Swahili phrases for travel
Kiswahili
Basic Swahili phrases for a trip, with how to say them and what they mean.
Emergency
- Msaada! / Nisaidieni! · m-sah-AH-dah / nee-sah-ee-dee-EH-nee · Help
- Nahitaji daktari. · nah-hee-TAH-jee dahk-TAH-ree · I need a doctor
- Piga simu ambulensi! · PEE-gah SEE-moo am-boo-LEN-see · Call an ambulance
- Ita polisi! · EE-tah po-LEE-see · Call the police
- Nimepotea. · nee-meh-po-TEH-ah · I'm lost
- Nahitaji msaada, rafiki yangu ni mgonjwa. · nah-hee-TAH-jee m-sah-AH-dah, ra-FEE-kee YAN-goo nee m-GON-jwa · I need help, my friend is ill
- Kuna mtu ameumia. · KOO-na m-TOO ah-meh-oo-MEE-ah · Someone is hurt
- Hospitali iko wapi? · hos-pee-TAH-lee EE-ko WAH-pee · Where is the hospital?
- Nina mzio wa penisilini. · NEE-na m-ZEE-o wa peh-nee-see-LEE-nee · I'm allergic to penicillin
- Nina mzio wa karanga. · NEE-na m-ZEE-o wa ka-RAN-ga · I'm allergic to nuts
- Nina mzio wa samakigamba. · NEE-na m-ZEE-o wa sa-ma-kee-GAM-ba · I'm allergic to shellfish
- Nina mzio wa kuumwa na nyuki. · NEE-na m-ZEE-o wa koo-OOM-wa na NYOO-kee · I'm allergic to bee stings
- Moto! · MO-to · Fire
- Ni dharura! · nee dha-ROO-ra · It's an emergency
- Tafadhali, unaweza kunisaidia? · ta-fa-DHA-lee, oo-na-WEH-za koo-nee-sa-ee-DEE-a · Can you help me, please?
- Nimeibiwa. · nee-meh-ee-BEE-wa · I've been robbed
- Nimepoteza pasipoti yangu. · nee-meh-po-TEH-za pa-see-PO-tee YAN-goo · I've lost my passport
- Kituo cha polisi kiko wapi? · kee-TOO-o cha po-LEE-see KEE-ko WA-pee · Where is the police station?
- Tafadhali, piga namba hii. · ta-fa-DHA-lee, PEE-ga NAM-ba HEE · Please call this number
- Niache! · nee-AH-cheh · Leave me alone
- Nina kisukari. · NEE-na kee-soo-KA-ree · I'm diabetic
- Nina pumu. · NEE-na POO-moo · I have asthma
- Nina mimba. · NEE-na MEEM-ba · I'm pregnant
At the border
- Hii ndiyo pasipoti yangu. · HEE ndee-yo pa-see-PO-tee YAN-goo · Here is my passport
- Nipo hapa likizoni. · NEE-po HA-pa lee-kee-ZO-nee · I'm here on holiday
- Nitakaa siku … · nee-ta-KA-a SEE-koo … · I'm staying for … days
- Ninakaa … · nee-na-KA-a … · I'm staying at…
- Napita tu, naenda … · na-PEE-ta too, na-EN-da … · I'm passing through to…
- Nasafiri kwa baiskeli. · na-sa-FEE-ree kwa ba-ees-KEH-lee · I'm travelling by bicycle
- Nasafiri kwa miguu. · na-sa-FEE-ree kwa mee-GOO · I'm travelling on foot
- Nasafiri kwa gari. · na-sa-FEE-ree kwa GA-ree · I'm travelling by car
- Nasafiri kwa mashua. · na-sa-FEE-ree kwa ma-SHOO-a · I'm travelling by boat
- Sina kitu cha kutangaza. · SEE-na KEE-too cha koo-tan-GA-za · I have nothing to declare
- Je, nahitaji viza? · jeh, na-hee-TA-jee VEE-za · Do I need a visa?
- Tafadhali, unaweza kugonga muhuri kwenye pasipoti yangu? · ta-fa-DHA-lee, oo-na-WEH-za koo-GON-ga moo-HOO-ree KWEN-yeh pa-see-PO-tee YAN-goo · Can you stamp my passport, please?
