Common Kiswahili Phrases

• Learn to greet in Kiswahili

Jambo- hi/hello

Hujambo?- ( Lit. Is anything the matter ) How are you?

Sijambo? -( Lit. Nothing is the matter ) I am fine.

Habari za asubuhi? -(Lit. What's the news of the morning?) Good morning?

Nzuri/ Njema- Good / Fine

Salama- Fine/ Peaceful

Habari za nyumbani?- ( Lit. What is the news at home?) How is home?

Habari za shule?- How is school?

• Learn to say your name
  

Jina lako ni nani? - What is your name?

Jina langu ni Asha- My name is Asha.

• Basic vocabulary

Asante - Thank you

Tafadhali- Please

Ndiyo- yes

Hapana- no

Samahani- pardon me/ excuse me

Kwaheri- goodbye

Kwa nini?- why?

Kwa sababu- because

Hodi!- May I come in?

Karibu- Come on in / welcome

• Basic vocabulary in the classroom

Mwalimu- Teacher

Mwanafunzi- Student

Kitabu- Book

Kalamu- Pen

Karatasi- Paper

Ukurasa- Page

Soma- Read

Andika- Write

Swali- Question

Nina swali- I have a question

Sijui- I don't know

Jibu- Answer

Sema kwa sauti- Speak louder

Sema tena- Say again/ repeat

Kazi ya nyumbani- Homework

Sentensi- Sentence

Zoezi- Exercise

Mazungumzo- Dialogue