Religion & Temples

1. Msikiti uko wapi?

   Msi-ki-ti u-ko wa-pi?

   Where is the mosque?

   Usage

   Asking for the location of a mosque for prayer

   Grammar Note

   "Msikiti" derives from Arabic "masjid". East Africa has deep Islamic heritage; about half the coastal population is Muslim.

2. Ramadhan inaanza lini?

   Ra-ma-dhan i-naan-za li-ni?

   When does Ramadan start?

   Usage

   Confirming the start of Ramadan when planning travel during this period

   Grammar Note

   "Ramadhan" is borrowed directly from Arabic. During Ramadan, travelers should be respectful about eating and drinking in public.

3. Je, ninaweza kuingia kanisani?

   Je, ni-na-we-za ku-in-gi-a ka-ni-sa-ni?

   Can I enter the church?

   Usage

   Asking whether you may enter a church as a visitor

   Grammar Note

   "Kanisa" derives from Arabic "kanīsa" (church). Christianity is widespread in East Africa, with many cathedrals in major cities.

4. Sala inaanza saa ngapi?

   Sa-la i-naan-za saa nga-pi?

   What time does the prayer service start?

   Usage

   Asking the start time of a prayer service or religious ceremony

   Grammar Note

   "Sala" derives from Arabic "ṣalāh" (prayer). Swahili time is sometimes counted from sunrise, differing by 6 hours from standard time.

5. Asante kwa ukarimu wenu

   A-san-te kwa u-ka-ri-mu we-nu

   Thank you for your hospitality

   Usage

   Expressing gratitude after being welcomed to a religious event or ceremony

   Grammar Note

   "Asante" is one of the most recognized Swahili words internationally. It comes from Arabic influence on the Swahili coast.

6. Ni haramu kula nyama hii?

   Ni ha-ra-mu ku-la nya-ma hi-i?

   Is it forbidden to eat this meat?

   Usage

   Asking about halal/haram dietary restrictions in an Islamic context

   Grammar Note

   "Haramu" is directly from Arabic "ḥarām" (forbidden). Its antonym "halali" (permitted) comes from Arabic "ḥalāl".

7. Je, ninaweza kuvaa kofia ndani?

   Je, ni-na-we-za ku-vaa ko-fi-a nda-ni?

   Can I wear a hat inside?

   Usage

   Asking about dress code rules before entering a religious building

   Grammar Note

   "Kofia" is also the name of the traditional round Muslim cap worn by Swahili men. Dress codes vary by religious site.

8. Sherehe ya Eid ni nzuri sana

   She-re-he ya Eid ni nzu-ri sa-na

   The Eid celebration is very wonderful

   Usage

   Complimenting the Eid celebration or expressing appreciation for the festivities

   Grammar Note

   Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are widely celebrated across East Africa. sherehe is class 9/10 (N class), so the adjective stem -zuri surfaces as nzuri. Vizuri is the class-8 form and also the adverb, and does not agree with sherehe.

9. Ninaweza kujifunza kuhusu dini yenu?

   Ni-na-we-za ku-ji-fun-za ku-hu-su di-ni ye-nu?

   Can I learn about your religion?

   Usage

   Respectfully expressing interest in learning about the local religion

   Grammar Note

   "Kujifunza" is the reflexive form of "kufunza" (to teach), meaning "to teach oneself = to learn". "Ji-" marks reflexivity.

10. Mungu akubariki

    Mu-ngu a-ku-ba-ri-ki

    God bless you

    Usage

    A religious blessing often used when saying goodbye or expressing goodwill

    Grammar Note

    "Akubariki" uses the subjunctive mood. "A-" = third person (God), "ku-" = second person object (you), "bariki" = bless.

Browse all TravelPhrases languages