Common Swahili/Kiswahili Phrases

Swahili also known as Kiswahili is a Bantu language spoken by approximately 100,000,000 native speakers in Burundi, Comoros, DRCongo, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Rwanda, Somalia, Tanzania and Uganda.

It is an official language in Kenya and Tanzania.

If you're just starting to learn Swahili, I've put together common Swahili words with English translations to help you easily master the language.

GREETINGS IN SWAHILI/KISWAHILI

ENGLISH KISWAHILI
Good evening Habari ya jioni?
Good morning Habari ya asubuhi?
Good afternoon Habari ya mchana?
How are you? Unaendeleaje?
How are you today? Unaendeleaje leo?
I am fine. Niko salama
Have a good day. Uwe na siku njema
I am doing great. Ninaendelea vizuri
Hi/Hello.? habari/hujambo?
Nice to meet you. Nimefurahi kuonana na wewe
See you soon. Tuonane hivi karibuni
See you later. Tuonane baadaye

LOVE WORDS IN SWAHILI/KISWAHILI

ENGLISH KISWAHILI
I love you. Nakupenda
I miss you. Ninakukosa
Love you so much Nakupenda sana
I want to see you. Nataka kukuona
I love you with all my heart. Ninakupenda kwa dhati
I love you too Nakupenda pia
I like you. Nakupenda
You are beautiful. Wewe ni mrembo
My love. Mpenzi wangu
You look beautiful. Unapendeza
My beautiful wife. Mke wangu mrembo
I miss you so much, darling. Nimekukosa mpenzi wangu
I need you. Nakuhitaji
You will miss me. Utanikosa
Goodbye, my love. Kwaheri mpenzi wangu
See you tomorrow. Tutaonana kesho
I will marry you. Nitakuoa
I want some space. Nipe muda
I need your love. Nahitaji upendo wako
You are mine. Wewe ni wangu

DIRECTIONS IN SWAHILI/KISWAHILI

ENGLISH KISWAHILI
Where are you? Uko wapi?
Where did you go? Ulienda wapi?
Where do you live? Unaishi wapi?
Where are you going? Unaenda wapi?
Where were you? Ulikuwa wapi?

COMMON QUESTIONS IN A CONVERSATION IN SWAHILI/KISWAHILI

ENGLISH KISWAHILI
How much? Shingapi?
How are you feeling? Unahisi vipi?
How have you been? Umekuwaje?
What is your name? Jina lako nani?
What are you doing? Unafanya nini?
What are you cooking/eating? Unapika nini/unakula nini?
Are you okay, dear? Uko salama mpendwa?
When are you coming? Unakuja lini?
How was your night? Usiku wako ulikuwaje?
How are you doing? Unaendeleaje?
How is your family? Familia yako inaendeleaje?
How was your day? Siku yako ilikuwaje?
What is wrong? Nini mbaya?
What do you mean? Unamaanisha nini?
How's the weather over there? Hali ya anga ikoje hapo?
Have you gone to church? Umeenda kanisani?
What is this? Hii nini?
What's going on? Nini kinaendelea?
Are you listening? Unasikiliza?
Have you heard? Umesikia?
Can I go home? Naweza kwenda nyumbani?
Can I ask something? Naweza kuuliza kitu?
How is everything? Mambo yakoje?
What’s your phone number? Nambari yako ya simu ni ipi?

EVERYDAY CONVERSATIONS IN SWAHILI/KISWAHILI

ENGLISH KISWAHILI
Happy birthday Heri ya kuzaliwa
Thank you. Asante
I am sorry. Samahani
You are welcome. Unakaribishwa
Me too! Mimi pia
God bless you. Mungu akubariki
May God protect you Mungu akulinde
Please help me. Tafadhali nisaidie
She is happy. Amefurahi
I don't know. Sijui
I will come tomorrow. Nitakuja kesho
Come here! Njoo hapa
Feel at home. Jisikie nyumbani
Be blessed. Ubarikiwe
I am coming soon Nakuja hivi karibuni
Leave me alone. Niache
It is okay. Ni sawa
I am going home. Naenda nyumbani
I don't want. Sitaki
Love is a beautiful thing. Upendo ni kitu kizuri
Let me try. Acha nijaribu
Welcome home. Karibu nyumbani
I reached home safely. Nilifika nyumbani salama
God is good. Mungu ni mwema
I don't understand. Sielewi
We are happy to see you. Tumefurahi kukuona
I have it. Ninayo
Rest in peace. Pumzika kwa amani
I don't have money. Sina pesa
I am done. Nimemaliza
I am going to the shop. Naenda dukani
Happy new year. Heri ya mwaka mpya
Bad manners. Tabia mbaya
Stop using your phone. Acha kutumia simu yako
I need a favour, please. Tafadhali nahitaji msaada
Haven’t seen you for ages. Sijakuona kwa muda mrefu
Great to see you again. Nimefurahi kukuona tena
I really appreciate it. Nashukuru sana
You made my day Umeifanya siku yangu
No problem Hakuna tatizo
We're hiring. Tunaajiri

Don't give up! Developing proficiency in a language requires regular effort, but it doesn't necessarily have to be challenging. A key tip is to learn at least five Swahili words every day from the Swahili dictionary to improve your skills.

Join the Lughayangu Community!

Learnt a thing or two? Subscribe and get similar stories directly in your inbox every week. We share curated and original content on African culture, languages and history. It's time to tell our stories.

Join fellow 2,873 African history enthusiasts! Discover fascinating stories and insights about our rich heritage. You'll also receive an exlusive e-book featuring 30 captivating African riddles that will entertain and challenge you.

Lughayangu Newsletter