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How To Say ‘Hello’ in Swahili, and Other Swahili Greetings!

How to Say Hello in Swahili

So, you’re heading for Kenya to travel or work. Awesome! You’re in for an amazing adventure! It’s a beautiful country, steeped in a rich culture that may be very unlike your own.

However, showing respect to the locals is a big deal in every country around the world. A respectful manner and attitude could open doors for you that would otherwise remain mystifyingly closed. Aside from just knowing ‘Thank you’ in Swahili, greeting someone correctly in Swahili could incline a local to treat you more favorably than otherwise! So, the clever thing to do would be to learn Swahili greetings before you embark on your journey. Swahili greetings are different from other languages and probably not what you’d expect. But if learning how to say ‘Hello!’ in Swahili in easy and fun ways is important to you, you’ve come to the right place at SwahiliPod101.

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1. Must-Know Swahili Greetings

Start straight away with this greeting lesson. It’s short, but it packs a punch!

This short, but powerful lesson teaches you the basic ways to greet someone correctly in Swahili! At SwahiliPod101, you will be taught the correct pronunciation and intonation, as well as the correct times to greet in Swahili. And you will have fun!

The focus of this lesson is greetings in Swahili

Topic 1: How to greet when meeting

Sentence from the lesson:
Habari!
“Hello!”

It is the most commonly used informal greeting. Habari means “hi” or “hello.” We use it when we meet people. We can use this greeting with friends or relatives, but also with people we don’t know.
And the formal way of greeting people is Shikamoo!
During the evening we say: Habari ya jioni! Jioni is Swahili for “evening,” so Habari ya jioni means “good evening.”
Habari and Habari ya jioni are used when we meet someone, but when we leave, we don’t say these greetings again.

Topic 2: How to use parting expressions

Sentence from the lesson:
Kwaheri.
“Goodbye.”

Kwaheri means “good-bye.”
Finally, in Swahili we have an expression meaning “see you soon” that can be considered both formal and informal: Tuonane tena.

Language Tip

In formal situations, Kenyans commonly greet each other by shaking hands. But, if we meet someone we are very friendly with, we hug each other. Don’t be afraid to do it with your Kenyan friends—it’s normal!

2. Common Ways to Say Hello in Swahili

Swahili Greetings

Standing at the airport in a foreign country for the first time can be a somewhat scary experience for anyone, especially if you need assistance. However, don’t worry – at SwahiliPod101 we teach you how to quickly get a local’s attention with friendly, correct Swahili greetings! You are more likely to get helped this way.

Here is our Swahili greetings list of all the general ways to address a person upon meeting. It is tailored for formal and informal situations.

1- Good morning.

Habari za asubuhi.

‘Good morning’ in Swahili is acceptable any time between approximately 5:30am and 12:00pm, when the day is still young. And smile – it’s the universal ice-breaker!

2- Good evening

Habari za jioni.

This greeting is one you would use casually when night begins to fall. Address your friends, close family or close acquaintances, and those who are not your superiors, with this phrase.

3- How are you?

U hali gani?

Show your friendly interest in another person’s well-being by asking this question. This is the casual greeting form that you would use with your friends and family. For the sake of the friendship, it would be good to listen carefully to the answer! It shows caring and selflessness on your part.

4- How have you been?

Umeshindaje?

This is a good question to ask someone you have not seen for a while. The inference is that some catching-up is needed!

5- What’s up?

Kuna nini?

An universally informal and energetic way to greet your friends or equals! Literally, it means ‘What’s going on in your life?’, yet often no answer is expected. It’s just a greeting! Crazy, right?!

6- Long time no see.

Siku nyingi sijakuona.

This phrase means is another greeting comment that means “I have not seen you for a while!” Often, no response is expected, except to reciprocate.

7- Hey!

Hey!

This is a friendly exclamation to greet your friends or equals with. Reserve its use more for people you see regularly!

Saying Hello

8- Good afternoon.

Habari za mchana.

‘Good afternoon’ in Swahili is an informal greeting and is used during the second part of the day. The appropriate period falls, in most cultures, from 12:00am till sunset.

9- How’s it going?

Unaendelea aje?

This greeting phrase basically means the same as ‘How are things progressing?’, ‘How are things going in your life?’ or even ‘What’s up?’ Depending on the friendship, a lengthy answer is not always expected.

10- It’s nice to see you again.

Ni vizuri kukuona tena.

This friendly, welcoming phrase is best used after greeting someone you have not seen for a while. If you mean it, you will make the person feel special! This is a good thing to say to make someone feel welcome in Swahili.

11- How’s everything?

Kila kitu kiko vipi?

This is a variation of ‘How’s it going?’ Use casually with your equals or close acquaintances.

12- How’s your day?

Siku yako imekuaje?

Ask this when you’re speaking to your Swahili friend during the day. It’s a friendly phrase to start a conversation with.

13- Yo!

Yo!

Yo! is English slang and a universal greeting popular among young men of most nationalities. Rather don’t answer the phone with this, unless you know your caller well!

14- Hello!

Jambo!

Suitable for use in most settings, situations and persons, this is an important Swahili greeting to know. Be sure to master this word first at SwahiliPod101!

15- It’s nice to meet you.

Ni vyema kukutana na wewe.

When meeting someone for the first time, this is a polite and friendly way to welcome them. It means you are happy to make their acquaintance.

3. Why Should You Choose SwahiliPod101 To Learn How To Greet In Swahili?

Online learning systems abound, and it’s not easy to know which one will suit your needs best. This means you have to be careful and select a system with a good reputation, and that has proven longevity. SwahiliPod101, which is part of InnovativeLearning.com, ticks all the boxes! With millions of lesson downloads and over a decade of teaching, we can say with confidence that this is one of the best language learning systems on the web. Why is it such an excellent system? Let us count the ways…

Swahili Teacher

1- Video Presentations with Native Speakers

Friendly native Swahili speakers guide you step-by-step through the process of learning vocabulary, phrases and much more. They demonstrate correct pronunciation and emphasis of the words, so as to ensure that you speak like a native when you’re done! Watching the enthusiastic tutors makes not only for a pleasant and more personal experience – it also allows you to copy mouth and lip movements. It’s like learning from your own Swahili friend in your own home!

2- Superb Flexibility with 24/7 Access to Learning Material – Anywhere and on Any Device connected to the Internet!

PC, Android, iPhone, iPad, laptop, even TV – whatever device you prefer! Go online with our FREE app to do your lessons, no matter where you are or which device you are using. All you need is a good internet connection to log on and learn to speak Swahili at your own pace, in your own place!

3- Pronunciation Tool Ensures You Really Speak Swahili!

In any language, correct pronunciation is often crucial. The nuances in language require this, or you could find yourself saying things you don’t mean. You will find our Pronunciation Tool invaluable to wrap your mouth around the correct way to greet in Swahili!

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4- Our Content is Always New and Dynamic

Every week, new audio and video lessons are uploaded, so as to keep our promise that learning Swahili with SwahiliPod101 is always fun and exciting! In addition, you will get access to bonus material and basic Swahili phrases. These are a fantastic way to build your comprehension and speaking skills!

5- Need to Fast Track your Learning? We Have the Solution!

Most learning activities are more fun when you’re not doing them alone. For this reason we developed Premium PLUS, which gives you a personal tutor – 24/7! Also, this way you’re likely to learn to speak Swahili much faster!

So, if our lively Swahili blog is not enough for you, just upgrade to Premium PLUS to get your very own teacher. Personalised goals and lessons based on your needs, assessment of your progress, non-stop feedback and many other super features makes this a very attractive option.

Say ‘Hello’ to a wonderful, exciting way to learn another language, and learn how to say ‘Hello’ in Swahili in no time! You will be very happy you did!

How to Celebrate April Fools’ Day in Swahili

How to Celebrate April Fools' Day in Swahili!

Most everyone is familiar with this day, as it is celebrated nearly everywhere the world. Yet, when exactly is April Fools’ Day? And where did April Fools come from? April Fools’ Day is observed on April 1st every year. This day of jokes and pranks is believed to have stemmed from the 16th-century calendar change in France, when New Year’s Day was moved from April 1 to January 1. This action was taken due to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar.

However, a few people were resistant to the calendar change, so they continued to observe New Year’s Day on April 1st, rather than the new date. They were referred to as the “April Fools”, and others started playing mocking tricks on them. This custom endured, and is practiced to this day around the world!

