Basic Words in Swahili

Foundation vocabulary for beginners

Learn essential Swahili words with translations, pronunciation, and example sentences.

Habari
Hello/Greetings
Pronunciation: ha-BA-ree
Swahili: Habari! Jina langu ni Amani.
English: Hello! My name is Amani.
Jina
Name
Pronunciation: JEE-na
Swahili: Jina lako nani?
English: What is your name?
Ninatoka
I come from
Pronunciation: nee-na-TO-ka
Swahili: Ninatoka Kenya.
English: I come from Kenya.
Karibu
Welcome
Pronunciation: ka-REE-boo
Swahili: Karibu nyumbani.
English: Welcome home.
Hujambo
How are you?
Pronunciation: hoo-JAM-bo
Swahili: Hujambo? Habari yako?
English: How are you? How are you?
Nzuri
Good/Fine
Pronunciation: n-ZOO-ree
Swahili: Nzuri sana, asante.
English: Very good, thank you.
Kwaheri
Goodbye
Pronunciation: kwa-HE-ree
Swahili: Kwaheri, tutaonana kesho.
English: Goodbye, see you tomorrow.
Hujambo
Hello
Habari ya asubuhi
Good morning
Habari ya mchana
Good afternoon
Habari ya jioni
Good evening
Usiku mwema
Good night
Jina lako ni nani?
What is your name?
Jina langu ni ___
My name is ___
Samahani, sijakusikia
Sorry, I did not hear you
Unaishi wapi?
Where do you live?
Unatoka wapi?
Where are you from?
Habari gani?
How are you?
Nzuri, asante
Fine, thank you
Na wewe?
And you?
Tafadhali
Please
Pronunciation: ta-fa-DHA-lee
Swahili: Tafadhali, nipe maji.
English: Please, give me water.
Asante
Thank you
Pronunciation: a-SAN-te
Swahili: Asante sana!
English: Thank you very much!
Samahani
Sorry/Excuse me
Pronunciation: sa-ma-HA-nee
Swahili: Samahani, sikujua.
English: Sorry, I didn't know.
Karibu tena
You're welcome
Pronunciation: ka-REE-boo TE-na
Swahili: Karibu tena kesho.
English: You're welcome tomorrow.
Hapana
No
Pronunciation: ha-PA-na
Swahili: Hapana, asante.
English: No, thank you.
Ndio
Yes
Pronunciation: N-dee-o
Swahili: Ndio, tafadhali.
English: Yes, please.
Tafadhali
Please
Asante
Thank you
Ndiyo
Yes
Hapana
No
Unasemaje?
How do you say?
Ongea polepole
Speak slowly
Rudia, tafadhali
Repeat, please
Tena
Again
Neno kwa neno
Word for word
Polepole
Slowly
Umesema nini?
What did you say?
Sielewi
I don't understand
Je, unaelewa?
Do you understand?
Ina maana gani?
What does it mean?
Sijui
I don't know
Je, unazungumza Kiingereza?
Do you speak English?
Moja
One
Pronunciation: MO-ja
Swahili: Nina watoto moja.
English: I have one child.
Mbili
Two
Pronunciation: M-bee-lee
Swahili: Nina mbili za vitabu.
English: I have two books.
Tatu
Three
Pronunciation: TA-too
Swahili: Tuna watu tatu.
English: We have three people.
Nne
Four
Pronunciation: Ne
Swahili: Siku nne za wiki.
English: Four days of the week.
Tano
Five
Pronunciation: TA-no
Swahili: Ana miaka tano.
English: He is five years old.
Sita
Six
Pronunciation: SEE-ta
Swahili: Saa sita mchana.
English: Six o'clock in the afternoon.
Saba
Seven
Pronunciation: SA-ba
Swahili: Siku saba za wiki.
English: Seven days of the week.
Nane
Eight
Pronunciation: NA-ne
Swahili: Nane za saa.
English: Eight o'clock.
Tisa
Nine
Pronunciation: TEE-sa
Swahili: Tisa na moja ni kumi.
English: Nine plus one equals ten.
Kumi
Ten
Pronunciation: KOO-mee
Swahili: Kumi ni nambari kamili.
English: Ten is a complete number.
Siku ya kuzaliwa
Birthday
Maadhimisho
Anniversary
Sikukuu
Holiday
Mazishi
Funeral
Mahafali
Graduation
Harusi
Wedding
Heri ya mwaka mpya
Happy New Year
Hongera ya siku ya kuzaliwa
Happy birthday
Hongera
Congratulations
Bahati nzuri
Good luck
Zawadi
Gift
Sherehe
Party
Kadi ya siku ya kuzaliwa
Birthday card
Sherehe
Celebration
Muziki
Music
Ungependa kucheza ngoma?
