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