What language is spoken in Tanzania?
Tanzania has two official languages: Swahili (Kiswahili) and English. Swahili is spoken by almost everyone and unites a country of more than 120 ethnic groups, most of which also have their own language — such as Maa, spoken by the Maasai. English is used in business, higher education and tourism: our guides, lodges and hotels all speak it.
Swahili is a Bantu language with many words borrowed from Arabic, and smaller influences from Persian, Portuguese and English. It is easy to pronounce: every letter is spoken, and the stress almost always falls on the second-to-last syllable.
Greetings
| Swahili | English |
|---|---|
| Jambo / Hujambo | Hello (the friendly greeting for visitors) |
| Habari? | How are you? (literally "What news?") |
| Nzuri / Salama | Fine / good — the usual reply |
| Mambo? — Poa! | What's up? — Cool! (informal) |
| Shikamoo | A respectful greeting to an elder (they reply "Marahaba") |
| Karibu | Welcome |
| Kwaheri | Goodbye |
| Lala salama | Good night (sleep well) |
Useful words
| Swahili | English |
|---|---|
| Asante (sana) | Thank you (very much) |
| Tafadhali | Please |
| Ndiyo / Hapana | Yes / No |
| Samahani | Excuse me / sorry |
| Pole | Sorry (sympathy — when someone is hurt or tired) |
| Pole pole | Slowly, slowly |
| Hakuna matata | No problem |
| Rafiki | Friend |
| Maji | Water |
| Chakula | Food |
| Bei gani? | How much is it? |
| Safari | Journey |
Animals on safari
| Swahili | English |
|---|---|
| Simba | Lion |
| Chui | Leopard |
| Duma | Cheetah |
| Tembo / Ndovu | Elephant |
| Nyati / Mbogo | Buffalo |
| Kifaru | Rhino |
| Twiga | Giraffe |
| Pundamilia | Zebra |
| Nyumbu | Wildebeest |
| Kiboko | Hippo |
| Fisi | Hyena |
| Ndege | Bird |
Numbers
Moja (1), mbili (2), tatu (3), nne (4), tano (5), sita (6), saba (7), nane (8), tisa (9), kumi (10).
A last tip
Do not worry about getting it perfect. A simple "Jambo" and "Asante sana" is always warmly received — and your guide will happily teach you more on the road. Read more about the people in our Tanzania culture guide.
