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Enhancing Swahili Classroom Vocabularies: Amazing Swahili Vocabulary

In education, effective communication is the key to successful learning. In the multicultural landscape of East Africa, where Swahili is widely spoken, mastering essential classroom vocabulary in Swahili is practical and enriching.

This blog explores the significance of Swahili classroom vocabularies and their pivotal role in enhancing the educational experience. Whether you’re a teacher looking to connect with your Swahili-speaking students or a student striving to excel in your studies, these essential Swahili classroom vocabularies will open doors to improved communication and better learning.

Enhancing Swahili Classroom Vocabularies

Homework (kazi ya ziada).

Kazi ya Ziada, often called “homework” in English, is a common term in Swahili classrooms. It represents assignments given to students to complete outside of regular class hours. These assignments reinforce classroom learning and help students practice and apply what they have learned.

Example in a sentence

“Mwalimu alitupea kazi ya ziada ya kusoma sura ya tatu ya kitabu na kuandika muhtasari wake kwa kesho.” 

(The teacher gave us homework to read chapter three of the book and write a summary for tomorrow.)

Swahili Classroom Vocabularies: Dictation (Imla)

Imla in Swahili refers to the practice of listening to a text read aloud and writing it down exactly as dictated. It’s a valuable exercise for improving classroom spelling, punctuation, and listening skills.

“Tulifanya zoezi la imla ambapo mwalimu alisoma hadithi na sisi tuliandika maneno kama alivyosema.” 

(We did a dictation exercise where the teacher read a story, and we wrote down the words exactly as she said.)

Blackboard (Ubao)

Ubao is the Swahili term for a blackboard, the surface often made of slate or similar material teachers use to write or draw teaching materials. It serves as a visual aid in the classroom.

“Mwalimu alifuta maelezo kwenye ubao ili kuandika somo jipya la hesabu.” 

(The teacher erased the notes on the blackboard to write a new math lesson.)

Book (Kitabu)

Kitabu, which translates to “book” in English, is a fundamental term in a classroom setting. It represents the primary learning resource used for subjects and courses.

Example in a sentence 

“Ninahitaji kununua kitabu cha kiada ili kusoma kwa mtihani wa lugha.” 

(I need to buy a textbook to study for the language exam.)

Test (Mtihani)

Mtihani in Swahili refers to an examination or test typically conducted by teachers to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.

“Tutafanya mtihani wa hesabu kesho ili kuonyesha jinsi tunavyoelewa mada hii.” 

(We will have a math test tomorrow to demonstrate how well we understand this topic.)

Swahili Classroom Vocabularies: Pen (Kalamu)

Kalamu, also known as “pen” in English, is a common writing instrument students use to take notes, complete assignments, and write exams in the classroom.

“Nilisahihisha mtihani wangu wa lugha kwa kutumia kalamu nyekundu.” 

(I corrected my language exam using a red pen.)

Desk (Dawati)

Dawati, which translates to “desk” in English, is a piece of furniture often used in classrooms where students sit to work, write, or place their books and stationery. It serves as a workspace for students in a classroom setting.

“Tulipanga viti na dawati kwenye darasa kwa umbali unaofaa kwa wanafunzi kusoma na kuandika.” 

(We arranged chairs and desks in the classroom at an appropriate distance for students to study and write.)

Swahili Classroom Vocabularies: Pencil (Penseli)

Penseli, known as a “pencil” in English, is a writing instrument used by students for taking notes, drawing, and completing assignments in the classroom.

“Nilipoteza penseli yangu ya rangi ya bluu na sasa ninaandika kwa penseli nyekundu.” 

(I lost my blue pencil, so now I’m writing with a red pencil.)

Eraser (Kifutio)

Kifutio, or “eraser” in English, is a tool for removing pencil or pen marks from paper. Students commonly use it to correct mistakes in their work.

“Nilitumia kifutio kufuta makosa niliyofanya katika mtihani na kuandika majibu sahihi.” 

(I used an eraser to correct my mistakes in the test and write the correct answers.)

Swahili Classroom Vocabularies: Mhadhara (Lecture)

Mhadhara, which translates to “lecture” in English, is an educational presentation or talk given by a teache r or professor to a group of students in a classroom. It is a formal method of instruction.

“Mhadhara wa leo ulihusu historia ya taifa letu na ulitolewa na mwalimu wetu wa historia.” 

(Today’s lecture was about our nation’s history and was delivered by our history teacher.)

Class (Darasa)

Darasa, “class” in English, represents a group of students who study a particular subject together under the guidance of a teacher. It is also used to describe the physical classroom space.

