Basic Words

1. Ndiyo

   Yes

   Usage

   Simple affirmative. Nodding while you say it removes any doubt

2. Hapana

   No

   Usage

   Simple negative. Also used to turn down offers and street vendors

3. Tafadhali

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request. Combined with pointing it works almost anywhere

4. Asante

   Thank you

   Usage

   The single most useful word. Use it after paying or being given directions

5. Samahani

   Excuse me

   Usage

   To get a stranger’s attention, or when passing in front of someone

   Grammar Note

   "Samahani" is the word for getting attention or squeezing past. Do not confuse it with "Pole," which expresses sympathy, not apology.

6. Nisamehe

   Sorry

   Usage

   A real apology: after bumping into someone or making a mistake

   Grammar Note

   "Nisamehe" is literally "forgive me": ni- (me) + samehe (forgive). Use it when you are at fault.

7. Ni sawa

   It’s OK / I’m fine

   Usage

   Reassures someone who is worried, and softly declines an offer

8. Sielewi

   I don’t understand

   Usage

   Say it when you miss what was said; it prompts them to rephrase

9. Nimeelewa

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed the explanation and the conversation can move on

10. Nimemaliza

    I’m finished / Done

    Usage

    Signals you have finished a meal, a form, or a payment

11. Tafadhali subiri

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it while you dig out your wallet or wait for a travel companion

12. Subiri kidogo

    Just a moment

    Usage

    For a few seconds only — at a counter or on the phone

13. Mtu mzima mmoja

    One adult, please

    Usage

    At a ticket window or entrance gate when stating your party size

14. Sina buking

    I don’t have a reservation

    Usage

    The first thing to say when walking into a hotel or restaurant unannounced

    Grammar Note

    "Buking" is a loan from English "booking," used routinely for hotel and travel reservations.

15. Nina buking

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it at reception before giving your name; show the booking if you have it

16. Msaada, tafadhali!

    Please help me

    Usage

    Shout it in an emergency — it is meant to draw attention fast

17. Tafadhali rudia

    Once more, please

    Usage

    For asking someone to repeat; pairs naturally with “I don’t understand”

18. Tafadhali sema polepole

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speed is the problem rather than the words; most people oblige

19. Ninaongea kidogo tu

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Say it early; people then choose simpler words and slow down

20. Unaongea Kiingereza?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    For complicated business — check whether you share a language first

21. Hii

    This one

    Usage

    Point at an object in front of you and say this; combined with your finger it always lands

    Grammar Note

    Swahili demonstratives change with the noun class. "Hii" is the class 9 form and doubles as the default for pointing at an unspecified thing. For a person use "huyu", and for a class 7 noun "hiki" (e.g. "kitabu hiki", this book).

22. Hiyo

    That one (near you)

    Usage

    For something near the person you are talking to, or something just mentioned

    Grammar Note

    The class 9 mid-distance demonstrative; for a person use "huyo", for a class 7 noun "hicho".

23. Ile

    That one over there

    Usage

    For something further away — handy for choosing an item at the back of a stall

    Grammar Note

    The class 9 distal demonstrative; for a person use "yule", for a class 7 noun "kile".

24. Hapa

    Here

    Usage

    The exact spot you are on; "shusha hapa" means "drop me off here"

    Grammar Note

    Locative words do not change with noun class, which makes them safer to point at than the demonstratives.

25. Hapo

    There

    Usage

    The spot where the other person is, or a place just mentioned

    Grammar Note

    For a vaguer "around there", Swahili also uses "huko".

26. Pale

    Over there

    Usage

    A visible spot some distance away; pair it with a pointed finger when asking directions

    Grammar Note

    For somewhere too far to see, Swahili uses "kule".

27. Mimi

    I / me

    Usage

    Point at yourself with this; it covers both "I" and "me"

    Grammar Note

    The free-standing pronoun; in a verb it appears as the prefix "ni-" (e.g. "ninakwenda", I go).

28. Wewe

    You

    Usage

    For the person in front of you; for more than one person use "nyinyi"

    Grammar Note

    The free-standing pronoun; in a verb it appears as the prefix "u-" (e.g. "unakwenda", you go).

29. Pamoja

    Together

    Usage

    To say you are travelling together, or that the bill should be combined

    Grammar Note

    An adverb built on "moja" (one); "pamoja na" means "together with".

30. Sasa hivi

    Right now

    Usage

    To press for something immediately. Note that in everyday speech it can also mean "just now" in the past sense, so point as you show it if you mean right this minute

    Grammar Note

    Built from "sasa" (now) intensified by "hivi" (in this way).

31. Mtu mmoja

    One person

    Usage

    For stating your party size at an eatery or on a boat; at a ticket window you would say "mtu mzima mmoja" (one adult)

    Grammar Note

    Numerals agree with the noun class: "mtu" is class 1, so "one" takes the form "mmoja".

32. Watu wawili

    Two people

    Usage

    For stating your party size, including when asking for a room for two

    Grammar Note

    The plural of "mtu" is "watu" (class 2), and the numeral agrees as "wawili".

33. Watu watatu

    Three people

    Usage

    For stating your party size

    Grammar Note

    Class 2 agreement turns "tatu" (three) into "watatu".

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