Essential Swahili Phrases for Travel: 24 Phrases You'll Actually Use
Swahili (Kiswahili) is spoken by more than 100 million people in East and Central Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and eastern DR Congo. Whether you are on safari, in Zanzibar or visiting family in Goma or Bukavu, these phrases open doors.
Updated October 2026
Basics and greetings
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Hello | Habari / Jambo |
| Goodbye | Kwa heri |
| Please | Tafadhali |
| Thank you | Asante (sana) |
| Yes | Ndiyo |
| No | Hapana |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Samahani |
| I don't understand | Sielewi |
| Do you speak English? | Unazungumza Kiingereza? |
At the restaurant
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| A table for two, please | Meza ya watu wawili, tafadhali |
| The menu, please | Naomba menyu |
| Water, please | Naomba maji |
| The bill, please | Naomba bili |
| It's delicious | Ni kitamu sana |
Getting around and shopping
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Where is the toilet? | Choo kiko wapi? |
| Where is the station? | Stesheni iko wapi? |
| How much is it? | Ni bei gani? |
| Can you write it down? | Unaweza kuiandika? |
Emergencies and health
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Help! | Msaada! |
| I need a doctor | Nahitaji daktari |
| Where is the pharmacy? | Duka la dawa liko wapi? |
| Call the police! | Piga simu polisi! |
| I'm lost | Nimepotea |
Practical tips
- Greetings matter a lot. Take time to say hello and ask "Habari yako?" (How are you?) before asking for something.
- "Jambo" is common with tourists; locals often use "Habari" or "Hujambo". Answer "Nzuri" (fine).
- In eastern DR Congo, people speak Congolese Swahili (Kingwana): some words differ and French words are often mixed in.
- Swahili is written as it sounds — every letter is pronounced, which makes it easy to read aloud.
Too many phrases to remember?
With OIEM Translator you can simply talk. Choose English and Swahili, tap the microphone once and speak normally: the translation appears in about half a second and is spoken out loud in Swahili. When the other person answers, OIEM detects their language automatically and translates back — no need to tap again.
- Hands-free two-way conversation
- Text translation also works offline
- Photo translation for menus and signs
Free to download with free voice translations to try. The weekly plan includes a 3-day free trial.
Frequently asked questions
Is Congolese Swahili different from Kenyan or Tanzanian Swahili?
Yes, a bit: vocabulary and some grammar differ and French words are common in DR Congo, but speakers generally understand each other. OIEM Translator supports Swahili including Congolese Swahili.
Can my phone speak Swahili for me?
Yes. With a voice translator like OIEM Translator you speak in English and your iPhone says it out loud in Swahili, then translates the answer back. It is useful when a phrase list is not enough.
Do these phrases work offline?
This page works offline if you save it or take screenshots before your trip. In OIEM Translator, text translation works offline; voice translation needs an internet connection.