“Tunapenda darasa la Kiswahili kwa sababu mwalimu wetu ni mchangamfu na anafundisha vizuri.” 

(We enjoy the Kiswahili class because our teacher is lively and teaches well.)

Guide book (Kitabu cha Mwongozo)

Kitabu cha Mwongozo, which translates to “guidebook” in English, is a resource that provides information, instructions, or advice about a particular subject or place. In an educational context, it can be a reference book that helps students understand a topic.

“Kitabu cha mwongozo kwa watalii kinatoa habari muhimu kuhusu vivutio vya utalii katika eneo hili.” 

(The tourist guidebook provides essential information about tourist attractions in this area.)

Swahili Classroom Vocabularies: Student (Mwanafunzi)

Mwanafunzi, known as a “student” in English, is an individual who is engaged in learning and acquiring knowledge in an educational institution. Students typically attend schools, colleges, or universities.

“Mwanafunzi mwenye bidii daima hufanikiwa katika masomo yake na hujifunza mengi zaidi.” 

(A diligent student always succeeds in their studies and learns a lot.)

Teacher (Mwalimu)

Mwalimu, which translates to “teacher” in English, is responsible for imparting students knowledge and skills. Teachers play a vital role in the education system.

“Mwalimu wetu wa sayansi daima anawajibika kufafanua mada kwa njia inayoeleweka kwa wanafunzi.” 

(Our science teacher always takes the responsibility of explaining topics in a way that’s understandable to students.)

Table (Meza)

Meza, referred to as a “table” in English, is a piece of furniture with a flat top and legs used for various purposes, including writing, reading, and placing objects.

“Kila mwanafunzi ana meza yake kwenye darasa la kusoma na kuandika.” 

(Every student has a table in the classroom for studying and writing.)

Chalk (Chaki)

Chaki, known as “chalk” in English, is a soft, white, or colored material used for writing or drawing on blackboards. It’s a standard tool in classroom settings.

“Mwalimu alitumia chaki nyekundu kuandika hesabu kubwa kwenye ubao wa darasa.” 

(The teacher used red chalk to write a large math problem on the classroom board.)

Swahili Classroom Vocabularies: Paper (Karatasi)

Karatasi, which translates to “paper” in English, is a thin material used for writing, drawing, printing, or as a surface for note-taking.

“Tafadhali niletee kurasa za karatasi na kalamu ili niandike noti za masomo.” 

(Please bring me some sheets of paper and a pen so I can take notes during the lessons.)

Swahili Classroom Vocabularies: Dictionary (Kamusi)

Kamusi, which translates to “dictionary” in English, is a reference book that provides definitions, translations, and explanations of words and phrases in different languages.

“Kamusi ya Kiingereza-Kiswahili ni muhimu kwa wanafunzi wa lugha katika kujifunza maneno mapya.” 

(The English-Swahili dictionary is essential for language learners in acquiring new vocabulary.)

In the classroom, language bridges gaps and fosters understanding. Swahili classroom vocabularies enrich education, connect teachers and students, and create inclusive learning environments. It’s a cultural tapestry that enhances the educational journey. 

Teachers empower students with these words, facilitating communication and unity. Students, in turn, gain knowledge and a deeper connection to their peers and a diverse world. Swahili in the classroom is more than a language; it’s an embrace of diversity and a celebration of unity. These words signify not just communication but the endless possibilities that arise when cultures converge in the pursuit of knowledge. 

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How do you say the homework in Swahili?

Kazi ya kufanyia nyumbani.

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School and Education Vocabulary in Swahili

Learning a new language opens up a myriad of opportunities, from exploring new cultures to enhancing career prospects. One of the essential areas when learning Swahili, especially for students, is understanding the vocabulary related to school and education . This article will explore the foundational terms and phrases in Swahili that pertain to the educational environment. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with the essential vocabulary to discuss educational matters in Swahili effectively.

Basic School-Related Terms

Let’s start with the very basics. The Swahili word for school is “ shule .” This term is crucial as it forms the foundation of most education-related discussions.

Ninaenda shule. (I am going to school.)

Another fundamental term is “ mwanafunzi ,” which means student . In a sentence:

Mwanafunzi anasoma vitabu. (The student is reading books.)

The person in charge of a class is referred to as “ mwalimu ,” which translates to teacher .

Mwalimu anafundisha hisabati. (The teacher is teaching mathematics.)

Types of Educational Institutions

In Swahili, different types of educational institutions have specific names. For instance, “ chekechea ” is the term for kindergarten .

