Feelings

1. Nimefurahi

   I'm glad

   Usage

   The easiest one to reach for. "Nimefurahi kukutana nawe" means "pleased to meet you"

   Grammar Note

   ni- (I) + me- (perfect) + furahi (rejoice). The perfect here describes a present state of being glad.

2. Nina furaha

   I'm happy

   Usage

   Literally "I have joy" — a more lasting happiness than "nimefurahi"

3. Inachekesha

   It's funny

   Usage

   Built from "kucheka" (to laugh) — "it makes one laugh". A good response to a joke

4. Nina hamu

   I'm eager / looking forward to it

   Usage

   "Hamu" is keen longing. "Nina hamu ya kuona simba" means "I can't wait to see lions"

5. Ninajivunia

   I'm proud

   Usage

   From "kujivunia" (to take pride in). It works as praise for someone else too

6. Nimetulia

   I'm calm / settled

   Usage

   From "kutulia" (to settle). Also serves for the relief of arriving safely. Saying "tulia" to someone means "calm down"

7. Nakupenda

   I love you

   Usage

   A contraction of ni- (I) + ku- (you) + penda (love). Used with partners and family alike

8. Ninapenda

   I like it

   Usage

   Works for food or places. "Ninapenda hii" means "I like this one"

9. Ninakukumbuka

   I'm thinking of you / I miss you

   Usage

   "Kukumbuka" is "to remember". Swahili has no single word for "miss", so this is how the feeling is expressed

10. Nina huzuni

    I'm sad

    Usage

    Literally "I have sorrow" — a deep sadness, and the word used at a funeral

11. Nimesikitika

    I'm sorry to hear that

    Usage

    The set response to bad news, and also usable about your own disappointment. Pairing it with "pole" makes it warmer

12. Nimekata tamaa

    I've lost heart

    Usage

    Literally "I have cut off hope" — strong disappointment. For milder dissatisfaction use "nimesikitika"

13. Nina upweke

    I feel lonely

    Usage

    "Upweke" is loneliness — for the solitude of travelling alone

14. Nina hasira

    I'm angry

    Usage

    Shouting in public makes someone lose face in East Africa and usually stalls the negotiation. Save this for when you truly mean it

15. Nimechoshwa

    I'm fed up

    Usage

    A milder irritation than "nina hasira" — for long waits or the same sales pitch for the fifth time

16. Ninaogopa

    I'm afraid

    Usage

    Add the thing you fear: "ninaogopa mbwa" means "I'm afraid of dogs"

17. Nimeshtuka

    I was startled

    Usage

    For a sudden shock — an animal appearing without warning on safari, for instance

18. Nina wasiwasi

    I'm worried

    Usage

    A very common expression. "Usiwe na wasiwasi" means "don't worry"

19. Nina msongo wa mawazo

    I'm stressed

    Usage

    Literally "pressure of thoughts" — the established term used in East African health campaigns. "Stress" is understood too

20. Nina aibu

    I'm embarrassed

    Usage

    Covers embarrassment and shyness alike — after a public stumble or a compliment you did not expect

21. Nimechoka

    I'm tired

    Usage

    What you say after a long bus ride or a day on safari — expect "pole" in reply

22. Nina usingizi

    I'm sleepy

    Usage

    Literally "I have sleep" — what you feel after a dawn game drive

23. Niko sawa

    I'm fine

    Usage

    The standard reply to "habari?", and the way to reassure someone who is worried

24. Sijisikii vizuri

    I don't feel well

    Usage

    What to say when you cannot name the problem; the "si-" prefix marks the negative. Show it at a pharmacy or the front desk

25. Nimechanganyikiwa

    I'm confused

    Usage

    Show it when you are lost or stuck with paperwork — someone usually steps in to help

26. Ninashukuru

    I'm grateful

    Usage

    Add it to "asante" and the thanks land much harder. Well received after someone has helped you

Browse all TravelPhrases languages