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SwahiliPod101’s Essential Swahili Travel Phrase Guide

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Traveling to foreign countries is nearly always an exciting, enriching, and beneficial experience. Yet, some things can be real downers, such as boredom on a lengthy flight to Kenya. Really, binge-watching onboard movies can only be interesting for so long! And jet lag – another huge downer. Did you know that jet lag is more severe when you travel from the West to the East?

Well, we won’t know how to beat that, but there are fortunately plenty of remedies around to investigate.

To beat flight boredom, though, we may have the answer for you at SwahiliPod101! Why don’t you take the time to study Swahili travel phrases? We make this super easy and fun, with great downloadables, like our PDF Cheat Sheets. Quickly memorize these, and impress your Kenyan friends or travel guide with your flawless Swahili!

Table of Contents

  1. Importance Of Learning Travel Phrases
  2. 13 Must-Have Travel Phrases and Words
  3. Good-To-Have Travel Phrases
  4. Ways To Improve Communication in a Foreign Country
  5. SwahiliPod101 Can Help You Master Travel Phrases Easily and Effortlessly!

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1. Importance Of Learning Travel Phrases

Impressing Kenyan people or your travel partners will be the least of the benefits you reap from learning these helpful phrases. These are greater ones:

1) Eliminate Travel Frustration: First of all, you’ll be able to cut out a good chunk of travel frustration and inconvenience due to language barriers.

Know how to pronounce and use at least the basic Swahili phrases, and then just look foreign. This should go a long way to help you get by and win you friends, because locals would be more inclined to help someone who took the trouble to learn a smidgen of their language.

Injured Woman In An Ambulance

2) Emergency Readiness: In case of an emergency, you will be able to get help a lot quicker if you know how to ask for what in Swahili. Imagine miming to a doctor or nurse that you have a sore ear but that you’re allergic to penicillin. Not so easy, right?

Rather, you should know basic emergency travel phrases, especially if you suffer from a serious condition. Also, information about life-threatening allergies you have should always be on your person in the language of the country you’re visiting.

3) Sight-Seeing Readiness: Hopefully, you also travel to learn more about a country’s culture. Visiting the main tourist sites in Kenya will be more interesting if you know how to ask pertinent questions in Swahili.

In this blog, we’ll also be giving you important travel phrases to consider – from the 13 essential must-have phrases to ones that are just generally useful and good to know.

Let’s get cracking!

2. 13 Must-Have Travel Phrases and Words

Preparing to Travel

Seasoned explorers of multiple countries will tell you that certain words and phrases are absolute must-knows in anyone’s travel vocabulary. Learning from them, we collated some of the most essential ones here for you.

If you know these travel phrases and words by heart in Swahili, you will be much better equipped for your visit than most of your movie-binging travel mates.

1) Asante (Thank you)

As a tourist, you will be relying on the kindness of strangers to get by. Repay them with a small acknowledgment of their friendly generosity – know how to say “thank you” in Swahili.

2) Unaweza ongea kingereza? (Do you speak English?)

While it may be a bit of a cop-out, sometimes you just can’t figure out how to communicate. Maybe you’re blanking on one specific word you need, maybe they’re speaking with a heavy accent, or maybe it’s just really late and you really want to get to the hotel. In that case, try asking if they speak English, and hopefully you can make things a little bit simpler for yourself.

Don’t abuse this phrase, though! If you just try to get by without learning any of the local language, not only will you not learn anything – you’ll be out of luck if they can’t speak English!

Man Greeting Someone

3) Je, kuna basi kutoka uwanja wa ndege hadi mjini? (Is there a bus from the airport to the city?)

Public transit is usually cheaper, if slower, than taking a taxi or rideshare. Use this phrase to see if you can get where you’re going when you’re strapped for cash, or just when you’d like to take the scenic route into town!

4) Hii ndio basi ya hakika ya uwanja wa ndege? (Is this the right bus for the airport?)

Likewise, if you’re the kind of person who can get themselves moving early (or maybe you just have a late flight), maybe you want to take the bus to the airport rather than taking a cab. If that’s the case, you’ll want to be sure you’re actually heading the right way! You wouldn’t want to end up at a lookout point half an hour away, watching your flight take off in the distance, would you?

5) Niwie radhi, nauli ni gani? (Excuse me, what’s the fare?)

If you are paying for a cab, you’ll want to know how much. Most legal taxis will have meters, but when dealing with a currency you’re not familiar with, it can be worth asking just to double check that you’re paying the right amount – especially if the currency has cents.

6) Nina hifadhi (I have a reservation)

This one you can expect to use at least a few times throughout your trip, unless you’re the kind of person who travels by the seat of their pants and just goes to whatever hotel, motel, or hostel has rooms available.

7) Je, una nafasi yoyote usiku wa leo? (Do you have any vacancies tonight?)

If that’s the case, you’ll definitely be using this phrase instead. Quite possibly a lot, depending on how lucky you are!

Couple with a Map

8 ) Hicho kituo cha treni kiko wapi? (Where is the train station?)

If you’re in a country with an expansive commuter rail system (or maybe just a fan of other types of locomotives), you may want to know where the closest station is. Just don’t go looking for pennies on the rails!

9) Mimi nina mzio wa karanga (I am allergic to peanuts)

Replace “peanuts” with whatever the word for your allergen may be. If your allergy is serious, you probably already know the importance of stating this very clearly in Swahili.

If the condition is life-threatening, be sure to have a letter or prescription from a medical professional in Swahili on your person at all times. Consider getting a medical alert bracelet specially made in Swahili if your stay will be longer than a month or so.

Person Declining Meat

10) Je, una chakula chochote cha wanavejeteriani? (Do you have any vegetarian dishes?)

If you dislike eating certain things, or you have certain dietary restrictions, it would be best if you knew how to convey this clearly in Swahili.

Remember, though, that saying “I’m vegan” or “I’m diabetic” may not be enough to get you what you want. The rules for veganism and vegetarianism are not standard everywhere in the world. Also, your patron might not understand what “diabetic” means. If you have a medical condition, it would be best to research some in-depth vocabulary beforehand.

11) Je, mimi ningeweza pata ramani? (Could I get a map?)

Planning on exploring your destination? Hopelessly lost? Maybe just an amateur cartographer? No matter the reason, this phrase is sure to come in handy. That said, you’re more likely to get use out of it at some sort of tourist or travel center than you are asking a random passerby on the street.

12) Hii ni pesa ngapi? (How much is this?)

Even if you’re not a big shopper, you’re probably going to need this phrase at some point. Knowing how to count in Swahili will, of course, help a lot with purchases too.

13) Je, wewe huchukua kadi ya mikopo? (Do you take credit card?)

This is another travel phrase that will smooth your monetary transactions considerably.

Man Giving Credit Card to a Clerk

3. Good-To-Have Travel Phrases

Travel Verbs

Unlike the previous phrases, these are not really essential so much as they are useful. Yet, knowing these will still smooth over some bumps on your journey, more than just knowing the crucial phrases would.

1) Hio Wi-Fi ni bure? (Is the Wi-Fi free?)

