Did you know that only some reptiles and birdsdon’t parent their offspring? Except for crocodiles, all reptiles (and one family of bird species called megapodes) hatch from eggs and grow up alone, without any family.
The rest of us need family if we are to survive and thrive – humans and animals alike!
At SwahiliPod101, we know how important family is. Therefore, we take care to teach you all the important vocabulary and phrases pertaining to family.
1. Why Is It Important to Know Swahili Vocabulary about Family?
Well, if you’re serious about studying any new language, then learning about the most important social unit in Kenyan culture would be a crucial part of your education.
What is family, though? Strictly speaking, it’s a group of people who live together and are supposed to take care of one another. Some of them are genetically linked.
Family isn’t just about who we’re related to by blood, of course. It’s also one of the main influences in shaping every child’s life.
Family is Important for Children’s Healthy Development
Family is the single most important influence in a child’s life. Children depend on parents and family to protect them and provide for their needs from the day they were born.
Primary caregivers, which usually comprise parents and family, form a child’s first relationships. They are a child’s first teachers and are role models that show kids how to act and experience the world around them.
By nurturing and teaching children during their early years, families play an important role in making sure children are ready to learn when they enter school.
Families Can Take All Shapes and Sizes
However, the way families are put together is by no means standard.
Single-parent and same-gender households have become a new norm the past few decades, and there’s no shame in this. When there is love, connection and proper care, a child can thrive anywhere.
Everyone also knows that sometimes friends can become like family and remain with us for life, because it’s all about human connection.
After all, we share many commonalities simply because we’re human, and we are programmed to connect with one another and belong to a group. This is very important for our well-being and survival.
It’s All About Feeling Connected
As John Northman, a psychologist from Buffalo, NY, told WebMD – feeling connected to others contributes to mental as well as physical health.
He pointed out that when people feel connected, they feel better physically, and they’re also less likely to feel depressed.
Or, if they do feel depressed, they’d be in a better position to get out of it when they feel they are connecting with others. This is because they would be psychologically supported too, Northman said.
There has even been some links drawn between addiction and feeling disconnected from others. According to an article in Psychology Today, research indicates that addiction is not solely a substance disorder, but also affected by people feeling insecurely attached to others.
It showed that securely attached individuals tend to feel comfortable in and enjoy life, while insecurely attached people typically struggle to fit in and connect.
2. Learn a New Culture? Learn its Family Vocab first
So, it’s clear that for most of us, family is our entry point into connection and belonging. This is true of every culture, so in every country, family takes prominence.
For this reason, SwahiliPod101 offers culturally-relevant lessons that will equip you well to understand families in Kenya.
Here are some of the most important Swahili vocabulary and quotes about family and parenting!
A) Swahili Family Vocabulary
Let’s start with the basic vocabulary. Without this collection of words, you’ll have a hard time describing any member of your family at all.
Family Terms
Family
jamaa
Great grandfather
babu mkuu
Mother
mama
Grandmother
nyanya
Father
baba
Grandfather
babu
Wife
mke
Grandchild
mjukuu
Husband
mume
Granddaughter
mjukuu
Parent
mzazi
Grandson
mjukuu
Child
mtoto
Aunt
shangazi
Daughter
binti
Uncle
mjomba
Sister
dada
Niece
mpwa wa kike
Brother
kaka
Nephew
mpwa
Younger sister
dada mdogo
Younger brother
kaka mdogo
Older brother
kaka mkubwa
Great grandmother
nyanya mkuu
Cousin
binamu
Mother-in-law
mama mkwe
Father-in-law
baba mkwe
Sister-in-law
shemeji
Brother-in-law
shemeji
Partner
mpenzi
B) Quotes About Family
One of the ways to improve your Swahili language skills is by memorizing quotes from books, or poems.
Either source some from Swahili literature, or make use of ours!
Huwezi kuchagua familia yako. Wao ni zawadi kwako kutoka kwa Mungu, vile ulivyo zawadi kwao.
“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” – Desmond Tutu
Familia si jambo muhimu. Ni kila kitu.