Table of Contents

  1. Top One Million Words You Need to Know for April Fools’ Day
  2. Swahili Phrases You Can Use on April Fools’ Day
  3. Some of the Coolest April Fools’ Pranks To Play on Anybody
  4. How Can SwahiliPod101 Make Your April Fools’ Day Special?
  5. Top 1000 Most Useful Phrases in Swahili – Testing New Technology

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1. Top One Million Words You Need to Know for April Fools’ Day

Do you want to know how to say April Fools’ Day in Swahili? Well, there are millions of ways and words, but here are the top one million Swahili words you really need to know! Simply click this link. Here are some of them you will find useful:

  1. joke – kutania
  2. funny – chekesha
  3. lie – danganya
  4. deceptive – danganyo
  5. fool – mjinga
  6. humor – kichekesho
  7. surprise – shangaza
  8. April 1st – April tarehe moja
  9. prank – laghai
  10. prankster – mlaghai
  11. play a joke – kutania mtu
  12. sneaky – mnyati

2. Swahili Phrases You Can Use on April Fools’ Day

Swahili Phrases for April Fools' Day

Don’t limit yourself to practical jokes – use these April Fools’ phrases in Swahili to prank your favorite Swahili speaking friend or colleague!

  1. I learned Swahili in 1 month.
    • Nilijifunza Kiswahili kwa mwezi mmoja.
  2. All classes for today got canceled.
    • Madarasa yote ya leo yamebatilishwa.
  3. I’m sorry, but I’ve just broken your favorite pair of glasses.
    • Niwie radhi, lakini nimevunja miwani yako unayopenda zaidi.
  4. Someone has just hit your car.
    • Mtu amegonga gari yako sasa hivi.
  5. I’m getting married.
    • Ninaoleka.
  6. You won a free ticket.
    • Umeshinda tiketi ya bure.
  7. I saw your car being towed.
    • Niliona gari lako likivutwa dakawa.
  8. They’re giving away free gift cards in front of the building.
    • Wanapeana bure kadi zawadi mbele ya jengo.
  9. A handsome guy is waiting for you outside.
    • Mwanamume wa sura nzuri anakungojea nje.
  10. A beautiful lady asked me to give this phone number to you.
    • Mwanamke mrembo aliniuliza nikupe nambari hii ya simu.
  11. Can you come downstairs? I have something special for you.
    • Unaweza shuka chini? Nina kitu chema cha kukupa.
  12. Thank you for your love letter this morning. I never could have guessed your feelings.
    • Asante kwa barua mapenzi asubuhi hii. Singeweza tabiri hisia zako.

Choose your victims carefully, though; the idea is to get them to laugh with you, not to hurt their feelings or humiliate them in front of others. Be extra careful if you choose to play a prank on your boss – you don’t want to antagonize them with an inappropriate joke.

3. Some of the Coolest April Fools’ Pranks To Play on Anybody

Choose Bad or Good

Right, now that you know the top million April Fools’ words in Swahili, let’s look at some super pranks and tricks to play on friends, colleagues and family. Some April Fools ideas never grow old, while new ones are born every year.

Never joke in such a way that it hurts anyone, or humiliates them badly in front of others – the idea is for everybody to laugh and enjoy the fun! Respect is still key, no matter what day of the year it is.

Cockroach prank

1- Infestation

This trick is so simple, yet so creepy, it’s almost unbelievable. Take black paper, cut out the silhouette of a giant cockroach, a spider or another insect, and stick it inside the lampshade of a table lamp. When the lamp is switched on, it will look like a monstrous insect is sitting inside the lampshade. Or, get a whole lot of realistic-looking plastic insects, and spread them over a colleague’s desk and chair, or, at home, over the kids’ beds etc. Creep-factor: stellar.

2- Which One Doesn’t Fit?

Put the photo of a celebrity or a notorious politician in a frame, and take it to work on April Fools’ Day. Hang the photo on the staff picture wall, and wait. You’ll be surprised how long it can take for people to notice that one picture doesn’t fit.

3- Something Weird in the Restroom

At work, replace the air freshener in the restroom with something noxious like insect killer, oven cleaner or your own odious mixture in a spray bottle. Be sure to cover the bottle’s body so no one suspects a swap.

Or paint a bar of soap with clear nail polish, and leave it at the hand wash basin. It will not lather.

Or, if your workplace’s restroom has partitioned toilets with short doors, arrange jeans or trousers and shoes on all but one of the toilet covers, so it looks like every stall is occupied. Now wait for complaints, and see how long it takes for someone to figure out the April Fools’ Day prank. You’ll probably wish you had a camera inside the restroom. But, unless you don’t mind getting fired, don’t put your own recording device in there!

Funny Face

4- Call Me Funny

Prepare and print out a few posters with the following instructions: Lion Roar Challenge! Call this number – 123-456-7890 – and leave your best lion’s roar as voicemail! Best roarer will be announced April 10 in the cafeteria. Prize: $100. (Lion’s roar is just an example; you can use any animal call, or even a movie character’s unique sound, such as Chewbacca from Star Wars. The weirder, the funnier. Obviously!) Put the posters up in the office where most of the staff is likely to see them. Now wait for the owner of the number to visit you with murderous intent. Have a conciliatory gift ready that’s not a prank.

5- Minty Cookies

This is another simple but hugely effective prank – simply separate iced cookies, scrape off the icing, and replace it with toothpaste. Serve during lunch or tea break at work, or put in your family’s lunch boxes. Be sure to take photos of your victim’s faces when they first bite into your April Fools’ cookies.

6- Wild Shopping

At your local grocer, place a realistic-looking plastic snake or spider among the fresh vegetables. Now wait around the corner for the first yell.

7- The Oldest Trick in the Book

Don’t forget probably the oldest, yet very effective April Fools’ joke in the book – smearing hand cream or Vaseline on a door handle that most staff, family or friends are likely to use. Yuck to the max!

8- Sneeze On Me

Another golden oldie is also gross, yet harmless and utterly satisfying as a prank. Fill a small spray bottle that you can easily conceal with water. Walk past a friend, colleague or one of your kids, and fake a sneeze while simultaneously spraying them with a bit of water. Expect to be called a totally disgusting person. Add a drop of lovely smelling essential oil to the water for extra confusion.

9- Word Play Repairs

Put a fresh leek in the hand wash basin at home or work, and then tell your housemates or colleagues this: “There’s a huge leak in the restroom/bathroom basin, it’s really serious. Please can someone go have a look?!” Expect exasperation and smiles all around. Note that this prank is only likely to work where people understand English well.

10- Scary Face

Print out a very scary face on an A4 sheet of paper, and place it in a colleague’s, or one of your kid’s drawers, so it’s the first thing they see when they open the drawer. You may not be very popular for a while.

11- Wake Up To Madness

Put foamy shaving cream, or real whipped cream on your hand, and wake your kid up by tickling their nose with it. As long as they get the joke, this could be a wonderful and fun way to start April Fools’ Day.

Computer Prank

12- Computer Prank

This one’s fabulous, if you have a bit of time to fiddle with a colleague, friend or your kid’s computer. It is most effective on a computer where most of the icons they use are on the desktop background itself (as opposed to on the bottom task bar).

Take and save a screenshot of their desktop with the icons. Set this screenshot as their background image. Now delete all the working icons. When they return to their computer, wait for the curses when no amount of clicking on the icons works.

13- Monster Under the Cup

This one will also work well anywhere people meet. Take a paper cup, and write the following on it in black pen: “Danger! Don’t lift, big spider underneath.” Place it upside-down on prominent flat surface, such as a kitchen counter, a colleague’s desk or a restaurant table. Expect some truly interesting responses.

Door Prank

14- Prank Door

Write in large letters on a large and noticeable piece of paper: PUSH. Tape this notice on a door that should be pulled to open, and watch the hilarious struggle of those clever souls who actually read signs.

4. How Can SwahiliPod101 Make Your April Fools’ Day Special?

If you happen to visit Kenya, or if you work for any Swahili speaking company, knowing the above Swahili prankster phrases can really lighten up your day. Showing you have a sense of humor can go a long way to cement good relationships in any situation. These phrases are at your disposal for free, as well as are these 100 core Swahili words, which you will learn how to pronounce perfectly.

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Also, don’t stop at learning April Fools’ phrases in Swahili – bone up your Swahili language skills with these FREE key phrases. Yes, SwahiliPod101 doesn’t joke when it comes to effective, fun and easy learning.