If you’re abroad, your normal cellular plans probably won’t have any service, and you’ll be totally reliant on publically available Wi-Fi while you’re out and about. Just ask a server, clerk, or attendant, and they’ll be happy to let you know. Just make sure you’re paying attention when they tell you the password!

2) Je, unaweza kuchukua picha ya yangu tafadhali? (Could you take a picture of me please?)

What would a trip be with no photos to commemorate the event? Just be sure to ask this of someone who actually looks like they’d be willing to, unless you’re willing to risk being given the cold shoulder or worse. If you’re at a tourist attraction, you’ll find that most people are more than happy to take one for you, so long as you take one of them as well!

3) Je, una mapendekezo yoyote? (Do you have any recommendations?)

Eating alone in a restaurant? Or going out with new Kenyan friends or business colleagues? Let them help you decide what to have.

4) Ningependa kuwa na kiti chenye hakivutiwi sigara, tafadhali (I’d like to have a non-smoking seat, please)

Though smoking has gone out of fashion in some places, it’s still popular in others. In the event you’re at a restaurant where smoking is allowed on premises, you can always ask this question to the staff and be seated elsewhere.

5) Maji, tafadhali (Water, please)

If you’ve emptied your glass, or are cutting yourself off after a few drinks, you can always ask for some water. It can be especially useful if the restaurant is busy to the point you need to call out to someone to get service.

6) Ningeweza kupata cheki? (Could I have the check?)

To finish off the restaurant related phrases, if you’re eating with friends or really want to impress your colleagues, taking the bill can be a nice treat for them. Of course, this phrase could come in handy as well if you’re eating alone and you’re just impatient to leave.

7) Nini unapendekeza kama kumbusho? (What do you recommend for a souvenir?)

Now that your trip is over, what better way to cap it all off than a memento, or maybe a gift for friends and family at home? It’ll be nicer to have something recommended by the locals than a cheap bauble from the airport store, so go ahead and ask someone you’ve met what they think.

4. Ways To Improve Communication in a Foreign Country

Survival Phrases

When traveling, it’s possible to keep communication smooth when you don’t share a language.

Do so by keeping these five tips in mind. They are aimed to help you communicate with those who cannot speak English very well, and also to keep your traveling experience pleasant!

1. Keep your English simple and easy to understand.
If the person you are talking to speaks very little English, use basic verbs, adjectives, and nouns, and keep sentences short.

However, don’t patronize them by talking in pidgin or like you would address a child. Keep your speech simple but natural, and use the correct grammar.

For instance, don’t say: “You come when?”. If you say: “When will you come?”, you will very likely be understood, and may even help someone who wants to improve their English.

2. Ask someone to write information down.
Apply Rule 1 first at your hotel, where the staff is very likely to be able to speak some English. Get them to write down, in their native language, things like: “I would like to go to the airport, please,” “Please take me to the beach,” or “Where is the closest bathroom?”

These written questions are something you can then give to taxi drivers or any other people who are willing and able to help you. This simple step could make your life a lot easier when you travel to a foreign country!

3. Avoid asking leading questions!
If you want the correct information from a non-native English speaker, that is.

When you need directions, for instance, don’t ask: “To get to the bus stop, do I need to turn left here?” If the person didn’t really understand you, you will probably just get a smile and a “Yes,” which could possibly make you miss your bus.

Rather, you should ask: “Where is the bus stop?” If they understand you, you will get the correct directions.

4. Pick the right person to ask for help.
Time to look at people and think a bit about their appearance! A younger person who looks like they might be a student is more likely to have English skills than the friendly but ancient lady smiling at you from a fruit stall.

If you don’t see anyone like that, head into town to the nearest bank, hospital, pharmacy, or hotel. The staff at those places usually speak a bit of English.

5. Know when to quit.
If you stuck to the above rules, but the person you are talking to only stares at you blankly, say thank you and leave. Hanging around hoping someone will suddenly understand and respond is just wasting your time, and may irritate them as well. Go find someone else.

5. SwahiliPod101 Can Help You Master Travel Phrases Easily and Effortlessly!

So, reader, have you found this article helpful?

Do you feel comfortable enough to use some essential travel phrases in Swahili? We’d also love to hear if you think we left out important travel phrases. Leave your suggestions and opinions in the comments!

SwahiliPod101 takes the lead with many free learning tools to help you master Swahili reading and speaking easily, and in fun ways.

These tools include:

– An extensive vocabulary list, regularly updated
– A new Swahili word to learn every day
– Quick access to the Swahili Key Phrase List
– A free Swahili online dictionary
– The excellent 100 Core Swahili Word List
– An almost limitless Lesson Library for learners of all levels

You will also have access to topic-specific recordings like our Before You Travel: Survival Phrases lesson.

Learn even more efficiently with the help of a personal tutor, after taking an assessment test to personalize and tailor your training.

Getting a tutor is also a good option if you meet challenges in your learning, or need to fast-track correct pronunciation and diction. Your very own friendly, Swahili-speaking teacher will be only a text away on a special app, anywhere, anytime – an excellent option for business persons!

Using a guided learning system that was developed by experts in language and online education, you’ll receive personal feedback and constant support to improve in no time. You’ll also be tasked with weekly assignments in reading, writing, and speaking to hone your Swahili speaking skills.

Imagine how impressed your Kenyan friends or colleagues will be when you display your excellent conversational skills! With SwahiliPod101, getting there will be easy and fun.

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How to Use Swahili Numbers for Daily Usage

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Especially if you’re planning a prolonged visit to Kenya, using the correct Swahili numbers for counting in Swahili could be very important! Number systems are the other alphabet in any language. In fact, it is a language all of its own, and it serves a multitude of excellent purposes.

Table of Contents

  1. A Brief History of Counting and Number Systems
  2. Why is it Important to Learn Swahili Numbers?
  3. Learning Swahili Numbers
  4. Why Choose SwahiliPod101 to Learn all about Swahili Numbers?

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Count to One Billion in Swahili

1. A Brief History of Counting and Number Systems

Abacus

1. The Ishango Bone

The origin of counting, and with it numbers, is not clear to historians. While their art showed that prehistoric man had a concept of numbers, the first indication of a formal system was found to be only between 20,000 and 35,000 thousand years old. This discovery came around 1960 in the form of the so-called Ishango Bone found in the Congo, Central Africa.

The 10cm/4 inch piece of bone was a fibula from a baboon. It showed markings with a neat, unified pattern of small lines – far too organized and sophisticated to have formed spontaneously. Archeologists believe that those thin markings were carved to keep score of, or count, something. The lines seemed to represent a sequence of prime numbers and a series of duplications. Some even called it the first-ever pocket calculator!

2. Mesopotamia and Greece

Yet, evidence suggests that it wasn’t until about 4,000 years ago that humans truly started counting and using numbers. Together with the development of civilization came developed agriculture, and the need for measurement and score-keeping was increased.

For this reason, a formal number system and mathematics were developed first in the Middle East, in what was then called Mesopotamia. Mesopotamia was roughly situated in the area of modern-day Iraq and Kuwait. Allegedly, the system was pretty simple at first. Citizens used tokens that represented a certain number of items, such as one token equalling four goats, etc. This eventually evolved into a system of score marks pressed into clay, which ultimately went on to influence Greek mathematics.

