Practical travel phrasebook

Perfect for travelers visiting Tanzania or Zanzibar
Basic Greetings & Polite Expressions

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English                                                          Swahili

Hello                                                             Jambo / Habari

How are you?                                               Habari gani?

I’m fine, thank you                                       Nzuri, asante

Thank you                                                    Asante

You're welcome                                           Karibu

PleaseTafadhali

Excuse me / SorrySamahani

YesNdiyo

NoHapana

GoodbyeKwaheri

See you laterTutaonana baadaye

Common Travel Questions

EnglishSwahili

How much does it cost?Ni kiasi gani?

Where is the bathroom?Choo kiko wapi?

I’m looking for...Natafuta...

Can you help me?Unaweza kunisaidia?

I don’t understandSielewi

I don’t speak SwahiliSisemi Kiswahili

Do you speak English?Unasema Kiingereza?

Transport & Directions

EnglishSwahili

Where is the hotel?Hoteli iko wapi?

I want to go to...Nataka kwenda...

Left / RightKushoto / Kulia

Straight aheadNenda moja kwa moja

Stop hereSimama hapa

How long does it take?Inachukua muda gani?

Is it far?Ni mbali?

Food & Drink

EnglishSwahili

I’m hungryNinasikia njaa

I’m thirstyNinasikia kiu

WaterMaji

FoodChakula

BeerBia

Tea / CoffeeChai / Kahawa

Delicious!Kitamu!

I don’t eat meatSili nyama

I’m allergic to...Nina aleji na...

The bill, pleaseNaomba bili, tafadhali

Health & Emergency

EnglishSwahili

I need a doctorNahitaji daktari

Help!Msaada!

I’m sickNinaumwa

I lost my passportNimepoteza pasipoti yangu

Call the policeMpigie polisi

Is it safe here?Hapa ni salama?

Useful Words

EnglishSwahili

TodayLeo

TomorrowKesho

MorningAsubuhi

NightUsiku

FriendRafiki

MarketSoko

BeachUfukwe

BeautifulNzuri / Mzuri

SlowlyPolepole

QuicklyHaraka

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