Swahili Phrases

Basic Phrases

Let’s take a look at some phrases that will be useful on your Swahili journey

Greetings

Phrase	Meaning
Mimi ni…	I am …
Jina langu ni…	My name is..

Asking Questions

In Swahili, the word nani is added to some sentences to ask questions

• Emilia ni nani? - Who is Emilia
• Jina langu ni nani? - What is my name?
• Habari za… - How is…

How Are You

Swahili	to be?	Translation
Mimi	sijambo	I am fine
Wewe	hujambo	You are fine
Yeye	hajambo	He/She fine
Ninyi	hamjambo	How are you
Sisi	hatujambo	we are fine
Wao	hawajambo	they are fine

With Habari

Habari is the equivalent of how in English

Swahili	Translation
Habari ya leo?	How is today?
Habari za asubuhi?	How is the morning?
Habari za mchana?	How is the afternoon?
Habari za jioni?	How is the evening?
Habari za usiku?	How is the night?
Habari za nyumbani?	How is home?
Habari za kazi?	How is work?