Elephants in The Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

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

 

Numbers
0 Sifuri
1 Moja
2 Mbili
3 Tatu
4 Nne
5 Tano
6 Sita
7 Saba
8 Nane
9 Tisa
10 Kumi

 

Tanzania Photos

  • Maasai Old Man

    Maasai Old Man

  • Chole Mafia Island House

    Chole Mafia Island House

  • Balloon safari over the Serengeti

    Balloon safari over the Sereng...

  • Mafia Island Boat Builders

    Mafia Island Boat Builders

  • Maasai Cultural Dance

    Maasai Cultural Dance

  • Mafia Island Boat

    Mafia Island Boat

See all Tanzania photos »

Norman

"Make voyages! Attempt them...there's nothing else" - Tennessee Williams