Hujambo!

A Standards-Based Approach to Introductory Kiswahili by Brenda Aromu Wawire, John Munyui Muchira, and Peter Otiato Ojiambo.

Hujambo! provides a complete curriculum for introductory Kiswahili that chronicles the adventures of two American students studying abroad in Tanzania for an academic year. It is designed for an introductory Kiswahili course at the college level with approximately 150 contact hours of instruction (5 hours a week for two 15-week semesters, or 5 hours a week for three 10-week quarters). It provides a foundational understanding of Kiswahili and the cultures of those who share it as a common language. Students will acquire the basics of Kiswahili grammar and build a core vocabulary of approximately 1,000 words, including the most common words for everyday interactions and the individual vocabulary they need to speak about their own academic and personal lives.

Get a Copy!

College and university bookstores wishing to order printed copies of Hujambo! are asked to contact Rachel Barnes, Print Production Manager at Jayhawk Ink at either (785) 864-6348 or rbarn04@ku.edu. If requested, one free instructor copy will be provided for each confirmed order of 12 books. Additional instructor copies may be purchased or printed out using the pdf files provided above.

Instructor Supplement

The Instructor Supplement includes transcripts of all the audio recordings above and all the handouts mentioned within the texts. We ask that only certified teachers request access to instructor materials.

Audio to Accompany the Textbook

Searchable Glossary

What follows is a complete list of vocabulary from the book. You can search by either Kiswahili or English or by part of speech.

KISwahili Word/Phrase	Part of Speech	Definition/Translation
Afrika Kusini	proper noun	South Africa
Afrika Mashariki	noun	East Africa
afya	noun	health
afya ya jamii	noun	public health
aina	noun	type; kind
-ake	pronoun	her/his
akiolojia	noun	archaeology
-ako	pronoun	your
alasiri	noun	late afternoon; early evening
alfajiri	noun	dawn; daybreak
Alhamisi	noun	Thursday
almasi	noun	diamond
-amka	verb	to wake up; get up
amu	noun	maternal uncle
-andaa	verb	to provide; to prepare
-andaa meza	verb	to set the table
-andika	verb	to write
-angalia tovuti	verb	to look at the internet; to surf the web
-angu	pronoun	my
anthropolojia	noun	anthropology
-anza	verb	to start; to begin
-ao	pronoun	their
-arifu	verb	to notify; to inform
asilimia	noun	percent
asubuhi	noun	morning
au	conjunction	or
au; ama	conjunction	or
awali	adverb	fast; origin
baa	noun	bar
baada ya	adverb	after; afterwards
baadaye	adverb	later
baba	noun	father
baba mdogo	noun	younger brother of father
baba mkubwa	noun	older brother of father
baba mkwe	noun	father-in-law
babu	noun	grandfather
badala ya	conjunction	instead of
-badilisha	verb	to exchange
bafu	noun	bathtub; bathroom
bafu la kuogea	noun	bathtub
bahari	noun	ocean
baina ya; kati ya	preposition	between; in the middle of
baiskeli	noun	bicycle
bakuli	noun	bowl
bali	conjunction	but; on the contrary
banda la gari	noun	garage
baraza	noun	veranda
-barizi	verb	to chill; to relax
barua pepe	noun	email
bata	noun	duck
bata mzinga	noun	turkey
bawabu	noun	security guard; door keeper
-baya	adjective	bad
benchi	noun	bench
benki	noun	bank
bia	noun	beer
biashara	noun	business
bibi; nyanya	noun	grandmother
bidhaa	noun	products; goods
bila	conjunction	without
bilauri; glasi	noun	glass
binadamu	noun	humans; human beings
binamu	noun	cousin
binti	noun	daughter
biolojia	noun	biology
birika	noun	kettle
blanketi	noun	blanket
bluu; samawati; samawi	adjective	blue
boma	noun	homestead
bomba	noun	pipe
bora	adjective	better; suitable
-bora	adjective	suitable
botania	noun	botany
Botswana	proper noun	Botswana
-bovu	adjective	bad
buli	noun	teapot
Burundi	proper noun	Burundi
busati; mkeka	noun	mat
bustani	noun	yard (American); garden (British)
bwawa	noun	swimming pool
bweni	noun	dormitory
chache	adjective	few
-chache	adjective	few
chache; haba	adjective	a few; some
-chafu	adjective	dirty
chai	noun	tea
chakula	noun	food; a meal
chakula cha asubuhi	noun	breakfast
chakula cha jioni	noun	dinner
chakula cha mchana	noun	lunch
chama	noun	society; club; group; association; party (political)
chano	noun	tray
chekechea; shule ya watoto	noun	kindergarten
chelewa	adverb	late
-cheza	verb	to play
-cheza densi	verb	to dance
-cheza kandanda	verb	to play football (soccer)
-choka	verb	to be tired; to be exhausted
chombo	noun	utensil; container
choo	noun	toilet; bathroom
choo; msalani	noun	toilet
-chukua	verb	to carry; to take; to transport
chuma	noun	metal
chumba	noun	room
chumba cha kula	noun	dining hall
chumba cha kulala	noun	bedroom
chumba cha kuoshaa nguo	noun	laundry room
chumba cha maakuli	noun	dining room
chumba cha mazoezi	noun	gym
chumba cha starehe	noun	entertainment room
chumba cha wageni	noun	guest room
chumba kikuu cha kulala	noun	master bedroom
chungu	noun	earthen cooking pot
chuo	noun	college; school
chuo kikuu cha…	noun	university of…
chuoni	noun	college
chupa	noun	bottle
dada	noun	sister
dakika	noun	minute
daktari	noun	doctor
daktari wa macho	noun	optician
daktari wa meno	noun	dentist
dansi	noun	dance
darasa	noun	classroom
dari	noun	ceiling
dereva	noun	driver
dhahabu; zari	adjective	gold
dhamana	noun	deposit
dhamana ya usalama	noun	security deposit
dini	noun	religion
dirisha	noun	window
-dogo	adjective	few; light; small
dohani	noun	chimney
duka	noun	shop; store
duka la dawa	noun	pharmacy
duka la vitabu	noun	bookstore
duni	adjective	insignificant; lowly
-egeza	verb	to park a car
-ekundu	adjective	red
elimu	noun	education
elimu ya kompyuta	noun	computer science
elimu ya mawasiliano	noun	communication studies
elimu ya mazingira	noun	environmental science
elimu ya siasa	noun	political science
-enda	verb	to go
-enda kwa mkutano	verb	to go to a meeting
-enda matembezi	verb	to go for a walk
-endelea	verb	to go on; to move along
-endeleza	verb	to cultivate; to develop
-enu	pronoun	you all’s
-enye giza	adjective	dark
-enye kelele	adjective	noisy
-enye mwangaza	adjective	bright
-enye nafasi kubwa	adjective	spacious
-enye nafasi ndogo	adjective	not spacious
-enye shughuli nyingi	adjective	busy
-enye starehe	adjective	comfortable
-enye watu wachache	adjective	less densely populated
-enye watu wengi	adjective	densely populated
-epesi	adjective	light
-etu	pronoun	our
-eupe	adjective	white
-eusi	adjective	black
-ezeka	verb	to roof
-fagia	verb	to sweep
-fahamu	verb	to know; to understand
fahari	adjective	luxurious
falsafa	noun	philosophy
familia	noun	family
familia pokezi	noun	host family
-fanya	verb	to do
-fanya kazi (ya) shambani	verb	to work in the field; to do farm work
-fanya kazi ya kujitolea	verb	to do volunteer work
-fanya kazi ya nyumbani	verb	to do homework; to do housework
-fanya marudio	verb	to do review
-fanya mazoezi	verb	to exercise
-fanya utafiti	verb	to do research
fasihi	noun	literature
fedha	adjective	silver
feni; panka	noun	fan
-fika	verb	to arrive
filamu	noun	film; movie
fizikia	noun	physics
fleti; apatmenti	noun	flat; apartment
fomu	noun	form
fomu ya maombi	noun	application form
foronya	noun	foam pad
friji; jokofu	noun	fridge; refrigerator
-fua nguo	verb	to do laundry; to wash clothes
-fuata	verb	to follow; to come after
-fundisha	verb	to teach; instruct
funguo	noun	keys
-fupi	adjective	short; brief
-furahi	verb	to feel happy; to rejoice
-furahia	verb	to feel extremely happy; to be joyful
Gani?	interrogative	Which?