Now, as a bonus, test our super-learning technology, and learn the Top 1000 most useful phrases in Swahili below! But that’s not all. Read on to learn how you can be eligible for large enrollment discounts at SwahiliPod101.

5. Top 1000 Most Useful Phrases in Swahili – testing new technology

Help us by being a language guinea pig! Listen to this video above with embedded cutting-edge, frequency-based learning technology that enables you to learn large amounts of data in record time.

  • Note: This technology is in beta-phase of development, and we invite your input for fine-tuning.
  • To participate: Watch the video for instructions, and leave a comment to rate it. Your comment will make you eligible for large enrollment-fee discounts. To watch the video, please click the play button.

Thank you for helping SwahiliPod101! We’re serious about making learning Swahili fun.

How to Say Happy New Year in Swahili & New Year Wishes

Learn all the Swahili New Year wishes online, in your own time, on any device! Join SwahiliPod101 for a special Swahili New Year celebration!

How to Say Happy New Year in Swahili

Can you relate to the year passing something like this: “January, February, March – December!”? Many people do! Quantum physics teaches us that time is relative, and few experiences illustrate this principle as perfectly as when we reach the end of a year. To most of us, it feels like the old one has passed in the blink of an eye, while the new year lies ahead like a very long journey! However, New Year is also a time to celebrate beginnings, and to say goodbye to what has passed. This is true in every culture, no matter when New Year is celebrated.

So, how do you say Happy New Year in Swahili? Let a native teach you! At SwahiliPod101, you will learn how to correctly greet your friends over New Year, and wish them well with these Swahili New Year wishes!

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Table of Contents

  1. How to Celebrate New Year in Kenya
  2. Must-Know Swahili Words & Phrases for the New Year!
  3. Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions in Swahili
  4. Inspirational New Year Quotes
  5. Inspirational Language Learning Quotes
  6. How To Say Happy New Year in 31 Languages
  7. How SwahiliPod101 Can Help You Learn Swahili

But let’s start with some vocabulary for Swahili New Year celebrations, very handy for conversations.

1. How to Celebrate New Year in Kenya

New Year’s Day is celebrated on January 1 every year. It’s the time of the year when people reflect on the year past, and resolve to make a new plan for the next year of their lives.

Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question-

Do you know what parents do for their children on the first day of the year in Kenya?

If you don’t already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep reading.

People wait for New Year’s Day with a lot of enthusiasm, or in Swahili shauku. The faithful go to church and stay overnight while waiting for midnight to come, while others prefer to go to entertainment clubs to relax and dance to music.

When the clock finally strikes twelve, people yell in great excitement and enjoy fireworks, or fataki. Nowadays many people immediately turn to their cell phones to send New Year’s special messages to family and friends, such as Sikukuu ya Mwaka Mpya!, meaning “Happy New Year!” in Swahili. Those gathered in churches pray to thank God instead.

In the morning, people start to prepare special meals and drinks. Some invite visitors and entertain them with singing, dancing, and drama. Goats, called mbuzi, are slaughtered in abundance, since the meat is popular during this time. In addition, chapati, or flat bread, mukimo, which is a mixture of peas, potatoes, and greens, pilau, spiced rice, and different kinds of stews are also served.

During the daytime after the feasting, some people clothe themselves in elegant garments and visit places for pleasure. For instance, some go to the wild animal parks, while others go to have fun at the beach. New Year’s is always a big boost to domestic tourism.

On this day, besides celebrating, people try also to involve themselves in popular and responsible activities. They believe that if they are good from the beginning of the year, the rest of it will be successful. They also make good new resolutions, or nia.

Now it’s time to answer our quiz question-

Do you know what parents do for their children on the first day of the year in Kenya?

Parents aim to please their children by giving them different gifts. These can be useful things, such as clothes or shoes, or a special toy that the child has had their eye on for a while.

Happy New Year!
Heri ya Mwaka Mpya!

2. Must-Know Swahili Words & Phrases for the New Year!

Swahili Words & Phrases for the New Year

1- Year

mwaka

This is pretty self-explanatory. Most countries follow a Gregorian calendar, which has approximately 365 days in a year, while in some cultures, other year designations are also honored. Therefore, New Year’s day in Kenya could fall on a different day than in your country. When do you celebrate New Year?

2- Midnight

usiku wa manane

The point in time when a day ends and a new one starts. Many New Year celebrants prefer to stay awake till midnight, and greet the new annum as it breaks with fanfare and fireworks!

3- New Year’s Day

mwaka mpya

In most countries, the new year is celebrated for one whole day. On the Gregorian calendar, this falls on January 1st. On this day, different cultures engage in festive activities, like parties, parades, big meals with families and many more.

You can do it!

4- Party

chama

A party is most people’s favorite way to end the old year, and charge festively into the new one! We celebrate all we accomplished in the old year, and joyfully anticipate what lies ahead.

5- Dancing

densi

Usually, when the clock strikes midnight and the New Year officially begins, people break out in dance! It is a jolly way to express a celebratory mood with good expectations for the year ahead. Also, perhaps, that the old year with its problems has finally passed! Dance parties are also a popular way to spend New Year’s Eve in many places.

6- Champagne

mvinyo mweupe

Originating in France, champagne is a bubbly, alcoholic drink that is often used to toast something or someone during celebrations.

7- Fireworks

fataki

These are explosives that cause spectacular effects when ignited. They are popular for announcing the start of the new year with loud noises and colorful displays! In some countries, fireworks are set off to scare away evil spirits. In others, the use of fireworks is forbidden in urban areas due to their harmful effect on pets. Most animals’ hearing is much more sensitive than humans’, so this noisy display can be very frightful and traumatising to them.

Happy Near Year!

8- Countdown

Siku zilizosalia

This countdown refers to New Year celebrants counting the seconds, usually backward, till midnight, when New Year starts – a great group activity that doesn’t scare animals, and involves a lot of joyful shouting when the clock strikes midnight!

9- New Year’s Holiday

likizo ya Mwaka Mpya

In many countries, New Year’s Day is a public holiday – to recuperate from the party the previous night, perhaps! Families also like to meet on this day to enjoy a meal and spend time together.

10- Confetti

chengechenge

In most Western countries, confetti is traditionally associated with weddings, but often it is used as a party decoration. Some prefer to throw it in the air at the strike of midnight on New Year’s Eve.

11- New Year’s Eve

Siku ya kuamkia mwaka mpya

This is the evening before New Year breaks at midnight! Often, friends and family meet for a party or meal the evening before, sometimes engaging in year-end rituals. How are you planning to give your New Year greetings in 2018?

12- Toast

Vifijo!

A toast is a type of group-salutation that involves raising your glass to drink with others in honor of something or someone. A toast to the new year is definitely in order!

13- Resolution

azimio

Those goals or intentions you hope to, but seldom keep in the new year! Many people consider the start of a new year to be the opportune time for making changes or plans. Resolutions are those intentions to change, or the plans. It’s best to keep your resolutions realistic so as not to disappoint yourself!

14- Parade

gwaride

New Year celebrations are a huge deal in some countries! Parades are held in the streets, often to celebratory music, with colorful costumes and lots of dancing. Parades are like marches, only less formal and way more fun. At SwahiliPod101, you can engage in forums with natives who can tell you what Swahili New Year celebrations are like!

3. Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions List

So, you learned the Swahili word for ‘resolution’. Fabulous! Resolutions are those goals and intentions that we hope to manifest in the year that lies ahead. The beginning of a new year serves as a good marker in time to formalise these. Some like to do it in writing, others only hold these resolutions in their hearts. Here are our Top 10 New Year’s resolutions at SwahiliPod101 – what are yours?

Learn these phrases and impress your Swahili friends with your vocabulary.

New Year's Resolutions

1- Read more

Soma kwa wingi.

Reading is a fantastic skill that everyone can benefit from. You’re a business person? Apparently, successful business men and women read up to 60 books a year. This probably excludes fiction, so better scan your library or Amazon for the top business reads if you plan to follow in the footsteps of the successful! Otherwise, why not make it your resolution to read more Swahili in the new year? You will be surprised by how much this will improve your Swahili language skills!

2- Spend more time with family

Kuwa na wakati mwingi na familia.

Former US President George Bush’s wife, Barbara Bush, was quoted as having said this: “At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, a parent.” This is very true! Relationships are often what gives life meaning, so this is a worthy resolution for any year.

3- Lose weight

Kufinyaa.

