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

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