“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” – Michael J. Fox
Familia inamaana kuwa hakuna mtu anayewachwa nyuma au kusahaulika.
“Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.” – David Ogden Stiers
Familia yangu ni nguvu yangu na udhaifu wangu.
“My family is my strength and my weakness.” – Aishwarya Rai
Familia ni mojayapo ya asili maalum ya maumbile.
“The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.” – George Santayana
Shida ijapo, ni familia yako inayokusaidia.
“When trouble comes, it’s your family that supports you.” – Guy Lafleur
Familia ni chembechembe cha kwanza muhimu katika jamii ya binadamu.
“The family is the first essential cell of human society.” – Pope John XXIII
Hakuna kitu kama vile burudani ya familia nzima.
“There is no such thing as fun for the whole family.” – Jerry Seinfeld
Unapaswa kudhibiti heshima yako. Na familia yako.
“You have to defend your honor. And your family.” – Suzanne Vega
Familia zote zenye furaha hufanana; kila familia isiyo na furaha haina furaha kwa njia yake tofauti.
“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” – Leo Tolstoy
C) Test Your Knowledge!
Do you feel you have learned a lot in this blog? Let’s quickly test that!
In the table below, match the Swahili vocabulary on the left with the definition of the relative in the right column.
MY RELATIVES
Relative Name
Definition
1. jamaa
a. My male child
2. mama
b. My older male sibling
3. baba
c. My female sibling
4. mke
d. My child’s child
5. mume
e. My child’s female child
6. mzazi
f. My female parent
7. mtoto
g. My grandparent’s mother
8. binti
h. Mother to one of my parents
9. kijana
i. Relatives
10. dada
j. My female child
11. kaka
k. My younger male sibling
12. dada mdogo
l. Male spouse
13. kaka
m. The father of one of my parents
14. kaka mkubwa
n. My child’s male child
15. nyanya mkuu
o. My children’s father or mother
16. babu mkuu
p. The sister of one of my parents
17. nyanya
q. The brother of one of my parents
18. babu
r. My male parent
19. mjukuu
s. My sibling’s female child
20. mjukuu
t. My sibling’s male child
21. mjukuu
u. My male sibling
22. shangazi
v. My parents’ sibling’s child
23. mjomba
w. Female spouse
24. mpwa wa kike
x. The grandfather of one of my parents
25. mpwa
y. The person I am a parent to
26. binamu
z. My younger female sibling
How did it go? Don’t worry if you had trouble with it – you’ll get there! With a bit of practice, and our help at SwahiliPod101, you’ll soon have these family terms under the belt.
3. How SwahiliPod101 Can Help You Learn Swahili Family Terms
We hope that we helped you expand your family in Swahili vocabulary!
SwahiliPod101, with its innovative online learning system, stands out among online learning platforms to help you master Swahili easily.
Our lessons are tailored not only to increase your language skills, but to also inform you of Kenyan culture, including the Kenyan family structure.
When you sign up, you will get instant access to tools like:
Further speed up your learning with the help of a personal tutor, who will first assess your current Swahili language abilities to personalize your training and tailor it to your needs.
Hard work always pays off, and to help you in this, SwahiliPod101 will be there every step of the way toward your Swahili mastery!
The Jamhuri Day celebrations in Kenya reflect the joy Kenyans have in their country’s freedom and independence from British colonial rule. They also reflect the unique and colorful culture of Kenya as a whole.
In this article, you’ll learn about Jamhuri Day in Kenya, including its history and current celebrations. At SwahiliPod101.com, we hope to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both fun and informative, starting with this article!
Ready? Let’s go.
1. What is Jamhuri Day?
Jamhuri Day is Kenya’s celebration of its independence and freedom. The Swahili word jamhuri translates to “republic” in English, and Jamhuri Day is also called “Republic Day” or “Independence Day.”
1- Jamhuri Day History
Germans were the first colonists to Kenya, though in the 1890s, the British colonists who came after them claimed Kenya for themselves. In 1920, the British officially colonized Kenya.