Do you want to dance?
Sitaki kucheza ngoma
I don't want to dance
Tucheze ngoma
Let's dance
Jumatatu
Monday
Pronunciation: joo-ma-TA-too
Swahili: Jumatatu ni siku ya kwanza.
English: Monday is the first day.
Jumanne
Tuesday
Pronunciation: joo-MA-ne
Swahili: Jumanne tuna darasa.
English: We have class on Tuesday.
Jumatano
Wednesday
Pronunciation: joo-ma-TA-no
Swahili: Jumatano ni siku ya tatu.
English: Wednesday is the third day.
Alhamisi
Thursday
Pronunciation: al-ha-MEE-see
Swahili: Alhamisi twenda sokoni.
English: We go to the market on Thursday.
Ijumaa
Friday
Pronunciation: ee-joo-MAA
Swahili: Ijumaa ni siku takatifu.
English: Friday is a holy day.
Jumamosi
Saturday
Pronunciation: joo-ma-MO-see
Swahili: Jumamosi tunacheza.
English: We play on Saturday.
Jumapili
Sunday
Pronunciation: joo-ma-PEE-lee
Swahili: Jumapili twenda kanisani.
English: We go to church on Sunday.
Upendo
Love
Swahili: Upendo ni muhimu.
English: Love is important.
Amani
Peace
Swahili: Amani ni nzuri.
English: Peace is good.
Uaminifu
Trust
Swahili: Uaminifu ni muhimu.
English: Trust is important.
Heshima
Respect
Swahili: Heshima wazazi.
English: Respect parents.
Urafiki
Friendship
Swahili: Urafiki ni nzuri.
English: Friendship is good.
Ni siku nzuri
It is a beautiful day
Swahili: Ni siku nzuri leo.
English: It is a beautiful day today.
Karibu
Welcome
Swahili: Karibu nyumbani.
English: Welcome home.
anga ni nzuri
The sky is beautiful
Swahili: Anga ni nzuri sana.
English: The sky is very beautiful.
Kuna nyota nyingi
There are so many stars
Swahili: Kuna nyota nyingi usiku.
English: There are many stars at night.
Ni mwezi mpevu
It is a full moon
Swahili: Ni mwezi mpevu leo.
English: It is a full moon today.
Napenda jua
I love the sun
Swahili: Napenda jua sana.
English: I love the sun very much.
Samahani
Excuse me (when bumping into someone)
Swahili: Samahani, nimekukumba.
English: Excuse me, I bumped into you.
Naweza kukusaidia?
May I help you?
Swahili: Naweza kukusaidia?
English: May I help you?
Je, una swali?
Do you have a question?
Swahili: Je, una swali lolote?
English: Do you have any question?
Amani duniani
Peace on Earth
Swahili: Amani duniani kote.
English: Peace on Earth everywhere.
Mama (Class 1)
Mother (Class 1)
Pronunciation: MA-ma
Swahili: Mama yangu ni mwalimu.
English: My mother is a teacher.
Baba (Class 1)
Father (Class 1)
Pronunciation: BA-ba
Swahili: Baba yangu ni daktari.
English: My father is a doctor.
Kaka (Class 1)
Older brother (Class 1)
Pronunciation: KA-ka
Swahili: Kaka yangu ni mkubwa.
English: My older brother is big.
Dada (Class 1)
Older sister (Class 1)
Pronunciation: DA-da
Swahili: Dada yangu ni mrembo.
English: My older sister is beautiful.
Ndugu (Class 9)
Sibling (Class 9)
Pronunciation: n-DOO-goo
Swahili: Nina ndugu watano.
English: I have five siblings.
Mjukuu (Class 1)
Grandchild (Class 1)
Pronunciation: m-joo-KOO
Swahili: Mjukuu wangu ni mtoto.
English: My grandchild is a child.
Bibi (Class 1)
Grandmother (Class 1)
Pronunciation: BEE-bee
Swahili: Bibi yangu anapika vizuri.
English: My grandmother cooks well.
Babu (Class 1)
Grandfather (Class 1)
Pronunciation: BA-boo
Swahili: Babu yangu anasoma sana.
English: My grandfather reads a lot.
Mwenye furaha
Happy
Swahili: Nimefurahi sana.
English: I am very happy.
Mwenye huzuni
Sad
Swahili: Nimehuzunika.
English: I am sad.
Hasira
Angry
Swahili: Nina hasira.
English: I am angry.