3. Hindu-Arabic Numbers

Zero, meanwhile, was conceived later and elsewhere. Inspired by the Hindu religion, which allows for the concept of infinity and eternity, the Indians invented a symbol to represent nothing. The magic of the zero lies not in itself but its combination with other numbers.

The Indians were also the creators of today’s numbers, which are often referred to as Hindu-Arabic numbers. These comprise one or a combination of just ten symbols or digits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 0.

Europe learned of this numeric system only around 1200 A.D., when they were introduced to it by an Italian mathematician called Leonardo Pisano Bigollo.

Pisano, also known as Fibonacci, is famous for the discovery of a mathematical sequence with countless applications. Yes, math buffs, it’s the well-known Fibonacci sequence, also called the Golden Mean.

The Roman numeric system, which was clumsy next to the newer inventions, gradually lost popularity in the West. It’s from here that they “slowly spread to conquer the world,” as Steven Law puts it.

2. Why is it Important to Learn Swahili Numbers?

For us at SwahiliPod101, this is an easy question to answer! Because we know that numbers are a global unifier.

Counting and numbers have made our lives easier since they were first formulated, even in their most primitive forms.

Numbers in Industry

Without knowing your numbers, you can’t properly communicate about or deal with the following:

1) Your date/time of birth, i.e., your age: This is vital information to be able to give to people like doctors, employers, law enforcement, and so forth.

2) Banking: Worldwide, our monetary systems are built on numbers. Interest, credit scores, and loans all rely on math beyond simple finger counting.

3) Time: Without knowing how to say numbers, you can’t talk or ask about the time and expect to get a useful response. You don’t want to miss an appointment or schedule something for the wrong hour!

4) Ordering data: Numbers bring order to a mostly random life! Scientists even say that numbers and the way they are organized underpin the whole universe. From using them to count your meals’ calories and the number of likes your posts get on social media, to drawing up intricate data charts and explaining existence itself – numbers are what makes these things possible.

All of the above and more are reasons why it is important to know your numbers if you plan on travelling or becoming a foreign worker abroad, in Kenya or anywhere else!

Little Girl Counting

3. Learning Swahili Numbers

Now, let’s explore the Swahili number system a bit more! Take a look at this infographic.

Language Numbers

Can you make out for yourself what the Swahili numbers between one (1) and nine (9) look and sound like? Easy, right?

Or, if you struggled a bit, no problem. Why not listen to how Swahili numbers one (1) through ten (10) sound when pronounced by our native Swahili speaker and friendly SwahiliPod101 teacher?

Then, share with us in the comments your native language’s romanized pronunciation of your number system. We’d love to see all the different ways the same numbers can be pronounced!

Hand With a Thumbs Up

When you have mastered the first ten numbers, you have basically nailed the most significant part of the number system. Well done! Curious to learn the numbers from eleven upward? No problem! Why not subscribe and enroll with us now to immediately enjoy this lesson, teaching you all about Swahili numbers eleven (11) to one hundred (100)?

Finally, if you’re curious how the numbers look once you’ve broken one hundred, why not check out our Swahili number vocabulary page? You can see the numbers we’ve just covered, all the way up to four thousand (4,000). Plus, you can also see the Swahili words for different numbers used in example sentences, to get an idea of how you can use them in your day-to-day conversations!

4. Why Choose SwahiliPod101 to Learn all about Swahili Numbers?

SwahiliPod101, like all Innovative Language Learning ventures, takes the pain out of learning a new language by adding a lot of fun. It’s never an easy thing to learn a new language, but we formulated all your lessons so they’re nicely bite-sized, and geared to keep you motivated!

Also, we created a great number of fantastic tools to help keep struggle and boredom out of the learning process.

  • Fun and Easy Learning: It’s a commonly-known fact that when learning is made easy and fun, student motivation rises. And as motivation rises, so does the effort to learn – what a beautiful cycle! SwahiliPod101’s language learning system is designed to get you speaking from the onset. Learn at your own convenience and pace with our short, effective, and fun audio podcast lessons. Our Learning Center is comprehensive and state-of-the-art, with a vibrant user community to connect with! Our lessons are recorded with native hosts and voice actors, providing a diverse range of dialects in your lessons. You can be confident that native speakers will understand you when speaking Swahili!
  • Innovative Learning Tools and Apps: We make it our priority to offer you the best learning tools! These include apps for iPhone, iPad, Android, and Mac OSX; eBooks for Kindle, Nook, and iPad; audiobooks; Roku TV and so many more. This means that we took diverse lifestyles into account when we developed our courses, so you can learn anywhere, anytime on a device of your choice. How innovative!
  • Free Resources: Sharing is caring, and for this reason, we share many free resources with our students. For instance, start learning Swahili with our basic online course by creating a lifetime account – for free! Also get free daily and iTunes lessons, free eBooks, free mobile apps, and free access to our blog and online community. Or how about free Vocabulary Lists? The Swahili dictionary is for exclusive use by our students, also for free. There’s so much to love about SwahiliPod101…!
  • Live Hosts and One-on-One Learning: Knowledgeable, energetic hosts present recorded video lessons, and are available for live teaching experiences if you upgrade. This means that in the videos, you get to watch them pronounce those tongue-twisters as if you’re learning live! Add octane to your learning by upgrading to Premium Plus, and learn two times faster. You can have your very own Swahili teacher always with you, ensuring that you learn what you need, when you need to – what a wonderful opportunity to master a new language in record time!
  • Start Where You Are: You don’t know a single Swahili word? Not to worry, we’ve absolutely got this. Simply enroll in our Absolute Beginner Pathway and start speaking from Lesson 1! As your learning progresses, you can enroll in other pathways to match your Swahili level, at your own pace, in your own time, in your own place!

So, why wait? Sign up with SwahiliPod101 right away! Also, let us know in the comments if you’ve used this blog post, or any of the free lessons anywhere to master Swahili numbers. Or, even better – share your birthdate using what you’ve learned!

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How to Say Sorry in Swahili

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Learn how to apologize in Swahili – fast and accurately! SwahiliPod101 makes it easy for you to make amends. Start with a bonus, and download your FREE cheat sheet – How to Improve Your Swahili Skills! (Logged-In Member Only)

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Table of Contents

  1. Common Ways to Say Sorry in Swahili
  2. How To Refuse Something Politely in Swahili
  3. Audio Lesson – Survival Phrases “How to Say Sorry”
  4. Why You Will NOT Be Sorry For Learning Swahili through SwahiliPod101

1. Common Ways to Say Sorry in Swahili

3 Ways to Say Sorry

Nobody’s perfect, not anywhere in the world. Everybody makes mistakes, and does and says regrettable things. Then it’s time to apologize, as saying ‘I’m sorry’ is not in vain. It can be very healing! Did you know that hearing a sincerely-meant apology can have a noticeable effect on a person’s body? Research has shown that it slows down breathing and heart rate, and even causes a drop in blood pressure.

