Swahili (Kiswahili) is a fascinating language spoken by over 100 million people in East Africa. As an official language of Tanzania and Kenya, Swahili is also spoken in Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

In this dictionary, we've selected the 50 most useful words to get started with Swahili, including their pronunciation and English translation.

1. Greetings and Politeness 2. Essential Numbers 3. Family 4. Food 5. Common Verbs

🗣️ Greetings and Politeness

Swahili is renowned for its courtesy. Here are the essential greetings:

Swahili Greetings

  • Hujambo [hou-djam-bo] - Hello, how are you?
  • Jambo [djam-bo] - Hi (informal)
  • Pole [po-lé] - Excuse me, sorry
  • Asante [a-san-té] - Thank you
  • Kwa heri [kwa hé-ri] - Goodbye
  • Ndiyo [ndi-yo] - Yes
  • Hapana [ha-pa-na] - No
  • Nzuri [nzou-ri] - Good, fine
  • Sijambo [si-djam-bo] - I'm fine (response)
  • Tafadhali [ta-fa-dha-li] - Please

    • 🔢 Essential Numbers

    Numbers in Swahili are very useful for shopping and negotiations:

    Swahili Numbers

  • Moja [mo-dja] - One
  • Mbili [mbi-li] - Two
  • Tatu [ta-tou] - Three
  • Nne [nné] - Four
  • Tano [ta-no] - Five
  • Sita [si-ta] - Six
  • Saba [sa-ba] - Seven
  • Nane [na-né] - Eight
  • Tisa [ti-sa] - Nine
  • Kumi [kou-mi] - Ten

    • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family

    Family is very important in Swahili culture:

    Swahili Family

  • Baba [ba-ba] - Father, dad
  • Mama [ma-ma] - Mother, mom
  • Babu [ba-bou] - Grandfather
  • Bibi [bi-bi] - Grandmother
  • Mtoto [mto-to] - Child
  • Ndugu [ndou-gou] - Brother/sister
  • Rafiki [ra-fi-ki] - Friend
  • Mwanamke [mwa-nam-ké] - Woman
  • Mwanamume [mwa-na-mou-mé] - Man
  • Jamii [dja-mi-i] - Family

    • 🍽️ Food

    Swahili cuisine blends African, Arab, and Indian influences:

    Swahili Food

  • Wali [wa-li] - Rice
  • Samaki [sa-ma-ki] - Fish
  • Nyama [nya-ma] - Meat
  • Mkate [mka-té] - Bread
  • Maji [ma-dji] - Water
  • Chai [cha-i] - Tea
  • Maziwa [ma-zi-wa] - Milk
  • Pesa [pé-sa] - Money
  • Kula [kou-la] - To eat
  • Tamu [ta-mou] - Delicious

    • ⚡ Common Verbs

    These basic verbs will help you express yourself:

    Swahili Verbs

  • Kwenda [kwèn-da] - To go
  • Kuja [kou-dja] - To come
  • Kuona [kou-o-na] - To see
  • Kusema [kou-sé-ma] - To speak, to say
  • Kusikia [kou-si-ki-a] - To hear
  • Kujifunza [kou-dji-foun-za] - To learn
  • Kutoa [kou-to-a] - To give
  • Kuchukua [kou-tchou-kou-a] - To take
  • Kufanya [kou-fan-ya] - To do
  • Kuwa [kou-wa] - To be

    • 💡 Tips to Memorize This Vocabulary

    🎯 Effective Learning Method

  • Daily repetition: Practice 10 words per day for 5 days
  • Simple sentences: Combine several words in short phrases
  • Swahili music: Listen to songs to hear pronunciation
  • Oral practice: Repeat each word several times
  • Cultural context: Learn words in connection with East African culture

🚀 Ready to Speak Swahili Fluently?

This dictionary is just the beginning! With Targumi, learn Swahili progressively and naturally through our interactive courses.

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