Watoto wanacheza katika chekechea. (The children are playing in kindergarten.)

Primary school is called “ shule ya msingi ,” while secondary school is referred to as “ shule ya sekondari .”

Wanafunzi wanajiandaa kwa mtihani katika shule ya sekondari. (Students are preparing for the exam in secondary school.)

Higher education institutions such as colleges and universities are known as “ chuo ” or “ chuo kikuu ” respectively.

Yeye ni mwanafunzi katika chuo kikuu. (He is a student at the university.)

Classroom Objects

A thorough understanding of the names of objects found within a classroom is beneficial. The word for book in Swahili is “ kitabu .”

Kitabu kiko mezani. (The book is on the table.)

The term for desk is “ dawati .”

Wanafunzi wako kwenye madawati yao. (Students are at their desks.)

In many educational settings, a blackboard or whiteboard is essential, known as “ ubao .”

Mwalimu anaandika kwenye ubao. (The teacher is writing on the board.)

Subjects and Curriculum

Discussing various subjects in Swahili helps in specific academic conversations. Mathematics is “ hisabati ,” science is “ sayansi ,” and history is “ historia .”

Anapenda kusoma sayansi. (He likes to study science.)

Languages, an essential part of the curriculum, include English (“ Kiingereza “) and Swahili (“ Kiswahili “).

Wanafunzi wanajifunza Kiswahili na Kiingereza. (Students are learning Swahili and English.)

Academic Activities

In educational settings, certain activities are common, such as tests (“ mitihani “) and homework (“ homework “).

Wanafunzi wanafanya mtihani leo. (Students are taking a test today.)

Una kazi ya nyumbani? (Do you have homework?)

Mastering this foundational vocabulary related to school and education not only enhances your ability to communicate in Swahili but also deepens your understanding of the educational culture in Swahili-speaking regions. Whether you are a student, educator, or a language enthusiast, these terms will help you navigate through academic discussions and interactions effectively. Keep practicing, and immerse yourself in the language for the best learning outcomes.

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• English to Swahili

Homework meaning in Swahili

Homework meaning in Swahili. Here you learn English to Swahili translation / English to Swahili dictionary of the word ' Homework ' and also play quiz in Swahili words starting with H also play A-Z dictionary quiz . To learn Swahili language , common vocabulary and grammar are the important sections. Common Vocabulary contains common words that we can used in daily life. This way to learn Swahili language quickly and learn daily use sentences helps to improve your Swahili language. If you think too hard to learn Swahili language, 1000 words will helps to learn Swahili language easily, they contain 2-letter words to 13-letter words. Below you see how to say Homework in Swahili.

How to say 'Homework' in Swahili

kazi ya nyumbani

Learn also: Homework in different languages (130+)

Similar words

Play swahili quiz word starts with h, top 1000 swahili words.

Here you learn top 1000 Swahili words, that is separated into sections to learn easily (Simple words, Easy words, Medium words, Hard Words, Advanced Words). These words are very important in daily life conversations, basic level words are very helpful for beginners. All words have Swahili meanings with transliteration.

Daily use Swahili Sentences

Here you learn top Swahili sentences, these sentences are very important in daily life conversations, and basic-level sentences are very helpful for beginners. All sentences have Swahili meanings with transliteration.

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• African aphorisms or Saws from Swahili Land , by William Ernest Taylor (1891)

• The terms for "emotion" in Swahili : a lexical analysis based on interviews with native speakers , by Rosanna Tramutoli, in Kervan (2019)

• Terminologia del corpo ed estensioni metaforiche  : swahili e zulu a confronto , in Kervan (2020)

• Translating Swahili linguistic terminology into Italian , Nordic Journal of African Studies (2020)

• Texts on textiles : proverbiality as characteristic of equivocal communication at the East African coast , by Rose Marie Beck, in Journal of African Cultural Studies (2005)

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• The adaptation of Swahili loanwords from Arabic , by Leonard Chacha Mwita, in Journal of Pan African studies (2009)

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• Epenthetic vowels in Swahili loanwords by Andrew Harvey, in Journal of linguistics and language in education (2014)

• Phonological and semantic change in language borrowing : the case of Arabic words borrowed into Kiswahili , by Mohamed Abdulmajid Akidah, in International journal of education and research (2013)

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• Suaheli Handbuch (Swahili handbook) by Walter von Saint Paul Illaire (1890)

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• A Shaba Swahili life history : text, translation and comments , by Jan Blommaert (2014)

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• Introduction au Diwani ya Mnyampala (Mathias Mnyampala's anthology) (2007)

