12 Swahili words for your first day in Tanzania

A few words of Kiswahili go a long way. People light up when a visitor greets them in their own language. Start with these.

• Jambo / Hujambo: hello. The reply to Hujambo is Sijambo.
• Mambo?: a casual hi, how's it going? Answer Poa! (cool).
• Habari?: how are you? Reply Nzuri (good).
• Asante / Asante sana: thank you / thank you very much.
• Karibu: welcome. It also means you're welcome.
• Tafadhali: please.
• Ndiyo / Hapana: yes / no.
• Samahani: excuse me, sorry.
• Pole pole: slowly, slowly. You will hear it a lot on Kilimanjaro.
• Bei gani?: how much is it?
• Maji: water.
• Kwaheri: goodbye.

Learn more at the Cultural Home

Swahili lessons at the Cultural Home start with exactly these words, practised at the breakfast table and at the market, not just on paper. By the end of a week most guests can greet, shop and say thank you with confidence.