9. Helpful Swahili Phrases You Can Use In Kenya
S
wahili is spoken in East Africa. In Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania English is officially the spoken
language, however, outside of the office and in homes and communities Swahili is widely spoken. The
same is true in Rwanda, Burundi, and The Democratic Republic of Congo. French is the language
spoke at the office but in homes and communities, Swahili is widely spoken. And since Elnorie Caballero has
invite you all to come visit them in Kenya, and because East Africa is a beautiful place to visit or even live
for a while, I thought I would share with you a bit of Swahili words that will go a long way to endear the
people towards you and start your visit right!
Greetings
When you first meet, you must greet people. It does not matter what type of life threatening emergencies
you may have, you must first greet the person appropriately before stating what your needs are. You must
first say hello and Good Morning. You would never start a conversation without saying that. That would
offend them.
Habari –This means “Hello! How are you?” This is used to greet your elders with utmost
respect. Sometimes young people use this immediately after saying a hearty Jambo.
Nzuri (or Musuri) –“Beautiful / Good / Nice / I am fine.”
Shikamo – Literally “I hold your feet.” This greeting is for your elders. Young children will often
mutterShikamo under their breath when you walk by. It may sound like “Sh…ooo”
Marahaba–The reply to “Shikamo”. Literally translated to something like “I am delighted, I don’t get
that every day.”
Asante – “Thank you!” You will use this word the most in your conversations.
Sana (very) Used as in Asante-sana- Thank you VERY much.
Pole- “I am sorry for your misfortune.” This applies to everything from getting chalk dust on your
clothes, to tripping, dropping an item or sneezing. When someone is bereaved you say Pole Sana.
Pole pole – “Slowly, slowly.” Everything is pole pole in Africa.
Chakula- “FOOD!” If you hear this word, walk towards the place you heard it.
Nydio(pronounced as In dee you) - “Yes”
22 | P a g e
Jambo – This means “Hello!” and a friendly Jambo goes a long way!
Hapana- No.Some phrasebooks will tell you that hapanais rude. It is
not. As long as you don’t say it forcefully, you are fine. I haven’t
heard another word for ‘no’