Travel Guide
The KenyanAdventure Travel Guide is designed to help prepare you for your time in Africa. It is recommended that you read through each of the sections to ensure you are aware of some key information, which will help save you time and money whilst you are away.
If you would like more information or if you would like us to give you a call, please get in touch - a member of the team will be happy to assist you.
Contents
Section 10: Learning Swahili
Swahili is the official language of Kenya. Though many people – particularly those in urban areas or who have been well educated – have a good understanding of English, it is always polite to make an effort by trying to speak a little of the local lingo when you can.
Below are a few useful words and phrases that might help you out on your KenyanAdventure!
| English | Swahili |
| Bus | Matatu |
| Car | Gari |
| Danger | Hatari |
| Drink (noun) | Kinywaji |
| Drink (verb) | Kunywa |
| Eat | Kula |
| Excuse me! | Samahani! |
| Food | Chakula |
| Friend | Rafiki |
| Good | Nzuri |
| Goodbye! | Kwaheri! |
| Help me, please! | Nisaidie, tafadhali! |
| Hello! | Jambo! |
| How? | Vipi? |
| I am angry. | Nimekasirika. |
| I am traveling. | Ninasafiri. |
| I am happy. | Nimefurahi. |
| I can speak Swahili. | Ninaweza kusema Kiswahili. |
| I can't speak Swahili. | Siwezi kusema Kiswahili. |
| Let’s go! | Twende! |
| No! | Hapana! |
| OK! | Sawa! |
| Please | Tafadhali |
| Sorry! (apologise) | Samahani! |
| Sorry! (sympathise) | Pole! |
| Sweet | Tamu |
| Thank you! | Asante! |
| Thank you very much! | Asante sana! |
| There | Hapo |
| Water | Maji |
| Welcome! | Karibu! |
| What? | Nini? |
| When? | Wakati gani? |
| Where? | Wapi? |
| Where are you going? | Unakwenda wapi? |
| Which? | Ipi? |
| Who? | Nani? |
| Yes! | Ndio! |
| You are most welcome | Karibu sana |
Have you considered learning Swahili? Now you can! Click here
