61 Essential Swahili Language Phrases for the Best Zanzibar Travel Experience

Planning a trip to the beautiful island of Zanzibar? 

Learning some basic Swahili Language phrases will make your experience even more enriching! Understanding the language helps you navigate hectic markets and strike up talks with locals.

Fun fact about Tanzania (and Zanzibar): Swahili is the most spoken language in Africa after Arabic.

Despite not being an official language in all East African countries, Swahili is widely used as a lingua franca, meaning a common language used for communication between different groups.

In Tanzania, Swahili is one of the two official languages alongside English, and it's spoken by over 90% of the population, including the population of Zanzibar.

Here are 61 essential Swahili Language phrases for your Zanzibar adventure:

Greetings and Introductions:

• Jambo! (Hello!) - The most common greeting, use it any time of day.

• Habari gani? (How are you?) - A friendly way to ask someone how they're doing.

• Njema, Asante. (I'm fine, thank you.) - Respond to "Habari gani?" with this.

• Jina langu ni [Your name]. (My name is [Your name].) - Introduce yourself.

• Tafadhali, jina lako ni nani? (Please, what is your name?) - Ask someone their name politely.

Getting Around:

• Ningependa kwenda [Place name]. (I would like to go to [Place name].) - Ask for directions.

• Hoteli iko wapi? (Where is the hotel?) - Find your accommodation (whether it’s a resort or bungalow in Zanzibar).

• Je, unaweza kunionyesha kwenye ramani? (Can you show me on the Zanzibar map?) - Use this phrase to Get help navigating the Zanzibar archipelago.

• Bei ni shilingi ngapi? (How much is it?) - Ask about prices before buying something.

• Tafadhali, naweza kupata [Item] wapi? (Please, where can I find [Item]?) - Look for specific items.

• Ningependa teksi, tafadhali. (I would like a taxi, please.) - Hail a cab.

• Nipeleke [Place name], tafadhali. (Take me to [Place name], please.) - Tell the taxi driver your destination.

Shopping and Bargaining:

You’ll find yourself shopping on the streets of Stone Town or any of Zanzibar’s many places of interest. Here are a few shopping phrases to get you by.

• Ninapenda [Item]. (I like [Item].) - Show interest in an item.

• Ni ghali sana. (It's too expensive.) - Try bargaining politely.

• Bei yako ya mwisho ni shilingi ngapi? (What is your final price?)

• Naweza kulipa shilingi [Amount] (I can pay [Amount].)

• Tuko karibu? (Are we close?)

• Sawa, tunachukua. (Okay, we'll take it.)

• Naweza kupata punguzo? (Can I get a discount?) - Ask for a lower price.

• Shilingi ngapi ndogo? (How much less?) - Negotiate the price further.

• Sawa, nalicha. (Okay, I'll take it.) - Agree on a price.

• Asante sana! (Thank you very much!) - Express your gratitude.

Common Amounts of Money in Zanzibar:

Here are some common amounts of money used in Zanzibar, along with their English equivalents and Swahili phrases for reference:

Small Amounts:

• 500 TZS: Used for small items like souvenirs, bottled water, snacks. (Swahili: Mia tano)

• 1,000 TZS: Good for basic transportation like daladalas (local buses) or short taxi rides. (Swahili: Elfu moja)

• 2,000 TZS: Covers entrance fees for smaller attractions, street food meals. (Swahili: Elfu mbili)

• 5,000 TZS: Suitable for restaurant lunches, souvenirs from markets. (Swahili: Elfu tano)

Medium Amounts:

• 10,000 TZS: Often used for taxi rides within Stone Town, longer daladala journeys. (Swahili: Elfu kumi)

• 20,000 TZS: Covers entry fees for major attractions, nicer restaurant meals. (Swahili: Elfu ishirini)

• 50,000 TZS: Useful for mid-range hotel rooms, activity tours. (Swahili: Elfu hamsini)

Large Amounts:

• 100,000 TZS: Suitable for higher-end hotel stays, day trips, larger purchases. (Swahili: Laki moja)

• 200,000 TZS: Covers multi-day tours, luxury dining experiences. (Swahili: Laki mbili)

• 500,000 TZS: Used for significant purchases like artwork, large souvenirs. (Swahili: Laki tano)

General Money Tips:

• Carry a mix of small and large bills for convenience.

