A Guide to Swahili - Swahili key phrases

Swahili key phrases

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  • English
    Swahili
  • Hello
    Habari
  • Goodbye
    Kwaheri
  • Please
    Tafadhali
  • Thank you
    Asante
  • Yes
    Ndio
  • No
    Hapana
  • How are you?
    Hujambo?
  • I'm fine, thank you
    Sijambo, asante
  • I'm not well
    Sijisikii vizuri
  • Do you speak English?
    Unaazungumza Kiingereza?
  • Pleased to meet you
    Nimefurahi kukufahamu
  • I need help, please
    Ninahitaji msaada, tafadhali
  • I'm sorry
    Samahani
  • My name is...
    Jina langu ni...
  • I don’t understand
    Sielewi
  • See you later!
    Baadae!
  • Hi!
    Habari!
  • Bye!
    Kwaheri!
  • Great!
    Nzuri!
  • Congratulations!
    Hongera!
UNESCO World Heritage site, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania. © BBC - Jeff Overs

Facts about Swahili

10 things to know about the Swahili language

© BBC - Jeff Overs

The Swahili alphabet

Learn the letters of the Swahili alphabet

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