Lost in Translation? Essential Swahili Phrases Every Tourist Should Know

Lost in Translation? Essential Swahili Phrases Every Tourist Should Know

Travelling to East Africa is an adventure filled with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. If you’re headed to Kenya, Tanzania, or Uganda, there’s one key that will instantly connect you with locals: speaking Swahili. Swahili, or Kiswahili, is not only widely spoken but also deeply cherished across the region. While many people speak English, especially in urban areas, making an effort to use Swahili will earn you smiles, respect, and better travel experiences.

This guide includes over 100+ Swahili phrases tailored for tourists. From greetings and food orders to asking for directions or help, these words and expressions will make your trip smoother, safer, and way more fun. And don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks. Swahili is phonetic, simple to pronounce, and has no confusing tones like some other languages.

Let’s dive in with the basics!

By the way, are you planning a trip to Zanzibar? Here are the top things to do while you’re there!

Basics

Before jumping into conversations, it helps to master these essential Swahili words and phrases. They will be the foundation of your communication.

Yes – Ndiyo
No – Hapana
Maybe – Pengine
Okay – Sawa
Thank you – Asante
You’re welcome – Karibu
Please – Tafadhali
Sorry – Samahani
Excuse me – Samahani / Nisaidie tafadhali
I don’t understand – Sielevi
Do you speak English? – Unaongea Kiingereza?
I don’t speak Swahili – Sisemi Kiswahili
Just a little – Kidogo tu
What is this? – Hii ni nini?
How do you say this in Swahili? – Unasemaje hii kwa Kiswahili?
I’m learning Swahili – Ninajifunza Kiswahili

These basics are your go-to tools for polite and simple conversations anywhere in East Africa.

Greetings

Swahili culture places great importance on greetings. People don’t just dive into conversations—they acknowledge each other with warmth and sincerity. Use these greetings to start your conversations right.

Hello (general) – Habari
Hello (informal) – Jambo
Hi – Hujambo?
How are you? – Habari gani? / Hujambo?
I’m fine – Nzuri / Sijambo
Good morning – Habari ya asubuhi
Good afternoon – Habari ya mchana
Good evening – Habari ya jioni
Good night – Usiku mwema
Goodbye – Kwaheri!
See you later – Tutaonana baadaye
Welcome – Karibu
Nice to meet you – Nimefurahi kukutana na wewe

Use these every day—you’ll be surprised at how much they warm up your interactions and break down language barriers.

Asking for Directions

Lost in a new city? Don’t panic—just ask! Swahili speakers are often helpful, and these phrases will help you find your way with confidence.

Where – Wapi?
Where is the hotel? – Hoteli iko wapi?
Where is the bathroom? – Choo kiko wapi?
Where is the bus station? – Kituo cha basi kiko wapi?
Where is the train station? – Stesheni ya treni iko wapi?
What is the name of this village? – Kijiji hiki kinaitwaje?
Huu ni upande gani? – Which direction is this?
How do I get to the airport? – Ninafikaje uwanja wa ndege?
Is it far? – Je, ni mbali?
Around the corner – Kwenye kona
Can you show me on the map? – Unaweza kunionyesha kwenye ramani?
North – Kaskazini
South – Kusini
West – Magharibi
East – Mashariki
Which direction is north? – Upande gani ni kaskazini?
Which direction is south? – Upande gani ni kusini?
Which direction is east? – Upande gani ni mashariki?
Which direction is west? – Upande gani ni magharibi?
Map – Ramani
Left – Kushoto
Right – Kulia
Straight ahead – Moja kwa moja
Turn here – Geuka hapa
Near – Karibu
Far – Mbali
Turn off – Pinda
Next – Baada ya
In front of – Mbele ya
Over there – Kule
Straight ahead – Moja kwa moja
Past the – Pita…
Further – Mbali
Street – Barabara
I’m lost – Nimepotea
Can you help me? – Unaweza kunisaidia?

With these in your back pocket, you can explore with more freedom—and a lot less stress.

Asking for Help

Getting stuck in a foreign country without the right words can feel overwhelming. Whether you’ve lost your way, need medical attention, or just need to find someone who speaks English, these phrases can be lifesavers.

