Due to the fact that Kenya was a British colony for a long time, no one can be surprised by the English language here.
Another state language is Swahili. It is considered interethnic, as it is spoken by representatives of different tribes. Thus, if you intend to go deep into the country and experience the real African flavor, you can't do without a phrasebook of Swahili language.
In some cases, even a Swahili phrasebook with pronunciation won't save you, because in addition to the two official languages, there are 69 dialects that belong to different tribes. African dialects in Kenya include Oropom, Kamba, Maasai and others.
Virtually all the local population is literate. In addition, every Kenyan knows at least three languages: English, Swahili and tribal dialect. If you want to surprise the locals, useful Swahili phrases will help you out. Below is a list of the main ones:
|
Hello |
Shikamu |
|
Hi |
Sasa, mambo, jumbo. |
|
How's it going? |
Habari gani? |
|
Thank you, okay |
Nzuri, asante |
|
Goodbye! |
Kwa heri! |
|
Please |
Tafadhali |
|
What's your name? |
Gina lako nani? |
|
My name is... |
Gina langu ni... |
|
Thank you |
Asante |
|
Sorry |
Samahani (to pay attention), nasikitika (to apologize) |
|
How much does it cost? |
Ngari? |
|
It's too expensive |
Ghali |
|
Help! |
Msaada! Nju! |
|
Does anyone speak Swahili |
Siwezi kusema ki swahili |
|
I don't understand |
Nisamehe sifahamu. |
|
Yes |
Ndiyo |
|
No |
Hapana |
|
Can I make a phone call from you? |
Ye, ninaweza kutumia simu? |
|
I don't have the time = I don't have the opportunity = stop offering me a safari |
Sina nafasi |
|
I don't have any money |
Makuta tire |
|
Stop! |
Wacha! |
|
Silence! |
Niyamaza! |
