|
 When
in Rome, be Roman. If in France, speak French. But in Kenya,
a handful of Swahili phrases will not only get you out of
a fix but would also win over the hearts of the Kenyans.
Common Swahili Phrases
Some phrases and courtesies that will come in handy on your Tour to Kenya:
| English | Swahili |
| Hello | Jambo |
| How are you? | Habari? |
| Fine | Mzuri Sana |
| Goodbye | Kwaheri |
| May I come in? | Hodi? |
| Come in, near | Karibu |
| Please | Tafadhali |
| Bring me hot water please | Lete maji moto, tafadhali | | Thank you | Asante sana |
| Yes | Ndio |
| No | Hapana |
| Today | Leo |
| Tonight | Leo usiku |
| Tomorrow | Kesho |
| Where is ______? | Iko wapi ______? |
| How much? How many? | Ngapi? |
| How much is it? | Ngapi shillings? |
| Wait | Ngojea |
| Slow down (caution) | Pole pole |
| May I take your picture? | Nikupige picha? |
| Mrs. | Bibi |
| Infant, child | Toto |
| Elder (one with wisdom) | Mzee |
Swahili for Numbers
It is surprising the number of times we use numbers in our speech. See! So mug these terms and commit them to memory.
| English | Swahili |
| One | Moja |
| Two | Mbili |
| Three | Tatu |
| Four | Nne |
| Five | Tano |
| Six | Sita |
| Seven | Saba |
| Eight | Nane |
| Nine | Tisa |
| Ten | Kumi |
Swahili for Animals
Since Safaris are an integral part of even the least challenging tours to Kenya, it is only in your best interest that you call the animal by its right name. Other wise you'll end up spotting a giraffe instead of a lion.
| English | Swahili |
| Elephant | Tembo |
| Cheetah | Duma |
| Lion | Simba |
| Giraffe | Twiga |
| Hippo | Kiboko |
| Hartebeest | Kongoni |
| Snake | Nyoka |
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