gari	noun	car; automobile
gavana	noun	governor
gazeti	noun	newspaper
gazeti la spoti	noun	sports magazine
gereji; banda la gari	noun	garage
gesi	noun	gas
ghala	noun	pantry; storage; granary
ghali	adjective	expensive; exorbitant
ghorofa	noun	floor; story of a building
godoro	noun	mattress
-gumu	adjective	hard; difficult
gumz0	noun	conversation
gumzo	noun	a chat
haba	adjective	few, scarce
hadi; mpaka	preposition	until
haki	noun	fairness; justice; right
hakimu; jaji	noun	judge
halafu	adverb	afterwards; then
hali	noun	condition
-hama	verb	to move
-hamia	verb	to move in
haraka	adverb	fast
harakaharaka	adverb	very fast; very quickly
-haribu	verb	to destroy; to ruin
hatari	adjective	dangerous
hesabu	noun	arithmetic
hifadhi ya Kilimanjaro	noun	Kilimanjaro Reserve
-hifadhi; weka	verb	to save
hisabati	noun	math
historia	noun	history
-hitaji	verb	to need
hivyo	conjunction	so
hospitali	noun	a hospital
-hudhuria mkutano	verb	to attend a meeting
hudhurungi	adjective	mustard
huduma	noun	services
huduma za kukusanya taka	noun	garbage collection services
ijapo	conjunction	even if
Ijumaa	noun	Friday
ila	conjunction	except; but; however
imamu	noun	imam
-imba	verb	to sing
ingawa	conjunction	although; even though
ingi	adjective	a lot; many
-ingi	adjective	many; numerous
-ingia	verb	to enter; to go in
-ishi	verb	to live
isimu ya lugha	noun	linguistics
-ita	verb	to be called
-itwa	verb	to be called
-ja	verb	to come
jaa la takataka	noun	trash can; litter bin
jana	noun	yesterday
jarida	noun	journal; magazine
jasi	noun	gypsum
jasusi	noun	spy
-jibu barua pepe	verb	to respond to email
-jifunza	verb	to learn; to study
jiji la…	noun	city of...
jiko la gesi	noun	gas stove
jiko la kuni	noun	wood stove
jiko la makaa; seredani	noun	charcoal stove
jiko la stima	noun	electric stove
jikoni	noun	kitchen
jimbo	noun	a state
jiografia	noun	geography
jiolojia	noun	geology
jioni	noun	evening
-jitayarisha	verb	to get ready
joko; tanuri	noun	oven
-jua	verb	to know
Jumamosi	noun	Saturday
Jumanne	noun	Tuesday
Jumapili	noun	Sunday
Jumatano	noun	Wednesday
Jumatatu	noun	Monday
jumuiya	noun	community; commonwealth
juu ya hayo	conjunction	moreover
juzi	noun	day before yesterday
juzi juzi	noun	4 days ago
-kaa	verb	to stay; inhabit; reside in
kabati	noun	cupboard; cabinet
kabati la nguo	noun	wardrobe
kabati la vyombo	noun	cupboard; kitchen cabinet
-kagua	verb	to check; to inspect
kahawa	noun	coffee
kahawia	adjective	brown
kaka	noun	brother
kama	conjunction	if; like
-kama (ng’ombe)	verb	to milk (cows)
kambarau	noun	elevator; lift
kambi	noun	camp; fort
kamili	adjective	complete; exact
-kamilisha	verb	to complete
Kanada	proper noun	Canada
kandanda	noun	football (American soccer)
kanisa	noun	church
-karabati	verb	to repair; to redecorate
karani	noun	clerk
karata	noun	card games
karatasi; shashi	noun	tissue
kaseti	noun	cassette; cd
kasisi; padre	noun	minister; priest; clergy
kasri	noun	palace
kasuku	noun	parrot
kata	noun	ward
-kata	verb	to cut (the grass; to mow the lawn)
kata kubwa	noun	location
kata ndogo	noun	sub-location
kati ya	preposition	between
kati; katikati	preposition	middle
katika	preposition	in; at
kaunti	noun	county
kaunti ya…	noun	the county of...
-kausha	verb	to dry (the dishes)
kazi	noun	work; employment; occupation
kelele	noun	noise
kemia	noun	chemistry
Kenya	proper noun	Kenya
kesho	noun	tomorrow
kesho kutwa	noun	day after tomorrow
Kiafrikana	noun	Afrikaans
Kiajemi	noun	Persian
kiambo	noun	village; compound
Kiarabu	noun	Arabic
kiatu	noun	shoe
Kibamana	noun	Bambara; Bamana
Kibukusu	noun	Bukusu
Kichaga	noun	Chaga
Kichina	noun	Chinese
kiduka; kioski	noun	kiosk
kifaa	noun	equipment
Kifaransa	noun	French
Kihabeshi	noun	Amharic
Kihausa	noun	Hausa
Kihindi	noun	Hindi
Kihispania	noun	Spanish
Kiholanzi	noun	Dutch
Kiingereza	noun	English
Kiitaliano	noun	Italian
kijana	noun	youth; teenager
kijani; kibichi	adjective	green
Kijapani	noun	Japanese
Kijerumani	noun	German
kijiji	noun	village
kijijini	noun	rural
kijiko	noun	spoon
kijivu	adjective	gray
kikaango	noun	frying pan
kikaushaji nywele	noun	blow dryer
kikombe	noun	cup; mug
kila wakati	adverb	all the time
kilabu	noun	club
kilomita	noun	kilometer
-kimbia	verb	to run
Kimeru	noun	Meru
kinanda	noun	record player
kinu	noun	mortar
Kinyala	noun	Nyala
Kinyarwanda	noun	Rwandese
kioo	noun	mirror
kipandio	noun	staircase
kipepeo	noun	butterfly
kipindi (vipindi)	noun	program (programs)
Kireno	noun	Portuguese
Kirusi	noun	Russian
Kisamburu	noun	Samburu
-kisasa	adjective	modern
kisha	preposition	then; and then
kisima	noun	water well
kisiwa	noun	island
Kisomali	noun	Somali
kisu	noun	knife
Kisukuma	noun	Sukuma
Kiswahili	noun	Swahili
kitabu	noun	book; textbook
kitabu cha hadithi (ya Kiswahili)	noun	Kiswahili storybook
kitambaa	noun	napkin; piece of fabric
kitambulisho	noun	identification card
kitanda	noun	bed
kiti	noun	chair
kitongoji	noun	small village
kitu	noun	thing
kitukuu	noun	great grandchild
kituo cha basi	noun	bus station
kituo cha polisi	noun	police station
Kituruki	noun	Turkish
kiunga	noun	suburb
kiungo	noun	spice
Kiwolof	noun	Wolof
Kiyahudi	noun	Hebrew
Kiyoruba	noun	Yoruba
kiyoyozi	noun	air conditioning unit
kizima moto	noun	fire extinguisher
kizingiti cha viatu	noun	shoe rack
kochi	noun	couch
-kodi	verb	to rent
kodi; malipo ya nyumba	noun	rent
kompyuta	noun	computer
kondoo	noun	sheep
-kosa	verb	to not find
kozi	noun	course; course of study
-kua	verb	to grow; to grow up
kubwa	adjective	enormous
-kubwa	adjective	big; older
kufuli za milango	noun	door locks
kuhusu	preposition	about
-kukodi	verb	to rent
-kula	verb	to eat
kumbukumbu	noun	remembrance; anniversary
kuni	noun	firewood
-kunwya	verb	to drink
-kutana	verb	to meet
-kuu	adjective	main; important; chief
kwa	conjunction	for; to; by; with
kwa jumla	conjunction	in total
kwa kawaida	adverb	normally; usually