Can you help me? – Unaweza kunisaidia?
I am lost – Nimepotea
I don’t understand – Sielewi
Please speak slowly – Tafadhali ongea taratibu
I need a doctor – Nahitaji daktari
Call the police – Piga simu polisi
Is there someone who speaks English? – Kuna mtu anayeongea Kiingereza?
I’ve been robbed – Nimeibiwa
I’ve lost my passport – Nimepoteza pasipoti yangu
My phone is not working – Simu yangu haifanyi kazi
I need directions – Nahitaji maelekezo
Where is the nearest embassy? – Ubalozi wa karibu uko wapi?

These phrases are especially crucial in emergencies. Learn how to say them clearly and repeat them a few times before travelling. You don’t need perfect pronunciation, just enough to be understood.

Relations

Understanding and talking about family and personal relationships not only helps you connect with people but also shows respect for local values, which are deeply family-oriented in Swahili-speaking cultures.

Family – Familia
Mother – Mama
Father – Baba
Brother – Kaka
Sister – Dada
Son – Mwanaume
Daughter – Msichana
Husband – Mume
Fiance – Mchumba
Wife – Mke
Friend – Rafiki
Child – Mtoto
Uncle – Mjomba
Aunt – Shangazi
Cousin – Binamu
Grandmother – Bibi
Grandfather – Babu
Nephew – Mpwa wa kiume
Niece – Mpwa wa kike

These terms not only help you in conversation but can also prevent misunderstandings when discussing who is who in your travel group or asking about someone’s family.

Accommodation

When staying in hotels, lodges, or guesthouses, these Swahili phrases help you check-in, request amenities, or express problems clearly and politely.

I have a reservation – Nina nafasi
Room – Chumba
Twin Room – Chumba cha watu wawili
Sorry, wrong room – samahani, nimekosea chumba
I need a room – Nahitaji chumba
Bedroom – Chumba cha kulala
Single room – Chumba cha mtu mmoja
My room – Chumba changu
How much is a room per night? – Ni kiasi gani kwa chumba kwa usiku mmoja?
Is breakfast included? – Je, kifungua kinywa kimejumuishwa?
I want a single/double room – Ninataka chumba cha mtu mmoja/wawili
I would like a room with a view – Ningependa chumba chenye mandhari
The room is too hot/cold – Chumba ni cha joto sana/baridi sana
There is no hot water – Hakuna maji ya moto
Can I change my room? – Naweza kubadilisha chumba changu?
What time is checkout? – Wakati wa kutoka ni saa ngapi?
Do you have Wi-Fi? – Mna Wi-Fi?
Where is the reception? – Mapokezi yako wapi?

These phrases are extremely helpful whether you’re staying in a high-end resort or a modest hostel.

Banks

Money matters are essential. From exchanging currency to accessing ATMS, these phrases make banking transactions smoother.

Bank – Benki
Cheque – Cheki
To deposit – kuweka pesa
To withdraw – kutoa pesa
Savings account – Akaunti ya akiba
Current account – Akaunti ya hundi
Commission – Asilimia ya faida ya muuzaji
Account number – Namba ya akaunti
Where is the nearest bank? – Benki ya karibu iko wapi?
I need to exchange money – Nahitaji kubadilisha pesa
What is the exchange rate? – Kiwango cha kubadilisha pesa ni kipi?
Can I use a credit card? – Naweza kutumia kadi ya mkopo?
Is there an ATM nearby? – Kuna ATM karibu?
I lost my card – Nimepoteza kadi yangu
I need a bank statement – Nahitaji taarifa ya benki
I want to open an account – Ningependa kufungua akaunti
This transaction is incorrect – Muamala huu sio sahihi
Please count the money – Tafadhali hesabu pesa

Understanding these can make a huge difference, especially when travelling in rural areas where banking systems may be less digitalised.

Communication (Internet, Phone)

Whether you’re trying to stay in touch with family or work, these phrases help you access internet services and navigate phone-related issues.

Do you have Wi-Fi? – Mna Wi-Fi?
What’s the Wi-Fi password? – Neno la siri la Wi-Fi ni nini?
I need to buy a SIM card – Nahitaji kununua kadi ya SIM
Where can I recharge my airtime? – Ninaweza kuongeza muda wa maongezi wapi?
My phone is not working – Simu yangu haifanyi kazi
I have no signal – Sina mtandao
Can I use your phone? – Naweza kutumia simu yako?
Internet – Intaneti
Internet is too slow – Intaneti ni polepole sana
Is there an Internet café around here? – Je, kuna mgahawa wa intaneti maeneo haya?
Email – Barua pepe
I want to make a call – Ningependa kupiga simu
Text message – Ujumbe mfupi
Missed call – Simu iliyopitwa
Voicemail – Ujumbe wa sauti

Staying connected in a new country often depends on your ability to manage basic phone and internet issues. These terms will be key to keeping you online and in touch.