As you can imagine, this led to disputes over time. Such disputes typically had to do with the lack of political involvement allowed the African people, and others were over land or cultural issues.
Finally, in 1952, a group of people—led by Dedan Kimathi, who was later executed—started the Mau Mau Uprising. This led to approximately ten long years of great distress throughout Kenya, though over time, the British colonists did allow room for the African people to address these issues.
Jomo Kenyatta was elected the first President of the Kenyan government in 1957. In 1964, he also served as the first President of the Republic of Kenya.
2. Jamhuri Day Date
Each year, Kenya celebrates its Independence Day on December 12. This is the date in 1964 that the country officially became a republic.
3. Jamhuri Day Celebrations & Traditions
Jamhuri Day in Kenya holds a colorful variety of celebrations and events.
Some of the more popular and festive Jamhuri Day traditions include parades and air shows, especially in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. Perhaps the most spectacular of these events is the Trooping of the Colour, a British and Commonwealth tradition. Further, Kenya’s President gives a Jamhuri Day speech each year and watches the parade along with the rest of Kenya.
At home, many Kenyans celebrate by rejoining their families for a time of feasting and catching up with each other. Families who choose to spend most of their time at home may watch the Jamhuri Day awards, speeches, and parades on TV together as well.
4. Bungee Jumping
Jamhuri Day parades, fireworks, and a cozy meal with loved ones isn’t quite enough for some Kenyans, though. Do you know how else some people choose to celebrate Jamhuri Day?
To celebrate freedom and independence in a more exhilarating way, some people go bungee jumping. Yes, bungee jumping!
5. Vocabulary for Jamhuri Day in Kenya
Here’s some Swahili vocabulary you should know for Jamhuri Day!
Uingereza — “England”
Jomo Kenyatta — “Jomo Kenyatta”
Sikukuu ya Uhuru — “Independence Day”
Jamhuri — “Republic”
Ukoloni — “Colonization”
Shirikisho la Kimataifa ya Kenya — “Kenya African National Union”
To hear each of these vocabulary words pronounced, and to read them alongside relevant images, be sure to visit our Swahili Jamhuri Day vocabulary list!
Final Thoughts
How do you celebrate Independence Day in your country? Are traditions similar or very different from those in Kenya? Let us know in the comments!
Learning about a country’s history and culture is one of the most fascinating and enriching aspects of trying to master its language. If you’re interested in learning more about Kenya and her people, you may find the following pages on SwahiliPod101.com interesting:
Learning Swahili doesn’t have to be a boring or overwhelming task—with SwahiliPod101.com, it can even be fun! If you’re serious about learning the language, but don’t have time for unnecessary hassle, create your free lifetime account today!
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?
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!
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.
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
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!
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!
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.
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.
3. Good-To-Have Travel Phrases
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
3. Learning Swahili Numbers
Now, let’s explore the Swahili number system a bit more! Take a look at this infographic.
Can you make out for yourself what the Swahili numbers between one (1) and nine (9) look and sound like? Easy, right?
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!
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!
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)
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.
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
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”
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
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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
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!
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!
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.
Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)
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.
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.
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!
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
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!
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
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
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
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!
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
Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)
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!
Learning a language on your own or without traditional classroom instruction may seem quite daunting at first. What if you run into questions? How do you stay motivated and on track to achieving goals?
Don’t worry, not only is it possible to learn Swahili or any language without traditional classroom instruction: SwahiliPod101 has created the world’s most advanced and extensive online language learning system. Not only is SwahiliPod101 specifically designed to help you with learning a language on your own, it’s actually faster, more convenient, and less expensive than traditional classroom options!
Let’s look at some of the benefits of learning Swahili or any language alone.
Also, don’t forget to download your free cheat sheet – How to Improve Your Language Skills too!
3 Reasons to Learn a Language Alone
1. Learn at Your Own Pace and On Your Schedule
In today’s fast-paced world, there just isn’t time for traditional classroom instruction. Between getting to class and studying on some professor or teacher’s schedule, traditional classroom learning is simply impossible to fit in. But when you learn Swahili alone, you can study in bed if you like and whenever suits your schedule best, making it far easier to actually reach your goal of learning and mastering the language.
