Swahili Words in English: Uncovering Linguistic Influences • 7ESL

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You might be surprised to learn how many Swahili words are commonly used in English. This reference explores these Swahili terms, along with greetings and phrases that enhance your communication skills. If you’re curious about conversational slang, you will also find Sheng and Swahili slang intriguing.

Additionally, if you’re planning to travel, knowing essential Swahili vocabulary can be helpful. The reference aims to provide you with knowledge and understanding of these words, helping you engage more effectively in different contexts.

Common Swahili Words Used in English

Swahili is spoken widely throughout East Africa and has even made its way into English conversations. There are many Swahili words that English speakers will come across or find useful when communicating with Swahili speakers. Here is a selection of some common Swahili words that are often used in English.

Jambo – This is a friendly greeting often used in casual conversations, similar to “hello” in English.
Asante – This is the Swahili word for “thank you,” and is used in much the same way as it is in English, to express gratitude.
Sawa – This translates to “okay” or “fine” in English, and it is used as a general acknowledgement or agreement in response to a statement, much like how “okay” is used in English.
Basi – This Swahili term is often used to mean “enough” or “that’s enough.” It is usually employed to emphasize a point or bring a conclusion to a discussion.
Tafadhali – This is the Swahili term for “please,” which is utilized in similar contexts as it is in English, to make a polite request or ask for assistance.
Leo – This word means “today” in Swahili. It can be employed in conversations about schedules, plans, or other time-sensitive topics.

Some Swahili phrases that have found their way into English include:

Pole sana – Translated to “I’m very sorry,” this phrase is used to express condolences or apologies.
Hakuna matata – Made popular by the movie “The Lion King,” this phrase means “no worries” or “no problem” in Swahili.

In addition, there are Swahili words that are similar to or like English words. For example:

Ati – It means “huh,” “what,” or “say,” and it is used to express surprise or to ask for clarification.

When learning Swahili, using a Swahili dictionary can be helpful for understanding these words and phrases. There are multiple resources available online, like free dictionaries, that offer translations from Swahili to English.

Incorporating these Swahili words and phrases into English conversations can be beneficial when communicating with native speakers or even just to expand one’s cultural understanding and linguistic capabilities. By confidently using these Swahili terms, it can make interactions with native speakers more engaging, knowledgeable, and enjoyable for both parties.

Swahili Greetings and Phrases

Learning basic Swahili greetings and phrases can help you feel more confident, knowledgeable, and comfortable while traveling to East Africa or communicating with Swahili speakers. This section focuses on some of the most common and useful Swahili words and phrases.

Greetings are an essential part of Swahili culture, and there are several ways to say “hello” in Swahili:

Salama: Hello
Habari yako: How are you?
Habari gani: What’s the news?

When meeting someone, it is also common to ask for their name:

Jina lako nani? What is your name?

In addition to greetings, learning some essential phrases can be beneficial in creating a positive experience:

Nafurahi kukuona: Nice to meet you.
Tutaonana: See you later.
Safari njema: Have a good trip.
Ndiyo: Yes.
Sielewi: I don’t understand.
Pole pole: Slowly, take it easy.

Communication can be facilitated by knowing how to ask if someone speaks your language, or where they come from:

Unasema Kiingereza?: Do you speak English?
Unatoka wapi?: Where are you from?
Natokea: I come from…

Politeness goes a long way during your travels, so knowing how to ask permission before taking a photograph or making any other requests can be helpful:

Naomba kupiga picha: May I please take a photo?

Swahili speakers also use various words to talk about time and place:

Jana: Yesterday.
Hoteli: Hotel.
Huko: Over there.
Pale: There.

Lastly, when it comes to dining, knowing the Swahili word for food is essential:

Chakula: Food.

These are just a few essential Swahili greetings and phrases that one can learn to feel confident, knowledgeable, and at ease while interacting with native Swahili speakers.

Sheng and Swahili Slang

Sheng is a unique linguistic phenomenon that has emerged among the urban youth of Nairobi, Kenya. This dynamic slang has its roots in Swahili and English, though it also draws inspiration from numerous regional languages spoken in the area. What started as a language of urban youths has now transcended social classes and even spread geographically, reaching neighboring countries like Tanzania and Uganda.

