Here are 100 popular Swahili expressions and phrases, grouped by theme:

Greetings

1. Habari? – How are you? / What’s the news?
2. Nzuri. – Fine.
3. Shikamoo. – I respect you (greeting for elders).
4. Marahaba. – I accept your respect (response to “Shikamoo”).
5. Hujambo? – Are you fine?
6. Sijambo. – I’m fine.
7. Karibu. – Welcome.
8. Asante. – Thank you.
9. Pole. – Sorry (for a misfortune).
10. Pole pole. – Take it easy.

Common Responses

11. Ndiyo. – Yes.
12. Hapana. – No.
13. Labda. – Maybe.
14. Sawa. – Okay.
15. Haina shida. – No problem.
16. Hakuna matata. – No worries.
17. Ni kweli. – It’s true.
18. Siyo kweli. – It’s not true.
19. Samahani. – Excuse me / Sorry.
20. Nashukuru. – I am grateful.

Introducing Yourself

21. Jina langu ni… – My name is…
22. Ninatoka… – I am from…
23. Nina miaka… – I am … years old.
24. Ninaishi… – I live in…
25. Ninapenda… – I like…
26. Ninazungumza Kiswahili kidogo. – I speak a little Swahili.
27. Ninajifunza Kiswahili. – I am learning Swahili.
28. Wewe unatoka wapi? – Where are you from?
29. Unazungumza Kiingereza? – Do you speak English?
30. Tafadhali sema polepole. – Please speak slowly.

Travel & Directions

31. Hii ni wapi? – Where is this?
32. Ninaenda… – I’m going to…
33. Nipatie ramani. – Give me a map.
34. Hii ni mbali? – Is this far?
35. Kulia. – Right.
36. Kushoto. – Left.
37. Moja kwa moja. – Straight ahead.
38. Nimepotea. – I am lost.
39. Nisaidie tafadhali. – Please help me.
40. Ni kiasi gani? – How much is it?

Shopping & Bargaining

41. Bei gani? – What’s the price?
42. Ni ghali sana. – It’s too expensive.
43. Nipunguzie tafadhali. – Please reduce the price.
44. Pesa ngapi? – How much money?
45. Nataka kununua… – I want to buy…
46. Hii ni nzuri. – This is nice.
47. Una kitu kingine? – Do you have something else?
48. Sina pesa. – I don’t have money.
49. Nimefurahia bidhaa zako. – I like your products.
50. Asante kwa kunihudumia. – Thank you for serving me.

Eating Out

51. Nina njaa. – I’m hungry.
52. Nina kiu. – I’m thirsty.
53. Niletee maji tafadhali. – Bring me water, please.
54. Nataka chakula. – I want food.
55. Ni chakula gani hiki? – What food is this?
56. Ni kitamu sana! – It’s very delicious!
57. Ninapenda chai. – I like tea.
58. Menyu tafadhali. – Menu, please.
59. Hii ni mboga? – Is this vegetarian?
60. Nimeshiba. – I’m full.

Expressing Emotions

61. Nimefurahi. – I am happy.
62. Nimechoka. – I am tired.
63. Ninasikitika. – I am sorry.
64. Nina wasiwasi. – I’m worried.
65. Nina furaha. – I am joyful.
66. Nimekasirika. – I am angry.
67. Ninapenda maisha. – I love life.
68. Usijali. – Don’t worry.
69. Pole kwa hilo. – Sorry for that.
70. Tuko pamoja. – We are together.

Time & Days

71. Leo. – Today.
72. Jana. – Yesterday.
73. Kesho. – Tomorrow.
74. Wiki ijayo. – Next week.
75. Wiki iliyopita. – Last week.
76. Saa ngapi? – What time is it?
77. Saa moja. – 7:00 AM/PM (Swahili time system).
78. Ninakimbia muda. – I am running out of time.
79. Subiri kidogo. – Wait a moment.
80. Haraka haraka! – Quickly!

Miscellaneous

81. Nisaidie tafadhali. – Please help me.
82. Naweza kusaidia? – Can I help?
83. Kumbuka! – Remember!
84. Usisahau. – Don’t forget.
85. Ni muhimu. – It’s important.
86. Usiwe na wasiwasi. – Don’t worry.
87. Lazima tuende. – We must go.
88. Ni saa ya kufurahia. – It’s time to enjoy.
89. Nipe muda. – Give me time.
90. Tutaonana baadaye. – See you later.

Goodbye & Wishes

91. Kwaheri. – Goodbye.
92. Baadaye. – Later.
93. Tutaonana kesho. – See you tomorrow.
94. Safari njema. – Safe journey.
95. Bahati njema. – Good luck.
96. Ndoto njema. – Sweet dreams.
97. Ubarikiwe. – Be blessed.
98. Usiku mwema. – Good night.
99. Jumapili njema. – Have a good Sunday.
100. Tunza afya yako. – Take care of your health.

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