2. Learning a Language on Your Own Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Speaking in front of a class, pop quizzes, and tests are just a few of the stressors you will encounter when you learn a language in a traditional classroom setting. Specifically, these are external stressors that often derail most people’s dream of learning a new language. But when you learn Swahili alone, there are no external stressors. Without the external stress and anxiety, it becomes much easier and more exciting to study Swahili and reach your very own goals—all on your own!
3. Learning Swahili Alone Helps Improve Cognitive Function and Overall Success
Learning a language on your own is indeed more challenging in some ways than being taught in a traditional classroom setting. In fact, while classroom instruction requires more rote memorization and following instructions, studying a language on your own requires more problem-solving and higher cognitive function to self-teach lessons and hit goals. So while it’s more challenging and requires higher levels of cognition, teaching yourself a language pays dividends throughout life by better preparing you for social/work opportunities that arise.
How to Learn a Language on Your Own with SwahiliPod101
1. Access to the World’s Largest Collection of Swahili Audio & Video Lessons
The best way to learn a language on your own is to study from native speaking instructors. Ideally, you want audio and/or video lessons that teach vocabulary, grammar, and provide actual Swahili conversations and dialogue to help you with pronunciation. SwahiliPod101 has hundreds of hours of HD audio and video lessons created by real Swahili instructors and every lesson is presented by professional Swahili actors for perfect pronunciation. Plus, all lessons can be accessed 24/7 via any mobile device with Internet access. And, if you download the PDF versions of each lesson, you can even study without Internet access once the lesson is stored on your device!
2. “Learning Paths” with Swahili Courses Based Upon Your Exact Needs & Goals
Although SwahiliPod101 has more than thousands of video and audio lessons, you need not review each and every one to learn the language. In fact, SwahiliPod101 has developed a feature called “Learning Paths”. You simply tell us your goals and we will identify the best courses and study plan to help you reach them in the shortest time possible. So even though you are technically learning a language on your own, our team is always here to help and make sure you reach your goals FAST!
3. Advanced Learning Tools Reduce Learning Time and Boost Retention
When you have the right tools and Swahili learning resources, it’s actually easy to teach yourself a language! In the past 10+ years, SwahiliPod101 has developed, tested, and refined more than 20 advanced learning tools to boost retention and reduce learning time, including:
Spaced Repetition Flashcards
Line-by-Line Dialogue Breakdown
Review Quizzes
Voice Recording Tools to Help Perfect Pronunciation
Armed with our growing collection of advanced learning tools, it’s truly a breeze to learn Swahili alone and reach your goals!
Conclusion
Learning a language on your own is not only possible, it’s actually easier and more beneficial for you than traditional classroom instruction. In fact, when you learn Swahili on your own you can study at your own pace, eliminate stress, and actually increase cognitive function.
SwahiliPod101 is the world’s most advanced online language learning system and a great resource to help you teach yourself a new language. With the world’s largest collection of HD audio and video lessons, more than 20 advanced learning tools, and customized “Learning Paths”, SwahiliPod101 makes learning a new language easier, more convenient, and less expensive than traditional classroom instruction.
And the best part is: With SwahiliPod101, you can study in bed, your car, or wherever you have a few spare minutes of time. Create your Free Lifetime Account now and get a FREE ebook to help “kickstart” your dream of learning a language on your own below!
Yes, even beginners can quickly learn conversational Swahili well enough to carry on real conversations with native speakers. Of course, beginners won’t be able to carry a conversation the same way they could in their native language. But, just knowing a few tips like which questions to ask to keep a conversation going are all you need to speak and interact with real native speakers! But before we get to specific suggestions, let’s first take a closer look at how having real Swahili conversations is so vital to your mastery of the language.
Learning to Carry a Conversation is Vital to Mastery of Any Language
Communicating with other people is the very point of language and conversation is almost second nature in our native tongue. For beginners or anyone learning a new language, conversations aren’t easy at all and even simple Swahili greetings can be intimidating and awkward.