Ogopa
Afraid
Swahili: Ninaogopa.
English: I am afraid.
Furaha
Joy
Swahili: Furaha yangu.
English: My joy.
Shangazwa
Surprised
Swahili: Nimeshangazwa.
English: I am surprised.
Tulivu
Calm
Swahili: Nina tulivu.
English: I am calm.
Hai
Alive
Swahili: Yuko hai.
English: He is alive.
Amekufa
Dead
Swahili: Amekufa.
English: He is dead.
Peke yake
Alone
Swahili: Niko peke yangu.
English: I am alone.
Pamoja
Together
Swahili: Tuko pamoja.
English: We are together.
Choshwa
Bored
Swahili: Nimechoshwa.
English: I am bored.
Rahisi
Easy
Swahili: Ni rahisi.
English: It is easy.
Vigumu
Difficult
Swahili: Ni vigumu.
English: It is difficult.
Mbaya
Bad
Swahili: Ni mbaya.
English: It is bad.
Nzuri
Good
Swahili: Ni nzuri.
English: It is good.
Nasikitika
I am sorry
Swahili: Nasikitika sana.
English: I am very sorry.
Usijali
Don't worry
Swahili: Usijali.
English: Don't worry.
Muziki
Music
Pronunciation: moo-ZEE-kee
Swahili: Napenda kusikiliza muziki.
English: I love listening to music.
Soka
Soccer/Football
Pronunciation: SO-ka
Swahili: Tunacheza soka kila wiki.
English: We play soccer every week.
Kusoma
Reading
Pronunciation: koo-SO-ma
Swahili: Kusoma ni hobby yangu.
English: Reading is my hobby.
Kupika
Cooking
Pronunciation: koo-PEE-ka
Swahili: Mama anapenda kupika.
English: Mother loves cooking.
Bahari (Class 9)
Sea/Ocean (Class 9)
Pronunciation: ba-HA-ree
Swahili: Bahari ni kubwa sana.
English: The sea is very big.
Mlima (Class 3)
Mountain (Class 3)
Pronunciation: m-LEE-ma
Swahili: Mlima Kilimanjaro ni mrefu.
English: Mount Kilimanjaro is tall.
Mto (Class 3)
River (Class 3)
Pronunciation: m-TO
Swahili: Mto Nile ni mrefu zaidi.
English: The Nile River is longer.
Jiji (Class 5)
City (Class 5)
Pronunciation: JEE-jee
Swahili: Nairobi ni jiji kubwa.
English: Nairobi is a big city.
Zi-ji (Class 7)
Cities (Class 7)
Pronunciation: zee-jee
Swahili: Ziji nyingi ziko Afrika.
English: Many cities are in Africa.
U-chi (Class 14)
Coast (Class 14)
Pronunciation: oo-chee
Swahili: Uchi wa bahari ni mrefu.
English: The coastline is long.
Daktari
Doctor
Pronunciation: dak-TA-ree
Swahili: Daktari ananitibu.
English: The doctor is treating me.
Hospitali
Hospital
Pronunciation: hos-pee-TA-lee
Swahili: Nimeenda hospitalini.
English: I went to the hospital.
Dawa
Medicine
Pronunciation: DA-wa
Swahili: Nunua dawa hii.
English: Buy this medicine.
Maumivu
Pain
Pronunciation: mow-MEE-voo
Swahili: Nina maumivu ya kichwa.
English: I have a headache.
Safari
Journey/Trip
Pronunciation: sa-FA-ree
Swahili: Safari ilikuwa nzuri.
English: The trip was nice.
Hoteli
Hotel
Pronunciation: ho-TE-lee
Swahili: Tulilala hotelini.
English: We slept in the hotel.
Uwanja wa ndege
Airport
Pronunciation: oo-WAN-ja wa N-de-ge
Swahili: Tuliondoka uwanja wa ndege.
English: We left the airport.
Pasi
Passport
Pronunciation: PA-see
Swahili: Pasi yangu iko wapi?
English: Where is my passport?
Ninasoma
I am reading
Pronunciation: nee-na-SO-ma
Swahili: Ninasoma kitabu kila siku.
English: I read a book every day.
Unasoma
You are reading
Pronunciation: oo-na-SO-ma
Swahili: Unasoma nini sasa?
English: What are you reading now?
Anasoma
He/She is reading
Pronunciation: a-na-SO-ma
Swahili: Anasoma gazeti.
English: He/She is reading the newspaper.
Tunasoma
We are reading
Pronunciation: too-na-SO-ma
Swahili: Tunasoma Kiswahili.
English: We are reading Swahili.
