Swahili Key Phrase List

Jambo Adrian,

Thank you for this question. You are right ‘Umetoka wapi?’ is a direct translation of ‘Where are you from?’, while ‘Ulizaliwa wapi?’ translates literally to ‘Where were you born?’

In English, ‘Where are you from?’ can mean different things depending on the context: it might refer to your place of birth, where you were raised, or even where you currently live. Similarly, in Swahili, both ‘Umetoka wapi?’ and ‘Ulizaliwa wapi?’ can be used to answer that question, depending on what the speaker wants to emphasize.

So while the phrases have different literal meanings:

‘Umetoka wapi?’ and ‘Ulizaliwa wapi?’ Where were you born? They can both be used to discuss your background or origin. The difference lies in context and intent.

Joshua

Team Swahilipod101.com

You say that "Ulizaliwa wapi " asks "Where are you from ?". I am informed that it is asking "Where were you born ". In my opinion, both are asking different questions.Which is correct

Jambo Vincent,

Thank you for highlighting this mistake. Excuse me is translated as niwie radhi. Yes, tafadhali is please. our editing team will look at this. Continue enjoying the Swahili learning experience.

With a lot of thanks,

Joshua

Team Swahilipod101.com

Hey !

You wrote "Tafadhali = excuse me" but "Tafadhali" means "Please"

Jioni Njema !

Jambo Desmond Brice-Bennett,

We are glad to help you with this translation - Bora lawama kuliko fedheha. The English direct translation is, It is better blame than shame. You can as well put it as Blame is better than shame. Continue enjoying the Swahili learning experience.

Joshua

Team Swahilipod101.com

Jambo ABDIRISACK,

Karibu sana and continue enjoying the Swahili learning experience.

Joshua

Team Swahilipod101.com

I would like a translation of this saying please Bora lawama kuliko fedheha

Asente Sana

❤️️

Jambo Ben,

Thank you for your contribution. Yes, ''Poa'' is a slang language word that is very common in casual conversations and it translates to ''cool''. Continue enjoying the Swahili learning experience.

Joshua

Team Swahilipod101.com