Tanzania Important Phrases

habari = how are you?

habari zako = how are you?

habari za asubuhi? = how are you this morning?

habari za mchana?= how are you this afternoon?

habari za jioni? = how are you this evening? (before nightfall)

habari za usiku? = how are you tonight? (when it's really dark)

responses:

nzuri = good

salama = peaceful

mambo = what's up?

responses:

safi/poa/fresh/salama

jambo = hello!

hujambo = hello

response = sijambo

dada = sister/young lady (habari zako dada? = how are you sister?)

shikamoo = i respect you (greeting to an elder)

marahaba = i'm pleased (response)

nafurahi kuku ona = i'm happy to meet you

karibu = welcome (karibuni = welcome to more than one person)

asante = thank you

pole = sorry

samahani = sorry

sana = very/a lot (karibu sana , asante sana , pole sana )

kidogo = little

mafunzo = lessons

nina soma = i'm learning

nime toka .. = i'm coming from

nchi = country

nime choka = i'm tired

sawa = ok

ji na lako nani? = what is your name

ji na langu ni deborah = my name is deborah

naitwa deborah = I am called deborah

una umri gani = how old are you?

kwaheri = good bye

tuta onana baadaye = see you later

baadaye = later

tuta onana kesho = see you tomorrow

safari njema = have a good trip

nimeshiba = i'm full

maji = water

wewe ni mpenzi wangu = you are my love

samahani, naomba kuku piga picha? = excuse me, can i take your picture?

tafadhali naomba maji = please can I have some water

lala = sleep

usiku mwema = sweet dreams

chakula = food

chakula kitamu = tasty food

chakula kitamu, nimeshiba, asante = the food was good, i am full, thanks.

nina taka ... = i need

safi kabisa = very well/perfect

ni mzuri sana = is very beautiful

ni takukosa = i will miss you

ndizi = banana

tuta onana mwaka ujao = we will see each other next year