Hands up, how many of you made this new year’s resolution last year too…?! This is a notoriously difficult goal to keep, as it takes a lot of self discipline not to eat unhealthily. Good luck with this one, and avoid unhealthy fad diets!

4- Save money

Weka akiba.

Another common and difficult resolution! However, no one has ever been sorry when they saved towards reaching a goal. Make it your resolution to save money to upgrade your subscription to SwahiliPod101’s Premium PLUS option in the new year – it will be money well spent!

5- Quit smoking

Kuwacha kuvuta sigara.

This is a resolution that you should definitely keep, or your body could punish you severely later! Smoking is a harmful habit with many hazardous effects on your health. Do everything in your power to make this resolution come true in the new year, as your health is your most precious asset.

6- Learn something new

Jifunze jambo jipya.

Science has proven that learning new skills can help keep brain diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s at bay! It can even slow down the progression of the disease. So, keep your brain healthy by learning to speak a new language, studying towards a qualification, learning how to sew, or how to play chess – no matter how old you are, the possibilities are infinite!

7- Drink less

Kunywa kidogo.

This is another health resolution that is good to heed any time of the year. Excessive drinking is associated with many diseases, and its effect can be very detrimental to good relationships too. Alcohol is a poison and harmful for the body in large quantities!

8- Exercise regularly

Fanya zoezi kila wakati.

This resolution goes hand-in-hand with ‘Lose weight’! An inactive body is an unhealthy and often overweight one, so give this resolution priority in the new year.

9- Eat healthy

Kula kunawiri.

If you stick with this resolution, you will lose weight and feel better in general. It is a very worthy goal to have!

10- Study Swahili with SwahiliPod101

kujifunza Kiswahili na SwahiliPod101.com

Of course! You can only benefit from learning Swahili, especially with us! Learning how to speak Swahili can keep your brain healthy, it can widen your circle of friends, and improve your chances to land a dream job anywhere in the world. SwahiliPod101 makes it easy and enjoyable for you to stick to this resolution.

4. Inspirational New Year Quotes

Inspirational Quotes

Everyone knows that it is sometimes very hard to stick to resolutions, and not only over New Year. The reasons for this vary from person to person, but all of us need inspiration every now and then! A good way to remain motivated is to keep inspirational quotes near as reminders that it’s up to us to reach our goals.

Click here for quotes that will also work well in a card for a special Swahili new year greeting!

Make decorative notes of these in Swahili, and keep them close! Perhaps you could stick them above your bathroom mirror, or on your study’s wall. This way you not only get to read Swahili incidentally, but also remain inspired to reach your goals! Imagine feeling like giving up on a goal, but reading this quote when you go to the bathroom: “It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.” What a positive affirmation!

5. Inspirational Language Learning Quotes

Language Learning Quotes

Still undecided whether you should enroll with SwahiliPod101 to learn a new language? There’s no time like the present to decide! Let the following Language Learning Quotes inspire you with their wisdom.

Click here to read the most inspirational Language Learning Quotes!

As legendary President Nelson Mandela once said: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.” So, learning how to say Happy New Year in Swahili could well be a way into someone special’s heart for you! Let this year be the one where you to learn how to say Happy New Year, and much more, in Swahili – it could open many and unexpected doors for you.

6. How To Say Happy New Year in 31 Languages

Here’s a lovely bonus for you! Why stop with Swahili – learn how to say Happy New Year in 31 other languages too! Watch this video and learn how to pronounce these New Year’s wishes like a native in under two minutes.

7. Why Enrolling with SwahiliPod101 Would Be the Perfect New Year’s Gift to Yourself!

If you are unsure how to celebrate the New Year, why not give yourself a huge gift, and enroll to learn Swahili! With more than 12 years of experience behind us, we know that SwahiliPod101 would be the perfect fit for you. There are so many reasons for this!

Learning Paths

  • Custom-tailored Learning Paths: Start learning Swahili at the level that you are. We have numerous Learning Pathways, and we tailor them just for you based on your goals and interests! What a boon!
  • Marked Progress and Fresh Learning Material Every Week: We make new lessons available every week, with an option to track your progress. Topics are culturally appropriate and useful, such as “Learning how to deliver negative answers politely to a business partner.” Our aim is to equip you with Swahili that makes sense!
  • Multiple Learning Tools: Learn in fun, easy ways with resources such 1,000+ video and audio lessons, flashcards, detailed PDF downloads, and mobile apps suitable for multiple devices!
  • Fast Track Learning Option: If you’re serious about fast-tracking your learning, Premium Plus would be the perfect way to go! Enjoy perks such as personalised lessons with ongoing guidance from your own, native-speaking teacher, and one-on-one learning on your mobile app! You will not be alone in your learning. Weekly assignments with non-stop feedback, answers and corrections will ensure speedy progress.
  • Fun and Easy: Keeping the lessons fun and easy-to-learn is our aim, so you will stay motivated by your progress!

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There’s no reason not to go big in 2018 by learning Swahili with SwahiliPod101. Just imagine how the world can open up for you!

How to Say ‘Merry Christmas’ in Swahili

How to Say Merry Christmas in Swahili

Do you know any ways to wish someone a ‘Merry Christmas’ in Swahili? SwahiliPod101 brings you easy-to-learn translations and the correct pronunciation of Swahili Christmas phrases!

Must-Know Christmas Day Vocabulary

Christmas is the annual commemorative festival of Christ’s birth in the Western Christian Church. It takes place on December 25th and is usually celebrated with much food and fanfare! However, not all cultures celebrate Christmas. In some countries, Christmas is not even a public holiday! However, many countries have adapted Christmas and its religious meaning to tally with their own beliefs, or simply in acknowledgment of the festival’s importance to other cultures. If you want to impress native Swahili speakers with culturally-appropriate Christmas phrases and vocabulary, SwahiliPod101 will teach you the most important ways to wish someone a ‘Merry Christmas’ in Swahili!

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Table of Contents

  1. How to Celebrate Christmas in Kenya
  2. Holiday Greetings and Wishes
  3. Must-Know Christmas Day Vocabulary
  4. Twelve Days of Christmas
  5. Top 10 Christmas Characters
  6. How SwahiliPod101 Can Help You

1. How to Celebrate Christmas in Kenya

Christmas Words in Swahili

Christmas is celebrated on December 25 every year. Christians all over the world gather in churches on Christmas Eve, which is December 24, and wait together until twelve midnight, which is the time when it is believed Jesus Christ was born.

Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question-

Many Kenyans choose to travel on Christmas; do you know where they go?

If you don’t already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep reading.

Christmas celebrations typically begin on December 24th. Many workers are given holidays starting on the 23rd to allow them to prepare for the 25th, which is the most important day. During the day on the 24th, people go shopping, or kununua bidhaa, and buy all the food products they will need from supermarkets and other places. Flour, rice, drinks, and various goods are bought in abundance ahead of time, because not many shops are open on Christmas Day.

As I mentioned previously, on Christmas Eve many Christian believers, in Swahili muumini, stay awake until twelve midnight because they believe that is the time Jesus Christ was born. If the weather is fine and the sky is clear, most people will wait outside, lighting fires and singing songs to praise Jesus. Some go to church and join with the children in singing and acting in plays about the birth of Jesus.

When Christmas comes on December 25, people celebrate in different ways. Some people go to church in the morning and when they come back, they celebrate by feasting and drinking special drinks. Many Kenyans like roasted goat meat. After feasting and drinking, some people visit national parks, or mbuga la wanyama, to see the wild animals, or go to swimming pools and amusement parks to amuse their children.

On this celebrated day, people also go to great lengths to please their relatives, often spending money on luxurious goods, or bidhaa starehe. Many people don’t hold back, instead simply praying they will be able to afford basic needs, or bidhaa msingi and sustain themselves also after Christmas!

Now it’s time to answer our quiz question-

Many Kenyans choose to travel on Christmas; do you know where they go?

Most people travel from the cities they live in to the countryside where their roots are. Others opt to visit the cities of Mombasa and Naivasha and spend the vacation at a hotel or eat in special restaurants.

2. Holiday Greetings and Wishes for the Holiday Season

Holiday Greetings and Wishes

1- Merry Christmas!

Siku kuu ya Krismasi!

Do you know how to say ‘Merry Christmas’ in Swahili? Learn here how to pronounce it perfectly! ‘Merry’ means to be joyful, to celebrate and generally be in good spirits. So, with this phrase you are wishing someone a joyful, celebratory remembrance of Christ’s birth!

