Swahili, or Kiswahili, is the national language of Tanzania. English is widely spoken in tourism, but a few Swahili words are always appreciated. Swahili is easy to pronounce: words are said as they are written, with the stress usually on the second-to-last syllable.
Greetings
| Swahili | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Jambo / Hujambo | Hello (Jambo is used mainly with visitors) |
| Mambo? – Poa | How’s it going? – Cool (informal) |
| Habari? | How are you? (literally “what news?”) |
| Nzuri | Good, fine |
| Shikamoo | Respectful greeting to an older person |
| Karibu | Welcome; also “you’re welcome” |
| Kwaheri | Goodbye |
| Lala salama | Sleep well |
Polite words
| Asante / Asante sana | Thank you / Thank you very much |
| Tafadhali | Please |
| Samahani | Sorry, excuse me |
| Ndiyo / Hapana | Yes / No |
| Hapana asante | No thank you |
On safari and the mountain
| Pole pole | Slowly slowly, heard constantly on Kilimanjaro |
| Hakuna matata | No worries |
| Safari | Journey |
| Rafiki | Friend |
| Maji | Water |
| Twende | Let’s go |
| Simba, tembo, twiga | Lion, elephant, giraffe |
For more animal names, read how to say lion in Swahili.
At the market
| Bei gani? | How much? |
| Ghali sana | Very expensive |
| Punguza kidogo | Reduce it a little |
| Moja, mbili, tatu, nne, tano | One, two, three, four, five |
| Kumi, mia, elfu | Ten, hundred, thousand |
Tips
- Greetings matter. Say hello before asking a question.
- “Pole” on its own means “sorry for your trouble”, said when someone trips or is tired.
- Your guide will happily teach you more on the drive.
Read things to know before your first safari.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. English is widely spoken in tourism and an official language, but Swahili is the main everyday language.
Hello. Tanzanians often use it with visitors; among themselves they more often say mambo or habari.
Slowly slowly. Kilimanjaro guides say it to keep climbers at a safe pace.
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