Mnasoma
You (plural) are reading
Pronunciation: m-na-SO-ma
Swahili: Mnasoma vizuri sana.
English: You (plural) are reading very well.
Wanasoma
They are reading
Pronunciation: wa-na-SO-ma
Swahili: Wanasoma shuleni.
English: They are reading in school.
Nilisoma
I read (past)
Pronunciation: nee-lee-SO-ma
Swahili: Nilisoma kitabu jana.
English: I read a book yesterday.
Nitasoma
I will read
Pronunciation: nee-ta-SO-ma
Swahili: Nitasoma kesho.
English: I will read tomorrow.
M-tu (Class 1)
Person (Class 1)
Pronunciation: m-too
Swahili: Mtu mmoja anasoma.
English: One person is reading.
Wa-tu (Class 2)
People (Class 2)
Pronunciation: wa-too
Swahili: Watu wengi wanafika.
English: Many people are arriving.
M-ti (Class 3)
Tree (Class 3)
Pronunciation: m-tee
Swahili: Mti mkubwa ulianguka.
English: A big tree fell.
Mi-ti (Class 4)
Trees (Class 4)
Pronunciation: mee-tee
Swahili: Miti mingi imekatwa.
English: Many trees have been cut.
N-yumba (Class 9)
House (Class 9)
Pronunciation: n-yoom-ba
Swahili: Nyumba kubwa ilijengwa.
English: A big house was built.
Zi-nyumba (Class 10)
Houses (Class 10)
Pronunciation: zee-nyoom-ba
Swahili: Zinyumba nyingi ziliharibiwa.
English: Many houses were destroyed.
U-huru (Class 14)
Freedom (Class 14)
Pronunciation: oo-hoo-roo
Swahili: Uhuru ni muhimu.
English: Freedom is important.
Pa-moja (Class 16)
Together (Class 16)
Pronunciation: pa-mo-ja
Swahili: Pamoja tutafanikiwa.
English: Together we will succeed.
Elfu moja
1000
Elfu mbili
2000
Elfu tatu
3000
Elfu nne
4000
Elfu tano
5000
Elfu sita
6000
Elfu saba
7000
Elfu nane
8000
Elfu tisa
9000
Elfu kumi
10000
Hesabu
Math
Sayansi
Science
Historia
History
Kusoma
Reading
Kuandika
Writing
Muziki
Music
Lugha ya kigeni
Foreign language
Jiografia
Geography
Sanaaa
Art
Biolojia
Biology
Fizikia
Physics
Ubao
Chalkboard
Dawati
Desk
Kadi ya ripoti
Report card
Kiwango cha darasa
Grade level
Darasani
Classroom
Mwanafunzi
Student
Bendera
Flag
Mwanga
Light
Nahitaji kalamu
I need a pen
Nahitaji kupata ramani
I need to find a map
Je, hili ni dawati lake?
Is this his desk?
Mkasi uko wapi?
Where are the scissors?
Volkano
Volcano
Korongo kuu
Canyon
Msitu
Forest
Msitu
Jungle
Kinamasi
Marsh
Mlima
Mountain
Mtungo wa milima
Mountain range
Kilima
Hill
Maporomoko ya maji
Waterfall
Mto
River
Ziwa
Lake
Jangwa
Desert
Musoma
Peninsula
Kisiwa
Island
Ufukwe
Beach
Bahari
Ocean
Bahari
Sea
Ghuba
Bay
Pwani
Coast
Nyeupe
White
Swahili: Kitu cheupe
English: A white thing
Nyeusi
Black
Swahili: Gari jeusi
English: A black car
Nyekundu
Red
Swahili: Damu nyekundu
English: Red blood
Kijani
Green
Swahili: Majani
English: Leaves/green
Bluu
Blue
Njano
Yellow
Swahili: Manjano
English: Turmeric/yellow
Chungwa
Orange
Zambarau
Purple
Kahawia
Brown
Kijivu
Grey
Pinki
Pink
Dhahabu
Gold
Fedha
Silver
Giligili
Galaxy
Nyota
Star
Mwezi
Moon
Sayari
Planet
Asteroidi
Asteroid
Nyotamkia
Comet
Kimondo
Meteor
Angani
Space
Ulimwengu
Universe