kwa muda mfupi	adverb	for a short time
kwa muda mrefu	adverb	for a long time
kwa sababu	conjunction	because
-kwea	verb	to climb; to ascend
kwenye	preposition	on; in
lakini	conjunction	but; however
-lala	verb	to sleep
-lalamika	verb	to complain; to protest
lango	noun	gate
lango la kuingia	noun	entrance
lango la kutoka	noun	exit
likizo	noun	vacation
-lima	verb	to farm; to plow
-linda	verb	to care for
-lipa	verb	to pay
-lipa dhamana	verb	to pay a deposit
-lisha	verb	to feed (the animals; livestock)
-lisha (ng’ombe)	verb	to feed (cows)
mabati	noun	iron sheets for roofing
machungwa	adjective	orange
maduka	noun	stores; shops
mahakama	noun	a legal court
mahindi	noun	maize; corn
maisha	noun	life
majengo ya kibiashara	noun	business buildings
majuzi	noun	3 days ago
makaa	noun	charcoal; coal
makavazi	noun	museum
maktaba	noun	library
makubaliano	noun	agreement
makuti	noun	papyrus reeds
malalamiko	noun	complaints; grievances
Mali	proper noun	Mali
malipo	noun	payment
-maliza	verb	to end; to finish
mama	noun	mother
mama mdogo	noun	younger sister of mother
mama mkubwa	noun	older sister of mother
mama mkwe	noun	mother-in-law
mandhari	noun	landscape; view
manejimenti; uongozi	noun	management
manjano	adjective	yellow
mapema	adverb	early
mara (mbili) kwa mwezi	adverb	twice a month
mara (moja) kwa (wiki)	adverb	once a week
mara kwa mara	adverb	from time to time
mara mojamoja	adverb	once in a while
marashi	noun	perfume
Marekani	noun	United States of America
Marekani (Amerika)	proper noun	America (United States of America)
marekebisho	noun	repairs
maridadi	adjective	beautiful
-maridadi	adjective	beautiful
masharti	noun	rules
masomo ya Kiafrika	noun	African studies
masomo ya wanawake	noun	Women’s studies
maua	noun	flowers
mawasiliano	noun	communication
mawe	noun	stone
mazingira	noun	environment
maziwa	adjective	milky white
mazoezi	noun	exercise; fitness
mazoezi ya mazungumzo	noun	speaking exercises; conversation practice
mbao	noun	wood
mbovu	adjective	bad
mbunge	noun	legislator; parliamentarian
mbuzi	noun	goat
mbwa	noun	dog
mchana	noun	afternoon
mcheja	noun	son-in-law
mchezo wa bodi	noun	board game
mchezo wa karata	noun	card game
mchoro	noun	artwork
mchungaji wa mifugo	noun	herder
mekanika	noun	mechanic
Meksiko	proper noun	Mexico
meza	noun	table
meza ya lugha	noun	language table
meza ya lugha ya Kiswahili	noun	Kiswahili table (a get together for practicing Kiswahili)
mfano	noun	example
mfanyabiashara	noun	businessman
mfanyakazi	noun	employee; worker
mfugaji	noun	livestock farmer
mgeni	noun	guest; stranger
mhadhiri	noun	lecturer; instructor
mhandisi	noun	engineer
mhariri	noun	editor
mhasibu	noun	accountant
mhunzi	noun	blacksmith
miadi	noun	appointment
miaka	noun	years
michezo ya video	noun	video games
mifugo	noun	livestock
mimi	pronoun	I
mipango ya miji	noun	urban planning
Misri	proper noun	Egypt
mita	noun	meter
mjenzi	noun	construction worker
mji	noun	a town; a city
mji mkuu	noun	capital city
mjini	noun	urban
mjomba	noun	maternal uncle
mjukuu	noun	grandchild
mjumbe	noun	delegate; messenger
mkahawa	noun	restaurant
mkalimani	noun	interpreter
mkataba wa upangaji	noun	lease agreement
mkaza mwana; mkaza	noun	daughter-in-law
mke; bibi	noun	wife
mkoa	noun	province
mkodishaji; mpangaji	noun	tenant; renter
mkulima	noun	farmer
mkunga	noun	midwife
mkutano	noun	meeting
mkutubi	noun	librarian
mkuu wa chuo	noun	university president
mkwe	noun	in-law
mlango	noun	door
mlima	noun	mount; mountain
mlinda lango	noun	guard
Mmarekani	noun	a citizen of the United States of America
moto	noun	fire
mpaka; hadi	adverb	until
mpango	noun	plan; itinerary
mpelelezi	noun	investigator; detective
mpinzani	noun	opponent; rival
mpira	noun	ball
mpira wa kandanda	noun	soccer ball
mpira wa vikapu	noun	basketball
mpishi	noun	cook
mpwa	noun	niece; nephew
mradi	noun	project
mrefeji	noun	tap
msala	noun	bathroom; restroom
msanii	noun	artist
mshairi	noun	poet
msichana	noun	girl
msikiti	noun	mosque
msitu	noun	forest
mstaafu	noun	retired person
Msumbiji	proper noun	Mozambique
msusi	noun	hairdresser
mswaki	noun	toothbrush
mtaa	noun	neighborhood; street; suburb
mtafiti	noun	researcher
Mtanzania	noun	a Tanzanian
mto	noun	pillow; cushion
mtondo	noun	3 days away
mtondogoo	noun	4 days away
mtoto	noun	child; kid
mtoto; mwana	noun	child
mtu	noun	person
muda	noun	time; period of time
muhimu	adjective	important; essential
mume	noun	husband
muuzaji (mwuzaji)	noun	salesperson (seller)
muziki	noun	music
mvulana	noun	boy
mvuvi	noun	fisher(man)
mwaka; miaka	noun	year; years
mwalimu	noun	a teacher
mwana	noun	son
mwanaanga	noun	astronaut
mwanafunzi	noun	a student
mwanahistoria	noun	historian
mwanaisimu	noun	linguist
mwanajeshi	noun	soldier; army officer
mwanamazingira	noun	environmentalist
mwanamitindo	noun	fashion designer
mwanamke	noun	woman
mwanamume	noun	man
mwanamuziki	noun	musician
mwanasayansi	noun	scientist
mwanasheria; wakili	noun	lawyer
mwanasiasa	noun	politician
mwanyumba	noun	men who have married blood sisters
mwanzo	adverb	start; begin; genesis
mwashi	noun	mason
mwekahazina	noun	treasurer
mwendo	noun	movement; motion; duration
mwenye nyumba; mpangishaji	noun	landlord; leaser
mwenyekiti	noun	chairperson
mwenyekiti wa idara	noun	head of department
mwiko	noun	wooden spoon
mwinyi	noun	landlord
mwishowe	adverb	finally
mzazi	noun	parent
mzee	noun	old man
nadra	adverb	rarely
naibu wa waziri	noun	deputy minister
nakala	noun	copy; replica
nambari	noun	number
Nani?	interrogative	Who?
nchi	noun	a country
nchini	noun	in the country of…
ndani	preposition	inside
ndege	noun	birds
ndugu	noun	sibling; relative
ng’ombe	noun	cattle
ng'ombe	noun	cow
nguo	noun	cloth; clothes
Nigeria	proper noun	Nigeria
nili; bluu giza	adjective	indigo
nje	preposition	out; outside
njiwa	noun	pigeon
-nunua	verb	to buy; to purchase
nusu	noun	half
nyasi	noun	grass
nyinyi	pronoun	you (pl.)