Human Body Parts

Knowing body parts in Swahili is particularly helpful in case of injuries, visiting a doctor, or simply describing physical sensations. Here’s your must-know vocabulary:

Body – Mwili
Head – Kichwa
Hair – Nywele
Eyes – Macho
Ear – Sikio
Nose – Pua
Mouth – Mdomo
Teeth – Meno
Neck – Shingo
Shoulder – Bega
Arm – Mkono
Elbow – Kiwiko
Hand – Mkono wa chini
Fingers – Vidole
Chest – Kifua
Stomach – Tumbo
Back – Mgongo
Leg – Mguu
Knee – Goti
Foot – Mguu wa chini
Toes – Vidole vya miguu

Imagine needing to explain where you’re hurt or describing an injury—these words can really help you communicate with locals or health professionals with ease.

Food

Food is at the heart of every culture, and Swahili cuisine is no exception. Whether you’re exploring local markets or eating at a traditional restaurant, these food-related phrases are incredibly handy:

Food – Chakula
Drink – Kinywaji
Water – Maji
Bread – Mkate
Rice – Wali
Beans – Maharagwe
Chicken – Kuku
Fish – Samaki
Meat – Nyama
Fruit – Tunda
Vegetables – Mboga
Banana – Ndizi
Mango – Embe
Orange – Chungwa
Salt – Chumvi
Sugar – Sukari
Pepper – Pilipili
I’m hungry – Nina njaa
Get me some food, please – Tafadhali nipatie chakula
I’m full – Nimeshiba
It’s delicious – Kitamu sana

You’ll not only survive but thrive with this vocabulary while enjoying Kenya’s or Tanzania’s local dishes.

Restaurant

Now that you know some food items, it’s time to order like a pro at restaurants. These Swahili phrases cover everything from reservations to complaints about the food.

I would like to eat – Ningependa kula
I would like to drink – Ningependa kunywa
The menu, please – Tafadhali niletee menyu
What do you recommend? – Unapendekeza nini?
I’m vegetarian – Mimi ni mlaji wa mboga tu
I don’t eat meat – Sili nyama
No salt, please – Bila chumvi, tafadhali
Bill – Bili
Menu – Menyu
Table – Meza
Can I have the bill? – Naweza kupata bili?
This is too spicy – Hii ni kali sana
The food is cold – Chakula ni baridi
Is service included? – Huduma imejumuishwa?
Thank you, it was delicious – Asante, kilikuwa kitamu sana

These will make your dining experience more pleasant, and the locals will appreciate the effort.

Numbers

Whether it’s for prices, counting items, or telling time, numbers are vital. Here’s a quick rundown of numbers in Swahili:

One – Moja
Two – Mbili
Three – Tatu
Four – Nne
Five – Tano
Six – Sita
Seven – Saba
Eight – Nane
Nine – Tisa
Ten – Kumi
Eleven – Kumi na moja
Twenty – Ishirini
Thirty – Thelathini
Forty – Arobaini
Fifty – Hamsini
One hundred – Mia moja
One thousand – Elfu moja

Understanding these helps in bargaining, budgeting, and navigating your day-to-day activities smoothly.

Health

When health issues arise, even the smallest word can make a big difference. Whether you’re buying medicine or describing symptoms, this section is crucial.

I need a doctor – Nahitaji daktari
Ill – Gonjwa
Hospital – Hospitali
Dentist – Daktari wa meno
Medicine – Dawa
Pharmacy – Famasia
Insurance – Bima
Painkiller – Dawa ya kutuliza maumivu
I feel sick – Ninajisikia mgonjwa
I have a headache – Nina maumivu ya kichwa
I have a fever – Nina homa
I have a cold – Nina mafua
I need medicine – Nahitaji dawa
Is there a hospital nearby? – Kuna hospitali karibu?
I need a pharmacy – Nahitaji duka la dawa
This medicine doesn’t work – Dawa hii haifanyi kazi
I have an allergy – Nina mzio
It hurts here – Inauma hapa
Stomachache – Maumivu ya tumbo
Diarrhea – Kuhara

These phrases can ensure you get the care you need, fast.

Days of the Week

Whether you’re planning trips, attending events, or scheduling activities, knowing the days of the week in Swahili is a must.

