Tanzania is a breathtakingly beautiful East African country, boasting of its unique wildlife, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, and the sandy beaches of Zanzibar. While English is widely spoken in the tourism industry, knowing some Swahili, the national language, can greatly enrich your experience. Today, we’re giving you the essential Swahili phrases that will take your Tanzanian adventure to the next level.
Easy Swahili Phrases to Master before your trip to Tanzania
Basic Greetings in Swahili
Venturing into Tanzania, you’ll quickly realize the significance of greetings in their culture. It’s almost an art form, a social dance of respect and courtesy.
How to say “Hello in Swahili”
Hello! = Habari!
Habari is a short form of a variety of greeting phrases eg
- Habari gani? = How are you?. This question is usually replied with “Nzuri” which translates to “Good”
- Habari za asubuhi! = “Good morning!” . This is usually replied with “Nzuri” or “Salama” which literarily means ‘Good’ or ‘Safe’ respectively.
- “Habari za mchana!” = ‘Good afternoon!. Same replies as above.
- “Habari za jioni!” = ‘Good evening’. Same replies as above
How to say hello in Swahili to your senior.
Yes! The above greetings are usually exchanged between people around the same age group or people who aren’t sure if the other is older or younger.
Over here when the person you want to greet is obviously older than you, the formal way is to start with “Shikamoo”. The phrase, quite beautifully, translates to ‘I hold your feet,’ a symbol of reverence and humility.
They will then reply with “Marahaba” and then usually will follow up with “Haujambo?” (Singular) or “Hamjambo” (Plural when more than one person greeted the senior at the same time) which means “How are you?
The older ones usually asks how are you as a sign of care. Or also a sign of duty towards the well being of the young ones.
When you are asked “Haujambo?” You are supposed to reply “Sijambo” (Singular) or “Hatujambo” (Plural for when the question was aimed at a group that greeted at the same time).
This translates to “I’m fine” / “We are fine”
Mastering these greetings won’t just set a friendly tone but will also immerse you deeper into the vibrant Tanzanian culture.
Informal way of saying Hello in Tanzanian Swahili
For friends/acquaintances you greet by the popular word “Mambo?”.
NOT JAMBO!. PLEASE DON”T SAY JAMBO!. Nobody in any Swahili speaking country says Jambo!.
We are actually baffled as to why foreigners are taught that greeting.
So the correct phrase in “Mambo” Which is technically the plural of jambo.
To this the reply will be “Safi” or “Poa” which are hip words for fine/good.
Polite Phrases and Manners
Embracing Tanzanian etiquette is as fulfilling as exploring its diverse landscapes. Exhibiting good manners and respect is a universal passport to acceptance in every culture, and Tanzania is no exception.
Let’s dive into some courteous Swahili phrases that can help you navigate social situations seamlessly.
‘Tafadhali,’ which translates to ‘please,’ is an essential term you can use to show politeness.
When expressing gratitude, utter the word ‘Asante,‘ meaning ‘thank you.‘
Occasionally, you may need to apologize. In such instances, ‘Samahani’ is your go-to word. This can mean both “Excuse me” and “I’m sorry”
Upon visiting Tanzanian homes, a thoughtful ‘Hodi’ allows you to respectfully ask for permission to enter. This phrase literally signifies ‘may I come in?’
With these easy Swahili phrases in your vocabulary arsenal, your interactions with locals will be laced with an admirable level of respect and politeness that is bound to make your Tanzanian journey even more memorable.
Everyday Conversations and Phrases
Daily exchanges form the heart of any journey, and knowing a few key phrases can make all the difference.
As you navigate the Tanzanian streets, markets, and eateries, here are some Swahili expressions that will come in handy.
When you agree with someone, respond with ‘Ndiyo,’ meaning ‘yes.’ Conversely, ‘Hapana’ is your polite refusal, translating to ‘no’ .
To show comprehension in a conversation, say ‘Naelewa,‘ signifying ‘I understand’
But what happens when you need to ask for something? That’s when ‘Nataka’ steps in, translating to ‘I want.’ Perhaps, you’re on a shopping spree in the bustling markets of Dar es Salaam, and you want to ask for a particular item? ‘Nataka hii,’ meaning ‘I want this,’ will serve you well.
And of course, no list of everyday phrases would be complete without the universal need – restrooms. If you find yourself in need of directions, ‘Choo kiko wapi?’ is your phrase, asking ‘where is the restroom?’ With these phrases tucked into your vocabulary belt, you’ll be ready to engage in daily conversations, forging a more authentic connection with the local culture.
Navigating Public Transportation
Journeying through Tanzania, you’ll likely utilize various forms of public transportation to explore its stunning landscapes.
Getting to grips with local terms will make this process considerably smoother. When you’re traveling on local minibuses, known as ‘Daladala’ remember the phrase ‘Shusha hapa’ a friendly request for the driver to ‘Drop me here’.
For longer distances, you may find yourself aboard a ‘Gari la moshi’ the Swahili term for a train. In the event that your adventures take you to the skies, you’ll be traveling in a ‘Ndege’ or airplane.
To ensure you’re prepared with the correct fare, don’t hesitate to ask ‘Nauli ni kiasi gani?’ It’s a polite way of asking, ‘What is the fare?’ .
By familiarizing yourself with these transport terms and phrases, you’re setting yourself up for an efficient, immersive, and authentically Tanzanian travel experience.
Emergency Phrases
We certainly hope your Tanzanian escapade unfolds smoothly, but as with any adventure, it’s smart to be equipped with a handful of emergency phrases just in case. ‘Msaada!’ swiftly translates to a call for ‘Help!’.
In the event of health concerns, you might find yourself uttering ‘Ninahitaji daktari’ which communicates ‘I need a doctor.’ Navigating unfamiliar terrains might mean you sometimes lose your way. Don’t worry! A simple ‘Nimepotea. Tafadhali nisaidie’ will effectively convey ‘I am lost. Please help me’
Familiarizing yourself with these phrases equips you with an extra layer of security as you explore Tanzania’s stunning landscapes, ensuring your experience remains as rich and worry-free as possible.
Expressing Gratitude and Farewell
As your Tanzanian adventure comes to an end, expressing your appreciation for the hospitality you received is a fitting farewell.
This not only leaves a lasting impression but also embodies the spirit of Tanzanian kindness and warmth you’ve come to appreciate.
The phrase ‘Asante kwa ukarimu wako‘ will come in handy, signifying ‘Thank you for your hospitality.’ Such a sincere expression of gratitude is sure to be met with smiles and nods of acknowledgment, further sealing the bonds you’ve formed during your stay.
Easy Swahili Phrases to say goodbye
As for bidding farewell, the Swahili language offers two beautifully profound ways to say goodbye.
The first is ‘Kwaheri’ a general term used to signify goodbye. However, if you wish to leave a promise of reunion in the air, you can choose to say ‘Tutaonana’. This term literally translates to ‘We will meet again’ .
It carries an optimistic undertone, hinting at your intention to return and experience the Tanzanian magic once more.
Remember, while these phrases help you communicate, it’s the emotion behind them that truly resonates. So, as you say these words, let your genuine feelings of gratitude and fondness shine through.
This way, you’ll be leaving a part of your heart in Tanzania, carrying a piece of it with you, making your Tanzanian journey truly unforgettable.