nyoka	noun	snake
nyuki	noun	bee
nyumba	noun	house
nzi	noun	fly
-oa	verb	to marry
-oana	verb	to be married to each other
ofisa	noun	officer
ofisa wa chuo	noun	university official
ofisi	noun	office
-oga	verb	to shower
-ogelea	verb	to swim
-okota	verb	to pick up; to find
-olewa	verb	to be married
-ondoa	verb	to remove
-ondoka	verb	to leave; to depart
-ongeza	verb	to add
-osha	verb	to wash (the dishes)
-pa	verb	to give
paa	noun	roof
paka	noun	cat
pamoja na	conjunction	together with
-pana	adjective	wide
-panda	verb	to plant; sow
-panga	verb	to plan; to arrange
-panguza	verb	to wipe
-pata	verb	to find
pazia	noun	curtain
-peleka	verb	to send
-penda	verb	to like
-penda kidogo	verb	to like a little bit
-penda sana	verb	to like very much
-penda zaidi	verb	to like greatly
peremende	noun	candy; peppermint; sweet
pia	conjunction	also
picha	noun	picture
-piga	verb	to beat; to hit
-piga chapa	verb	to type
-piga deki	verb	to mop
-piga gumzo	verb	to chat
-piga huva	verb	to vacuum
-piga mswaki	verb	to brush one’s teeth
-piga pasi	verb	to iron
-piga picha	verb	to take photos
-pika	verb	to cook
ploti	noun	plot of land
-pokea	verb	to receive; to get
-pokea simu	verb	to receive a phone call
Poland	proper noun	Poland
polepole	adverb	very slowly
polisi	noun	police
profesa; mkufunzi	noun	professor
-pumzika	verb	to rest
pwani	noun	coast
-pya	adjective	new; recent; modern
rafiki	noun	friend
rafu ya vitabu	noun	bookshelf
raga	noun	rugby
rahisi	adjective	easy; cheap
rais	noun	president
rangi	noun	NaN
rangi ya giza	adjective	dark color
rangi ya mwangaza	adjective	light color
rangirangi	adjective	multicolored
ratiba	noun	schedule; itinerary
redio	noun	radio
-refu	adjective	tall; long
-rejea	verb	to return
-rekebisha	verb	to repair; to fix; to assemble
ripoti	noun	report; information
-ripoti	verb	to report
roshani	noun	balcony
rubani	noun	pilot; captain
-rudi	verb	to go back; to return
runinga; televisheni	noun	television
Rwanda	proper noun	Rwanda
saa	noun	hour; o’clock
saa ya ukuta	noun	wall clock
-sababisha	verb	to cause; to make happen
sababu	noun	reason; excuse
safari	noun	a trip
safi	adjective	clean
-safi; nadhifu	adjective	clean
-safiri	verb	to travel
-safisha	verb	to clean (the house)
-safisha vyombo	verb	to wash the dishes
sahani	noun	plate
-saidia	verb	to help; to assist
saikolojia	noun	psychology
saini	noun	signature
sakafu	noun	floor
Sala za Ijumaa	noun	Friday prayers
samaki	noun	fish
samli	adjective	off white
sanaa za maonyesho	noun	performing arts
sanamu	noun	sculpture
saruji	noun	cement
sebule	noun	living room; parlor
sehemu	noun	part; section
sehemu ya chini ya nyumba	noun	basement; downstairs
sehemu ya juu ya nyumba	noun	upstairs
sehemu ya kulia	noun	dining room
sekunde	noun	second (measurement of time)
-sema	verb	to speak
seminari	noun	seminary school
Senegal	proper noun	Senegal
seneta	noun	senator
shaba	adjective	bronze
shahada	noun	degree
shahada ya kwanza	noun	undergraduate degree
shahada ya uzamili	noun	postgraduate degree
shamba	noun	farm
shangazi	noun	paternal aunt
sheha	noun	councilor; chief
shehe	noun	sheikh
shemeji; mwamu	noun	brother or sister-in-law or relative by marriage
sherehe	noun	celebration
sherehe (ya kitamaduni)	noun	(cultural) celebration
-sherehekea	verb	to celebrate
sheria	noun	law
-shiriki	verb	to participate; to take part in
shughuli	noun	an activity; business
shughuli za kujistarehesha	noun	recreational or leisure activities
shughuli za usafi	noun	cleaning tasks; chores
shuka	noun	bed sheet
shule ya msingi	noun	primary school
shule ya nasari	noun	preschool; nursery school
shule ya sekondari; shule ya upili	noun	secondary school; high school
shule; skuli	noun	school
-sikiliza	verb	to listen (to music)
-sikiliza musiki	verb	to listen to music
siku	day	noun
siku za wiki	noun	day(s) of the week
simu	noun	cell phone
simu tamba; simu ya mkono; rununu	noun	cell phone
sinema	noun	cinema; movie theater
sinia	noun	platter
sinki; karo	noun	sink
sisi	pronoun	we
sofa	noun	sofa
soka	noun	football (American soccer)
soko	noun	market
soko la wazi	noun	open air market
-soma	verb	to study
Somalia	proper noun	Somalia
sosholojia	noun	sociology
starehe	adjective	comfortable
stashahada	noun	diploma
sungura	noun	rabbit
susu	noun	trivet; hot pad
swichi	noun	switch
swichi ya feni	noun	fan switch
swichi ya taa	noun	light switch
taa	noun	light; lamp
taa za usalama	noun	security light
Taarab	noun	a music genre popular in Kenya and Tanzania
taarifa	noun	information; notice
taarifa za habari	noun	news report
-tafuta	verb	to search
-taka	verb	to want; to wish
taka; takataka	noun	garbage
takataka	noun	trash
-tandika kitanda	verb	to make the bed
Tanzania	proper noun	Tanzania
tarafa	noun	division
tarehe	noun	date (day of the month)
tarishi	noun	mailman; messenger
tatizo	noun	problem; issue
taulo	noun	towel
-tayarisha	verb	to prepare
-tazama	verb	to watch
-tegemea	verb	to depend on; to rely on
-teka maji	verb	to draw water (from a pump or well)
tele	adjective	abundant; plenty
televisheni	noun	television
-tembea	verb	to walk
-tembelea	verb	to visit
tena	conjunction	again
-tengeneza	verb	to make; to prepare
-teua	verb	to appoint
-toa; ondoa	verb	to pick up; to remove from the ground
-toka	verb	to come from; to exit
toka; tangu	preposition	from
-tulivu	adjective	quiet
-tuma barua pepe	verb	to send an email
-tupa	verb	to throw out
tuzo	noun	prize; award
ua	noun	courtyard; compound; fence
ualimu	noun	teaching profession
uandishi wa habari	noun	journalism
ubao	noun	cutting board
Ubeljiji	proper noun	Belgium
uchaguzi	noun	election
Uchina	proper noun	China
uchovu	noun	fatigue
uchumi	noun	economics
udaktari	noun	medicine
udongo	noun	dirt
Ufaransa	proper noun	France
ufukwe	noun	beach; shore
Ugiriki	proper noun	Greece
ugonjwa	noun	disease; illness
Uhabeshi	proper noun	Ethiopia
uhandisi	noun	engineering
uharibifu	noun	destruction
Uhispania	proper noun	Spain
Uholanzi	proper noun	The Netherlands (Holland)
Uingereza	proper noun	The United Kingdom; England
Ujapani	proper noun	Japan
Ujerumani	proper noun	Germany
ujumbe mfupi	noun	short text message
ukarabati	noun	renovation; redecoration
ukubwa	noun	size
ukumbi	noun	hall
ukuta	noun	wall
ukuta wa mzunguko	noun	perimeter wall
ulinzi	noun	protection
-uliza	verb	to ask; to inquire
uma	noun	fork
umri	noun	age
unesi	noun	nursing
uongozi	noun	leadership
upande	noun	side
upishi	noun	catering
Ureno	proper noun	Portugal
urujuani	adjective	violet
Urusi	proper noun	Russia
usafi	noun	hygiene; cleanliness
usalama	noun	safety; security
usalama; ulinzi	noun	security
usanifu majengo	noun	architecture
usiku	noun	night; nighttime
Uswisi	proper noun	Switzerland
utafiti	noun	research
utamaduni	noun	culture
Uturuki	proper noun	Turkey
uvuvi	noun	fishing
uwanja	noun	court; field (for sports)
Uyahudi	proper noun	Israel
Uyorodani	proper noun	Jordan
uzio	noun	fence; hedge
-vaa	verb	to wear; to put on
video	noun	video
vifaa	noun	instruments; device; tool; gadget; amenities
vigae	noun	tiles
vitabu	noun	books
vitabu vya hadithi	noun	storybooks
vitu	noun	items; things
vitu vingi	noun	many things
voliboli	noun	volleyball
-vunja	verb	to break
-vunja mkataba	verb	to break agreement
-vunjika	verb	to break; to destroy; to damage
wadudu	noun	insects
wakala	noun	agent (leasing agent)
wakati wa	conjunction	during; while
walimu	noun	teachers
walinzi; bawabu	noun	security guards
wanyama	noun	animals
wao	pronoun	they
Wapi?	interrogative	Where?
waridi	adjective	pink
-wasiliana	verb	to communicate
-weka	verb	to put; to place
wewe	pronoun	you (sg.)
-weza	verb	to be able to
wikendi	noun	weekend
wikendi ijayo	noun	next weekend
wiki	noun	week
wilaya	noun	district
wimbimikro; maikrowevu	noun	microwave
yako	pronoun	your
yangu	pronoun	my
yaya	noun	nanny; babysitter
yeye	pronoun	he; she
-zaliwa	verb	to be born
zamani	adverb	past
zambarau	adjective	purple
-zee	adjective	old
ziara	noun	tour; visit
ziwa	noun	lake
zizi	noun	cowshed
zulia	noun	carpet
-zungumza	verb	to talk; to speak
-zungumza; ongea; sema	verb	to speak
-zungumza; -sema	verb	to speak; to say
-zuri	adjective	good; nice; beautiful
-acha	verb	to leave; to abandon
ada	noun	fee
-agiza	verb	to order
agizo	noun	order
ajabu	adjective	amazing
-alika	verb	to invite
ama; au	conjunction	or
-ambua	verb	to peel
-amua	verb	to decide
-andaa; tayarisha	verb	to prepare
-angalia	verb	to watch; to observe
-anguka	verb	to fall; to drop
Asante kwa chakula.	verb	Thank you for the meal.
baadhi (ya)	adjective	some (of); a few (of)
badala	conjunction	instead of
-badilisha	verb	to change; to alter
balungi	noun	grapefruit
bamia	noun	okra
bandia	adjective	artificial; fake
barabara; barabara kuu	noun	street; highway
barafu	noun	ice
baridi (si baridi)	adjective	cold (not cold)
barua	noun	letter
basi	conjunction	then; enough; well; that is all
bei	noun	price
Bei ghali!	verb	Expensive price!
