Useful Phrases

1. Mimi ndiye niliyeunda programu hii

   I made this app

   Usage

   Used when introducing an app you created

   Grammar Note

   Swahili relative clauses are formed with verb affixes

2. Programu hii ni bure

   This app is free

   Usage

   Used to inform someone the app is free of charge

   Grammar Note

   "Bure" means free/without cost in Swahili

3. Tafadhali jaribu kuipakua

   Please try downloading it

   Usage

   Used to encourage someone to download the app

   Grammar Note

   "Tafadhali" is from Arabic. "ku-" is the infinitive marker in Swahili

4. Mimi ni Mjapani

   I'm Japanese

   Usage

   Basic phrase for introducing your nationality

   Grammar Note

   The "M-" prefix marks class 1, the class for persons (plural Wa-). "A Japanese person" is Mjapani. The language is Kijapani.

5. Mimi ni msafiri

   I'm a traveler

   Usage

   Used to identify yourself as a tourist/traveler

   Grammar Note

   "Msafiri" means traveler/person who travels

6. Ninasafiri peke yangu

   I'm traveling alone

   Usage

   Used to say you are traveling by yourself

   Grammar Note

   "Peke yangu" means alone/by myself (literally "only mine")

7. Hii ni mara yangu ya kwanza hapa

   It's my first time here

   Usage

   Common phrase when visiting a place for the first time

   Grammar Note

   "Mara ya kwanza" means the first time/occasion

8. Naweza kupiga picha?

   May I take a photo?

   Usage

   Used when asking permission to take a photo

   Grammar Note

   "Naweza" means I can/am able to

9. Tunaweza kupiga picha pamoja?

   Shall we take a photo together?

   Usage

   Used to suggest taking a photo together

   Grammar Note

   "Pamoja" means together/jointly in Swahili

10. Tafadhali scan msimbo wa QR

    Please scan the QR code

    Usage

    Used when asking someone to scan a QR code

    Grammar Note

    "Msimbo" means code/cipher in Swahili

11. Usinidanganye, usiniibe

    Don't cheat me / Stop ripping me off

    Usage

    Strong protest used at markets or tourist spots when being overcharged or deceived

    Grammar Note

    Swahili negative imperative uses the prefix "u-." "Usini-" means "don't (do) to me." "Danganye" (deceive) and "ibe" (steal) cover common forms of market fraud.

12. Usiniangalie chini, usinidharau

    Don't underestimate me / Don't look down on me

    Usage

    Used to assert your dignity when being disrespected or treated dismissively

    Grammar Note

    "Dharau" is an Arabic loanword meaning contempt/disrespect. "Chini" means "below/down." The negative imperative "usini-" carries strong emotional force in casual speech.

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