Avoid Awkward Silences: Nothing kills a conversation faster than long periods of awkward silence, so you need practice and specific strategies to avoid them.
Improve the Flow of Conversation to Make a Better Impression: When you know what to say to keep a conversation going, communication becomes much easier and you make a better impression on your listener.
Master the Language Faster: Nothing will help you learn to speak Swahili faster and truly master the language than having real conversations with native speakers. Conversations quickly expose you to slang, cultural expressions, and vocabulary that force you to absorb and assimilate information faster than any educational setting—and that’s a great thing!
But how can you possibly have real conversations with real Swahili people if you are just starting out?
3 Conversation Strategies for Beginners
1. Ask Questions to Keep a Conversation Going
For beginners and even more advanced speakers, the key is to learn to ask questions to keep a conversation going. Of course, they can’t be just random questions or else you may confuse the listener. But, by memorizing a few key questions and the appropriate time to use them, you can easily carry a conversation with minimal vocabulary or experience. And remember, the more Swahili conversations you have, the quicker you will learn and master the language!
2. Learn Core Vocabulary Terms as Quickly as Possible
You don’t need to memorize 10,000’s of words to learn conversational Swahili. In fact, with just a couple hundred Swahili words you could have a very basic Swahili conversation. And by learning maybe 1,000-2,000 words, you could carry a conversation with a native speaker about current events, ordering in restaurants, and even getting directions.
3. Study Videos or Audio Lessons that You Can Play and Replay Again and Again
If you want to know how to carry a conversation in Swahili, then you need exposure to native speakers—and the more the better. Ideally, studying video or audio lessons is ideal because they provide contextualized learning in your native language and you can play them again and again until mastery.
SwahiliPod101 Makes it Easier and More Convenient Than Ever to Learn Conversational Swahili
For more than 10 years, SwahiliPod101 has been helping students learn to speak Swahili by creating the world’s most advanced online language learning system. Here are just a few of the specific features that will help you learn conversational Swahili fast using our proven system:
The Largest Collection of HD Video & Audio Lessons from Real Swahili Instructors:SwahiliPod101 instructors have created hundreds of video and audio lessons that you can play again and again. And the best part is: They don’t just teach you Swahili vocabulary and grammar, they are designed to help you learn to speak Swahili and teach you practical everyday topics like shopping, ordering, etc!
Pronunciation Tools: Use this feature to record and compare yourself with native speakers to quickly improve your pronunciation and fluency!
2000 Common Swahili Words: Also known as our Core List, these 2,000 words are all you need to learn to speak fluently and carry a conversation with a native speaker!
In all, more than 20 advanced learning tools help you quickly build vocabulary and learn how to carry a conversation with native speakers—starting with your very first lesson.
Conclusion
Although it may seem intimidating for a beginner, the truth is that it is very easy to learn conversational Swahili. By learning a few core vocabulary terms and which questions to ask to keep a conversation going, just a little practice and exposure to real Swahili conversations or lessons is all it really takes. SwahiliPod101 has created the world’s largest online collection of video and audio lessons by real instructors plus loads of advanced tools to help you learn to speak Swahili and carry a conversation quickly.
Act now and we’ll also include a list of the most commonly used questions to keep a conversation going so you can literally get started immediately!
Today, classrooms are no longer the only or even best place to learn a new language like Swahili. More and more people are finding that they can easily learn a language just about anywhere they have a few minutes of spare time, including their daily commute to work. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American spends over 50 minutes a day commuting to and from work, or over 300 hours a year.
Rethinking Your Daily Commute to Work
But rather than simply sitting in traffic and wasting the time, you can instead use your daily commute to literally learn Swahili in just a few short months! SwahiliPod101 has developed specialized learning tools that you can use on your commute to work (and home again) to master the language in your spare time. Keep reading to learn how to get your free audiobook to use on your next commute so you can see for yourself how easy it is to transform “dead time” into realizing your dream of learning a new language!