• Poésie et philosophie d'expression swahilie en Tanzanie  : vision et transformation du monde dans le Diwani de Mathias Mnyampala , in Les Cahiers d'Afrique de l'Est (2012)

• Elisi katika nchi ya ajabu : translation into Swahili of the Lewis Carroll's book, Alice's adventures in wonderland (1940)

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• Anthologie aus der Suaheli-litteratur : anthology of the Swahili literature & translation into German, by Carl Gotthilf Büttner (1894)

• BibleGateway : Biblia Takatifu , translation of the New Testament into Tanzanian Swahili (+ audio)

• Biblica : Biblia Takatifu , translation of the New Testament into Tanzanian Swahili (+ audio)

• WordProject : translation of the Bible into Tanzanian Swahili (+ audio)

• YouVersion : Biblia Habari Njema (1996)

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10 Useful Swahili Words & Phrases to Learn

• September 26, 2018
• 8 mins read

Kiswahili is a beautiful free-flowing language that is the most spoken language in East Africa. Swahili is the main language in Tanzania, Kenya, Parts of Uganda & Parts of the Congo, among lots of other pockets.

We believe that if you’re travelling for a Safari tour then learning a little Swahili will massively enrich your experience. Although many Swahili people have a good grasp of English, and other European languages, it is both polite & safer if you know some basic Kiswahili. So here are essential Swahili words and phrases to learn before your Safari Adventure.

Before we continue: if you learn better with an audiobook you can get one for free on Audible. Just set up a new account and you can learn Swahili for free . 

Table of Contents

Shkiamoo (shka-moo)/Habari (ha-ba-ri) & Mambo (mam-bo) – ‘Hello & How are You’ in Swahili

Hello is a confusing one for many native English speakers. This one has caught me out a few times when returning to Tanzania after speaking to native English speakers. In English an appropriate response to ‘Hello’ is to return a greeting of ‘Hello’; this is different in Swahili – a greeting works as a call & answer.  Habari is the most common greeting used and it literally translates to ‘news’ – almost like when we say  ‘How are you?’.  So when responding to Habari  you would say Nzuri  (fine/nice/good) , Safi (clean) , Salama (peaceful) or even Mbaya (bad) . Then you would return the greeting Habari .

Your greeting may also change depending on who you are speaking to. For instance, you would say Shkiamoo  to an elder – it very roughly translates to  ‘I respect you’.  The answer you will get back will be will be Maraba (Ma-ra-ba)  which basically means ‘I accept your respect’. Then a greeting will be returned. Often ‘Jambo’ where you are to reply ‘Si Jambo’. And the greetings go on. Habari za Leo ( How is the day? )

A very casual greeting, which you will hear a lot is Mambo (which means ‘things’ ) (or Jambo in Zanzibar) – this means ‘what’s up?’. Generally, you can respond with Poa (Po-ah)  which means which is used like ‘cool’. Then a greeting will be returned. Be very careful when using Mambo to elders as it can seem rude – if you’re in any doubt just use Habari .

This may be a bit confusing now but to ask somebody, ‘How Are You’ you will ask  Hujambo.  This is an acceptable way of starting a conversation after the initial greeting.

Naomba (na-oum-ba)- ‘I would Like…’

‘I would like’ is a phrase that you will always use. It is the politer version of ‘Na Taka’ which translates to  ‘I want’ which may be considered rude depending on the circumstances (for instance, if you are in Kenya where Na Taka is acceptable).

Firstly there are two ways to say this phrase – Ninaomba or Naomba . It is similar to ‘I’d like’ and ‘I would like’

You can use this to ask for almost anything – for example, if you order a beer at the bar ( Naomba Beer – ‘I would like a beer’ ), ordering your lunch ( Naomba Samaki Na Wali – ‘I would like Fish &/with Rice’ ) or if you want to go somewhere… for instance, if you need the toilet ( Naomba Kwenda Msalani – ‘I would like to go to the bathroom ‘). That is a good one for a long game drive and you have drunk too much water.

If you wish to say ‘I don’t want’-  you will say Si Taki – for instance: ‘ I don’t want spice’  would be  Si Taki Pili Pili.  Otherwise, you could say Si Taji  which means ‘ I don’t need’. So – Si taji maziwa ou sucari (I don’t need milk or sugar). 

Ndiyo (Nn-di-yo)/ Hapana (Ha-pah-ah)- Yes, and No

In Kiswahili, Ndiyo  means ‘Yes’ and Hapana  means  ‘No’.  These are pretty straightforward and do not need so much explaining. Una taka Pili Pili?   (Would You Like Spice?) ‘Hapana, si taki Pili Pili’ (No, I don’t want Spice). 

