Official Language

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Official Language

Official Languages

Kiswahili or Swahili is the official language with English being the official primary language of commerce, administration and higher education.

Tanzanians in most tourist areas speak English, but knowing a few Swahili words and greetings will be greatly appreciated, going a long way to smoothing your travels.

Swahili Language Basics

English	Swahili
Hello	Habari
Yes	Ndiyo
No	Hapana
Okay	Sawa
Thank you	Asante
Please	Tafadali
Yes, please	Ndiyo tafadali
Good morning	Habari za asubuhi
Good evening	Habari za jioni
Goodbye	Kwa heri(singular), Kwa herini (plural)
Sorry/Pardon me	Samahani
Do you speak English?	Unasema Kiingereza?
I don't speak Swahili	Sisema Kiswahili
Where is it?	Iko wapi?
European (white person)	Mzungu
Slowly slowly	Pole pole
Very good	Mzuri sana
Child	Mtoto