Swahili or "Kiswahili" which it is called in the Swahili language is in my opinion, one of the sweetest languages in the world. The words roll so nicely off the tongue and it just sounds cool. I don't have a better way to describe it, Kiswahili is simply cool. The fact that it is widely spoken in the East African region really makes it a good language to learn. You can speak it in Tanzania, Kenya, DRC and even in some parts of Uganda and Rwanda. So if you are planning to visit East Africa it is really good to learn a few phrases in Kiswahili in order to connect with more people and of course impress them!
Greetings
Welcome - Karibu
Thank you - Asante
Hello/How are you - Habari?
Nice - Nzuri (common answer to “habari”)
How is it going - Mambo vipi?
Cool/fine - Poa (common answer to “mambo vipi”)
Politeness
Sorry - Samahani
Please - Tafadhali
May I have - Naomba
Where is the bathroom? - Msalani ikowapi?
In the market
How much? - Shingapi?/Bei gani?
Lower the price - Punguza bei
Yes - Ndio
No - Hapana
Do you speak English/Swahili? - Unaongea Kingereza/Kiswahili?
A little - Kidogo
This is a very short list of Kiswahili phrases, but for a 1-2 week vacation it will take you very far. People will have a good laugh and be impressed by your skills. But whatever you do, don't use the word "Jambo" in Tanzania. No locals use that word and it is only used towards foreigners. If you want to be seen as a real person and actually be able to connect to people, use "Mambo" instead. I hope you find this short list helpful and I wish you luckk on your practice!
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