Monday – Jumatatu
Tuesday – Jumanne
Wednesday – Jumatano
Thursday – Alhamisi
Friday – Ijumaa
Saturday – Jumamosi
Sunday – Jumapili
Today – Leo
Tomorrow – Kesho
Yesterday – Jana
The day after tomorrow – Kesho kutwa
The day before yesterday – Juzi
What day is it? – Leo ni siku gani?
I’ll come on Monday – Nitakuja Jumatatu

Being able to talk about the day is not just useful for making plans—it also shows cultural sensitivity, especially during religious or market days.

Time

Time management is critical, especially for travelers catching buses, tours, or flights. Swahili time-telling has a unique format, especially in East Africa, where “Swahili Time” starts the day at 6 AM. But here are general phrases most locals understand:

What time is it? – Saa ngapi?
It is one o’clock – Ni saa saba
Morning – Asubuhi
Afternoon – Mchana
Evening – Jioni
Night – Usiku
Now – Sasa
Later – Baadaye
Early – Mapema
Late – Kuchelewa
At what time? – Saa ngapi?
I will arrive at 2 PM – Nitawasili saa nane mchana
Century – Karne
Clock – Saa
Day before – Juzi
Quickly – Haraka

It’s always good to confirm the time especially if you’re relying on local transport systems or meeting someone.

Clothes and Adornment

If you’re shopping for clothes or getting dressed for different cultural settings, knowing the words for clothing in Swahili helps a lot:

Clothes – Nguo
Shirt – Shati
Trousers – Suruali
Dress – Gauni
Skirt – Sketi
Shoes – Viatu
Hat – Kofia
Jacket – Jaketi
Socks – Soksi
Belt – Mkanda
Tie – Tai
Watch – Saa
Glasses – Miwani
Jewellery – Vito vya thamani
Ring – Pete
Earrings – Hereni

This vocabulary can be essential in local markets or when you’re packing for cultural events or weather changes.

Animals and Insects

Swahili-speaking regions are famous for wildlife. Whether you’re going on safari or talking to locals about animals, these phrases are quite useful:

Animal – Mnyama
Dog – Mbwa
Cat – Paka
Cow – Ng’ombe
Goat – Mbuzi
Sheep – Kondoo
Lion – Simba
Elephant – Tembo
Giraffe – Twiga
Zebra – Punda milia
Monkey – Tumbili
Bird – Ndege
Snake – Nyoka
Mosquito – Mbu
Ant – Sisimizi
Fly – Inzi
Spider – Buibui
Fish – Samaki

If you’re visiting national parks or going on a nature walk, pointing and naming these creatures can really engage local guides.

Professions

Understanding job titles helps you navigate conversations, especially when asking for services or making friends.

Doctor – Daktari
Nurse – Muuguzi
Teacher – Mwalimu
Student – Mwanafunzi
Driver – Dereva
Police officer – Polisi
Chef – Mpishi
Farmer – Mkulima
Businessperson – Mfanyabiashara
Waiter/Waitress – Mhudumu
Shopkeeper – Muuzaji
Engineer – Mhandisi
Mechanic – Fundi
Pilot – Rubani
Guide – Mwongozaji

Being able to identify someone’s profession can open up deeper, more respectful conversations—especially when you’re receiving a service or asking for help.

Courtesy and Emergency

Courtesy goes a long way when you’re traveling. These polite expressions and emergency phrases ensure you’re both respectful and prepared.

Please – Tafadhali
Thank you – Asante
You’re welcome – Karibu
Sorry – Samahani
Excuse me – Samahani / Nisaidie tafadhali
No problem – Hakuna shida
I don’t know – Sijui
Nice to meet you – Nimefurahi kukutana na wewe
Can you repeat that? – Tafadhali rudia
Do you speak English? – Unaongea Kiingereza?

Help! – Msaada!
I need help – Nahitaji msaada
Call the police – Piga simu kwa polisi
It’s an emergency – Ni dharura
I’ve been injured – Nimejeruhiwa
I’ve lost something – Nimepoteza kitu
Fire! – Moto!
I’m being followed – Nafuatwa
My phone was stolen – Simu yangu imeibwa

These are perhaps the most important phrases to commit to memory—especially for unexpected situations.

Train Travel

If your journey includes train travel, especially in countries like Kenya and Tanzania where rail is still common, you’ll want to know how to ask the right questions.