Sometimes we cannot fix what’s broken, but we can make the experience a bit easier for anyone who suffered on account of our thoughtless actions or words.

Here are a number of ways to say sorry in Swahili. In any language, just make sure you really mean it! An insincere apology will not go down well with anyone.

Woman Apologizing

Samahani.
I’m sorry

These words should precede anything else you have to say. Use them sincerely and whenever you are clearly in the wrong. Acknowledging your guilt and apologizing for any wrongdoing will lift your spirits too! Often, remorse can eat away at us, and a simple ‘I’m sorry’, in Swahili or any other language, can open the door for forgiveness and resolution of a bad situation. It can be a true gift!

Ningependa kuomba msamaha.
I would like to apologize.

This is a slightly more formal way to say ‘I’m sorry’ in Swahili. Use this phrase if you’re addressing your superiors and/or elders.

Mimi kwa dhati naomba msamaha.
I sincerely apologize.

If you feel strongly about your apology, this is another slightly more formal phrase to use. Keep it handy for graver errors, or you might come across as insincere!

Sitafanya hivyo tena.
I won’t do it again.

A promise you can only make if you intend to keep it! Few things feel as bad as having to hear repeated apologies from someone for the same behavior – it means the ‘sorry’ is not sincere. Don’t be that person!

Nitahakikisha sitafanya makosa hii tena.
I’ll make sure not to make this mistake again.

A beautifully strong phrase! Again, say this only if you mean it – not just in the moment, but always! A bit more formal, this is an especially good phrase to use when apologizing to superiors and/or elders. It will make an especially good impression at the workplace, where accountability is an excellent quality to display!

Sikumaanisha hivyo.
I didn’t mean that.

This is a tricky one… What did you mean, then?! Clear up any confusion with sincerity. Also, use this phrase only if the harm done or mistake made was due to an accident, and then admit to thoughtlessness on your part, if appropriate.

Ni kosa langu.
It’s my fault.

If the fault is really yours, own up to it. You will gain respect in the eyes of others! However, don’t take the blame when it’s not truly yours. It won’t be good for you, and ultimately you will not be respected much for it.

Samahani kwa kuwa na ubinafsi.
I’m sorry for being selfish.

This is a good phrase to keep handy, especially for your close relationships. It is difficult to admit you’re selfish, isn’t it?! However, it’s good to know when to be honest. We get used to our loved ones, which often means we forget that they need our good manners and unselfish behavior just as much as strangers do.

Natumai umenisamehe mimi.
I hope you will forgive me.

This is a polite and gentle wish that can smooth over many harsh feelings. It also shows that the other person’s opinion and forgiveness are important to you.

Nachukua jukumu kamili.
I take full responsibility.

This strong statement is similar to admitting that an error or transgression was your fault. It speaks of courage and the willingness to take remedial action. Good one to use…if you mean it!

Singefanya hayo.
I shouldn’t have done it.

This phrase is fine to use if you did or said something wrong. It shows, to an extent, your regret for having done or said what you did, and demonstrates that you understand your role in the mistake.

Pole kwa ajili ya kukurudishia pesa yako kama nimechelewa.
Sorry for giving your money back late.

It’s rotten to have to loan money! Yet, it’s equally rotten to have to ask for the repayment of a loan. So, do your best not to pay late in the first place, but if it can’t be helped, this would be a good phrase to use!

Tafadhali usinikasirikie mimi.
Please don’t be mad at me.

Well, this is not a very advisable phrase to use if you are clearly in the wrong. If someone is justifiably angry with you, asking them not to be mad at you would be an unfair expectation. However, if you did something wrong by accident, and if the consequences were not too serious, this request would be OK.

Pole nimechelewa.
Sorry I’m late.

Punctuality is valued in most situations, but if you really cannot help being late, then apologize! This way you show respect for your host, and win their approval.

Samahani kwa kuwa mbaya kwako.
I apologize for being mean to you.

Acknowledging your own meanness towards someone is no small thing, so good for you! Use this apology only if your intention is to seriously address your mean tendencies, or these words could become meaningless over time.

2. How To Refuse Something Politely in Swahili

Woman Refusing

Congratulations! Now you know how to apologize in Swahili! After you have apologized for a mistake, focus on fixing whatever you can, and don’t punish yourself over something that cannot be taken back or reversed. That’s healthy for you! Regret can eat away at the soul, and even destroy it. It is ultimately a useless emotion if it consumes you.

However, in language, we use apologies not only when we’ve transgressed or made mistakes. They come in handy in other situations too, when there has been no wrongdoing. Sometimes we need to express regret for having to refuse a gift, an offer, or an invitation. This can be somewhat tricky. Learn from specialists at SwahiliPod101 about how to use the correct Swahili words for this kind of ‘sorry’!

3. Survival Phrases “How to Say Sorry”

Say Sorry

On the run and need a quick lesson on how to say sorry in Swahili? Don’t fret, just listen and repeat! Click here for a recorded short lesson and learn how to give the perfect apology, with perfect pronunciation in Swahili. A little can go a long way, and you will sound like a native!

4. Why You Will NOT Be Sorry For Learning Swahili through SwahiliPod101

Man Looking at Computer

Online learning is here to stay, that’s a fact. In 2015, the Digital Learning Compass Partnership released a report based on surveys to determine online enrollment trends in US institutions for higher education. Thirty percent of all their students learned online! And the number is growing! However, how can you be sure you will not regret your choice of an online language learning school? First, look at the school’s credentials and what it has to offer…

  • Fun and Easy Learning: It’s a commonly-known fact that when learning is made easy and fun, student motivation rises. And as motivation rises, so does the effort to learn – what a beautiful cycle! SwahiliPod101’s language learning system is designed to get you speaking from the onset. Learn at your own convenience and pace with our short, effective and fun audio podcast lessons. Our Learning Center is comprehensive and state-of-the-art, with a vibrant user community to connect to! Our lessons are recorded with native hosts and voice actors, providing a diverse range of dialects in your lessons. You can be confident that native speakers will understand you when speaking Swahili!
  • Innovative Learning Tools and Apps: We make it our priority to offer you the best learning tools! These include apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and Mac OSX; eBooks for Kindle, Nook, and iPad; audiobooks; Roku TV and so many more. This means that we took diverse lifestyles into account when we developed our courses, so you can learn anywhere, anytime on a device of your choice. How innovative!
  • Free Resources: Sharing is caring, and for this reason, we share many free resources with our students. For instance, start learning Swahili with our basic online course by creating a lifetime account – for free! Also get free daily and iTunes lessons, free eBooks, free mobile apps, and free access to our blog and online community. Or how about free Vocabulary Lists? The Swahili dictionary is for exclusive use by our students, also for free. There’s so much to love about SwahiliPod101…!
  • Live Hosts and One-on-One Learning: Knowledgeable, energetic hosts present recorded video lessons, and are available for live teaching experiences if you upgrade. This means that in the videos, you get to watch them pronounce those tongue-twisters, as if you’re learning live! Add octane to your learning by upgrading to Premium Plus, and learn two times faster. Your can have your very own Swahili teacher always with you, ensuring that you learn what you need, when you need to – what a wonderful opportunity to master a new language in record time!
  • Start Where You Are: You don’t know a single Swahili word? Not to worry, we’ve absolutely got this. Simply enroll in our Absolute Beginner Pathway and start speaking from Lesson 1! As your learning progresses, you can enroll in other pathways to match your Swahili level, at your own pace, in your own time, in your own place!