- Nina tiketi ya kurudi. · NEE-na tee-KEH-tee ya koo-ROO-dee · I have a ticket home
- Hizi ndizo hati za gari. · HEE-zee NDEE-zo HA-tee za GA-ree · Here are the vehicle's papers
- Je, mpaka uko wazi? · jeh, m-PA-ka OO-ko WA-zee · Is the border open?
- Kituo cha mpakani kiko wapi? · kee-TOO-o cha m-pa-KA-nee KEE-ko WA-pee · Where is the border crossing?
- Nahitaji kuwasiliana na ubalozi wangu. · na-hee-TA-jee koo-wa-see-lee-A-na na oo-ba-LO-zee WAN-goo · I need to contact my embassy
Every day
- Habari · ha-BA-ree · Hello
- Habari za asubuhi · ha-BA-ree za a-soo-BOO-hee · Good morning
- Habari za mchana · ha-BA-ree za m-CHA-na · Good afternoon
- Habari za jioni · ha-BA-ree za jee-O-nee · Good evening
- Kwaheri · kwa-HEH-ree · Goodbye
- Tafadhali · ta-fa-DHA-lee · Please
- Asante · a-SAN-teh · Thank you
- Ndiyo · NDEE-yo · Yes
- Hapana · ha-PA-na · No
- Samahani · sa-ma-HA-nee · Excuse me
- Pole · PO-leh · Sorry
- Unazungumza Kiingereza? · oo-na-zoon-GOOM-za kee-een-geh-REH-za · Do you speak English?
- Sielewi. · see-eh-LEH-wee · I don't understand
- Choo kiko wapi? · CHO-o KEE-ko WA-pee · Where is the toilet?
- Duka liko wapi? · DOO-ka LEE-ko WA-pee · Where is the shop?
- Stesheni ya treni iko wapi? · steh-SHEH-nee ya TREH-nee EE-ko WA-pee · Where is the train station?
- Kituo cha basi kiko wapi? · kee-TOO-o cha BA-see KEE-ko WA-pee · Where is the bus stop?
- Duka la dawa liko wapi? · DOO-ka la DA-wa LEE-ko WA-pee · Where is the chemist?
- Naweza kupata maji ya kunywa wapi? · na-WEH-za koo-PA-ta MA-jee ya KOON-ywa WA-pee · Where can I get drinking water?
- Ni bei gani? · nee BAY GA-nee · How much is it?
- Afya! · AF-ya · Cheers
- Usiku mwema · oo-SEE-koo MWEH-ma · Good night
- Jina langu ni … · JEE-na LAN-goo nee … · My name is…
- Natoka … · na-TO-ka … · I'm from…
- Siku njema! · SEE-koo N-JEH-ma · Have a good day
- … iko wapi? · … EE-ko WA-pee · Where is…?
- Unaweza kunionyesha kwenye ramani? · oo-na-WEH-za koo-nee-on-YEH-sha KWEN-yeh ra-MA-nee · Can you show me on the map?
- Tafadhali, unaweza kuniandikia? · ta-fa-DHA-lee, oo-na-WEH-za koo-nee-an-dee-KEE-a · Can you write it down, please?
- Tafadhali, ongea polepole. · ta-fa-DHA-lee, on-GEH-a po-leh-PO-leh · Please speak more slowly
- Tafadhali, unaweza kutupiga picha? · ta-fa-DHA-lee, oo-na-WEH-za koo-too-PEE-ga PEE-cha · Could you take a photo of us, please?
Food and drink
- Meza ya watu wawili, tafadhali. · MEH-za ya WA-too wa-WEE-lee, ta-fa-DHA-lee · A table for two, please
- Menyu, tafadhali. · MEN-yoo, ta-fa-DHA-lee · The menu, please
- Unapendekeza nini? · oo-na-pen-deh-KEH-za NEE-nee · What do you recommend?
- Kuna chakula maalum cha leo? · KOO-na cha-KOO-la ma-A-loom cha LEH-o · Is there a dish of the day?
