Travel Information
Jambo! The Basics of Swahili
Travelling to Kenya can be an incredible experience, with diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible wildlife. While English is one of the official languages in Kenya, learning some basic phrases in Swahili, the most widely spoken language, can enhance your travel experience and help you connect with locals. In this blog post, we'll cover some basic Swahili phrases that can be useful when travelling to Kenya.
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Jambo - Hello: This is a common greeting in Kenya and is a great way to start a conversation with locals.
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Asante sana - Thank you: very much A simple "thank you" can go a long way in showing appreciation for hospitality or help received during your travels.
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Karibu - Welcome: This phrase can be used to welcome someone to your hotel, restaurant, or any other establishment.
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Habari? - How are you? It's always good to ask locals how they are doing and show an interest in their well-being.
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Nzuri - Good: This is a common response to the "habari?" greeting and means "I'm good".
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Tafadhali - Please: This is a polite way to ask for something, such as directions or assistance.
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Pole pole - Slowly: This phrase is often used in Kenya to remind people to slow down and take their time, particularly when travelling or hiking.
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Hapana - No: If someone offers you something that you don't want, you can use this phrase to politely decline.
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Ndiyo - Yes: Use this phrase to indicate agreement or confirmation.
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Lala salama - Goodnight: This is a common phrase used when saying goodnight to someone.
By learning some basic Swahili phrases, you can not only communicate more effectively with locals but also show respect for their language and culture. While these phrases may not cover everything you need to know, they can help you navigate your way around Kenya and make your travels more enjoyable.
