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Foreign Languages · Starter pack
Swahili is a Bantu language written in the Latin alphabet and spelled the way it sounds, which makes it one of the quickest languages to start reading aloud.
First words
The middle column is an approximation built from English sounds — close enough to be understood, not a strict transcription.
| Swahili | Say it like | English |
|---|---|---|
| Jambo | JAM-bo | Hello |
| Hujambo? | hoo-JAM-bo | How are you? (to one person) |
| Sijambo | see-JAM-bo | I am fine |
| Habari yako? | ha-BA-ree YA-ko | How are you? (literally: your news?) |
| Nzuri | n-ZOO-ree | Good / fine |
| Shikamoo | shee-ka-MOH | Respectful greeting to an elder (answered: Marahaba) |
| Karibu | ka-REE-boo | Welcome |
| Kwaheri | kwa-HEH-ree | Goodbye |
The polite basics
Ten phrases that carry a beginner through a shop, a station and an introduction.
| Swahili | Say it like | English |
|---|---|---|
| Tafadhali | ta-fa-DHA-lee | Please |
| Asante sana | a-SAN-teh SA-na | Thank you very much |
| Samahani | sa-ma-HA-nee | Excuse me / sorry |
| Jina langu ni… | JEE-na LAN-goo nee | My name is… |
| Unasema Kiingereza? | oo-na-SEH-ma kee-in-geh-REH-za | Do you speak English? |
| Sielewi | see-eh-LEH-wee | I do not understand |
| Bei gani? | BAY GA-nee | How much does it cost? |
| Choo kiko wapi? | CHOH KEE-ko WA-pee | Where is the toilet? |
| Naomba maji | na-OM-ba MA-jee | May I have some water |
| Hakuna matata | ha-KOO-na ma-TA-ta | No trouble / no worries |
Counting
Prices, platforms, dates and phone numbers all start here.
Good to know
Full guided lessons are being prepared — the starter pack is ready to use today. What you see on this page is everything Swahili currently holds, and all of it is usable content rather than a placeholder for a lesson that has not been built.