- Bia moja, tafadhali. · BEE-a MO-ja, ta-fa-DHA-lee · One beer, please
- Bia mbili, tafadhali. · BEE-a m-BEE-lee, ta-fa-DHA-lee · Two beers, please
- Glasi ya divai nyekundu, tafadhali. · GLA-see ya dee-VAI nyeh-KOON-doo, ta-fa-DHA-lee · A glass of red wine, please
- Glasi ya divai nyeupe, tafadhali. · GLA-see ya dee-VAI nyeh-OO-peh, ta-fa-DHA-lee · A glass of white wine, please
- Nyingine moja, tafadhali. · nyeen-GEE-neh MO-ja, ta-fa-DHA-lee · Another one, please
- Kahawa moja, tafadhali. · ka-HA-wa MO-ja, ta-fa-DHA-lee · A coffee, please
- Chai moja, tafadhali. · CHAI MO-ja, ta-fa-DHA-lee · A tea, please
- Juisi ya machungwa, tafadhali. · joo-EE-see ya ma-CHOON-gwa, ta-fa-DHA-lee · An orange juice, please
- Glasi ya maji, tafadhali. · GLA-see ya MA-jee, ta-fa-DHA-lee · A glass of water, please
- Maji ya kawaida, tafadhali. · MA-jee ya ka-wa-EE-da, ta-fa-DHA-lee · Still water, please
- Mimi sili nyama. · MEE-mee SEE-lee NYA-ma · I'm vegetarian
- Sili nyama, samaki, mayai wala maziwa. · SEE-lee NYA-ma, sa-MA-kee, ma-YA-ee WA-la ma-ZEE-wa · I'm vegan
- Bila nyama, tafadhali. · BEE-la NYA-ma, ta-fa-DHA-lee · No meat, please
- Siwezi kula ngano. · see-WEH-zee KOO-la n-GA-no · I can't eat gluten
- Bila karanga, tafadhali. · BEE-la ka-RAN-ga, ta-fa-DHA-lee · No nuts, please
- Je, hii ni halali? · jeh, HEE nee ha-LA-lee · Is this halal?
- Sili nyama ya nguruwe. · SEE-lee NYA-ma ya n-goo-ROO-weh · I don't eat pork
- Je, hii ni kosher? · jeh, HEE nee KO-sher · Is this kosher?
- Bila maziwa wala jibini, tafadhali. · BEE-la ma-ZEE-wa WA-la jee-BEE-nee, ta-fa-DHA-lee · No milk or cheese, please
- Bila mayai, tafadhali. · BEE-la ma-YA-ee, ta-fa-DHA-lee · No eggs, please
- Bila pilipili nyingi, tafadhali. · BEE-la pee-lee-PEE-lee NYEEN-gee, ta-fa-DHA-lee · Not too spicy, please
- Je, kuna nyama ndani yake? · jeh, KOO-na NYA-ma NDA-nee YA-keh · Is there meat in this?
- Je, kuna samaki ndani yake? · jeh, KOO-na sa-MA-kee NDA-nee YA-keh · Is there fish in this?
- Naomba bili. · na-OM-ba BEE-lee · The bill, please
- Naomba nifungiwe. · na-OM-ba nee-foon-GEE-weh · Can I take this away?
- Chakula kitamu sana. · cha-KOO-la kee-TA-moo SA-na · That was delicious
- Je, kuna choo hapa? · jeh, KOO-na CHO-o HA-pa · Is there a toilet here?
A bed for the night
- Je, mna chumba kwa usiku wa leo? · jeh, m-na CHOOM-ba kwa oo-SEE-koo wa LEH-o · Do you have a room for tonight?
- Ni bei gani kwa usiku mmoja? · nee BAY GA-nee kwa oo-SEE-koo m-MO-ja · How much per night?
- Je, kifungua kinywa kimo? · jeh, kee-foon-GOO-a KEEN-ywa KEE-mo · Is breakfast included?
- Nenosiri la wifi ni lipi? · neh-no-SEE-ree la WAI-fai nee LEE-pee · What's the wifi password?
- Naweza kuacha mizigo yangu hapa? · na-WEH-za koo-A-cha mee-ZEE-go YAN-goo HA-pa · Can I leave my bags here?