After this lesson, you will know almost every ‘sorry for’ in Swahili, but don’t let it be that you’re sorry for missing a great opportunity. Learning a new language can only enrich your life, and could even open doors towards great opportunities! So don’t wonder if you’ll regret enrolling in SwahiliPod101. It’s the most fun, easy way to learn Swahili!

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Learn How to Confidently Introduce Yourself In Swahili

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Start off the year by learning how to introduce yourself properly in Swahili! Learn easily with SwahiliPod101 in this four-minute video!

Table of Contents

  1. 10 Lines You Need for Introducing Yourself in Swahili
  2. Important Tips for Introducing Yourself
  3. Video – How to Introduce Yourself in Swahili
  4. Why SwahiliPod101 is Perfect for Learning all about Swahili Introductions

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1. 10 Lines You Need for Introducing Yourself in Swahili

”About

First impressions are absolutely everything! Right? No, wrong – who you are every day is much more important. But first impressions are definitely not unimportant either. Make sure to introduce yourself correctly, as it could mean the difference between getting a job offer or a polite refusal from an employer. SwahiliPod101 shows you how to read, write and pronounce these self-introductions and conversation-starters like a native speaker!

But first, a tip – wait to be asked before offering personal details such as your age. Good conversation is about unspoken reciprocity, and giving too many personal details too soon can be embarrassing for your Kenyan friend. Rather use phrases that encourage your friend to talk about him or herself – most people like doing that! Also, it shows you take real interest in other people.

1- Hello, it’s nice to meet you.

Hello, ni vyema kukutana na wewe.

This phrase is an excellent way to start an introduction. It is a greeting that immediately expresses interest in the other person.

2- My name is Sharon.

Jina langu ni Sharon.

Self-explanatory – just replace ‘Kevin’ with your own name! Also, pay close attention to what your new Kenyan acquaintance’s name is. Remembering it will make them feel that you are really interested in him/her as a person!

Countries

3- I’m from Kenya.

Mimi natoka Kenya.

Sharing something about yourself is a nice conversation starter. It shows that you’re willing to engage meaningfully with the other person. In an informal setting, you can expect the other person to respond in kind. At work, this is probably information you need to volunteer only if asked. Again, remember to replace ‘Kenya’ with your own country of birth!

4- I live in Nairobi.

Ninaishi Nairobi.

Same as above – replace ‘Nairobi’ with your town or city of abode!

5- I’ve been learning Swahili for a year.

Nimekuwa nikijifunza Kiswahili kwa mwaka mmoja.

Say this only if it’s true, obviously. And prepare to dazzle your audience! If you have indeed worked faithfully at your Swahili for a year, you should be pretty good at it! Use this phrase after your introduction – it is likely to indicate that you wish to engage in Swahili conversation.

Two people talking

6- I’m learning Swahili at SwahiliPod101.com.

Ninajifunza Kiswahili katika SwahiliPod101.com.

This will be the best reply if anyone asks (Very impressed, of course!) where you study Swahili! Simply volunteering this information, especially in a casual conversation, could make you sound like a salesperson, and you want to avoid that. Often, an employer will want this information though, so best to memorize and have this phrase handy!

7- I’m 27 years old.

Nina umri wa miaka ishirini na saba.

This is a line that may just get you a ‘TMI!’ look from a stranger if you volunteer it without being asked. He/she may not be willing to divulge such an intimate detail about him/herself right at the start of your acquaintance, so don’t force reciprocity. However, it’s a good phrase to know in a job interview; again, probably best only if your prospective Kenyan employer asks. Also, remember to give your true age!

First encounter

8- I’m a teacher.

Mimi ni mwalimu.

You’re still offering information about yourself, which lends good momentum to keep the conversation going! Replace ‘teacher’ with your own occupation – and learn the related vocabulary with SwahiliPod101!

People with different jobs

9- One of my hobbies is reading.

Moja ya kozi yangu ni kusoma.

Your hobby is another topic with lots of potential for starting a good conversation! People are often eager to talk about their hobbies, and why they like them!

10- I enjoy listening to music.

Napenda kusikiliza muziki.

If you’re still talking about your hobbies, this would be a good line to go with the previous one. Otherwise, wait for your conversation partner to start talking about what they enjoy doing!

2. Important Tips for Introducing Yourself

Introducing yourself

A correct Swahili introduction will make a good impression upon meeting a person for the first time. Why is this first impression important? Simple – it gives an indication of who you are as a person. So, while you want to be truthful when representing yourself, you also need to be prepared to put your best foot forward!

First impressions are often lingering and difficult to change. In addition, it’s easier to make a negative impression than a good one, often without intending to. So, how can you make sure that your self-introduction will impress Kenyan natives?

1- Research: First, research the culture! Different cultures have different social rules, and you will be halfway towards making a great first impression if you know the proper Kenyan customs for self-introductions. It will also help you avoid social mistakes – sometimes, what is acceptable in one culture is insulting in another, such as making eye contact, or giving a handshake. In your culture, what is appropriate when a person introduces him or herself?

Also, be sure to distinguish between introductions in different situations, such as a formal and a social situation. There are bound to be differences in how you address people! The internet can be an important tool for this endeavor. Alternatively, you could visit your local library to search for books on this topic, or you could ask Kenyan friends to explain and demonstrate their cultural habits for introductions. Honoring someone’s culture shows that you respect it, and as we know – a little respect can go a very long way in any relationship!

Someone studying

2- Study the Correct Phrases and Vocabulary: Be sure to learn Swahili phrases and vocabulary that tell people who you are, and that encourage them to engage in conversation with you. Each situation will determine how to address the person you want to introduce yourself to. Also, make sure your pronunciation is correct! It would be most valuable to have Swahili-speaking friends who can help you with this. Or read on for a quick phrase and video lesson on Swahili introductions right here at SwahiliPod101!

3- Appearance: This is pretty obvious – if you want to make a good impression introducing yourself to anyone for the first time, you need to be neatly dressed and well groomed! A shabby, dirty or careless appearance and bad body odor are to be avoided at all costs; in most cultures, these will not impress!

Also, make sure to dress appropriately, not only for the occasion, but also for the culture. For instance, bare shoulders or an open-necked shirt is an acceptable gear in many Western countries. Yet, in some cultures, dressing like this could deeply offend your host. No amount of good manners and properly expressed introductions is likely to wipe out a cultural no-no! So, be sure to know how to dress, and take care with your appearance when you are about to introduce yourself to someone for the first time!

Following are some neat phrases with which you can introduce yourself in Swahili, and get a conversation started too!

