Learning Swahili
I always find it real exciting to learn a new language. Knowing even some words from the local language elicit a lot of warmth from the locals. And this principle applies to the entire globe. During my recent trip to Kenya, I did manage to learn some Swahili words especially around the activities that I was engaging in and to form my basic language survival kit. I did manage to listen to some audio tapes prior to reaching Kenya, but as always first-hand experience and a local connect is the best way to learn a new language. Here are some random words, phrases and sentences that I managed to learn and remember during my Kenya holiday. And if you look closely, you will find that some words are similar to Hindi. This could be either because a lot of Hindi speaking Indians migrated to Kenya two centuries back or the common Arabic/Persian influence into both our respective languages.
| Chakula | Food |
| Asante | Thank you |
| Asante Saana | Thank you very much |
| Karibu | Welcome |
| Karibu Saana | Welcome very much |
| Thwende | Let’s go |
| Kapisaa | Put the gun to the metal or floor it or press the accelerator |
| Pole Pole | Slowly |
| Chakula Chamchana | Lunch |
| Samahani | Excuse me |
| Keeingereza | English |
| Hapana | No |
| Lala Salama | Sleep well/ Sleep tight/Good night |
| Safiri Salama | Have a safe journey |
| Duma | Cheetah |
| Simba | Lion |
| Chui | Leopard |
| Nyati | Cape Buffalo |
| Kifaroo | Rhinoceros |
| Ndorvoo | Elephant |
| Baynkee | Bank |
| Ni Bei gaani | How much is it? |
| Wapee | Where? |
| Polisi | Police |
| Asubuhi | Morning |
| Mchaana | Afternoon |
| Jioni | Evening |
| Pasipoti | Passport |
| Choo | Toilet |
| Maridadi | Beautiful |
| Hakuna Matata | No worries |
| Pesa | Money |
| Hakuna Pesa Hakuna Matata | No Money No Worries |
| Heka Pesa Heka Matata | More Money More Worries |
| Ni Sawa | That’s fine |
| Saawa | Okay |
| Sawa Sawa (2nd most common word) | OK OK |
| Bareedee | Cold |
| Dooka | Shop |
| Matatu | Public van |
| Bota Bota | Public Motorcycle Taxi |
| Jaambo (Most commonly used word) | Hello |
| Beema | Insurance |
| Kliniki | Clinic |
| Dawa | Medicine (also a vodka based drink) |
| Saboonee | Soap |
| Majee | Water |
| Choopa | Bottle |
| Sifuri | Zero |
| Mohja | One |
| Nyama | Meat |
| Nyama Choma | Meat grilled over charcoal |
| Chapati | Flat Indian Whole Wheat Bread |
| Chai | Tea |
| Pili Pili | Green Chillies (Hot Pepper) |
| Sukuma Wiki | Green Vegetables |
| Kachumbari | Mixed Vegetables |
| Ugali | Steamed Maize Cake |
| Mazeewa | Milk |
| Githeri | Dish that is made of mashed potatoes, maize and beans |
| Irio | Mashed Potatoes with greens |
| Sookaaree | Sugar |