- Natakiwa kuondoka saa ngapi? · na-ta-KEE-wa koo-on-DO-ka SA-a n-GA-pee · What time do I need to leave?
- Naweza kufua nguo wapi? · na-WEH-za koo-FOO-a n-GOO-o WA-pee · Where can I wash my clothes?
At the chemist
- Una dawa ya malengelenge? · OO-na DA-wa ya ma-len-geh-LEN-geh · Do you have something for blisters?
- Una dawa ya tumbo? · OO-na DA-wa ya TOOM-bo · Do you have something for an upset stomach?
- Una dawa ya kuumwa na wadudu? · OO-na DA-wa ya koo-OOM-wa na wa-DOO-doo · Do you have something for insect bites?
- Una dawa ya kuungua na jua? · OO-na DA-wa ya koo-oon-GOO-a na JOO-a · Do you have something for sunburn?
- Una dawa ya kichwa? · OO-na DA-wa ya KEE-chwa · Do you have something for a headache?
Shopping
- Hii ni bei gani? · HEE nee BAY GA-nee · How much is this?
- Nitachukua. · nee-ta-choo-KOO-a · I'll take it
- Naweza kulipa kwa kadi? · na-WEH-za koo-LEE-pa kwa KA-dee · Can I pay by card?
- Una …? · OO-na … · Do you have…?
- Naangalia tu, asante. · na-an-ga-LEE-a too, a-SAN-teh · Just looking, thanks
- Mfuko, tafadhali. · m-FOO-ko, ta-fa-DHA-lee · A bag, please
- Supamaketi iko wapi? · soo-pa-ma-KEH-tee EE-ko WA-pee · Where is the supermarket?
- Mkate · m-KA-teh · Bread
- Maziwa · ma-ZEE-wa · Milk
- Maji ya chupa · MA-jee ya CHOO-pa · Water (bottled)
- ATM iko wapi? · eh-tee-EM EE-ko WA-pee · Where is a cash machine?
- Naweza kulipa kwa pesa taslimu? · na-WEH-za koo-LEE-pa kwa PEH-sa tas-LEE-moo · Can I pay in cash?
- Naweza kubadilisha pesa wapi? · na-WEH-za koo-ba-dee-LEE-sha PEH-sa WA-pee · Where can I change money?
- Laini ya simu yenye bando, tafadhali. · la-EE-nee ya SEE-moo YEN-yeh BAN-do, ta-fa-DHA-lee · A SIM card with data, please
- Mnafungua saa ngapi? · m-na-foon-GOO-a SA-a n-GA-pee · When do you open?
Getting around
- Tiketi moja ya kwenda …, tafadhali. · tee-KEH-tee MO-ja ya KWEN-da …, ta-fa-DHA-lee · A ticket to…, please
- Kwenda na kurudi · KWEN-da na koo-ROO-dee · Return
- Kwenda tu · KWEN-da too · Single
- Inaondoka saa ngapi? · ee-na-on-DO-ka SA-a n-GA-pee · When does it leave?
- Jukwaa gani? · joo-KWA-a GA-nee · Which platform?
- Je, basi hili linaenda …? · jeh, BA-see HEE-lee lee-na-EN-da … · Is this the bus to…?
- Kushoto · koo-SHO-to · Left
- Kulia · koo-LEE-a · Right
- Moja kwa moja · MO-ja kwa MO-ja · Straight on
- Ni umbali gani? · nee oom-BA-lee GA-nee · How far is it?
By bike
- Fundi wa baiskeli yuko wapi? · FOON-dee wa ba-ees-KEH-lee YOO-ko WA-pee · Where is a bike shop?
- Tairi limepata pancha. · ta-EE-ree lee-meh-PA-ta PAN-cha · I have a puncture
- Naweza kupakia baiskeli kwenye treni? · na-WEH-za koo-pa-KEE-a ba-ees-KEH-lee KWEN-yeh TREH-nee · Can I put my bike on the train?
- Unaweza kutengeneza baiskeli yangu? · oo-na-WEH-za koo-ten-geh-NEH-za ba-ees-KEH-lee YAN-goo · Can you fix my bike?