2- Happy Kwanzaa!

Furaha ya Kwanzaa!

Surprise your African-American, or West African native friends with this phrase over the Christmas holidays! Kwanzaa is a seven-day, non-religious celebration, starting on Dec 26th each year. It has its roots in African American modern history, and many people celebrate both Kwanzaa and Christmas!

3- Have a happy New Year!

Mwaka Mpya wa heri njema!

In countries where Christmas is not officially celebrated, but a Gregorian calendar is observed, this would be a friendly festive-season wish over New Year.

4- Happy Hanukkah!

Furaha Hanukkah!

Hanukkah is the beautiful Hebrew festival over November or December each year. It is also called the ‘Festival of Lights’ and is celebrated to commemorate the Jewish freedom of religion.

5- Have a great winter vacation!

Kuwa na likizo mzuri katika msimu wa baridi.

This is a good phrase to keep handy if someone doesn’t observe any religious festival over the Christmas holidays! However, this will only be applicable in the Northern hemisphere, where it is winter over Christmas.

6- See you next year!

Tuonane mwaka ujao!

Going away on holiday over Christmas season, or saying goodbye to someone about to leave on vacation? This would be a good way to say goodbye to your friends and family.

7- Warm wishes!

Matakwa ya kheri!

An informal, friendly phrase to write in Swahili Christmas cards, especially for secular friends who prefer to observe Christmas celebrations without the religious symbolism. It conveys the warmth of friendship and friendly wishes associated with this time of year.

8- Happy holidays!

Likizo ya furaha!

If you forget how to say ‘Merry Christmas!’ in Swahili, this is a safe, generic phrase to use instead.

9- Enjoy the holidays!

Furahia likizo!

After saying ‘Merry Christmas’ in Swahili, this would be a good phrase with which to wish Christmas holiday-goers well! It is also good to use for secular friends who don’t celebrate Christmas but take a holiday at this time of the year.

10- Best wishes for the New Year!

Heri njema za mwaka mpya!

This is another way of wishing someone well in the New Year if they observe a Gregorian calendar. New Year’s day would then fall on January 1st.

3. Must-Know Christmas Day Vocabulary

Must-Know Christmas Day Vocabulary

Christmas is associated with many traditions and religious symbols in multiple countries across the world. It originated centuries ago in the West with the birth of Christianity, and the celebrations are often embedded with rich cultural significance. So, by now you know how to say Merry Christmas in Swahili! Next, learn pertinent vocabulary and phrases pertaining to Christmas, as well as how to pronounce them correctly. At SwahiliPod101, we make sure you sound like a native speaker!

1- Christmas

Krismasi

This is the Swahili word for ‘Christmas’. Most happy Christmas wishes in Swahili will include this word!

2- Snow

theluji

In most Northern-hemisphere countries, Christmas is synonymous with snow, and for Christmas, the snowman is often dressed as Santa Claus.

3- Snowflake

theluji

Snowflakes collectively make up snow. A single snowflake is small, white, light like a feather and icy cold! When put under a microscope, the snowflake reveals itself to have the most beautiful, symmetrical patterns. These patterns have become popular Christmas decorations, especially in Western countries.

4- Snowman

bwana theluji

As you guessed – a snowman is only possible to build if it is snowing! What a fun way to spend Christmas day outside.

5- Turkey

bata mzinga

Roast turkey is the traditional main dish on thousands of lunch tables on Christmas day, mainly in Western countries. What is your favorite Christmas dish?

6- Wreath

zingo

Another traditional Western decoration for Christmas, the wreath is an arrangement of flowers, leaves, or stems fastened in a ring. Many families like to hang a Christmas wreath outside on their houses’ front doors.

7- Reindeer

swala

Reindeer are the animals commonly fabled to pull Santa Claus’ sled across the sky! Western Christmas folklore tells of Father Christmas or Santa Claus doing the rounds with his sled, carrying Christmas presents for children, and dropping them into houses through the chimney. But who is Santa Claus?

8- Santa Claus

Santa Klaus

Santa Claus is a legendary and jolly figure originating in the Western Christian culture. He is known by many names, but is traditionally depicted as a rotund man wearing a red costume with a pointy hat, and sporting a long, snow-white beard!

9- Elf

kijini

An elf is a supernatural creature of folklore with pointy ears, a dainty, humanoid body and a capricious nature. Elves are said to help Santa Claus distribute presents to children over Christmas!

10- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Rudolph, swara wa pua nyekundu

‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ is a Christmas song based on an American children’s story book with the same name. Rudolph is one of Santa’s reindeer. The song became more famous than the book, and can still be heard playing in many shopping malls over Christmas time across the globe!

11- North Pole

Ncha ya Kaskazini

The cold North Pole is where Santa Claus is reputed to live with his reindeer!

12- Sled

kijikiti kwenye theluji

A sled is a non-motorised land vehicle used to travel over snow in countries where it snows a lot, and is usually pulled by animals such as horses, dogs or reindeer. This one obviously refers to Santa’s sled! Another word for sled is sleigh or sledge.

13- Present

zawadi

Gift or present giving is synonymous with Christmas Eve and the greatest source of joy for children over this festive time! This tradition signifies that Christ’s birth was a gift to mankind, but not all people who hand out presents over Christmas observe the religious meaning.

14- Bell

kengele

On Christmas Day, or Christmas Eve, many religious celebrants enjoy going to church for a special sermon and Christmas rituals. The start of the sermon is often announced with bells or a bell, if the church has one. For this reason, the sound of ringing bells is often associated with Christmas Day.

15- Chimney

dohani

The chimney is the entrance Santa Claus uses to deliver children’s presents on Christmas Day, according to folklore! Wonder how the chubby man and his elves stay clean…?!

16- Fireplace

pahali pa moto

In most countries where it snows, Christmas is synonymous with a fire or burning embers in houses’ fireplaces. Families huddle around its warmth while opening Christmas presents. Also, this is where Santa Claus is reputed to pop out after his journey down the chimney!

17- Christmas Day

Siku ya Krismasi

This is the official day of commemorative celebration of Christ’s birth, and falls each year on December 25.

18- Decoration

urembo

Decorations are the colourful trinkets and posters that make their appearance in shops and homes during the Christmas holiday season in many countries! They give the places a celebratory atmosphere in anticipation of the big Christmas celebration. Typical Christmas decorations include colorful photographs and posters, strings of lights, figurines of Santa Claus and the nativity scene, poinsettia flowers, snowflakes and many more.

19- Stocking

soksi ya zawadi

According to legend, Santa Claus places children’s presents in a red stocking hanging over the fireplace. This has also become a popular decoration, signifying Christmas.

20- Holly

mmea wa holi

Holly is a shrub native to the UK, and parts of Europe, Africa and Asia. It is characterised by glossy, spiny-toothed leaves, small, whitish flowers, and red berries. Ironically, its significance for Christmas relates to Christ’s crucifixion and suffering rather than his birth. However, the leaves’ distinctive shape and image have become popular Christmas decorations.

21- Gingerbread house

nyumba ya tangawizimkate

According to legend, the gingerbread house synonymous with Christmas is related to Christ’s birth place, Bethlehem. Bethlehem literally means ‘House of Bread’. Over centuries, it has become a popular treat over Christmas time in many non-religious households as well.

22- Candy cane

peremende umbo wa fimbo

According to folklore, Christmas candy canes made their appearance first in Germany in the 16th century. A choir master gave children the candy canes to suck on in church in order to keep them quiet during the Christmas sermon! Apparently, the candy is shaped like a cane in remembrance of the shepherds who were the first to visit the baby Jesus. Today, like gingerbread houses, they are still a popular sweet over the festive season!

23- Mistletoe

misolto

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on certain trees. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that the mistletoe has magical powers, and could protect a household from evil if hung above a door during December. The belief didn’t last but the habit did, and the mistletoe is another popular Christmas decoration!

4. Twelve Days of Christmas

Twelve Days of Christmas

Wow, you’re doing extremely well! You know how to wish someone a Merry Christmas in Swahili, and you learned pertinent vocabulary too! The Twelve Days of Christmas is not very well known in modern times, so, you’re on your way to becoming an expert in Christmas traditions and rituals. Well done!

The Twelve Days of Christmas, also known as Twelvetide, is a traditional festive period of 12 days dedicated to celebrate the nativity of Christ. Christmas Day is, for many who observe Twelvetide, the first day of this period.

‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ is also a popular Christmas song about a series of gifts given on each day of Twelvetide. According to experts, these gifts were created as a coded reference to important symbols in the Christian church. Here is a list of those gifts mentioned in the song! Do you recognise them?

5. Top 10 Christmas Characters in American Culture

Top 10 Christmas Characters

This is fantastic, you know how to explain almost everything about Christmas in Swahili! However, do you know the most popular Christmas characters in American culture? Your knowledge will not be complete without this list.

6. SwahiliPod101 Is One Of The Best Online Language Schools Available!

Visit SwahiliPod101!

We don’t just say this – we can prove it! Geared to your personal needs and goals, we have several learning paths from which to choose. From Swahili for Absolute Beginners to Advanced Swahili, lessons are designed to meet you where you are, and increase your language abilities in fun, easy and interactive lessons! Mastering a new language has never been this easy or enjoyable.

We have over a decade of experience and research behind us, and it shows! With thousands of audio and video lessons, detailed PDF lessons and notes, as well as friendly, knowledgeable hosts, SwahiliPod101 is simply unbeatable when it comes to learning correct Swahili. Plenty of tools and resources are available when you study with us. New lessons are added every week so material remains fresh and relevant. You also have the option to upgrade and enjoy even more personalised guidance and services. This is a sure way to fast-track your learning!

So, this Christmas, why don’t you give yourself a present and enroll in SwahiliPod101? Or give an enrollment as a present to a loved one. It will be a gift with benefits for a whole lifetime, not just over Christmas!

How To Say ‘Thank you’ in Swahili

How to Say Thank You in Swahili

In most cultures, it is custom to express gratitude in some way or another. The dictionary defines gratitude as follows: it is “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness”. Giving a sincere, thankful response to someone’s actions or words is often the ‘glue’ that keeps relationships together. This is true in most societies! Doing so in a foreign country also shows your respect and appreciation for the culture. Words have great power – use these ones sincerely and often!

Table of Contents

  1. 12 Ways to say ‘Thank you’ in Swahili
  2. Video Lesson: Learn to Say ‘Thank You’ in 3 Minutes
  3. Infographic & Audio Lesson: Survival Phrases – Thank You
  4. Video Lesson: ‘Thank You’ in 31 Languages
  5. How SwahiliPod101 Can Help You

So, how do you say ‘Thank you’ in Swahili? You can learn easily! Below, SwahiliPod101 brings you perfect translations and pronunciation as you learn the most common ways Swahili speakers say ‘Thanks’ in various situations.

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1. 12 Ways to say ‘Thank you’ in Swahili

1- Thank you.

Asante.

The magical words that can bring a smile to any face. For one day, truly mean it whenever you say these words, and see how this lifts your spirit too!

2- That’s very kind of you.

Hivyo ni vizuri sana kwako.

This phrase is appropriate when someone clearly goes out of their way to give good service, or to offer you a kindness.

3- Thanks for your kind words!

Shukrani kwa ajili ya maneno yako mazuri!

Someone paid you a compliment and made you feel good? That is kind of him/her, so express your gratitude!

4- Thank you for coming today.

Asante kwa kuja leo.

This welcoming phrase should be part of your arsenal if you’re conducting more formal meetings with Swahili speakers. If you’re hosting a party, this is also a good phrase when you greet your Swahili guests!

5- Thank you for your consideration.

Asante kwa kunifikiria kwako.

This is a more formal, almost solemn way to thank someone for their thoughtfulness and sensitivity towards you. It is also suitable to use when a native speaker has to consider something you submit, like a job application, a project or a proposal. You are thanking them, in essence, for time and effort they are about to, or have spent on your submission.

6- Thanks a lot!

Asante sana!

This means the same as ‘Thank you’, but with energy and enthusiasm added! It means almost the same as ‘thank you so much’ in Swahili. Use this in an informal setting with your Swahili friends or teachers.

7- Teachers like you are not easy to find.

Walimu kama wewe si rahisi kupatikana.

Some phrases are compliments, which express gratitude by inference. This is one of them. If you’re particularly impressed with your SwahiliPod101 teacher, this is an excellent phrase to memorize!

8- Thank you for spending time with us.

Asante kwa kutumia muda na sisi.

Any host at a gathering with Swahili speakers, such as a meeting or a party, should have this under his/her belt! Use it when you’re saying goodbye or busy closing a meeting. It could also be another lovely way to thank your Swahili language teacher for her time.

9- Thank you for being patient and helping me improve.

Asante kwa kuwa na subira na kunisaidia kujiboresha.

This phrase is another sure way to melt any formal or informal Swahili teacher’s heart! Teaching is not easy, and often a lot of patience is required from the teacher. Thank him/her for it! It’s also a good phrase to use if you work in Kenya, and want to thank your trainer or employer. You will go a long way towards making yourself a popular employee – gratitude is the most attractive trait in any person!

10- You’re the best teacher ever!

Wewe ni mwalimu bora milele!

This is also an enthusiastic way to thank your teacher by means of a compliment. It could just make their day!

11- Thank you for the gift.

Asante kwa zawadi.

This is a good phrase to remember when you’re the lucky recipient of a gift. Show your respect and gratitude with these words.

12- I have learned so much thanks to you.

Nimejifunza sana shukrani kwako.

What a wonderful compliment to give a good teacher! It means they have succeeded in their goal, and you’re thankful for it.

2. Video Lesson: Learn to Say ‘Thank You’ in 3 Minutes

Wherever your destination may be, manners are a must! Kenya is no different. So in our very first lesson, we’ll be teaching you a simple phrase that is bound to come in handy throughout your trip to Kenya.

1- Asante.
In Swahili, “Thank you” is Asante. The word asante literally means “thanks”, you can emphasize Asante by adding sana, which means literally “a lot” or “so much.” That makes Asante Sana, which would be equivalent to “Thank you so much,” a politer expression than just Asante.

2- Shukrani.
There will be occasions when you will really want to show your appreciation and politeness. On these occasions, you should use the expression shukran. In daily life, however, people use shukrani. So “Thanks” in Swahili is Shukrani and “Many thanks” is Shukrani Sana. The first word is shukrani, which means something like “thanks.” The second word, sana (“a lot”), is used to make the phrase more polite.

Cultural Insights

Quick Tip 1

By far, Asante is the most common way to say “Thanks.” Use the more polite version shukrani sana sparingly, in very special situations, like when you have been helped a lot by somebody. Remember: when in doubt, keeping it simple is always your safest bet. You don’t have to worry about formal or informal situations; Asante can be used with just about anyone, anywhere, and anytime. You say Asante when the waiter brings your food or drinks, when the clerk in the hotel takes your luggage to your room, and when somebody welcomes or congratulates you. No matter what the person’s profession or age, Asante will always be an appropriate response.

On the run to Kenya? Wait! You can’t go without some basic language phrases under your belt! Especially if you’re heading to meet your prospective employer! Either in person or online, knowing how to say ‘Thank you’ in the Swahili language will only improve their impression of you! SwahiliPod101 saves you time with this short lesson that nevertheless packs a punch. Learn to say ‘Thank you’ in Swahili in no time!

3. Audio Lesson: Survival Phrases – Thank You

5 Ways to Say Thank You in Swahili

Perhaps you think it’s unimportant that you don’t know what ‘Thank you’ is in Swahili, or that it’s too difficult a language to learn. Yet, as a traveler or visitor, you will be surprised at how far you can go using a little bit of Swahili in Kenya!

Click Here to Listen to the Free Audio Lesson!

At SwahiliPod101, we offer you a few ways of saying ‘Thank you’ in Swahili that you have no excuse not knowing, as they’re so simple and easy to learn. The lesson is geared to aid your ‘survival’ in formal and informal situations in Kenya, so don’t wait! You will never have to google ‘How do you say thanks in Swahili’ again…!

4. ‘Thank You’ in 31 Languages

For the global traveler in a hurry, here are 31 ways to say ‘Thank you’! These are the first words you need to learn in any foreign language – it is sure to smooth your way with native speakers by showing your gratitude for services rendered, and your respect for their culture! Learn and know how to correctly say ‘Thank you’ in 31 different languages in this short video.

5. Why would SwahiliPod101 be the perfect choice to learn Swahili?

However, you need not stop at ‘Thank you’ in Swahili – why not learn to speak the language?! You have absolutely nothing to lose. Research has shown that learning a new language increases intelligence and combats brain-aging. Also, the ability to communicate with native speakers in their own language is an instant way to make friends and win respect! Or imagine you know how to write ‘Thank you’ to that special Swahili friend after a date…he/she will be so impressed!

