Visiting Kenya offers unforgettable experiences, from the majestic savannahs of the Maasai Mara to the bustling city life of Nairobi. However, connecting with locals in their native language—Swahili—can significantly enrich your travel experience. Below is a comprehensive guide to essential Swahili phrases that every traveler to Kenya should master. These expressions will help you navigate day-to-day interactions, build rapport with locals, and immerse yourself more deeply into East African culture.
Greetings and common courtesies
One of the best ways to make a positive impression is to start conversations with respectful and warm greetings.
- Hello – Jambo or Habari yako
- Good morning – Habari ya asubuhi
- Good afternoon – Habari ya mchana
- Good evening – Habari ya jioni
- Good night – Usiku mwema
- How are you? – Habari gani? or Unaendeleaje?
- I’m fine, thank you – Niko salama, asante
- Thank you – Asante
- Thank you very much – Asante sana
- You’re welcome – Karibu
- Please – Tafadhali
- Excuse me / Sorry – Samahani
- Yes – Ndiyo
- No – Hapana
Basic travel and transportation phrases
Moving around Kenya involves various forms of transport—matatus (minibuses), boda bodas (motorcycle taxis), and ride-sharing apps. Here are key phrases for getting around.
- I want to go to [place] – Ninataka kwenda [mahali]
- How much is the fare? – Nauli ni pesa ngapi?
- Stop here, please – Simamisha hapa tafadhali
- How long does it take? – Inachukua muda gani?
- Is it safe? – Ni salama?
- I am lost – Nimepotea
- Can you help me? – Unaweza kunisaidia?
Shopping and market phrases
Whether buying souvenirs, fresh fruits, or handmade crafts, bargaining and polite language are vital.
- How much is this? – Hii ni bei gani?
- It’s too expensive – Ni ghali sana
- Can you reduce the price? – Unaweza kupunguza bei?
- I will take it – Nitaichukua
- I am just looking – Natazama tu
- Do you accept credit cards? – Mnakubali kadi za benki?
- I don’t have change – Sina chenji
- Give me a discount, please – Nipunguzie bei, tafadhali
Dining and food phrases
Kenyan cuisine is a highlight of any trip. Ordering food in Swahili can make dining more fun and engaging.
- I am hungry – Nina njaa
- I am thirsty – Nina kiu
- What do you recommend? – Unapendekeza nini?
- I would like to order [dish] – Ningependa kuagiza [chakula]
- Is this spicy? – Hii ni pilipili?
- No spice, please – Bila pilipili tafadhali
- The food is delicious – Chakula ni kitamu
- I’m full – Nimeshiba
- Check, please – Naomba bili
Emergency and health phrases
It’s important to know what to say in emergencies or when seeking assistance.
- Help! – Saidia!
- Call the police – Piga simu kwa polisi
- I need a doctor – Nahitaji daktari
- Where is the hospital? – Hospitali iko wapi?
- I feel sick – Ninajisikia mgonjwa
- I lost my passport – Nimepoteza pasipoti yangu
- Can I use your phone? – Naweza kutumia simu yako?
Accommodation and lodging phrases
Whether you’re staying in a hotel, lodge, or Airbnb, these phrases will come in handy.
- Do you have a room available? – Mna chumba kilicho wazi?
- I have a reservation – Nina nafasi iliyohifadhiwa
- How much is per night? – Ni bei gani kwa usiku mmoja?
- Where is the bathroom? – Choo kiko wapi?
- I need clean towels – Nahitaji taulo safi
- Can I check out late? – Naweza kuondoka baadaye?
Making friends and socializing
Interacting with locals and forming friendships becomes easier with these expressions.
- What is your name? – Jina lako nani?
- My name is [name] – Jina langu ni [jina]
- Nice to meet you – Nafurahi kukuona
- Where are you from? – Unatoka wapi?
- I am from [country] – Ninatoka [nchi]
- Do you speak English? – Unaongea Kiingereza?
- A little – Kidogo tu
- I like Kenya – Ninapenda Kenya
Useful tips for learning Swahili
- Practice daily: Use apps like Duolingo or Memrise for vocabulary retention.
- Engage with locals: Most Kenyans appreciate any attempt to speak Swahili.
- Use audio resources: Listening helps master pronunciation and flow.
- Write a journal: Practice writing basic sentences about your day.
Swahili numbers you should know
Knowing numbers is critical for bargaining, paying, and understanding time.
- One – Moja
- Two – Mbili
- Three – Tatu
- Four – Nne
- Five – Tano
- Six – Sita
- Seven – Saba
- Eight – Nane
- Nine – Tisa
- Ten – Kumi
- Twenty – Ishirini
- Fifty – Hamsini
- Hundred – Mia moja
- Thousand – Elfu moja
Swahili days of the week
- Monday – Jumatatu
- Tuesday – Jumanne
- Wednesday – Jumatano
- Thursday – Alhamisi
- Friday – Ijumaa
- Saturday – Jumamosi
- Sunday – Jumapili
Speak Swahili, travel smarter
Mastering essential Swahili phrases enhances your travels across Kenya and creates deeper cultural connections. The warmth, hospitality, and friendliness of Kenyans become even more accessible when you show interest in their language. Whether you’re bargaining in a market, ordering a hearty meal of nyama choma, or exploring national parks, a few well-placed Swahili words can open doors and hearts.