- Mnyororo umekatika. · m-nyo-RO-ro oo-meh-ka-TEE-ka · My chain is broken
- Spoki imevunjika. · SPO-kee ee-meh-voon-JEE-ka · A spoke is broken
- Naweza kuazima pampu yako? · na-WEH-za koo-a-ZEE-ma PAM-poo YA-ko · Could I borrow a pump?
- Kuna mahali salama pa kuacha baiskeli? · KOO-na ma-HA-lee sa-LA-ma pa koo-A-cha ba-ees-KEH-lee · Is there somewhere safe to leave my bike?
- Kuna njia ya baiskeli hadi …? · KOO-na N-JEE-a ya ba-ees-KEH-lee HA-dee … · Is there a cycle path to…?
- Je, barabara ina magari mengi? · jeh, ba-ra-BA-ra EE-na ma-GA-ree MEN-gee · Is the road busy?
- Je, kuna mlima mkali? · jeh, KOO-na m-LEE-ma m-KA-lee · Is it very steep?
Bike parts in Swahili
- Tyubu · TYOO-boo · Inner tube
- Tairi · ta-EE-ree · Tyre
- Valvu nyembamba (Presta) · VAL-voo nyem-BAM-ba · Presta valve (the thin one)
- Valvu ya gari · VAL-voo ya GA-ree · Car-type valve (Schrader)
- Vifaa vya kuziba pancha · vee-FA-a vya koo-ZEE-ba PAN-cha · Puncture repair kit
- Vyuma vya kutolea tairi · VYOO-ma vya koo-to-LEH-a ta-EE-ree · Tyre levers
- Pedi za breki · PEH-dee za BREH-kee · Brake pads
- Waya wa breki · WA-ya wa BREH-kee · Brake cable
- Waya wa gia · WA-ya wa GEE-a · Gear cable
- Mnyororo · m-nyo-RO-ro · Chain
- Mafuta ya cheni · ma-FOO-ta ya CHEH-nee · Chain oil
- Spoki · SPO-kee · Spoke
- Gurudumu · goo-roo-DOO-moo · Wheel
- Pedeli · peh-DEH-lee · Pedal
- Kiti · KEE-tee · Saddle
- Usukani · oo-soo-KA-nee · Handlebars
- Taa ya baiskeli · TA-a ya ba-ees-KEH-lee · Bike light
- Kufuli ya baiskeli · koo-FOO-lee ya ba-ees-KEH-lee · Bike lock
- Allen key · AL-en kee · Allen key
- Pampu · PAM-poo · Pump
On the road
- Naweza kuegesha wapi? · na-WEH-za koo-eh-GEH-sha WA-pee · Where can I park?
- Kituo cha mafuta · kee-TOO-o cha ma-FOO-ta · Petrol station
- Dizeli · dee-ZEH-lee · Diesel
- Naweza kuegesha hapa usiku kucha? · na-WEH-za koo-eh-GEH-sha HA-pa oo-SEE-koo KOO-cha · Can I park here overnight?
- Gari langu limeharibika. · GA-ree LAN-goo lee-meh-ha-ree-BEE-ka · My car has broken down
- Tairi limepata pancha. · ta-EE-ree lee-meh-PA-ta PAN-cha · I have a flat tyre
- Nalipia maegesho wapi? · na-lee-PEE-a ma-eh-GEH-sho WA-pee · Where do I pay for parking?
- Kuna mahali pa kuchaji magari ya umeme? · KOO-na ma-HA-lee pa koo-CHA-jee ma-GA-ree ya oo-MEH-meh · Is there a charging point for electric cars?
- Je, kuna ushuru kwenye barabara hii? · jeh, KOO-na oo-SHOO-roo KWEN-yeh ba-ra-BA-ra HEE · Is there a toll on this road?
