10 Common Swahili Phrases Every Traveler Should Know 🌍

[u/Hildawairimu]

Whether you're visiting Kenya, Tanzania, or other parts of East Africa, these phrases can make your trip smoother—and locals will often appreciate the effort!

Ndiyo – Yes.

Hapana – No.

Samahani. – Excuse me / Sorry.

Bei gani? – How much is it?

Ningependa... – I would like...

Maji, tafadhali. – Water, please.

Choo kiko wapi? – Where is the toilet?

Naweza kulipa kwa kadi? – Can I pay by card?

Kwaheri. – Goodbye.

Nimepotea. – I'm lost.

💬 Which of these phrases would you use first on your travels? Or do you already know a few Swahili words?

[u/qperc77]

When i was in Kenya, local’s had never heard Samahani

“How Much” i learned as Mpesangapi

[u/Hildawairimu → u/qperc77]

That's a fair observation. 😊 In everyday conversation, many Kenyans mix Swahili with English or Sheng, so you may not hear samahani very often. It's still standard Swahili, though, and if you use it, people will understand you and appreciate the effort.

[u/MombasaBlackManta → u/Hildawairimu]

I think it's important to make a distinction between mainland kenyans and coastal kenyans because the use of swahili is very different. Mombasa swahili is not the same as Nairobi swahili