Bei nafuu.	verb	Affordable price.
Bei rahisi!	verb	Cheap price!
Bei ya jumla ni gani?	verb	What is the total price?
Bei ya wastani	verb	Fair or average price.
bekoni; nyama ya nguruwe	noun	bacon
bendi	noun	band
bhajia	noun	deep fried potato slices that have been dipped in egg wash and flour
bidhaa	noun	merchandise; goods
-bila ladha	adjective	tasteless
biringani/biringanya	noun	eggplant
biringani; biringanya	noun	eggplant
-biringisha	verb	to roll
bizari	noun	turmeric; curry powder
bora	adjective	suitable; better
borohoa; kihembe	noun	thick broth of cooked beans
brokoli	noun	broccoli
bure	adjective	free; free of charge
burudani	noun	fun; entertainment
-burudika	verb	to be entertained
chachu	adjective	sour; bitter
-chagua	verb	to choose
chaguo	noun	choice
chai ya maziwa	noun	milk tea
Chakula hiki hakijaiva vizuri.	verb	The food is not well cooked.
Chakula hiki kimeungua.	verb	This food is burnt.
Chakula hiki kina chumvi nyingi.	verb	This food is too salty.
Chakula hiki ni kitamu/kina ladha nzuri.	verb	This food is delicious/has a good taste.
Chakula kiko tayari.	verb	The food is ready.
Chakula kitakuwa tayari baada ya muda gani?	verb	How long will it take for the food to be ready?
chama	noun	party (political); association
-chambua	verb	to clean; to sort
-changanya	verb	to mix
-changanyika	verb	to be mixed
changu	noun	snapper
chapati	noun	Indian flat bread
-chemsha	verb	to boil
chenji	noun	change
chenza	noun	tangerine
-cheua	verb	to belch
-choka	verb	to be tired; to feel tired
chokoleti	noun	chocolate
-choma	verb	to burn; to roast
-chonga	verb	to chop
choroko	noun	green grams
chumvi	noun	salt
-chunga	verb	to strain; to sift
-chungu	adjective	bitter; strong
chungwa	noun	orange
daktari	noun	a doctor
dalasini	noun	cinnamon
debe	noun	a large container used to measure flour and grains in the market
dengu	noun	mung beans; lentils
desturi	noun	custom; tradition
divai; mvinyo	noun	wine
-dogo	adjective	little; small
duka	noun	shop
duka la mikate	noun	bakery
dunia	noun	world; earth
-ema	adjective	pleasant; kind
-embamba	adjective	thin
embe	noun	mango
-enye kuchukiza	adjective	disgusting
-enye ladha	adjective	tasty
-enye viungo	adjective	spicy; with spices
faida	noun	profit; benefit
-fanya mazoezi	verb	to work out
faragha	noun	seclusion; privacy
fenesi	noun	jack fruit
fidia	noun	compensation/fine
-fikia	verb	to arrive at
-fikiri	verb	to think
-finya	verb	to squeeze
-fungua	verb	to untie; to loosen
-funika	verb	to cover
-funua	verb	to uncover
galoni	noun	gallon
-gawa	verb	to divide
-geuka	verb	to change; to be transformed
-geuza	verb	to turn
ghala	noun	storage
-ghali	adjective	expensive
gharama	noun	cost; charge
giligilani	noun	coriander seed
glasi (ya juisi)	noun	a glass (of juice)
gramu	noun	gram
hadi	preposition	until
Haiwezekani!	verb	Not possible!; It is impossible!
-hakikisha	verb	to make sure; to ensure
Hakikisha chakula kisiungue.	verb	You should make sure the food is not burned.
Hakuna samaki leo.	verb	There is no fish today.
-hali ya juu	adjective	high quality
haradali nyeupe	noun	white mustard
haradali nyeusi	noun	black mustard
-haribika	verb	to spoil
harufu	noun	smell
harusi	noun	wedding
hasara	noun	loss
hatua	noun	step
hicho	conjunction	that
hiki	conjunction	this
hira	noun	cumin
-hisi/kuwa na njaa/ sikia njaa	verb	to feel hungry (to be hungry)
hivi	conjunction	these
-hudhuria	verb	to attend
-hudumia	verb	to serve; to assist
hundi	noun	bundle
ikiwa	conjunction	if
ili	conjunction	so as; in order to
iliki	noun	cardamom
ingawa	conjunction	although
-isha; malizika	verb	to get finished
ishara	noun	symbol; sign
isikirimu	noun	ice cream
isipokuwa	preposition	except; unless
-iva	verb	to become ripe; to ripen; to be cooked
iwapo	conjunction	if
jamii	noun	group; community
jani	noun	leaf
-jaribu	verb	to try
Je, chakula kimeiva?	verb	Is the food ready?
Je, kuna samaki leo?	verb	Is there fish today?
jengo	noun	building
jibini	noun	cheese
jirani	noun	neighbor
joto	adjective	hot
jua	noun	sun; sunshine
jua-kali	noun	skilled trades; informal trades
juisi	noun	juice
-jumulisha	verb	to total
juu	noun	top
-kaanga	verb	to fry
-kaangwa	verb	to be fried
kabeji	noun	cabbage
kabila	noun	ethnicity
kachumbari	noun	a fresh relish made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice
kahawia	noun	brown color
-kali	adjective	bitter
kama	conjunction	like; if
kamba	noun	lobster; shrimp
kambare	noun	catfish
-kanda	verb	to knead
kande; pure	noun	mixture of maize and beans
karafuu	noun	clove
karambezi	noun	raspberry
karanga	noun	peanuts; groundnuts
Karibu kwa chakula.	verb	Welcome to the meal.
karoti	noun	carrot
-kata kiu yako	verb	to quench your thirst
-katakata	verb	to chop; to cut into small pieces
-kavu	adjective	dry
kazi	noun	work; job
keki	noun	cake
kiamshakinywa	noun	breakfast
kiasi	noun	quantity; a small amount
kiasi ukipendacho	verb	as much as you like
kibaba	noun	half liter (used mainly with flour and grain)
kibanda	noun	stall; cabin
-kienyeji	adjective	local; indigenous
kifungu	noun	bunch; cluster
kifuniko	noun	lid; cover
kijiji	noun	a village
kijiko cha kupakulia	noun	serving spoon
kikombe	noun	cup
kikombe (cha chai; cha kahawa)	noun	cup (of tea; of coffee)
kile	conjunction	that over there
kilo	noun	kilogram
kimanda	noun	toast
kinu	noun	mortar; food mill
kipande	noun	piece; fragment
kisamvu	noun	cassava leaves
kisha	conjunction	and then
kitakasa	noun	sanitizer
kiti	noun	seat; chair
kitita	noun	bunch
kitunguu	noun	onion
kitunguu maji	noun	green onion
kiu	noun	thirst
kiwango	noun	amount
kokteli	noun	cocktail
kolea	adjective	well-seasoned
-koroga	verb	to mix; to stir
krimu	noun	cream
kuchoma	noun	roasted or grilled meat
kuku	noun	chicken (animal)
Kuna ukosefu wa karoti.	verb	There is scarcity of carrots.
-kupiga miayo	verb	to yawn
-kusikia; hisi kiu	verb	to be thirsty
-kuwa na kiu	verb	to be thirsty
-kuwa na ladha tamu	verb	to have a sweet taste
-kuwa na mzio	verb	to have allergies
-kuwa na utu	verb	to be personable
kwa bahati mbaya	verb	unfortunately; by bad luck
kwa haraka	verb	in a hurry
kwa mikono yako	verb	with your hands.
Kwa nini unapiga miayo?	verb	Why are you yawning?
ladha	noun	taste; flavor
laini	adjective	soft; tender; smooth
lakini	conjunction	but
lavani	noun	vanilla
Leo sina nafaka nyingi.	verb	I do not have a lot of grains today.
Leo, kuna aina mbalimbali ya matunda na mboga.	verb	Today, there are a variety of fruits and vegetables.