- Petroli · peh-TRO-lee · Unleaded
Car and van parts in Swahili
- Tairi · ta-EE-ree · Tyre
- Tairi la akiba · ta-EE-ree la a-KEE-ba · Spare wheel
- Betri · BEH-tree · Battery
- Nyaya za kuwasha gari · NYA-ya za koo-WA-sha GA-ree · Jump leads
- Oili ya injini · O-ee-lee ya een-JEE-nee · Engine oil
- Kipoza injini · kee-PO-za een-JEE-nee · Coolant
- Waipa · WAI-pa · Windscreen wipers
- Balbu · BAL-boo · Bulb
- Fyuzi · FYOO-zee · Fuse
- AdBlue · AD-bloo · AdBlue
- Mtungi wa gesi · m-TOON-gee wa GEH-see · Gas bottle (propane or butane)
- Gari la kuvuta · GA-ree la koo-VOO-ta · Tow truck
- Gereji · geh-REH-jee · A garage that does repairs
Walking
- Je, hii ni njia ya kwenda …? · jeh, HEE nee N-JEE-a ya KWEN-da … · Is this the path to…?
- Inachukua muda gani kwa miguu? · ee-na-choo-KOO-a MOO-da GA-nee kwa mee-GOO · How long does it take on foot?
- Je, njia iko wazi? · jeh, N-JEE-a EE-ko WA-zee · Is the path open?
- Kuna kibanda cha kulala mlimani? · KOO-na kee-BAN-da cha koo-LA-la m-lee-MA-nee · Is there a mountain hut?
- Je, ni salama kuvuka? · jeh, nee sa-LA-ma koo-VOO-ka · Is it safe to cross?
- Kuna maji njiani? · KOO-na MA-jee n-jee-A-nee · Is there water on the way?
- Njia hii inaenda wapi? · N-JEE-a HEE ee-na-EN-da WA-pee · Where does this path go?
Outdoors
- Naweza kupiga kambi hapa? · na-WEH-za koo-PEE-ga KAM-bee HA-pa · Can I camp here?
- Naweza kujaza chupa yangu ya maji wapi? · na-WEH-za koo-JA-za CHOO-pa YAN-goo ya MA-jee WA-pee · Where can I fill my water bottle?
- Je, maji haya ni salama kunywa? · jeh, MA-jee HA-ya nee sa-LA-ma KOON-ywa · Is the water safe to drink?
- Kambi iko wapi? · KAM-bee EE-ko WA-pee · Where is the campsite?
- Kuna bafu? · KOO-na BA-foo · Is there a shower?
- Naweza kuchaji simu wapi? · na-WEH-za koo-CHA-jee SEE-moo WA-pee · Where can I charge my phone?
- Njia ya kwenda … ni ipi? · N-JEE-a ya KWEN-da … nee EE-pee · Which way to…?
- Naweza kununua gesi ya jiko wapi? · na-WEH-za koo-noo-NOO-a GEH-see ya JEE-ko WA-pee · Where can I buy gas for my stove?
- Hali ya hewa itakuwaje kesho? · HA-lee ya HEH-wa ee-ta-koo-WA-jeh KEH-sho · What will the weather be like tomorrow?
- Je, ni sawa kuwasha moto hapa? · jeh, nee SA-wa koo-WA-sha MO-to HA-pa · Is it all right to light a fire?
- Je, kuna wanyama hatari hapa? · jeh, KOO-na wa-NYA-ma ha-TA-ree HA-pa · Are there any dangerous animals here?
Camping and walking kit in Swahili
- Gesi ya jiko dogo · GEH-see ya JEE-ko DO-go · Gas cartridge for my stove
- Betri · BEH-tree · Batteries
- Plasta za malengelenge · PLAS-ta za ma-len-geh-LEN-geh · Blister plasters
- Krimu ya jua · KREE-moo ya JOO-a · Sun cream
- Dawa ya kufukuza mbu · DA-wa ya koo-foo-KOO-za m-BOO · Insect repellent
- Vigingi vya hema · vee-GEEN-gee vya HEH-ma · Tent pegs
- Tochi · TO-chee · Torch
- Vidonge vya kusafisha maji · vee-DON-geh vya koo-sa-FEE-sha MA-jee · Water purification tablets
- Ramani ya eneo hili · ra-MA-nee ya eh-NEH-o HEE-lee · A map of the area
- Kiberiti cha gesi · kee-beh-REE-tee cha GEH-see · Lighter
By boat
- Naweza kufunga chombo wapi? · na-WEH-za koo-FOON-ga CHOM-bo WA-pee · Where can I moor?
