult to learn. At the same time, it would be respectful to say two words or more to the locals when you're out exploring, as this could even help break down some language barriers between you and the friendly locals.

BTW, I believe that you already know at least one Swahili expression. Remember the popular Hakuna Matata from Disney’s The Lion King? The phrase is actually in Swahili and it translates to “no worries” in English. When in doubt, think of Hakuna Matata, because this wonderful phrase, ain’t passing no craze.

Giphy

Giphy / Disney

Traveling Essentials List:

• Learn basic Swahili phrases
• Safari clothes
• Fleece jacket
• Sunscreen
• Sunhat and Sunglasses
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Insect repellant / Bug spray
• Passport

• Hello – Jambo (jaam-bo) / Hujambo (hu-jaam-bo) / ​Salama (sa-la-ma) / Habari (ha-baa-ri)
• Hello *formal – Shikamoo (she-kaa-moh)
• How are you? – Habari gani? (ha-baa-ri gah-ni)
• I am fine – Sijambo (si-jaam-boh)
• Goodbye – Kwaheri (kwa-he-ri)
• Good morning – Habari za asubuhi (ha-ba-ri ya-su-bu-hi)
• Good afternoon – Habari za mchana (ha-ba-ri zam-cha-na)
• Good evening – Habari ya jioni (ha-ba-ri ya jyo-ni)
• Goodnight – Lala salama (la-la sa-la-ma)
• See you tomorrow – Tuonane kesho (tu-oh-na-ne ke-sho)
• What’s up? – Mambo (mam-bo)
• Thank you – Asante (ah-san-teh)
• Thank you very much – Asante sana (ah-san-teh sa-na)
• You’re welcome – Starehe (sta-re-he)
• Excuse me – Samahani (sa-ma-ha-ni)
• Can you help me? – Tafadhali, naomba msaada? (ta-fad-ha-li na-om-ba ma-sa-da)
• Okay – Saribu (sa-ri-bu)
• Please – Tafadhali (ta-fad-ha-li)
• Do you speak English? – Unasema kiingereza? (u-na-se-ma ki-ing-ge-re-za)
• Do you speak Swahili? – Unasema Kiswahili? (u-na-se-ma ki-swa-hi-li)
• Yes – Ndiyo (n-di-yo)
• No – Hapana (ha-pa-na)
• How much? – Pesa ngapi? (pe-sa nga-pi)
• How do I pay? – Ninalipaje? (ni-na-li-pa-jeh)
• Do you give discounts? – Je, Unapunguza bei? (jeh u-na-pung-gu-za bey)