Thank You

SwahiliPod101 Has Special Lessons, Tools and Resources to Teach You How to Say Thank You and Other Key Phrases

With more than a decade of experience behind us, we have taught thousands of satisfied users to speak foreign languages. How do we do this? First, we take the pain out of learning! At SwahiliPod101, students are assisted as they master vocabulary, pronunciation, and conversation through state-of-the-art and fun online learning methods. A library replete with learning resources allows for you to learn at your own pace and in your own space! Resources include thousands of video and audio recordings, downloadable PDF lessons and plenty of learning apps for your mobile devices. Each month, we add benefits with FREE bonuses and gifts to improve your experience.

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We accommodate all levels and types of learners, from Absolute Beginner to Advanced, and SwahiliPod101 is free for anyone to sign up. However, you can choose to fast track your fluency with lesson customization and increased interactive learning and practicing. Upgrade to Premium, or Premium PLUS to enhance your experience and greatly expedite your learning. With this type of assistance, and pleasurable effort on your part, you will speak Swahili in a very short period of time!

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Best of all is that you’re never alone! We believe that practice is the holy grail of learning any new language, and we gear our courses to ensure lots of it. Enroll with us, and you gain immediate access to our lively forum where we meet and greet, and discuss your burning questions. Our certified teachers are friendly and helpful, and you are very likely to practice your first ‘Thanks!’ in Swahili on him/her, AND mean it! Hurry up, and sign up now – you will thank us for it.

How to Start Thinking in Swahili

Learn 4 tools and techniques to stop translating in your head and start thinking in Swahili

Going through Swahili lessons is enough to get by and learn the basics of Swahili, but to truly become fluent you need to be able to think in Swahili. This will allow you to have conversations with ease, read smoothly, and comprehensively understand natives. To do this, you need to go beyond just completing daily or weekly lessons.

We naturally translate in our heads because it’s viewed as the easiest way to learn the definitions needed when learning a language. This way of learning can actually hinder your skills and fluency later on. If your brain has to make neural connections between the word you’re learning, what it means in your native tongue, and the physical object the connection will not be nearly as strong. When you bypass the original translation between Swahili and your native language then there is a more basic and strong connection between just the Swahili vocabulary word and the tangible object.

start thinking in Swahili

In this blog post, you will learn the 4 important techniques to easily and naturally begin to speculate about the daily occurrences in your life. The best part is all of these techniques are supported and can be achieved through SwahiliPod101.com.

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1. Surround yourself with Swahili

Surround Yourself

By surrounding yourself with Swahili constantly you will completely immerse yourself in the language. Without realizing it you’ll be learning pronunciation, sentence structures, grammar, and new vocabulary. You can play music in the background while you’re cooking or have a Swahili radio station on while you study. Immersion is a key factor with this learning process because it is one of the easiest things to do, but very effective. Even if you are not giving the program your full attention you will be learning.

One great feature of SwahiliPod101.com is the endless podcasts that are available to you. You can even download and listen to them on the go. These podcasts are interesting and are perfect for the intention of immersion, they are easy to listen to as background noise and are interesting enough to give your full attention. Many of them contain stories that you follow as you go through the lessons which push you to keep going.

2. Learn through observation
learn through observation

Learning through observation is the most natural way to learn. Observation is how we all learned our native languages as infants and it’s a wonder why we stop learning this way. If you have patience and learn through observation then Swahili words will have their own meanings rather than meanings in reference to your native language. Ideally, you should skip the bilingual dictionary and just buy a dictionary in Swahili.

SwahiliPod101.com also offers the materials to learn this way. We have numerous video lessons which present situational usage of each word or phrase instead of just a direct translation. This holds true for many of our videos and how we teach Swahili.

3. Speak out loud to yourself
talk to yourself

Speaking to yourself in Swahili not only gets you in the mindset of Swahili, but also makes you listen to how you speak. It forces you to correct any errors with pronunciation and makes it easy to spot grammar mistakes. When you speak out loud talk about what you did that day and what you plan to do the next day. Your goal is to be the most comfortable speaking out loud and to easily create sentences. Once you feel comfortable talking to yourself start consciously thinking in your head about your daily activities and what is going on around you throughout the day.

With SwahiliPod101.com you start speaking right away, not only this, but they have you repeat words and conversations after a native Swahili speaker. This makes your pronunciation very accurate! With this help, you are on the fast path to making clear and complex sentences and then actively thinking about your day.

4. Practice daily

If you don’t practice daily then your progress will be greatly slowed. Many people are tempted to take the 20-30 minutes they should be practicing a day and practice 120 in one day and skip the other days. This isn’t nearly as effective because everyday you practice you are reinforcing the skills and knowledge you have learned. If you practice all in one day you don’t retain the information because the brain can realistically only focus for 30 minutes at most. If you’re studying for 120 minutes on the same subject little of the information will be absorbed. Studying everyday allows you to review material that you went over previous days and absorb a small amount of information at a time.

It’s tough to find motivation to study everyday, but SwahiliPod101.com can help. It’s easy to stay motivated with SwahiliPod101.com because we give you a set learning path, with this path we show how much progress you’ve made. This makes you stick to your goals and keep going!

Conclusion

Following the steps and having patience is the hardest part to achieving your goals, it’s not easy learning a new language. You are essentially teaching your brain to categorize the world in a completely new way. Stick with it and you can do it just remember the 4 tools I taught you today! With them, conversations, reading, and understanding will become much easier. The most important thing to remember is to use the tools that SwahiliPod101.com provides and you will be on your way to being fluent!

Learn Swahili With SwahiliPod101 Today!

Your Learning, Streamlined – The New Lesson Interface

Click Here to Get Your All Access Pass at SwahiliPod101

Your Learning, Streamlined – The New Lesson Interface

Your learning is about to get a whole lot easier.

More than ever, learners are choosing mobile as the platform to study Swahili. Mobile has always been a part of our DNA. We began our life on your iPod, and have remained by your side ever since.

In our 11th year, we’re returning to our roots as a way to learn Swahili on-the-go. How? With a brand-new lesson interface just for you.

Hint: It will launch in beta later this month!

If you want to secure access to this brand new upgrade, take advantage of the upcoming All Access Pass Sale! Click Here to Get 25% OFF All SwahiliPod101 Subscriptions!

(example taken from japanesepod101.com)

It’s built from the ground-up to be a great experience on your phone, tablet, and computer.

You don’t have to compromise anymore.

Take the whole lesson experience with you wherever you go.

Our lessons are the heart of our learning system and now they’re the heart of the interface as well. Just tap the big play button to start learning right away.

(example taken from japanesepod101.com)

As you scroll through the lesson contents, the player sticks with you at the bottom of your screen.

Pause, rewind or adjust your speed and volume without losing your place.

(example taken from japanesepod101.com)

Navigation is also just a tap away.

Quickly jump to the dialogue, vocabulary, or lesson notes with our new lesson navigation bar. Available at the top of your screen wherever you are.

(example taken from japanesepod101.com)

And for the first time ever, you don’t need to download a PDF or jump between tabs to read the lesson notes and transcript. Read it all on your mobile browser as you listen.

(example taken from japanesepod101.com)

There are many more small improvements but the end result is this: a drastically improved lesson experience on mobile and desktop.

Spend less time squinting at your screen and more time reaching your Swahili goals.

The new lesson interface will launch in beta this month.

We can’t wait to hear what you think. Keep on studying!

Sneak peek! And if you take advantage of our upcoming 25% OFF All Access Pass Sale, you secure full access to this new update! You unlock our complete Swahili learning program – ALL Audio/Video Courses from Beginner to Advanced, Premium Study Tools, Bonus Apps and much more!

Click Here to Get 25% OFF All Plans until March 31st, 2017.

To your fluency,

Team SwahiliPod101

P.S. Get 25% OFF ANY Plan! Master Swahili with YOUR All-Access Pass!

Want to learn Swahili fast with an ALL-ACCESS PASS to our entire learning system? Get 25% OFF Basic, Premium and Premium PLUS and unlock ALL audio/video lessons, study tools and exclusive apps that you’ll ever need. And with Premium PLUS, you get your own teacher! Just $3 a month & up to $137 in savings. Ends March 31st, 2017.

Get Your Swahili All-Access Pass! Click here to get 25% OFF ALL Plans!