-leta	verb	to bring
-leta to	verb	to bring
-lika	verb	to be edible
-lima	verb	to farm
lishe	noun	nutrition
lita	noun	liter
-loweka	verb	to soak
maalum; spesheli	adjective	special
maana	noun	meaning; sense
maarufu	adjective	popular; famous
maelekezo	noun	directions; instructions
maelezo ya upishi	noun	recipe
mafanikio	noun	success
mafuta	noun	fat; oil
mafuta ya kupika	noun	cooking oil
magadi	noun	baking soda
mahali	noun	place
maharagwe	noun	beans
maini	noun	liver
majani chai	noun	tea leaves
maji	noun	water
maji ya dafu	noun	coconut water
maji ya matunda	noun	fruit juice
maji ya nazi	noun	coconut water
makuti	noun	palms
malenge	noun	pumpkin
-maliza	verb	to finish
mandazi	noun	bun; buns
mapato	noun	income
mapishi	noun	cookery, cuisine,
mara	noun	instance; time
matatizo ya tumbo	verb	stomach problems
matoke; ndizi	noun	banana
matumbo	noun	intestines; tripe
matunda ya karakara	noun	passion fruit
mawele	noun	millet
maziwa	noun	milk
mbatata	noun	Irish potatoes
mboga	noun	vegetables
mboga za majani	noun	leafy vegetables; greens
mchanganyiko	noun	mixture
mchele	noun	uncooked rice
mchicha	noun	spinach
Mchicha haupatikani kwa urahisi siku hizi.	verb	Spinach is not easily available these days.
mchuuzi	noun	seller; vendor
mchuzi	noun	stew
mchuzi wa samaki	noun	fish stew
meneja	noun	manager
-menya	verb	to peel; to strip away
menyu	noun	menu
mfupa	noun	bone
mgando	noun	yoghurt
Mgependa kulipa kibinafsi au kwa jumla?	verb	Would you like to pay individually or as a group?
mgogwe	noun	tree tomato
mhudumu	noun	server; waiter
-mimina	verb	to pour
mishikaki	noun	skewers; kebabs
mjomba	noun	uncle
mkate	noun	bread
mkebe	noun	tin
mkoba	noun	bag; sack
mno	adjective	too much; extreme
mnunuzi	noun	buyer
mpishi	noun	chef
mpunga	noun	rice plant
msaada	noun	aid; help
msala	noun	restroom
msimu	noun	season; period
mtama	noun	sorghum; milo
mteja	noun	customer; client
muafaka	adjective	appropriate
muhogo	noun	cassava
murwa	adjective	pleasing; nice; elegant
muwa	noun	sugarcane
muziki wa bluu	noun	Blues music
muziki wa klasiki	noun	classical music
-mwaga	verb	to pour out; to spill
mwenzi	noun	companion; friend
mwili	noun	body (human body)
mwisho	noun	end
mwuzaji	noun	seller
na	conjunction	and; with
nafaka	noun	grain; cereal
namna	noun	sort; kind
nanasi	noun	pineapple
-nawa (mikono)	verb	to wash (your hands)
nazi	noun	coconut
ndimu	noun	lime
ngege	noun	tilapia
ngisi	noun	squid
ngoma	noun	drum; music
nguo	noun	clothes
nguruwe	noun	pig; swine
nguvu	noun	strength; power
Nichemshe kwa muda gani?	verb	How long should I boil?
Nimefuata hatua zote za kupika.	verb	I have followed all the recipe steps.
Nimeshiba.	verb	I am satisfied/full.
Nina kiu.	verb	I am thirsty.
Nina matunda mbichi leo.	verb	I have fresh fruits.
Nina njaa/Ninahisi njaa.	verb	I am hungry.
Ninahitaji kuongeza kiasi gani cha maji?	verb	What amount of water do I need to add?
Ninaweza kunawa mikono?	verb	Can I clean my hands?
ningependa kujaribu…	verb	I would like to try...
njaa	noun	hunger
njugu	noun	groundnuts; peanuts
Njugu zimeisha.	verb	We are out of peanuts (lit: The peanuts are finished.)
noti	noun	note
nuka	adjective	unpleasant smelling
-nuka	verb	to smell
nukia	adjective	pleasant smelling
-nukia	verb	to have a nice smell
nyama	noun	meat
nyama ya kondoo	noun	sheep (mutton)
nyama ya kuku	noun	chicken
nyama ya mbuzi	noun	goat
nyama ya ng’ombe	noun	cow (beef)
nyama ya nguruwe	noun	pig (pork)
nyama ya wanyama wa baharini	noun	seafood
nyanya	noun	tomato
-nyunyiza	verb	to sprinkle
-nywa	verb	to drink
nzima	adjective	full
-oka	verb	to bake
-onja	verb	to taste
orodha	noun	list
-oza	verb	to rot
painti	noun	pint
-paka	verb	to paint
pakiti	noun	packet
-pakua	verb	to serve
-pale; kule	conjunction	over there (far from the speaker)
-pana	adjective	broad; wide
pankeki	noun	pancakes
papai	noun	papaya; pawpaw fruit
parachichi; ovakado	noun	avocado
pasta	noun	pasta
-pasua	verb	to break; to crack
pati; karamu	noun	party
-patikana	verb	to be found
paundi; ratili	noun	pound
pekee	adjective	only; just
-pendelea	verb	to prefer
pera	noun	guava
pesa	noun	money
pesa; fedha; hela	noun	money
piga bei	noun	bargain
-piga bei	verb	to bargain
pilau	noun	a spicy rice dish cooked with meat and vegetables
pilipili	noun	pepper
pilipili manga	noun	black pepper
pilipili chungwa	noun	orange pepper
pilipili hoho	noun	red pepper
pilipili iliyosagwa	noun	ground pepper
pilipili kichaa/kali	noun	hot pepper
pilipili kijani	noun	green pepper
pilipili manjano	noun	yellow pepper
pilipili nyekundu	noun	red pepper
pilipili nyeupe	noun	white pepper
pilipili saumu	noun	garlic pepper
pilipili zilizokaushwa	noun	dried pepper
-pima	verb	to measure
-pindua	verb	to turn over; to flip over
pishi	noun	two liters (used mainly with flour and grain)
pizza	noun	pizza
pole	adjective	slow; sorry
pombe	noun	alcohol
pombe kali	noun	hard alcohol (liquor)
-ponda	verb	to crush; to pound; to mash
-potea	verb	to get lost; to be lost
-punguza/shusha	verb	to decrease; to reduce
punje	noun	a single grain
pweza	noun	octopus
rahisi	adjective	easy
risiti ya malipo	noun	payment receipt
robo	adjective	quarter
rojo	noun	thick gravy; paste
-rudisha	verb	to return
-ruka	verb	to skip; to jump
sabuni ya mikono	noun	hand soap
-safisha	verb	to clean
sahani ya kupakulia	noun	serving dish
-sahau	verb	to forget
saladi ya (matunda)	noun	(fruit) salad
-salimu	verb	to greet
sambusa	noun	samosa
sandwichi	noun	sandwich
sangara	noun	Nile perch
sarafu	noun	coins
saumu; kitunguu saumu	noun	garlic; garlic clove
sehemu	noun	part; side
senti	noun	sent
-shiba	verb	to be full or satisfied
shida	noun	problem; trouble
shilingi	noun	shilling
shirika	noun	organization; corporation
-shukuru	verb	to thank
Si joto	verb	It is not hot.
siagi	noun	butter
-sikizana; kubaliana	verb	to agree
siku	noun	day
sikukuu	noun	holiday
sima; ugali	noun	stiff cornmeal porridge
simu	noun	phone
-sindikiza	verb	to escort; to guide
soda	noun	soda
-songa	verb	to stir up a solid mass of food
soseji	noun	sausage
spesheli	noun	special
steki	noun	steak
stroberi	noun	strawberry
-subiri	verb	to wait for
sufuria	noun	pot; pan
sukari	noun	sugar
sukumawiki	noun	collard greens
sumuni; thumuni	noun	fifty cents
supu	noun	soup
Tafadhali kaanga mayai mawili.	verb	Please fry two eggs.
tafadhali nifahamishe kuhusu…	verb	please let me know about/inform me about…
-taja	verb	to name; to list
tambi	noun	spaghetti
-tamu	adjective	sweet; delicious
tangawizi	noun	ginger root
tangu	preposition	since; from
Tanzania	noun	Tanzania
-tarajia	verb	to hope; to expect
-tazamia	verb	to look forward to; to anticipate
tele	adjective	plenty
tende	noun	date (fruit)
-tengeneza	verb	to make
-tia	verb	to put in; to insert
-toa	verb	to give; to offer
-toa huduma	verb	to serve; to provide service
tofaa	noun	apple
-toka	verb	to exit
-tokota	verb	to boil; to simmer
tomoko	noun	custard apple
-tosa	verb	to deep; to throw in
-tosha	verb	to be enough
-tulia	verb	to relax; to quiet down
-tuma	verb	to send
tunda	noun	fruit
ubao wa kukata	noun	cutting board
Uchemshe kwa dakika kumi.	verb	You should boil for ten minutes.
udaha	noun	cayenne pepper
uduvi	noun	shrimp
uji	noun	porridge
ujumbe	noun	message
ukosefu; uhaba	noun	lack of; scarcity
ukwaju	noun	tamarind
-uliza	verb	to ask
umeme	noun	electricity
Umeweka mafuta kupita kiasi.	verb	You have put a lot of oil.