3. Video – How to Introduce Yourself in Swahili

Good, you read and perhaps even memorized the preceding phrases to successfully introduce yourself in Swahili! Watch this short video now to get a quick lesson on Swahili grammar for these introductions, as well as how to pronounce them correctly. You will sound like a native when you can copy the presenter perfectly!

4. Why SwahiliPod101 is Perfect for Learning all about Swahili Introductions

  • Culturally Focused Lessons: All our material is aimed not only to help you learn perfect Swahili, but also to introduce you to the Kenyan culture! Learn here, for instance, a list of favorite Kenyan foods. Or, how about exploring the Kenyan business culture in these 12 introductory lessons? Alternatively, listen to these audio lessons on Kenyan culture! Studying through us could be very valuable before visiting Kenya for any purpose.
  • Accurate and Correct Pronunciation & Inflection: Our hosts and voice actors are native Swahili speakers of the best quality! It is important for us that you speak Swahili correctly to avoid embarrassing misunderstandings and miscommunications. If you practice and can copy these presenters well, you will sound just like Swahili natives and your introduction will be easily understood!
  • State-of-the-Art Lesson Formats and Methods: Efficacy in learning is our highest priority. You will have access to learning tools that were carefully developed by learning specialists over more than a decade! We use only well-researched, proven lesson formats and teaching methods to ensure fast, accurate, fun and easy learning! Millions of happy subscribers can’t be wrong! Create a lifetime account with SwahiliPod101 for free access to many learning tools that are updated every week.
  • Learn to Read and Write in Swahili: We don’t only teach you to speak, you can also learn to read and write in Swahili! This way you can express your Swahili introduction in more than one way and be thoroughly prepared.
  • A Learning Plan that Suits your Pocket: SwahiliPod101 takes pride in making learning not only easy and fun, but also affordable. Opening a lifetime account for free will offer you a free seven-day trial, after which you can join with an option that suits your needs and means. Learning Swahili has never been easier or more affordable! Even choosing only the ‘Basic’ option will give you access to everything you need to learn Swahili effectively, like thousands of audio and video lessons! However, if you need to learn Swahili fast, the Premium and Premium Plus options will be good to consider, as both offer a vast number of extra tools to ensure efficient learning. This way you can be sure that you will reach your learning goal easily!

Whatever your needs are for learning Swahili, make sure to do it through SwahiliPod101, and you will never have to google: “How do I introduce myself in Swahili” again!

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How to Say I Love You in Swahili – Romantic Word List

Do you often feel lonely and sad? Do you long for romance and are willing to do whatever it takes to meet that special person? Speaking another language could revolutionize your love life! So, why wait? Learning how to say ‘love’ in Swahili could be just what you need to find it.

Or perhaps you were lucky, and have found your Swahili partner already. Fantastic! Yet, a cross-cultural relationship comes with unique challenges. Learning how to speak your lover’s language will greatly improve your communication and enhance the relationship. At SwahiliPod101, our team will teach you all the words, quotes and phrases you need to woo your Swahili lover with excellence! Our tutors provide personal assistance, with plenty of extra material available to make Swahili dating easy for you.

Table of Contents

  1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date
  2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date
  3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary
  4. Swahili Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day
  5. Swahili Quotes about Love
  6. Marriage Proposal Lines
  7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines
  8. Will Falling in Love Help You Learn Swahili Faster?

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1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date

So, you have met your Swahili love interest. Congratulations! Who knows where this could take you…?! However, the two of you have just met and you’re not ready to say the Swahili word for love just yet. Great, it is better to get to know him/her first. Wow your prospective love by using these Swahili date phrases to set up a spectacular first date.

Swahili Date Phrases

Would you like to go out to dinner with me?

  • Je, ungependa kwenda nje kwa chakula cha jioni na mimi?

The important question! In most cultures, this phrase indicates: ‘I’m romantically interested in you’. Flirting in Swahili is no different, so don’t take your date to Mcdonald’s!

Are you free this weekend?

  • Je, uko na muda mwishoni mwa wiki hii?

This is a preamble to asking your love interest on a date. If you get an immediate ‘Yes’, that’s good news!

Would you like to hang out with me?

  • Je, ungetaka kukaa nje na mimi?

You like her/him, but you’re not sure if there’s chemistry. Ask them to hang out first to see if a dinner date is next.

What time shall we meet tomorrow?

  • Ni wakati upi tutakutana kesho?

Set a time, and be sure to arrive early! Nothing spoils a potential relationship more than a tardy date.

Where shall we meet?

  • Tutakutana wapi?

You can ask this, but also suggest a place.

You look great.

  • Wewe unapendeza.

A wonderful ice breaker! This phrase will help them relax a bit – they probably took great care to look their best just for you.

You are so cute.

  • Wewe ni mrembo.

If the two of you are getting on really well, this is a fun, flirtatious phrase to use.

What do you think of this place?

  • Unafikiri nini juu ya eneo hili?

This another good conversation starter. Show off your Swahili language skills!

Can I see you again?

  • Naweza kukuona tena?

So the date went really well – don’t waste time! Make sure you will see each other again.

Shall we go somewhere else?

  • Je, twende mahali pengine?

If the place you meet at is not great, you can suggest going elsewhere. It is also a good question to follow the previous one. Variety is the spice of life!

I know a good place.

  • Najua pahali pazuri.

Use this with the previous question. However, don’t say if you don’t know a good place!

I will drive you home.

  • Mimi nitakuendesha na gari hadi nyumbani.

If your date doesn’t have transport, this is a polite, considerate offer. However, don’t be offended if she/he turns you down on the first date. Especially a woman might not feel comfortable letting you drive her home when the two of you are still basically strangers.

That was a great evening.

  • Hiyo ilikuwa ni jioni ya kupendeza.

This is a good phrase to end the evening with.

When can I see you again?

  • Ni lini naweza kukuona tena?

If he/she replied ‘Yes’ to ‘Can I see you again?’, this is the next important question.

I’ll call you.

  • Mimi nitakupigia simu.

Say this only if you really mean to do it. In many cultures, this could imply that you’re keeping the proverbial backdoor open.

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2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date

You learned all the Swahili phrases to make a date – congratulations! Now you have to decide where to meet, which can be tricky. Discuss these options with your lover to gauge whether you like the same things. Check out romantic date ideas in Swahili below!

Date Ideas in Swahili

museum

  • makumbusho

If you’re looking for unique date ideas that are fun but won’t break the bank, museums are the perfect spot! You won’t be running out of things to say in the conversations.

candlelit dinner

  • Chakula cha jioni kukiwemo msumaa uliowashwa.