The 5 Review Tactics that Will Sharpen Your Swahili

top 5 review tactics to boost your swahili

Have you ever returned to SwahiliPod101 lessons you’ve completed?

Accessing a lesson once is enough to learn more Swahili. But to master what you’ve learned, to understand Swahili the second you hear it, to read with just a quick glance, and to speak smoothly, without thinking… you need to review.

In this blog post, you’ll learn the 5 review tactics and learning tools that will truly sharpen your Swahili (all of which I’ve been able to resources for on SwahiliPod101.com).

Create Your Free Lifetime Account and Start Learning the whole Swahili Language from the Beginning!

1. Listen to lines over and over again!

One of the best ways to learn Swahili (or any language) is to listen to native speakers over and over again until you understand what they are saying. By listening closely and often, you start to pick up the rhythm of a language and pronunciation from a native speaker. It’s not surprising, then, that Innovative Language offers a great line-by-line feature that lets you listen (and read along!) as many times as you’d like. I really recommend taking advantage of this feature— aside from moving to Kenya, it is the best way to immerse yourself in the language.

2. Use a voice-recording tool to perfect pronunciation.

No one likes to hear themselves recorded, but it is a great way to perfect your pronunciation! Record yourself and compare against a fluent speaker. If you sound different, repeat after the fluent speaker until your pronunciation matches. Innovative Language has a great voice-recording feature that makes recording super easy. Never hesitate or be shy about your pronunciation again.

review tactics

3. Master recorded conversations.

Another excellent way to review your Swahili is to record conversations and go over them again and again until you have the entire conversation mastered and can repeat it line by line. Now, it might be kind of awkward trying to explain to someone why you are recording them speak so it is fortunate that Innovative Language has dialogues available for download right off of their website. I found these also come with transcripts of the entire conversation, which is great if you don’t want to spend tons of time translating the conversation yourself.

4. Use mobile devices to reinforce previously learned conversations.

It might sound redundant at this point, but constant review is the best, and only, way to perfect Swahili. In that spirit, I strongly recommend downloading the recorded dialogue to your mobile device and incorporating it into your music playlist. You’ll be amazed how effectively quick reviews throughout a day can reinforce what you’ve learned.

review tactics

Start Learning-on-the-Go with Your Free App

5. Read with line by line notes.

The guaranteed accurate transcript of the recorded dialogues is one of the most useful features Innovative Language offers. You can read along with a fluent speaker to really master pronunciation and natural conversation. You should start slow at first, then slowly increase the speed with each pass through. Every time you read through, your pronunciation will become more intuitive and your ability to understand fluent speakers will greatly increase.

Imagine a child who just learned how to read. At first, they slowly struggle through a sentence, but on the second try, they know what the most of the words sound like and so they read a bit faster and easier and on the third try, they read that sentence at normal, native speed.

review tactics

Improve Now your Reading Skills by Learning More Vocabulary

Using these five simple review techniques the most challenging parts of learning Swahili will become your areas of comfort. Conversations will no longer be excruciating and embarrassing, but rather offer a chance to show off your new skills and communicate with someone from a different culture in their natural language. You will be able to casually listen to Swahili and understand everything. Reading, too, will become natural and enjoyable.

Learning any language takes time and dedication. With the right focus, however, you can ensure the maximum impact of your efforts. Consistently listening to fluent speakers, recording your own voice and comparing it against fluent speakers, mastering conversations, listening to them on go, and following along with written transcripts will put you on the path to becoming fluent in Swahili. Learn from the mistakes that so many have made, myself included, don’t let what you’ve already learned slip away.

Review, review, review!

Want to speak more Swahili? New SwahiliPod101 lesson series start January 2nd!

Hi Listener,

Want to speak more Swahili in 2017?

You need exposure to native Swahili conversation from day 1. You need a native Swahili speaker to explain it all – the words, the grammar, and cultural nuances.

And you get all of that in every single SwahiliPod101 lesson.

In fact, we’re starting up a brand new season just in time for the New Year!

Starting January 2nd, 2017, we’ll be publishing brand new seasons of Audio and Video Lessons to get you mastering Swahili the fast, fun and easy way! Want to know what you can expect?

Here’s SwahiliPod101’s Lesson Schedule:

  • Monday:
    – Intermediate Lesson (Coming Soon)

  • Tuesday:
    – Video Series – Listening Comprehension

  • Thursday:
    – Throwback Thursday Lessons (Get a free random lesson from the past sent directly to your e-mail inbox.)

  • Friday:
    – New Video Series

  • Saturday:
    – Video Series – Reading Comprehension

  • Sunday:
    – News & Announcement – Sunday News
    – Bonus Courses – Swahili Vocab Builder
  • Remember, SwahiliPod101’s newest lessons are free for the first three weeks! You have three weeks worth of lessons at any given time. Oh, and the first 3 lessons of every series are free too!

    Check out the newest SwahiliPod101 lessons for free!

    Click here to learn Swahili with the newest lessons for FREE!

    To your fluency!
    Team SwahiliPod101

    How to Overcome the Top 4 Swahili Learning Fears

    Every Swahili learner will have these fears“I’m not good enough yet.” “I don’t think I’m making any progress.” “What if I never reach my goals?” Swahili learning fears – we all get them from time to time. What are yours? And are they worth being scared of?

    how to overcome learning fears

    In this blog post, we’re killing the top 4 Swahili learning fears – 1) what are the fears learners tend to have the most and 2) how you can overcome them!

    Here are the top 4 language learning fears according to our users:

    1. “I’m not good enough to start speaking yet.”

    Do you feel like you’re not good enough to start speaking yet? It’s a pretty common fear or misconception that most learners have. Here’s how you overcome it:

  • The best way to get good at speaking is to start speaking from day 1.
    So if you’re holding yourself back, because you think you’re not good enough, well, that’s exactly why you’re not good enough. You need to open your mouth and start talking!
  • If you think you’re not good enough, just learn Swahili lines you want to say!
    In our lessons, you get the exact phrases and scripts for introducing yourself making small talk, ordering food, expressing opinions, and much more! So if you think you’re not good enough, the lessons will give you the exact lines to say.
  • learn swahili

    Want to speak Swahili with confidence? With Learning Paths, get your personalized courses based on your goals and interests. Check it now!

    2. “I’m afraid I’ll never be fluent.”

    Many successful Swahili learners worried about that, only as a beginner. They started learning Swahili and, it’s funny because the better their Swahili got, the less they were worried about that. So, how can you overcome this?

  • You’ve got to set small, specific goals.
    Fluency is a big vague goal. Arguably, we don’t even speak fluent in our native language. There are over a million words and we use about 2,000 words only. So you should focus on smaller goals like being able to introduce yourself or having a 5-minute conversation. Or 10 minutes. Something you can measure so you know you reached it because you can’t really measure fluency. It’s a pretty vague goal! But you can measure small goals like having a 5-minute conversation. And as these small goals add up, you’ll be speaking very comfortably!
  • learn swahili

    Discover now 10 Monthly Goals that will help you on your way to Swahili fluency!

    3. “I’m afraid that I’m not making any progress.”

    In other words, getting stuck. If you’re afraid you’re not making progress, there are two things you can do right now.

  • Use the dashboard to track your progress.
    If you need numbers to believe it, our dashboard tracks all the lessons you’ve completed and shows how much you’ve accomplished.
  • Try a harder lesson on the site.
    It sounds crazy and you might not understand it but you will in minutes. Our lessons come with line-by-line translations and the lesson hosts explain everything. THEN, you’ll be making progress because you now understand something you didn’t minutes ago.
  • learn swahili

    From Beginner to Advanced, get the lesson that is perfect for you! Start learning Swahili now!

    4. “I’m afraid of not understanding anything I hear”.

    This is very common. You hear advanced grammar and vocabulary and it goes completely over your head. To beat this…

  • If you’re taking an advanced lesson, simply read along.
    Reading along with our line-by-line tool is the best way to instantly understand advanced conversations. The translations and scripts are right in front of you.
  • For real-life situations, learn useful phrases.
    Like “Can you say it more slowly?,” “Can you use simpler words?” or “I don’t understand what that meant.” There’s nothing wrong with saying that you didn’t understand something or with asking for help. And our Survival Phrases lessons cover must-know phrases like this.
  • learn swahili

    So, these are the top 4 fears and how to overcome them. And if you want to have the perfect tools to overcome them, don’t forget to create your Free Lifetime Account at SwahiliPod101.com!