Common words in Swahili to get around in Tanzania

“Mambo”, “Poa, poa” – these words will be a daily song you will hear at all times while you travel beautiful Tanzania.

These are Swahili words, one of the most spoken languages in East Africa. Swahili is a Bantu language, although it has also borrowed words from other languages such as Portuguese, English or Arabic.

Learning Swahili will not only allow you to communicate in Tanzania but in several other East African countries, such as Congo, Ruanda and Kenya among others.

If you are planning to travel Tanzania it is recommended for you to learn some Swahili as many people who are not working in tourism do not speak English. And communicating with the local people in their language will gain you their friendship and probably some privileges,

Another word you will hear on the streets a lot is “Mzungu”, it means white person and it is completely normal for Tanzanian people to call foreigners by this name. It is not in an offensive way. Just part of the Tanzanian culture. Some children will tease you like this, but they are just children.

So here following some of the most common words in Swahili to get you around Tanzania

GREETINGS

Mambo – How are you?

Poa poa – I am fine

Habari za asubuhi – Good morning

Habari za Mchana – Good afternoon

Habari za jioni- Good evening

Usiku mwema – Good night

PRESENTATION

What is your name? -Jina lako nani?

My name is Pilar – Jina langu ni Pilar

I am a woman – Mimi ni mwanamke

I am a man – Mimi ni mwanaume

Where are you from? – Uunatoka wapi?

I am from Spain – Ninatoka Uhispania

THE NUMBERS

1 – Moja

2 – Mbili

3 – Tatu

4 – Nne

5- Tano

6 – Sita

7 – Saba

8 – Nane

9 – Tisa

10- Kumi

SHOPPING

How much is it -Kiasi gani?

Please leave in the comments which other words you would like to learn and I will make sure to add it to this post