Swahili

Tanzania’s official language and some handy words

If you are going on vacation to Tanzania and/or Zanzibar then it can be helpful to know some local words. In Tanzania they speak Swahili (Kiswahili) and this is the main language in the country alongside English.

Of course, it is always nice to hear a few words in your own language in a conversation with a foreign person. The inhabitants of Tanzania and Zanzibar also appreciate this and if you can do this you will certainly score some extra points. We as Tanzania experts would like to get you started with some short words and phrases of Swahili.

To keep the translated words organized, we have divided them into a number of categories. This way you can easily find them and you can save them for when you travel. Now only one thing remains to be said and that is: Kuwa na furaha Tanzania (have fun in Tanzania).

Animals

Elephant | Tembo
Buffalo | Nyati
Rhino | Kifaru
Lion | Simba
Leopard | Chui
Giraffe | Twiga
Hippo | Kiboko
Crocodile | Mamba

Compliments

How wonderful you are | Jinsi wewe ni mrembo!
How wonderful | Ni ajabu iliyoje!
The food is very good | Chakula ni kitamu sana!
It was great | Ilikuwa ya kushangaza!
You are the best | Wewe ni bora!