Una bidhaa gani leo?	verb	What goods do you have today?
Una mboga gani leo?	verb	What vegetables do you have today?
Unakula chakula pamoja na nini?	verb	What do you eat this dish with?
Unapenda kula vyakula gani wakati wa asubuhi/mchana/jioni?	verb	What foods do you like to eat in the morning/afternoon/evening?
Unapikaje chakula hiki?	verb	How do you prepare this dish?
Ungependa kula chakula gani?	verb	What food would you like to eat?
Ungependa maji baridi au moto?	verb	Would you like hot/cold water?
Ungependa maji yenye barafu au bila barafu?	verb	Would you like water with ice or without ice?
Uongeze chumvi kidogo.	verb	You should add a little salt.
usiku	noun	night
utaratibu	noun	process
utu	noun	personality
uvundo	adjective	foul smelling
uwatu	noun	fenugreek
uyoga	noun	mushroom
uzani/uzito	noun	weight
viazi vitamu	noun	sweet potatoes
vibanzi	noun	french fries
vichache	adjective	few (referring to food)
vile	conjunction	those over there
vingi	adjective	many (referring to food)
vinywaji	noun	drinks
vipimo	noun	quantity
vitafunio	noun	snacks
vitunguu	noun	onions
vitunguu saumu	noun	garlic onions
viungo	noun	ingredients
vuguvugu	adjective	lukewarm
vumba	adjective	smelling of fish
vyakula	noun	foods
vyakula vya mikono	noun	finger foods
-wahi	verb	to venture; to undertake
wali	noun	cooked rice
-washa	verb	to ignite; to turn on
-weka	verb	to keep; to put
Wewe hupendi kula vyakula gani?	verb	What foods don’t you like to eat?
yai	noun	egg
-yeyusha	verb	to melt
zabibu	noun	grape; raisin
zabibu kavu	noun	raisins (dried grapes)
zafarani	noun	saffron
zaidi	adjective	more
zambarau	noun	plums
zawadi	noun	present; gift
zeituni	noun	olives
-zuri	adjective	good
Sasa ni saa ngapi?	phrase	What time is it now?
ili niweze…	phrase	so that I can…
kwa siku	phrase	per day
kwa wiki	phrase	per week
mara ngapi kwa (wiki)?	phrase	how many times per (week)?
zaidi ya	phrase	more than
Anaitwa nani?	phrase	What is his/her name?
Anaitwa...	phrase	His/her name is…
Anita:	phrase	Hamjambo. Jina langu ni Anita Smith. Mimi ninatoka Uingereza.
Assalamu alaykum.	phrase	Peace be upon you. (general greeting)
Banda la gari liko karibu na nini?	phrase	What is close to the garage?
Bei ya nyumba ni rahisi.	phrase	The rent is cheap.
Chumba chako cha kulala kina vitu gani?	phrase	What things are in your bedroom?
Familia yetu ni kubwa.	phrase	Our family is large.
Familia yetu ni ndogo.	phrase	Our family is small.
Familia yetu...	phrase	Our family…
Fola:	phrase	Salama sana. Habari za asubuhi?
Fola:	phrase	Je, wewe unasoma masomo gani?
Fola:	phrase	Mimi ninasoma Afya ya Jamii katika Chuo Kikuu cha Ibadan, katika
Fola:	phrase	Mimi pia.
Friji iko wapi kwenye nyumba yako?	phrase	Where is the fridge located in your house?
Habari gani?	phrase	What is the news?; How’s it going?
Habari za asubuhi?	phrase	Good morning?
Habari za jioni?	phrase	Good evening?
Habari za masomo?	phrase	How are your classes?
Habari za mchana?	phrase	Good afternoon?
Habari?	phrase	Any news?
Hali ya usalama iko vipi katika mtaa huu?	phrase	How is the security in the neighborhood?
Hamjambo?	phrase	How are you all? (to more than one person)
Hapana.	phrase	No.
Hataenda na mama sokoni.	phrase	He/she will not go with mother to the market.
Hatujambo!	phrase	We are fine. (response to Hamjambo)
Hawajambo?	phrase	How are they?
Hawatakula chakula cha jioni nyumbani.	phrase	They will not eat dinner at home.
Hii ni familia ya...	phrase	This is the family of...
huanza saa...	phrase	I start at...
hufika saa...	phrase	I arrive at...
Hujambo.	phrase	Hello.
humaliza saa...	phrase	I finish at...
huondoka saa...	phrase	I leave/depart at...
hurudi...	phrase	I return...
Huu ni mji mdogo.	phrase	This is a small city.
Huu ni mji mkubwa.	phrase	This is a big city.
huwa na shughuli	phrase	to be busy
huwa na shughuli chache	phrase	to be less busy
huwa na shughuli nyingi	phrase	to be very busy
huwa siendi...	phrase	I do not go...
huwa sina shughuli	phrase	to not be busy
Huyo ni nani?	phrase	Who is that? (far away)
Huyo ni…	phrase	That is…
Huyu ndiye...	phrase	This is…
Huyu ni nani?	phrase	Who is this? (close by)
Huyu ni…	phrase	This is…
Ina	phrase	has (used with inanimate nouns of the N-N class)
Je, kuna nyumba za kukodisha?	phrase	Are there rental houses?
Je, nyumba ina vyumba gani?	phrase	Which rooms are in the house?
Je, nyumba ina vyumba vingapi?	phrase	How many rooms are in the house?
Je, nyumba yako ina...?	phrase	Does your house have...?
Je, una kazi?	phrase	Do you have work?
Je, una miaka mingapi?	phrase	So, how old are you?
Je, unapenda kazi yako?	phrase	Do you like your work?
Je, unaweza kupiga bei?	phrase	Can you bargain?
Jina lake ni nani?	phrase	What is his/her name?
Jina lake ni…	phrase	His/her name is…
Jina lako ni nani?	phrase	What is your name?
Jina langu ni…	phrase	My name is…
Jioni njema.	phrase	Have a good evening.
kama	phrase	like; if; whether
Karibu chai.	phrase	Come in and have some tea.
Karibuni darasani!	phrase	Welcome to class!
kasorobo	phrase	a quarter to
kati ya (6:00) na (7:00)	phrase	between (6:00) and (7:00)
Katika nyumba yangu kuna...	phrase	In my house there is...
kila	phrase	each; every
Kizingiti cha viatu kiko wapi kwenye nyumba yako?	phrase	Where is the shoe rack located in your house?
Kodi ya nyumba ni gani?	phrase	How much is the rent?
Kodi ya nyumba ni pesa ngapi?	phrase	How much is the rent?
Kuanzia...	phrase	To start with…
Kuna huduma gani katika mtaa huu?	phrase	What services are available in the neighborhood?
Kuna huduma gani kwenye nyumba?	phrase	What services are provided at the house?
Kuna mandhari gani kwenye eneo hili?	phrase	What is the view from the place?
Kuna nini kwenye ukuta wa nyumba yako?	phrase	What do you have on the wall of your house?
Kuna sehemu nyingi za vyakula.	phrase	There are many restaurants.
Kuna sheria zozote kuhusu matumizi ya nyumba?	phrase	Are there any rental restrictions?
Kuna usalama wa kutosha.	phrase	There is adequate security.
Kuna…	phrase	There is…; there are…
kutoka (Jumatatu) hadi (Ijumaa)	phrase	from (Monday) to (Friday)
kutoka saa (6:00) hadi saa (7:00)	phrase	from (6:00) until (7:00)
kutoka saa (moja) hadi saa (nne)	phrase	from (1 o’clock) until (4 o’clock)
Kutoka siku ya...	phrase	From the day of…
Kuwa na wakati mwema!	phrase	Have a good time!
kwa muda wa…	phrase	for the duration of…
Kwa nini hukurejea mapema?	phrase	Why did you not return early?
Kwa nini hukusafiri wikendi iliyopita?	phrase	Why did you not travel last weekend?
Kwa nini unasoma…?	phrase	Why are you studying…?
Kwaheri!	phrase	Goodbye!
Lala salama!	phrase	Sleep well!
Leo ni siku gani?	phrase	What day is today?
Leo ni siku ya…	phrase	Today is...
Makochi yako ni ya rangi gani?	phrase	What is the color of your couches?
