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 |