Swahili
Swahili lesson notes
Introductory phrases for self-study. A live teacher is not attached to this page.
Greetings
Habari means “news” and is used as a greeting. Habari yako? asks “How are you?” Nzuri is a common reply meaning “good.” Asante means “thank you,” and asante sana means “thank you very much.” Karibu means “welcome.”
Names
Jina langu ni… means “My name is…” Ninatoka… means “I come from…” Use a place you are happy to share.
Useful words
Ndiyo means yes. Hapana means no. Tafadhali means please. Samahani means sorry or excuse me. Kwaheri means goodbye.
Lesson shape
Say four phrases aloud, write one sentence about your day, and check any word you are unsure of before you teach it to someone else.