• Many places accept USD, but using shillings is preferred and often cheaper.

• Bargain politely at markets and for taxi rides.

• Always ask for prices before confirming purchases or services.

• Consider withdrawing cash from ATMs using your debit card.

Dining:

Trying out East African food in the heart of Zanzibar and its gigantic spice farms is one the most fun things to do in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The most common Swahili Language phrases you’ll need:

• Menyu, tafadhali. (Menu, please.) - Request the menu.

• Ninapenda [Dish name]. (I would like [Dish name].) - Order your food.

• Spicy kidogo, tafadhali. (A little bit spicy, please.) - Adjust spice levels if needed.

• Nina mzio wa [Ingredient]. (I am allergic to [Ingredient].) - Inform the waiter about allergies.

• Je, kuna samaki/nyama/mboga? (Do you have fish/meat/vegetables?) - Ask about dietary options.

• Tafadhali, bili. (Please, the bill.) - Ask for the check.

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Basic Conversation:

Interacting and connecting with the local people will be the highlight of your trip. Experiencing the culture is the most fun thing to do in Tanzania, it’s why you get on the plane. These phrases will help you a great lot.

• Hujambo? (Hi!) - A casual greeting for friends or acquaintances.

• Sawa? (Alright?) - Check in on someone's well-being.

• Nzuri. (Good.) - Respond positively.

• Sina tatizo. (No problem.) - Express agreement or understanding.

• Tafadhali, unaweza kunisaidia? (Please, can you help me?) - Ask for help politely.

• Asante sana! (Thank you very much!) - Show appreciation.

• Hakuna matata. (No worries.) - You're welcome!

Numbers (1-10):

You never know when being able to count in the Swahili Language, can help you save money, or avoid a scam on the streets of Zanzibar and Pemba Island.

• Moja (One)

• Mbili (Two)

• Tatu (Three)

• Nne (Four)

• Tano (Five)

• Sita (Six)

• Saba (Seven)

• Nane (Eight)

• Tisa (Nine)

• Kumi (Ten)

Useful Questions

• Je, unazungumza Kiingereza? (Do you speak English?)

• Njia ya choo iko wapi? (Where is the restroom?)

• Saa ngapi? (What time is it?)

• Siku gani leo? (What day is it today?)

• Ninaweza kupiga simu hapa? (Can I make a phone call here?)

• Wifi iko wapi? (Where is the Wi-Fi?)

Expressing Gratitude:

• Asante sana kwa msaada wako. (Thank you very much for your help.)

• Ukarimu wako unanifurahisha. (Your generosity makes me happy.)

• Umefanya siku yangu. (You made my day.)

Further Greetings:

• Shikamoo! (Hello, used with elders or respected individuals.)

• Marahaba! (Welcome!)

• Habari za asubuhi/mchana/jioni? (Good morning/afternoon/evening?)

Directions:

• Nyoosha moja kwa moja. (Go straight ahead.)

• Geuka kulia/kushoto. (Turn right/left.)

• Uko karibu sana. (You're very close.)

Emergencies:

• Msaada! (Help!)

• Tafadhali, piga simu polisi/daktari/zimamoto. (Please, call the police/doctor/fire department.)

• Ninaumia. (I am hurt.)

• Siwezi kupumua. (I can't breathe.)

Remember, practice is key! Use these phrases confidently and enjoy your culturally immersive Zanzibar experience.

Bonus Phrases in the Swahili Language

• Karibu! (Welcome!) - Greet someone warmly.

• Pole. (Sorry.) - Apologize for any inconvenience.

• Ninakupenda. (I love you.) - Express affection (use with caution!).

• Kwaheri! (Goodbye!) - Bid farewell.

Points to Remember as You Visit Zanzibar:

First, read our guide to know when is the best time to visit Zanzibar or visit other parts of Tanzania.

• Pronunciation is key! Practice the phrases out loud to get comfortable with the sounds.

• Don't be afraid to make mistakes - locals will appreciate your effort to speak their language.

• Most importantly, have fun and enjoy your Zanzibar vacation or adventure!

By incorporating these Swahili phrases into your trip, you'll be able to connect with locals on a deeper level, and enjoy an unforgettable experience in Zanzibar!