- Ofisi ya bandari iko wapi? · o-FEE-see ya ban-DA-ree EE-ko WA-pee · Where is the harbour master?
- Kuna maji na umeme gatini? · KOO-na MA-jee na oo-MEH-meh ga-TEE-nee · Is there water and electricity on the pontoon?
- Mna nafasi ya kutia nanga kwa usiku mmoja? · m-na na-FA-see ya koo-TEE-a NAN-ga kwa oo-SEE-koo m-MO-ja · Do you have a berth for one night?
- Chombo chetu kina urefu wa mita … · CHOM-bo CHEH-too KEE-na oo-REH-foo wa MEE-ta … · Our boat is … metres long
- Kina cha maji ni kiasi gani maji yakipwa? · KEE-na cha MA-jee nee kee-A-see GA-nee MA-jee ya-KEE-pwa · What is the depth at low tide?
- Utabiri wa hali ya hewa ukoje? · oo-ta-BEE-ree wa HA-lee ya HEH-wa oo-KO-jeh · What is the weather forecast?
- Naweza kujaza mafuta wapi? · na-WEH-za koo-JA-za ma-FOO-ta WA-pee · Where is the fuel berth?
- Naweza kuacha mtumbwi wangu hapa? · na-WEH-za koo-A-cha m-TOOM-bwee WAN-goo HA-pa · Can I leave my dinghy here?
- Tunajiandikisha forodhani wapi? · too-na-jee-an-dee-KEE-sha fo-ro-DHA-nee WA-pee · Where do we check in with customs?
- Mnatumia chaneli gani ya redio? · m-na-too-MEE-a cha-NEH-lee GA-nee ya REH-dee-o · Which radio channel do you use?
- Je, ni salama kutia nanga hapa? · jeh, nee sa-LA-ma koo-TEE-a NAN-ga HA-pa · Is it safe to anchor here?
- Tafadhali, unaweza kudaka kamba zetu? · ta-fa-DHA-lee, oo-na-WEH-za koo-DA-ka KAM-ba ZEH-too · Could you take our lines, please?
- Naweza kushusha kayaki majini wapi? · na-WEH-za koo-SHOO-sha ka-YA-kee ma-JEE-nee WA-pee · Where can I put a kayak in the water?
Boat parts in Swahili
- Duka la vifaa vya boti · DOO-ka la vee-FA-a vya BO-tee · Chandlery (a shop for boat parts)
- Oili ya injini · O-ee-lee ya een-JEE-nee · Engine oil
- Chujio la mafuta · choo-JEE-o la ma-FOO-ta · Fuel filter
- Impela · eem-PEH-la · Impeller
- Betri · BEH-tree · Battery
- Kamba · KAM-ba · Rope
- Shakeli · sha-KEH-lee · Shackle
- Fenda · FEN-da · Fender
- Nanga · NAN-ga · Anchor
- Injini ya nje · een-JEE-nee ya N-jeh · Outboard engine
- Tanga · TAN-ga · Sail
- Fundi wa matanga · FOON-dee wa ma-TAN-ga · Sailmaker
Numbers in Swahili
- moja · MO-ja · 1
- mbili · m-BEE-lee · 2
- tatu · TA-too · 3
- nne · N-neh · 4
- tano · TA-no · 5
- sita · SEE-ta · 6
- saba · SA-ba · 7
- nane · NA-neh · 8
- tisa · TEE-sa · 9
- kumi · KOO-mee · 10
- ishirini · ee-shee-REE-nee · 20
- hamsini · ham-SEE-nee · 50
- mia moja · MEE-a MO-ja · 100
Signs you'll see
To recognise when you see them.
- Wazi · Open
- Imefungwa · Closed
- Mlango wa kuingia / Kuingia · Entrance
- Kutoka · Exit
- Choo / Vyoo · Toilets
- Wanaume · Men
- Wanawake · Women
- Hakuna kuingia · No entry
- Hatari · Danger
Where Swahili is spoken
Main language
Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar
Also spoken in
Congo - Kinshasa, Uganda
In the Pebbls app
The app has the same phrasebook. It opens in the language of the country you’re in, and the sound plays with no signal.
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