But before we look at how to transform your commute home into a mini-classroom, let’s take a closer look at 4 reasons why traditional classroom settings just aren’t the best option for most people in today’s fast-paced world.
Difficulty Getting to and From Class
Learning on Someone Else’s Schedule
Very Expensive and May Cost $1,000’s to Complete
Can Take Years to Finally Complete Classes and Learn the Language
The simple truth is that traditional classroom instruction is simply not a viable option for most people in today’s very fast-paced, time-starved world. Now let’s examine how you can learn a language faster, more easily, and at far less expense than traditional classes—all during your commute to work and back home again!
3 Reasons Your Daily Commute Can Help You Master a Language
1. The Average Commute Time is More than 300 Hours Per Year
Between the commute to work and getting back home again, over 6 hours a week is completely wasted and not helping you reach any goals or objectives. But thanks to online language learning platforms with audiobooks and other resources that you can access during your commute, you can easily transform wasted time into tangible progress towards learning a new language. With over 300 hours available annually, your daily commute could provide you with enough time to literally master a new language each and every year!
2. Increase Your Earning Potential While Commuting to Work
How would you like to transform all those spare commuting hours each week into more money for a new car, house, or even a dream vacation? According to research, someone making $30,000 per year can boost their annual income by $600 or more per year by learning a second language. Added up over the course of a lifetime, you can boost your total earnings by $70,000 or more while achieving your dream of learning a new language during your daily commute!
How? From work-at-home translation jobs to working overseas, there are many ways to leverage your second language into more money in your bank account! So instead of wasting your precious time, you can make your commute more productive and profitable and the more languages you learn, the higher your income potential.
3. Repetition is Key to Mastering a New Language
Not sure if it’s practical to learn another language while commuting to and from work each day? Well not only is it possible—learning in your car on the way to and from work each day can actually help you learn and master Swahili or any language much faster! The simple truth is that repetition is absolutely vital to truly internalizing and mastering any language. So, if you listen to audiobooks or even audio lessons on your commute to work and then repeat the same lesson on your commute home, the information is more likely to be “locked-in” to your long-term memory!
5 Ways SwahiliPod101 Makes It Easy to Learn a Language On Your Commute
SwahiliPod101 has been helping people just like yourself learn and master Swahili in the comfort of their home, during their daily commute, or any place they have a few minutes of spare time. Here are five features provided by SwahiliPod101 that make it easy to learn a new language while commuting to and from work:
1. The Largest Collection of Audio Lessons on Planet by Native Speaking Instructors
Every single week, SwahiliPod101 creates new audio lessons by native speaking instructors. All lessons are short, to the point, and guaranteed to improve your mastery of Swahili.
2. Word of the Day
Simply exposing yourself to new information and vocabulary terms helps increase your fluency and mastery of Swahili. So every single day, SwahiliPod101 adds a new Word of the Day for you to learn and memorize during your commute.
3. Daily Dose Mini-Lessons
Have a short commute to work but still want to make progress towards learning and mastering Swahili? Not a problem! Our Daily Dose Mini-Lessons are 1-minute or less and designed to improve your grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
4. All Content Available on a Convenient Mobile App
You don’t need a PC or tablet to learn Swahili during your daily commute. At SwahiliPod101, all of our lessons, tools, and resources are available 24/7 via our Mobile App. That means you can access all of our audio lessons and other tools during your commute to work or any time you have a few spare moments!
5. Audiobooks and Other Supplemental Resources
In addition to the world’s largest online collection of HD audio lessons, SwahiliPod101 has also created several audiobooks to enhance your understanding and make it more convenient than ever to learn a language during your commute!
Conclusion
The average commute time of most Americans is over 300 hours each year and it’s the perfect opportunity to learn and master a new language. In fact, you can use the “dead time” during your daily commute to learn a new language and potentially boost your lifetime earnings by up to $70,000 or more! Whatever your motivation, SwahiliPod101 has the tools and resources necessary to help you learn a new language each year during your commute to and from work. Act now and we’ll even provide you with a free audiobook to try out on your next commute!
