THE LANGUAGE OF TANZANIA

Jambo! Are you coming to Tanzania, and are wondering what language is spoken here? While many people speak and understand English, KiSwahili is the main language spoken here in Tanzania, and is spoken in 15 countries of Africa! As you are coming to a new country, with a new dialect, we understand the confusion and difficulties you may face, so we are generously giving you a head start by giving you some of the commonly heard words and phrases in the KiSwahili language.

Below is a list of translations from KiSwahili to English

Jambo: Hello (Jam-bo)

Shikamo: Hello (respectfully – as to an elder): (She-ka-mo)

Ujambo: How are you? (Hu-yam-bo)

Hakuna Matata: No problem: (Ha-qu-na Ma-tah-tah)

Bei Gani: How much does that cost? (Bay-gaa-nee)

Nini Hii: What is this? (Nee-nee-hee)

Jina Lako Nani: Whats your name? (Ye-na Yak-oo Na-nee)

Jina Langu Ni…: My name is…: (Yee-na Lan-goo Nee)

Moja: 1 (Mo-ja)

Mbili: 2 (M-bee-lee)

Tatu: 3 (Tah-tou)

Nne: 4 (E-nay)

Tano: 5 (Tah-no)

Sita: 6 (see-tah)

Saba: 7 (saa-baa)

Nane: 8 (Na-nay)

Tisa: 9 (Tee-sa)

Kumi: 10 (Qu-mee)

Mimi na Taka Kuenda Kwa…: I want to go to…: (Mee-mee na taa-kaa- kw-en-day ku-wa)

Na Miaka…: I am …years old: (Na Me-aa-ka)

Natoka: I’m from…(Na-tok-aa)

Samahani: Excuse me: ( Saa-maa-ha-nee)

Karibu: Welcome: (Kar-ee-bou)

Asante: Thank you: (A-san-tay)