A candlelit dinner is perhaps best to reserve for when the relationship is getting serious. It’s very intimate, and says: “Romance!” It’s a fantastic choice if you’re sure you and your date are in love with each other!

go to the zoo

  • kwenda kwa mbuga la wanyama

This is a good choice for shy lovers who want to get the conversation going. Just make sure your date likes zoos, as some people dislike them. Maybe not for the first date, but this is also a great choice if your lover has children – you’ll win his/her adoration for inviting them along!

go for a long walk

  • kwenda kwa matembezi refu

Need to talk about serious stuff, or just want to relax with your date? Walking together is soothing, and a habit you can keep up together always! Just make sure it’s a beautiful walk that’s not too strenuous.

go to the opera

  • kwenda opera

This type of date should only be attempted if both of you love the opera. It can be a special treat, followed by a candlelit dinner!

go to the aquarium

  • kwenda akuariam

Going to the aquarium is another good idea if you need topics for conversation, or if you need to impress your lover’s kids! Make sure your date doesn’t have a problem with aquariums.

walk on the beach

  • kutembea pwani

This can be a very romantic stroll, especially at night! The sea is often associated with romance and beauty.

have a picnic

  • kuwa na piknik

If you and your date need to get more comfortable together, this can be a fantastic date. Spending time in nature is soothing and calms the nerves.

cook a meal together

  • kupika chakula pamoja

If you want to get an idea of your date’s true character in one go, this is an excellent date! You will quickly see if the two of you can work together in a confined space. If it works, it will be fantastic for the relationship and create a sense of intimacy. If not, you will probably part ways!

have dinner and see a movie

  • kula chakula cha jioni na kuona sinema

This is traditional date choice works perfectly well. Just make sure you and your date like the same kind of movies!

3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary

Valentine's Day Words in Swahili

Expressing your feelings honestly is very important in any relationship all year round. Yet, on Valentine’s Day you really want to shine. Impress your lover this Valentine’s with your excellent vocabulary, and make his/her day! We teach you, in fun, effective ways, the meanings of the words and how to pronounce them. You can also copy the characters and learn how to write ‘I love you’ in Swahili – think how impressed your date will be!

4. Swahili Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day

So, you now have the basic Valentine’s Day vocabulary under your belt. Well done! But, do you know how to say ‘I love you’ in Swahili yet? Or perhaps you are still only friends. So, do you know how to say ‘I like you’ or ‘I have a crush on you’ in Swahili? No? Don’t worry, here are all the love phrases you need to bowl over your Swahili love on this special day!

Valentine's Day Words in Swahili

I love you.

  • Nakupenda.

Saying ‘I love you’ in Swahili carries the same weight as in all languages. Use this only if you’re sure and sincere about your feelings for your partner/friend.

You mean so much to me.

  • Una maanisha mengi sana kwangu.

This is a beautiful expression of gratitude that will enhance any relationship! It makes the receiver feel appreciated and their efforts recognized.

Will you be my Valentine?

  • Je, utakuwa Valentine wangu?

With these words, you are taking your relationship to the next level! Or, if you have been a couple for a while, it shows that you still feel the romance. So, go for it!

You’re so beautiful.

  • Wewe ni mrembo sana.

If you don’t know how to say ‘You’re pretty’ in Swahili, this is a good substitute, gentlemen!

I think of you as more than a friend.

  • Nakufikiria sana kama zaidi ya rafiki.

Say this if you are not yet sure that your romantic feelings are reciprocated. It is also a safe go-to if you’re unsure about the Swahili dating culture.

A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you.

  • Mioyo mia itakuwa chache sana kubeba upendo wangu wote kwako.

You romantic you…! When your heart overflows with love, this would be the best phrase to use.

Love is just love. It can never be explained.

  • Upendo ni upendo tu. Haiwezi kuelezwa.

If you fell in love unexpectedly or inexplicably, this one’s for you.

You’re so handsome.

  • Unasura nzuri sana.

Ladies, this phrase lets your Swahili love know how much you appreciate his looks! Don’t be shy to use it; men like compliments too.

I’ve got a crush on you.

  • Nimekupenda.

If you like someone, but you’re unsure about starting a relationship, it would be prudent to say this. It simply means that you like someone very, very much and think they’re amazing.

You make me want to be a better man.

  • Unanifanya nataka kuwa mwanamume bora.

Gentlemen, don’t claim this phrase as your own! It hails from the movie ‘As Good as it Gets’, but it is sure to make your Swahili girlfriend feel very special. Let her know that she inspires you!

Let all that you do be done in love.

  • Wacha yote unayofanya, ufanye kwa upendo.

We hope.

You are my sunshine, my love.

  • Wewe ni mwanga wangu, upendo wangu.

A compliment that lets your lover know they bring a special quality to your life. Really nice!

Words can’t describe my love for you.

  • Maneno hayawezi kueleza upendo wangu kwako.

Better say this when you’re feeling serious about the relationship! It means that your feelings are very intense.

We were meant to be together.

  • Tunakusudiwa tuwepamoja.

This is a loving affirmation that shows you see a future together, and that you feel a special bond with your partner.

If you were thinking about someone while reading this, you’re definitely in love.

  • Kama unafikiri kuhusu mtu unaposoma hii, hakika uko kwa penzi.

Here’s something fun to tease your lover with. And hope he/she was thinking of you!

5. Swahili Quotes about Love

Swahili Love Quotes

You’re a love champ! You and your Swahili lover are getting along fantastically, your dates are awesome, your Valentine’s Day together was spectacular, and you’re very much in love. Good for you! Here are some beautiful phrases of endearment in Swahili that will remind him/her who is in your thoughts all the time.

6. Marriage Proposal Lines

Swahili Marriage Proposal Lines

Wow. Your Swahili lover is indeed the love of your life – congratulations! And may only happiness follow the two of you! In most traditions, the man asks the woman to marry; this is also the Swahili custom. Here are a few sincere and romantic lines that will help you to ask your lady-love for her hand in marriage.

7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines

Swahili Break-Up Lines

Instead of moving towards marriage or a long-term relationship, you find that the spark is not there for you. That is a pity! But even though breaking up is never easy, continuing a bad or unfulfilling relationship would be even harder. Remember to be kind to the person you are going to say goodbye to; respect and sensitivity cost nothing. Here are some phrases to help you break up gently.

  • We need to talk.
    • Inapaswa tuongee.

    This is not really a break-up line, but it is a good conversation opener with a serious tone.

    It’s not you. It’s me.

    • Si wewe. Ni mimi.

    As long as you mean it, this can be a kind thing to say. It means that there’s nothing wrong with your Swahili lover as a person, but that you need something different from a relationship.

    I’m just not ready for this kind of relationship.

    • Mimi siko tayari kwa uhusiano kama huu.

    Things moved a bit fast and got too intense, too soon? Painful as it is, honesty is often the best way to break up with somebody.

    Let’s just be friends.

    • Hebu tuwe marafiki tu.

    If the relationship was very intense, and you have sent many ‘i love u’ texts in Swahili, this would not be a good breakup line. Feelings need to calm down before you can be friends, if ever. If the relationship has not really developed yet, a friendship would be possible.

    I think we need a break.

    • Nadhani tunahitaji kupumzika.

    This is again honest, and to the point. No need to play with someone’s emotions by not letting them know how you feel. However, this could imply that you may fall in love with him/her again after a period of time, so use with discretion.

    You deserve better.

    • Unastahili bora.

    Yes, he/she probably deserves a better relationship if your own feelings have cooled down.

    We should start seeing other people.

    • Tunapaswa tuanze kuona watu wengine.

    This is probably the least gentle break-up phrase, so reserve it for a lover that doesn’t get the message!

    I need my space.