The origin of Sheng’s name is a blend of the words, Swahili and English, which underscores its hybrid nature. This mixed language or creole features a range of words and expressions, some of which stem from blending or mixing up Swahili syllables, while others borrow from various regional languages.

Here are some examples of Sheng words and their English meanings:

Kanairo: Nairobi City
Mta: home
Mboka: job
Riang/Rieng: what’s up
Vuva: to meditate over weed or Marijuana
Mraa: one’s hustle
Kindukulu: marijuana/Weed or cannabis sativa
Ndiwike-wikendi: weekend
Ndirau-raundi: strolling
Tuta-tatu: three
Murenga: vehicle
Imbo: fake
Kujaa gas: being mad or upset

Sheng is continuously evolving, making it challenging for non-native speakers to keep up with the latest words and phrases. However, various online resources, such as the Sheng Dictionary by Go Sheng, offer valuable insights into this fascinating linguistic blend.

In conclusion, Sheng is a fascinating example of linguistic creativity and adaptability. As Swahili slang, it showcases the dynamic nature of language and how cultural exchange influences communication. It serves as a vibrant cultural identifier, binding urban youths and transcending traditional linguistic barriers.

Essential Swahili Vocabulary for Travelers

Jambo – Hello (commonly used by tourists)
Habari – How are you? / What’s the news?
Nzuri / Mzuri – Good
Asante – Thank you
Asante sana – Thank you very much
Karibu – Welcome / You’re welcome
Tafadhali – Please
Pole – Sorry (also used to express sympathy or concern)
Samahani – Excuse me / Sorry
Kwa heri – Goodbye (to one person)
Kwa herini – Goodbye (to multiple people)

Basic Phrases

Ndiyo – Yes
Hapana – No
Sawa – Okay / Fine
Ndio, tafadhali – Yes, please
Hapana, asante – No, thank you
Ninakuelewa – I understand
Sielewi – I don’t understand
Ninaitwa… – My name is…
Unaitwa nani? – What is your name?
Ninaomba… – I would like… / I request…

Numbers

Moja – One
Mbili – Two
Tatu – Three
Nne – Four
Tano – Five
Sita – Six
Saba – Seven
Nane – Eight
Tisa – Nine
Kumi – Ten

Directions and Transportation

Wapi? – Where?
Hapa – Here
Pale – There
Kushoto – Left
Kulia – Right
Moja kwa moja – Straight ahead
Gari – Car
Basi – Bus
Treni – Train
Baiskeli – Bicycle
Teksi – Taxi
Uwanja wa ndege – Airport
Stesheni ya treni – Train station

Eating and Drinking

Chakula – Food
Maji – Water
Maji ya kunywa – Drinking water
Kahawa – Coffee
Chai – Tea
Bia – Beer
Menyu – Menu
Nina njaa – I am hungry
Nina kiu – I am thirsty
Bill tafadhali – The bill, please

Shopping and Money

Bei gani? – How much is this?
Pesa – Money
Ghali – Expensive
Rahisi – Cheap
Duka – Shop
Soko – Market
Nauli – Fare
Unapokea kadi za mkopo? – Do you accept credit cards?
Tafadhali nipe punguzo – Please give me a discount

Emergency and Health

Msaada! – Help!
Daktari – Doctor
Polisi – Police
Hospitali – Hospital
Moto – Fire
Ni dharura – It’s an emergency
Nimepotea – I am lost
Ninaumwa – I am sick
Unazungumza Kiingereza? – Do you speak English?
Simu ya dharura – Emergency phone

Useful Questions

Ninaweza kupata wapi…? – Where can I find…?
Je, kuna…? – Is there…?
Ni saa ngapi? – What time is it?
Unaweza kunisaidia? – Can you help me?
Nitafikaje…? – How do I get to…?

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Liam Daniel

At 7ESL, we use advanced AI to help people learn English. Our tools and resources make it easier to speak and write well, supporting learners at every level.