If you are planning to travel to Zanzibar Islands for your vacation, then it is very important for you to learn some swahili words and phrases so as to be able even to connect with Zanzibar natives.
Swahili language is an official language in East Africa countries; Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Malawi. In this guide, We have provided important Swahili phrases for travelers to Zanzibar specifically.
Why Should you Know Swahili Phrases as a Traveler in Zanzibar?
- Even if you can’t speak a fluent conversation, native Swahili speakers will always appreciate it when they see a Tourist can be able to speak even one Swahili word.
- After learning these Swahili phrases, you will at least communicate for common emergency situations in Zanzibar, like when you are looking for Help, Direction, Post office, Restaurant etc.
- If you are coming to Zanzibar and you want to learn more about life of Zanzibar locals, then you need to have some swahili phrases.
Swahili Phrases for Travelers to Zanzibar
Greetings, Introductions & Goodbyes
- Jambo! Hello!
- Karibu Welcome/ You are Welcome.
- Habari za asubuhi Good morning!
- Habari za jioni Good evening
- Usiku mwema/ Ulale salama Good night.
- Jina lako nani? What is your name?
- Jina langu ni… My name is…
- Habari yako? How are you?
- Nzuri I'm doing well
- Sio nzuri I'm not doing well
- Samahani I am sorry.
- Natoka… (China, Italy, Russia, Afrika Kusini etc.) I am from… (China, Italy, Russia, South Africa)
- Tutaonana baadae! See you later!
- Kwaheri! Bye!
- Asante! Thank you!
Most Zanzibar locals understand the names of countries you will pronounce in English language. Example; They will understand both South Africa (English) and Afrika Kusini (Swahili).
Shopping Phrases
- Duka… Store/ Shop
- Bei gani? How much?
- Naweza kulipa kwa Shilingi? Can I pay in Shillings?
- Nina Shilingi tu! I only have shillings with me!
- Bei rahisi Cheap prices
- Bei ghali Expensive
- Natafuta… I am looking for…
- Naweza Kulipa kwa keshi? Can I pay with Cash?
- Naweza kulipa kwa Kadi? Can I pay with Card?
Eating Out Phrases
- Naweza kuona Menyu? Can I see the Menu?
- Naomba… I would like….
- Una Chakula kwa Vegetarian? Do you have vegetarian Food?
- Gilasi ya Maji, tafadhali! A glass of Water, please!
- Chai Breakfast/ Tea.
- Chakula cha mchana Lunch.
- Chakula cha jioni Dinner.
- Chumvi Salt.
- Sukari Sugar.
- Pilipili Pepper/ Chili.
- Tamu Sweet.
- Kali Sour.
- Tishu Napkin.
- Gilasi Glass.
- Kikombe Cup.
- Sahani Plate.
- Kijiko Spoon.
- Fork Uma.
- Kisu Knife.
- Muhudumu Waiter/ Waitress.
- Tafadhali, Naomba risiti Can I have a receipt, please!
Asking for Directions
- Wapi? Where?
- Samahani, iko wapi… Excuse me, where is…
- Karibu Near.
- Mbali Far.
- Wapi sehemu ya kuingia? Where is the entrance?
- Wape sehemu ya kutokea? Where is the exit?
- Kulia Right.
- Left Kushoto.
- Moja kwa moja straight ahead.
- Simama Stop.
- Kaskazini North.
- Kusini South.
- Mashariki East.
- Magharibi West.
Transportation Vocabulary
- Kituo cha daladala Bus station.
- Kiko wapi Kituo cha daladala? Where is the Bus station?
- Nauli Fare.
- Nauli bei gani? How much is the fare?
- Ramani Map.
- Naomba ramani ya Stone Town May I have a Stone Town Map?
- Daladala Public Transport (Not private hired)
Getting Around the City
- Iko wapi Benki? Where is the Bank?
- Iko wapi Posta? Where is the Post Office?
- Liko wapi soko? Where is the Market?
- Iko wapi sheli? Where is the gas station?
- Uwanja wa Ndege Airport.
- Mji Mkongwe Stone Town.
- Hospitali Hospital.
- Kituo cha Korona Covi-19 Test Center.
- Skuli School.
- Bahari Sea/ Ocean.
- Ufukwe Beach.
Emergency Swahili Vocabulary
- Msaada, Help.
- Naitaji Polisi, I need the Police.
- Nimepoteza Mkoba wangu/ Kipochi changu, I lost my Bag/ my Wallet.
- Liko wapi Duka la Dawa? Where is the Pharmacy?
- Barakoa, Mouth Mask.
- Usiniguse! Don't touch me!
- Nimepotea, I got lost.
Conversation Problem with Natives
- Sijafahamu I don't understand.
- Nimefahamu I understand.
- Unaweza kurudia tafadhali? Can you repeat please?
- Unazungumza Kiingereza? Can you speak English?
- Unazungumza Kiswahili? Can you speak Swahili?
- Nazungumza Kidogo I speak a little.
Swahili Pronouns
- Mimi I
- Wewe You
- Sisi We
- Yangu Mine/ My
- Yake His/ Hers.
- Yetu Ours.