    • Nahitaji nafasi yangu.

    When a person is too clingy or demanding, this would be an suitable break-up phrase. It is another good go-to for that lover who doesn’t get the message!

    I think we’re moving too fast.

    • Nadhani tunasonga kwa kasi sana.

    Say this if you want to keep the relationship, but need to slow down its progress a bit. It is also good if you feel things are getting too intense for your liking. However, it is not really a break-up line, so be careful not to mislead.

    I need to focus on my career.

    • Nahitaji kuzingatia kazi yangu.

    If you feel that you will not be able to give 100% in a relationship due to career demands, this is the phrase to use. It’s also good if you are unwilling to give up your career for a relationship.

    I’m not good enough for you.

    • Mimi si nzuri wa kutosheleza kwako.

    Say this only if you really believe it, or you’ll end up sounding false. Break-ups are usually hard for the receiving party, so don’t insult him/her with an insincere comment.

    I just don’t love you anymore.

    • Sikupendi tena.

    This harsh line is sometimes the best one to use if you are struggling to get through to a stubborn, clingy lover who won’t accept your break up. Use it as a last resort. Then switch your phone off and block their emails!

    We’re just not right for each other.

    • Hatupatanishani.

    If this is how you truly feel, you need to say it. Be kind, gentle and polite.

    It’s for the best.

    • Ni kwa ubora.

    This phrase is called for if circumstances are difficult and the relationship is not progressing well. Love should enhance one’s life, not burden it!

    We’ve grown apart.

    • Tumekuzwa sehemu tofauti.

    Cross-cultural relationships are often long-distance ones, and it is easy to grow apart over time.

  • 8. Will Falling in Love help you Learn Swahili faster?

    Most people will agree that the above statement is a no-brainer – of course it will! Your body will be flooded with feel-good hormones, which are superb motivators for anything. SwahiliPod101 is one of the best portals to help help make this a reality, so don’t hesitate to enroll now! Let’s quickly look at the reasons why falling in love will speed up your learning of the Swahili language.

    Three Reasons Why Having a Lover will Help you Learn Swahili Faster!

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    1- Being in a love relationship with your Swahili speaking partner will immerse you in the culture
    SwahiliPod101 uses immersive methods and tools to teach you Swahili, but having a relationship with a native speaker will be a very valuable addition to your learning experience! You will gain exposure to their world, realtime and vividly, which will make the language come alive even more for you. The experience is likely to expand your world-view, which should motivate you to learn Swahili even faster.

    2- Having your Swahili romantic partner will mean more opportunity to practice speaking
    Nothing beats continuous practice when learning a new language. Your partner will probably be very willing to assist you in this, as your enhanced Swahili language skills will enhance the relationship. Communication is, after all, one of the most important pillars of a good partnership. Also, you will get to impress your lover with the knowledge gained through your studies – a win/win situation!

    3- A supportive Swahili lover is likely to make a gentle, patient teacher and study aid!
    With his/her heart filled with love and goodwill for you, your Swahili partner is likely to patiently and gently correct your mistakes when you speak. This goes not only for grammar, but also for accent and meaning. With his/her help, you could sound like a native in no time!

    Three Reasons Why SwahiliPod101 helps you learn Swahili Even Faster when you’re In Love

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    1- All the Resources and Materials Will Help Both of You
    Falling in love with a man or woman speaking Swahili is an opportunity for both of you to learn a new language! For this reason, every lesson, transcript, vocabulary list, and resource at SwahiliPod101 is translated into both English and Swahili. So, while your partner can help you learn Swahili faster, you can potentially also help him/her learn and master English!

    2- Lessons Are Designed to Help You Understand and Engage with Swahili Culture
    At SwahiliPod101, our focus is to help our students learn practical vocabulary and phrases used by everyday people in Kenya. This means that, from your very first lesson, you can apply what you learn immediately! So, when your Swahili partner wants to go out to a restaurant, play Pokemon Go, or attend just about any social function, you have the vocabulary and phrases necessary to have a great time!

    3- Access to Special Resources Dedicated to Romantic Swahili Phrases
    You now have access to SwahiliPod101’s specially-developed sections and tools to teach you love words, phrases, and cultural insights to help you find and attract your Swahili soul mate. A personal tutor will assist you to master these brilliantly – remember to invite him/her to your wedding!

    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 ‘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.

    Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - How to Improve Your Language Skills!

    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!

    Click Here to Visit SwahiliPod101!

    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.

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

    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!

    5 Ways To Improve Your Swahili Speaking Skills

    5 Ways To Improve Your Swahili Speaking Skills

    Speaking is usually the #1 weakness for all Swahili learners. This is a common issue among language learners everywhere. The reason for this is obvious: When language learners first start learning a language, they usually start with reading. They read online articles, books, information on apps and so on. If they take a class, they spend 20% of their time repeating words, and 80% of the time reading the textbook, doing homework or just listening to a teacher. So, if you spend most of your time reading instead of speaking, you might get better at reading but your speaking skills never grow. You get better at what you focus on.

    So if you want to improve you speaking skills, you need to spend more of your study time on speaking. Here are five tips to help you get started:

    1. Read out loud
    If you’re listening to a lesson and reading along, read out loud. Then re-read and speed up your tempo. Do this again and again until you can speak faster. Try your best to pronounce the words correctly, but don’t obsess about it. Read swiftly, emote and put some inflection on the sentences. Reading aloud helps to train the muscles of your mouth and diaphragm to produce unfamiliar words and sounds.

    Read out loud!

    2. Prepare things to say ahead of time.
    As you may know from experience, most learners run out of things to say. But, if you prepare lines ahead of time, you won’t be at a loss for words in conversations. This will help you not only to learn how to say the words, but how to say them in the right context. A good way to prepare yourself before conversations is with our Swahili Pronunciation Series, which teaches you how to pronounce Swahili letters easily:

    Click here to learn proper Swahili pronunciation.

    3. Use shadowing (repeat the dialogues as you hear them).
    Shadowing is an extremely useful tool for increasing fluency as well as improving your accent and ability to be understood. Shadowing helps create all the neural connections in your brain to produce those words and sentences quickly and accurately without having to think about it. Also, as mentioned in tip #1, shadowing helps develop the muscle memory in all the physical parts responsible for the production of those sounds. Depending on what your primary and target languages are, it’s quite likely that there are a lot of sounds your mouth just isn’t used to producing. Shadowing can be done, for example, when watching TV shows or movies or listening to music.

    Each one of our lessons begins with a dialogue. Try to shadow the conversation line by line, and you’ll be mastering it in no time.

    Click here to for a FREE taste of our Absolute Beginner series!

    4. Review again and again.
    This is the key to perfection, and we can’t emphasize it enough. Most learners don’t review! If you review and repeat lines again and again, you’ll be speaking better, faster and with more confidence.

    Review again and again

    5. DON’T BE AFRAID TO MAKE MISTAKES!
    You’d be surprised by how many people try to avoid talking! The more you speak, the faster you learn – and that is why you’re learning Swahili. Practice speaking every chance you get: whether it’s ordering coffee, shopping or asking for directions.