Essential Swahili Phrases for Travelers in Tanzania
Swahili (Kiswahili) is the national and most widely spoken language in Tanzania. While many people working in tourism speak English, learning a few basic Swahili phrases will greatly enrich your travel experience. Whether you are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, going on safari, cycling through villages, or relaxing in Zanzibar, speaking Swahili helps you connect with local people, show respect, and navigate daily life with confidence.
This guide covers the most useful Swahili phrases for travelers visiting Tanzania in 2026 and beyond, including greetings, polite expressions, shopping, directions, food, and emergency phrases.
Basic Swahili Greetings
Greetings are very important in Tanzanian culture. Always greet people before asking questions.
Hello – Habari / Jambo
How are you? – Habari yako?
I’m fine – Nzuri
How are you? (formal/plural) – Habari zenu?
Good morning – Habari za asubuhi
Good afternoon – Habari za mchana
Good evening – Habari za jioni
Goodbye – Kwaheri
See you later – Tutaonana
Polite and Common Expressions
Using polite words makes a big difference when interacting with locals.
Please – Tafadhali
Thank you – Asante
Thank you very much – Asante sana
You’re welcome – Karibu
Excuse me / Sorry – Samahani
No problem – Hakuna shida
Yes – Ndiyo
No – Hapana
Swahili Phrases for Shopping and Bargaining
Markets are common in Tanzania, and bargaining is part of the culture.
How much is this? – Hii ni bei gani?
It’s too expensive – Ni ghali sana
Reduce the price – Punguza bei
Cheap – Bei nafuu
I want this – Nataka hii
I don’t want it – Sitaki
Give me a good price – Nipe bei nzuri
Food and Restaurant Swahili Phrases
Food is an important part of Tanzanian culture.
Food – Chakula
Water – Maji
Tea – Chai
Coffee – Kahawa
I’m hungry – Nina njaa
I’m thirsty – Nina kiu
The bill, please – Naomba bili
Delicious – Kitamu sana
I don’t eat meat – Sili nyama
Directions and Transportation
These phrases help when moving around cities, villages, or national parks.
Where is the toilet? – Choo kiko wapi?
Where is the hotel? – Hoteli iko wapi?
Left – Kushoto
Right – Kulia
Straight ahead – Mbele
Near – Karibu
Far – Mbali
Stop here – Simama hapa
Emergency and Health Phrases Important phrases for safety and emergencies.
Help! – Msaada!
I am sick – Ninaumwa
Call a doctor – Mwite daktari
Hospital – Hospitali
Police – Polisi
I lost my passport – Nimepoteza pasipoti yangu
Useful Travel Phrases
I am a tourist – Mimi ni mtalii
I’m from… – Ninatoka…
Do you speak English? – Unaongea Kiingereza?
I don’t understand – Sielewi
Please help me – Tafadhali nisaidie
Why Learn Swahili When Visiting Tanzania?
Learning basic Swahili phrases shows respect for local culture and often leads to warmer interactions, better service, and memorable experiences. Guides, porters, drivers, and villagers appreciate the effort, especially on Kilimanjaro climbs, safaris, and cycling tours through rural areas.
Even a few words like Asante, Karibu, and Habari can turn simple encounters into meaningful connections.
Final Tip for Travelers
You don’t need to be fluent in Swahili to enjoy Tanzania. Start with greetings and polite expressions, practice pronunciation, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Tanzanians are friendly and encouraging, and they will gladly help you learn.