‘Asante (Ah-san-tay)- Thank You in Swahili

Thank you is a phrase that everyone should know in any native language before they travel to another country. It is polite, shows respect and will earn you some rather large smiles. Thank you in Swahili is the easiest phrase to learn and will be one that you use a lot – especially when you’re travelling from place to place, and meeting people along the way. . There isn’t too much more to say about Asante  other than to say Sana  which means  ‘very’. Asante Sana  translates to  ‘thank you very much’ .

Karibu (ka-ri-bu) – Welcome/ You’re Welcome in Swahili

Karibu is almost always the phrase you hear first when you arrive somewhere and it ties in quite nicely with the word above. Karibu mean ‘You are Welcome’ in Swahili and is used in a variety of different situations. It can be used to Welcome somebody into your home, to invite somebody to do something or to appreciate somebody saying thanks (some people say ‘ayah’ too).

If you are hitting the tourist routes you will no doubt come across some street vendors – often the call K aribu (Karabuni is plural if there is more than one of you )  to invite you to see what they have on offer. They are saying ‘You’re Welcome’ in Swahili. It is polite to reply with Asante even if you don’t stop and walk past. Otherwise, when somebody says thank you- the response is  Karibu or Karibu Sana .

Mimi Ni Mgonjwa (m-gon-jwa)-  ‘I am Sick’

Like many places in the world, you are likely to get sick while your body is adjusting to the new bacteria in the warmer climates. Usually, you should be absolutely fine when your staying in a big hotel but sometimes if the kitchen washed the salad in tap water/you have ice cubes in your drink, you may get the ‘Jungle Rumble’, ‘Deli Belly’ or whatever you wish to call it.

You can’t always avoid getting sick and it is a fact of life for westerners in East Africa. It is important to know what to say to a doctor if things go south.

Generally,  Mgonjwa  means that you are ‘Sick’.  By changing the prefix you change the subject – Mimi Ni (I am), Wewe Ni (You Are) and Yeye Ni (He/She is).  Another one to say is Nina Kuraha  which means ‘I have Diarrhoea’. Mimi Ni Mgonjwa. Nina Kuharisha (Ku-ha-ri-sha). If you say that to a pharmacist, or a local they will know exactly how to help you. In saying that you should always keep some rehydration salts, anti-sickness, anti-diarrhoea & always have a bottle of water with you if you feel runny.

Nishingapi (Ni-Shin-Gapi)-  ‘How Much Does it Cost?’

Quite often in Tanzania, you may find yourself haggling for the price of an item. Most little stalls or shops do not have a price.  Shingapi  is the general term for asking the price of something. Whether that is the price of a Banana ( ndizi ) or a trip on a Bajaj (tuk tuk) you can use the term to understand how much it is going to cost you.

Knowing your Swahili numbers is pretty important for almost everything. When you are getting the bill, asking for the price of something, counting etc…. It is fun to practice counting in a new language and it will be a skill you will likely have for as long as you keep practising- it will be very handy on your second trip to Tanzania! Read more about the numbers here .

Angalia (an-ga-lia)- ‘Look/To see’

This is not a particularly essential word or phrase, but it is a good one to play around with while on safari. The phrase Angalia means to look or to see- for instance, you can use it to say-  Angalia Simba  which means ‘Look, there is a Lion’.  It is quite a cool one to use with each other to get to grips with the language and will help you learn the Swahili for the Safari Animals.

Goodbye/See you Later/Goodnight In Swahili

What better way to finish off the blog post than to learn how to say goodbye in Swahili. I have put all three phrases together because they are all handy. Firstly, to say goodnight is quite an easy one; it is Lala Salama which literally translates to sleep (lala) peacefully (Salama). It takes its roots is in Arabic from the Ottoman rule in the 18th century.

Finally, Just like in English, there are two ways of saying goodbye in Swahili.   Tutaona na Baadye (tu-ta-oh-nana Ba-die) can mean ‘Goodbye for now’ or ‘See You Later’ which is can be used when you are leaving somebody and you will know you will see them again. To say goodbye in Swahili for a longer period or forever is  Kwa Heri (as it reads) . It is what you will say at the airport to your guide- a sad goodbye.

Thank you for reading the blog – Swahili is a beautiful language and is really fun to learn. Our partnered guides are excellent teachers and will surely help you on your way!

Astane kwa kusoma blog! Tutaonana Baadye Rafiki.

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