Where is the train station? – Stesheni ya treni iko wapi?
What time does the train leave? – Treni inaondoka saa ngapi?
Is this the train to Dodoma? – Hii ni treni ya kuelekea Dodoma?
I want to buy a ticket – Nataka kununua tiketi
One-way or return? – Safari ya moja kwa moja au na kurudi?
How much is the ticket? – Tiketi ni bei gani?
Where is coach number 3? – Kiti namba tatu kiko wapi?
This is my seat – Hiki ni kiti changu
When will we arrive? – Tutafika lini?

Trains are an affordable and scenic way to explore East Africa, and these phrases make the journey smoother.

H2: 23. Entertainment

Planning to check out some music, theater, or sports while traveling? These Swahili words and phrases will help you navigate entertainment venues and local events.

Music – Muziki
Dance – Kucheza
Song – Wimbo
Band – Bendi
Movie – Filamu
Theater – Ukumbi wa michezo
Ticket – Tiketi
I want to watch a movie – Ningependa kutazama filamu
What’s playing tonight? – Nini kinaonyeshwa leo usiku?
I love this song – Ninapenda wimbo huu
Can I take photos? – Naweza kupiga picha?

Swahili culture is rich in music and performance—these phrases help you participate more fully.

Home

Whether staying in a guesthouse or homestay, these home-related words are handy for daily interactions:

House – Nyumba
Room – Chumba
Kitchen – Jikoni
Bathroom – Bafu
Bed – Kitanda
Chair – Kiti
Table – Meza
Door – Mlango
Window – Dirisha
Light – Taa
Turn off the lights – Zima taa
It’s clean – Ni safi
It’s dirty – Ni chafu
Can I use the toilet? – Naweza kutumia choo?
I need to do laundry – Nahitaji kufua nguo

Whether you’re renting an Airbnb or staying with locals, these words will be incredibly useful.

Office

If you’re handling any business, studying abroad, or volunteering, knowing how to communicate in an office setting will come in handy.

Office – Ofisi
Manager – Meneja
Employee – Mfanyakazi
Meeting – Mkutano
Document – Hati
Printer – Chapishaji
Computer – Kompyuta
File – Faili
Schedule – Ratiba
Can I send an email? – Naweza kutuma barua pepe?
I need a copy – Nahitaji nakala
I will come back later – Nitarudi baadaye

Especially useful if you’re doing NGO work or involved in a project during your trip.

Travel and Shopping

And of course, shopping and travel go hand in hand. Whether at local markets or using public transport, these phrases are golden.

How much is this? – Hii ni bei gani?
That’s too expensive – Ni ghali sana
Can you lower the price? – Unaweza kupunguza bei?
I want to buy this – Nataka kununua hii
I’m just looking – Natazama tu
Where is the bus stop? – Kituo cha basi kiko wapi?
Is this seat taken? – Hii kiti imeshikiliwa?
I need a taxi – Nahitaji teksi
How long is the journey? – Safari itachukua muda gani?
Stop here – Simama hapa

These final phrases wrap up your practical toolkit for navigating East African cities and markets.

Seasons

Knowing the seasons can help you plan your travel better and make small talk with locals. Swahili speakers use fairly straightforward terms to refer to weather patterns and seasonal changes. Here are the key phrases you’ll need:

Season – Msimu
Seasons – Misimu
Summer – Kiangazi
Winter – Baridi / Majira ya baridi
Autumn (Fall) – Mapukutiko ya majani
Spring – Majira ya kuchipua
Rainy season – Msimu wa mvua
Dry season – Msimu wa jua / Kiangazi
It’s hot – Ni joto
It’s cold – Ni baridi
It’s raining – Inanyesha mvua
It’s sunny – Kuna jua
It’s cloudy – Kuna mawingu
It’s windy – Kuna upepo
The weather is nice – Hali ya hewa ni nzuri
The weather is bad – Hali ya hewa ni mbaya

These expressions will help you talk about the weather and understand what to expect, especially if you’re hiking, on safari, or planning an island trip.

Conclusion
Travelling in East Africa—whether it’s Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Some Part of the DRC or beyond—is incredibly rewarding. While many locals do speak some English, showing effort to speak Swahili can win you friends, open up new experiences, and deepen your cultural connection. From saying “Asante” (thank you) to navigating a train station or ordering a “Wali kuku” (rice with chicken), these 100+ Swahili phrases are your bridge to understanding, respect, and richer travel memories.