Dine, Shop, and Explore Like a Local: Essential Swahili Phrases for Every Zanzibar Activity!
Hey there, travel tribe! 🌍 Heading to Zanzibar? Well, divas, while the island’s pristine beaches and rich history are sure to captivate you, there’s nothing like speaking a bit of the local language to truly immerse yourself in the experience. Swahili, or Kiswahili, is the common language of East Africa, and knowing a few phrases can go a long way. So, let’s dive into some essential Swahili phrases to help you dine, shop, and explore like a local!
Greetings and Basics
Hello: “Jambo” (Jahm-boh)
Good morning: “Habari za asubuhi” (Hah-bah-ree zah ah-soo-boo-hee)
Good afternoon: “Habari za mchana” (Hah-bah-ree zah m-chah-nah)
Good evening: “Habari za jioni” (Hah-bah-ree zah jee-oh-nee)
Goodbye: “Kwaheri” (Kwah-heh-ree)
Thank you: “Asante” (Ah-san-teh)
Yes: “Ndiyo” (N-dee-yoh)
No: “Hapana” (Hah-pah-nah)
Please: “Tafadhali” (Tah-fah-dha-lee)
Sorry/Excuse me: “Samahani” (Sah-mah-hah-nee)
I don’t understand: “Sielewi” (See-eh-leh-wee)
Do you speak English?: “Unasema Kiingereza?” (Oo-nah-seh-mah Kee-ing-gheh-reh-zah)
Dining Out
I’m hungry: “Nina njaa”
Water: “Maji”
Food: “Chakula”
Delicious: “Kitamu”
Can I have the menu, please?: “Naweza kupata menyu, tafadhali?”
Bill, please: “Hesabu, tafadhali”
Vegetarian: “Mlishe wa mboga” (M-lee-sheh wah m-boh-gah)
Meat: “Nyama” (Nyah-mah)
Fish: “Samaki” (Sah-mah-kee)
Drinks: “Vinywaji” (Vin-ywah-jee)
Beer: “Bia” (Bee-ah)
Shopping
How much?: “Bei gani?” (Bay gah-nee)
Expensive: “Ghali” (Gha-lee)
Cheap: “Rahisi” (Rah-hee-see)
Open: “Wazi” (Wah-zee)
Closed: “Fungwa” (Foon-gwah)
How much is this?: “Hii inagharimu kiasi gani?”
Too expensive: “Ghali mno”
Can you reduce the price?: “Unaweza kupunguza bei?”
I want this: “Nataka hii”
Market: “Soko”
Exploring
Where is…?: “Wapi…?”
Beach: “Fukwe”
Hotel: “Hoteli”
Toilet: “Choo”
Bank: “Benki”
Pharmacy: “Duka la dawa”
Museum: “Makumbusho” (Mah-koom-boo-sho)
Bus station: “Kituo cha basi” (Kee-tuo chah bah-see)
Taxi: “Teksi” (Tehk-see)
Entrance: “Mlango wa kuingia” (M-lan-goh wah koo-ing-ghee-ah)
Exit: “Mlango wa kutoka” (M-lan-goh wah koo-toh-kah)
Help!: “Msaada!”
I’m lost: “Nimepotea”
Health and Safety
Doctor: “Daktari” (Dahk-tah-ree)
Hospital: “Hospitali” (Hos-pee-tah-lee)
Medicine: “Dawa” (Dah-wah)
Police: “Polisi” (Poh-lee-see)
Emergency: “Dharura” (Dha-roo-rah)
Dive into the Zanzibari Experience!
Alright, divas, with these Swahili phrases in your travel toolkit, you’re all set to navigate Zanzibar like a pro. Whether you’re haggling at a local market, ordering a scrumptious meal, or simply striking up a conversation with a local, these phrases will surely enhance your experience. So, next time you’re in Zanzibar, dazzle the locals with your Swahili skills and dive deep into the authentic Zanzibari experience! I hope this helps! Safe travels and enjoy your time in Zanzibar! 🌴🌞🌊
Catch flights, not feelings!