Darubini
Telescope
Mfumo wa jua
Solar system
Jua
Sun
Zebaki
Mercury
Zuhura
Venus
Dunia
Earth
Mirihi
Mars
Jupita
Jupiter
Zohali
Saturn
Kausi
Uranus
Saratani
Neptune
Utaridi
Pluto
Misimu
Seasons
Majira ya baridi
Winter
Kiangazi
Summer
Majira ya kuchipua
Spring
Majira ya majani kupukutika
Autumn
Anga
Sky
Wingu
Cloud
Upinde wa mvua
Rainbow
Baridi
Cold (weather)
Moto
Hot (weather)
Kuna joto
It is hot
Kuna baridi
It is cold
Kuna jua
It is sunny
Kuna mawingu
It is cloudy
Kuna unyevunyevu
It is humid
Kuna mvua
It is raining
Kuna theluji
It is snowing
Soka
Soccer
Besiboli
Baseball
Mpira wa miguu wa marekani
American football
Mpira wa kikapu
Basketball
Hoki
Hockey
Mpira wa wavu
Volleyball
Kriketi
Cricket
Tenisi
Tennis
Gofu
Golf
Mchezo wa kuviringisha mpira
Bowling
Mchezo wa raga
Rugby
Mchezo wa kuelea mawimbini
Surfing
Kuogelea
Swimming
Kupiga mbizi
Diving
Kuendesha baiskeli
Cycling
Mchezo wa kulenga mishale
Archery
Kusafiri kwa mashua
Sailing
Mchezo wa upanga
Fencing
Kuteleza kwenye theluji
Skiing
Kuteleza na ubao kwenye theluji
Snow boarding
Kuteleza kwenye barafu
Ice skating
Ndondi
Boxing
Kukimbia
Running
Kunyanyua uzani
Weightlifting
Gitaa
Guitar
Ngoma
Drum
Tarumbeta
Trumpet
Fidla
Violin
Filimbi
Flute
Tuba
Tuba
Kinanda cha mdomo
Harmonica
Kinanda
Piano
Tari
Tambourine
Kinanda
Organ
Kinubi
Harp
Chombo
Instrument
Maji
Water
Bwawa
Swimming pool
Mlinzi wa bahari
Lifeguard
Ubao wa kuabiri mawimbi
Kickboard
Je, kuna mlinzi wa bahari?
Is there a lifeguard?
Je, maji ni baridi?
Is the water cold?
Nguo ya kuogelea
Bathing suit
Miwani ya jua
Sunglasses
Taulo
Towels
Mafuta ya kuzuia jua
Sunblock
Kwenye ufukwe
At the beach
Wimbi
Wave
Mchanga
Sand
Machweo
Sunset
Wimbi la juu
High tide
Wimbi la chini
Low tide
Sanduku la baridi
Cooler
Ndoo
Bucket
Koleo
Shovel
Bodi ya kuelea
Surfboard
Mpira
Ball
Mpira wa ufukwe
Beach ball
Begi la ufukweni
Beach bag
Mwavuli wa ufukwe
Beach umbrella
Kiti cha ufukwe
Beach chair
Wanyama
Animals
Sungura
Rabbit
Kuku
Hen
Jogoo
Rooster
Farasi
Horse
Kifaranga
Chicken
Nguruwe
Pig
Ng'ombe
Cow
Kondoo
Sheep
Mbuzi
Goat
Lama
Llama
Punda
Donkey
Ngamia
Camel
Nyau
Cat
Mbwa
Dog
Kipanya
Mouse
Chura
Frog
Panya
Rat
Kihenge
Barn
Shamba
Farm
Kasa
Turtle
Tumbili
Monkey
Mjusi
Lizard
Mamba
Crocodile
Popo
Bat
Simba
Lion
Chui
Tiger
Tembo
Elephant
Nyoka
Snake
Ayala
Deer
Kindo
Squirrel
Kangaruu
Kangaroo
Kiboko
Hippopotamus
Twiga
Giraffe
Mbweha
Fox
Mbwa mwitu
Wolf
Mamba
Alligator
Dubu
Bear
Nyuki
Bee
Mbu
Mosquito
Buibui
Spider
Panzi
Grasshopper
Nyigu
Wasp
Kerengende
Dragonfly
Minyoo
Worm
Kipepeo
Butterfly
Kangambili
Ladybug
Siafu
Ant
Kiwavi
Caterpillar
Nyenje
Cricket
Mende
Cockroach
Mbawakawa
Beetle
Ndege
Bird
Bata
Duck
Tausi
Peacock
Kunguru
Crow
Njiwa
Pigeon
Bata mzinga
Turkey
Bata bukini
Goose
Bundi
Owl
Mbuni
Ostrich
Kasuku
Parrot
Korongo
Stork
Tai
Eagle
Kipanga
Hawk
Flamingo
Flamingo
Shakwe
Seagull
Pengwini
Penguin
Batamaji
Swan
Kigogota
Woodpecker
Mwari
Pelican