Mambo.	phrase	Hello.; What’s up? (informal)
NaN	NaN	NaN
Mchana mwema!	phrase	Have a good afternoon!
mimi hukamilisha...	phrase	I complete...
Mimi ni mzaliwa wa…	phrase	I am a native of...
Mimi ni...	phrase	I am…
Mimi nilizaliwa mwaka wa…	phrase	I was born the year of…
Mimi ninaishi katika jimbo la…	phrase	I live in the state of…
Mimi ninaishi katika kijiji cha…	phrase	I live in the village of…
Mimi ninaishi katika mji wa…	phrase	I live in the city of…
Mimi ninaishi katika nchi ya...	phrase	I live in the country of…
Mimi ninasoma... kwa sababu…	phrase	I am studying… because...
Mimi ninatoka jimbo la…	phrase	I come from the state of…
Mimi ninatoka mji wa…	phrase	I come from the city of…
Mimi ninatoka mkoa wa…	phrase	I come from the province of…
Mimi ninatoka nchi ya…	phrase	I come from the country of…
Mimi pia.	phrase	Me too.
mingapi?	phrase	How many...? (referring to age)
Mna...	phrase	Inside there is….
Nakutakia wakati mwema pia!	phrase	I wish you a good time too!
Nambari yako ya simu ni gani?	phrase	What is your cell phone number?
Ndiyo.	phrase	Yes.
Ngapi?	phrase	How many?
Ni saa…	phrase	It is… o’clock.
Nilizaliwa...	phrase	I was born...
Nimefurahi kufahamu familia yako.	phrase	I am pleased to know your family.
Nimefurahi kukufahamu.	phrase	It is nice to meet you.; It is good getting to know you.
Nimefurahi kukutana familia yako.	phrase	I am glad to meet your family.
Nimepata nyumba.	phrase	I have found a house.
Nimeshapoa.	phrase	I’m rested.; I am okay.
Nina kazi kidogo.; Nina kazi chache.	phrase	I have little work.
Nina kazi ngumu.	phrase	I have difficult work.
Nina kazi nyingi.	phrase	I have a lot of work.
Nina kazi rahisi.	phrase	I have easy work.
Nina kazi.	phrase	I have work.
Nina miaka…	phrase	I am….years old.
Nina umri wa miaka….	phrase	My age is…. years.
Ninafanya kazi mbalimbali.	phrase	I do various jobs.
Ninafanya kazi tofautitofauti.	phrase	I do various/different jobs.
Ninaitwa….	phrase	My name is… (lit., I am called…)
Ninakaa na familia yangu.	phrase	I live with my family.
Ninapenda kazi yangu.	phrase	I like my work.
Ninapenda nyumba yangu.	phrase	I like my house.
Ninasema lugha za...	phrase	I speak the language of...
Ninasoma…	phrase	I study…; I am studying…
Ninatafuta nyumba.	phrase	I am looking for a house.
Ninatumai; ninatumaini...	phrase	I hope...
Ningependa kuhifadhi nambari yako ya simu.	phrase	I would like to save your phone number.
Ningependa kukufahimsha kwa...	phrase	I would like to introduce you to…
Ningependa kupata nambari yako ya simu.	phrase	I would like to get your cell phone number.
Nyumba haina vitu vyovyote.	phrase	The house is not furnished.
Nyumba iko wapi?	phrase	Where is the house located?
Nyumba ina vitu gani?	phrase	What things are in the house?
Nyumba ina vitu vyote.	phrase	The house is fully furnished.
Nyumba yako imeezekwa na nini?	phrase	What is your roof made of?
Nyumba yako ina vitu gani?	phrase	What things are in your house?
Nyumba yako ina vyumba gani?	phrase	What rooms does your house have?
Nyumba yangu haina...	phrase	My house doesn’t have...
Nyumba yangu ina vitu vichache.	phrase	My house has few things.
Nyumba yangu ina vitu vingi.	phrase	My house has many things.
Nyumba yangu ni kubwa.	phrase	My house is big.
Nyumba yangu ni ndogo.	phrase	My house is small.
Nzuri sana.	phrase	Very good.
Nzuri tu.	phrase	Just fine.; Okay.
Nzuri.	phrase	Good.
Pana...	phrase	There is (the place has)...
Poa.	phrase	Cool. (response to Vipi)
Pole kwa safari.	phrase	Sorry for the trip.
robo	phrase	a quarter after/past
saa (mbili) kamili	phrase	8 o’clock exactly/sharp
saa (mbili) kasorobo	phrase	a quarter to (8 o’clock)
saa (mbili) na nusu	phrase	half past 8 o’clock
saa (mbili) na robo	phrase	a quarter after/past 8 o’clock
Safari yako ilikuwaje?	phrase	How was your trip?
Sakafu ya nyumba yako ni ya aina gani?	phrase	What type of floor does your house have?
Salama sana.	phrase	Very peaceful.; Very safe.
Salama tu.	phrase	Just fine.
Salama.	phrase	Peaceful.; Safe.
Sasa.	phrase	Hey.
Sawa.	phrase	Okay.
Sawasawa!	phrase	Right! Okay!
Sijambo.	phrase	I am ok; I am fine. (response to Hujambo)
Sijapata/nimekosa nyumba.	phrase	I have not found a house.
Siku gani…?	phrase	Which day…?
Simfahamu.	phrase	I don’t know him/her.
Simkumbuki.	phrase	I don’t remember him/her.
Sina kazi.	phrase	I do not have work.
Sipendi kazi yangu.	phrase	I do not like my work.
Sipendi nyumba yangu.	phrase	I do not like my house.
Sitaenda msikitini Ijumaa.	phrase	I will not go to the mosque on Friday.
Televisheni iko wapi kwenye nyumba yako?	phrase	Where is the television located in your house?
Tungependa kukukaribisha...	phrase	We would like to welcome you…
Tuongee baadaye!	phrase	Let’s talk later!
Tushapoa!	phrase	No worries!; All is well!
Tutaonana kesho!	phrase	See you tomorrow!
U hali gani?	phrase	How are you? What is your condition?
Ulienda wapi wikendi iliyopita?	phrase	Where did you travel to last weekend?
Ulifanya nini jana?	phrase	What did you do yesterday?
Ulifanya nini wikendi iliyopita?	phrase	What did you do last weekend?
Ulizaliwa lini?	phrase	When were you born?
Ulizaliwa mwaka gani?	phrase	In which year were you born?; When were you born?
Una miaka mingapi?	phrase	How old are you?
Una simu?	phrase	Do you have a cell phone?
Una umri gani?	phrase	What is your age?
Una umri wa miaka mingapi?	phrase	How old are you?
Unaishi wapi?	phrase	Where do you live/reside?
Unaitwa nani?	phrase	What is your name? (lit., What are you called?)
Unapenda kufanya shughuli gani kila siku?	phrase	What activities do you like doing every day?
Unasema lugha gani?	phrase	What language(s) do you speak?
Unasoma kozi gani (semesta hii)?	phrase	What course are you taking this semester?
Unatafuta aina gani ya nyumba?	phrase	What type of house are you looking for?
Unatoka katika nchi gani?	phrase	What country do you come from?
Unatoka wapi?	phrase	Where do you come from?
Unaweza kutembelea maeneo gani karibu na nyumba hii?	phrase	What places can you visit around this house?
Ungependa kuishi katika aina gani ya nyumba?	phrase	What type of house would you like to live in?
Usiku mwema!	phrase	Have a good night!
Utafanya nini leo jioni?	phrase	What will you do this evening?
Utafanya nini wikendi hii?	phrase	What will you do this coming weekend?
Uwe na usiku mwema!	phrase	Have a good night!
verb	phrase	Negation
Vipi?	phrase	What’s up?
Vyumba katika nyumba yako vina rangi gani?	phrase	What are the colors of rooms in your house?
Waalaykum salam.	phrase	And peace be upon you, too. (response to Assalamu alaykum)
Wangapi?	phrase	How many? (referring to more than one)
Wewe hufanya shughuli gani kila wikendi?	phrase	What activities do you like doing every weekend?
Wewe hupendi kufanya shughuli gani kila siku?	phrase	What activities don’t you like doing every day?
Wikendi ilikuwa nzuri sana!	phrase	The weekend was great!
Wikendi yako ilikuwaje?	phrase	How was your weekend?
Yeye alizaliwa mwaka wa…	phrase	She/He was born in the year …
Yeye anatoka marekani.	phrase	He/she comes from America.
Yeye ni nani?	phrase	Who is he/she?

These materials were initially developed under grant P229A180008 from the U.S. Department of Education. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.