Learn Basic Kiswahili: Greetings to Everyday Words

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Basic Beginner Greetings and Polite Phrases Vocabulary
2. Asking Questions and Other Phrases
3. Time Vocabulary
4. Household Items Vocabulary
5. Common Action Verbs (Actions and Activities)
6. Vocabulary About Time
7. Days of the Week
8. Months of the Year (Miezi ya Mwaka)
9. Colors and Descriptions (Basic Descriptive Words)
10. Family and Relationships Vocabulary
11. Msamiati kuhusu Wanyama (Vocabulary about Animals)
12. Mahali Muhimu Katika Jamii (Common Important Places in the Community)
13. Msamiati Kuhusu Usafiri (Transportation and Travel Vocabulary)
14. Vyakula na Vinywaji (Foods and Drinks)
15. Vocabulary About Professions
16. Tourist Vocabulary
17. Msamiati Kuhusu Mahali Patakatifu Namugongo (Catholic Shrines in Namugongo)

Basic Beginner Greetings and Polite Phrases Vocabulary

English	Kiswahili	Pronunciation	Meaning/Example
Hello	Habari	hah-bah-ree	A greeting (informal)
Goodbye	Kwaheri	kwah-heh-ree	Used when parting ways
Please	Tafadhali	tah-fah-dhah-lee	A polite request
Thank you	Asante	ah-sahn-teh	Expression of gratitude
Yes	Ndiyo	n-dee-yo	Affirmative response
No	Hapana	hah-pah-nah	Negative response
How are you?	Habari gani?	hah-bah-ree gah-nee	Asking how someone is (informal)
Good morning	Habari ya asubuhi	hah-bah-ree yah ah-soo-boo-hee	A greeting in the morning
Good night	Usiku mwema	oo-see-koo mwem-ah	Wishing someone a good night
Thank you very much	Asante sana	ah-sahn-teh sah-nah	A stronger form of thank you
Friend	Rafiki	rah-fee-kee	A person you are close to
Family	Familia	fah-mee-lee-ah	A group of people related by blood
Food	Chakula	chah-koo-lah	Something you eat
Water	Maji	mah-jee	Liquid for drinking
Love	Upendo	oo-pehn-doh	Deep affection or care for someone
School	Shule	shoo-leh	A place for learning

Mifano ya sentensi (Examples of sentences)

• Hello (Habari):
  English: Hello, how are you?
  Kiswahili: Habari, habari gani?
• Goodbye (Kwaheri):
  English: Goodbye, see you later.
  Kiswahili: Kwaheri, tutaonana baadaye.
• Please (Tafadhali):
  English: Please help me.
  Kiswahili: Tafadhali nisaidie.
• Thank you (Asante):
  English: Thank you for your help.
  Kiswahili: Asante kwa msaada wako.
• Yes (Ndiyo):
  English: Yes, I understand.
  Kiswahili: Ndiyo, ninaelewa.

---

Asking Questions and other phrases

English	Kiswahili	Pronunciation	Meaning/Example
Good afternoon	Habari za mchana	hah-bah-ree zah m-cha-nah	A greeting used in the afternoon.
Good evening	Habari za jioni	hah-bah-ree zah jee-oh-nee	A greeting used in the evening.
How much?	Bei gani?	beh-ee gah-nee	Asking the price of something.
Where?	Wapi?	wah-pee?	Asking the location of something.
What?	Nini?	nee-nee?	Asking for clarification or information.
I don’t understand	Sielewi	see-eh-leh-wee	Used when you don’t understand something.
Excuse me	Samahani	Sah-ma-han	Used to apologize or get someone’s attention.
Sorry	Pole sana	poh-leh sah-nah	Used to express apology.
Help!	Msaada!	msah-ah-dah	A call for assistance.
I am fine	Niko salama	nee-koh sah-lah-mah	Used to indicate that you are okay.

Mifano ya sentensi (Examples of sentences)

• Good afternoon (Habari za mchana):
  English: Good afternoon?
  Kiswahili: Habari za mchana?
• How much? (Bei gani?):
  English: How much is this?
  Kiswahili: Bei gani hii?
• Where? (Wapi?):
  English: Where is the school?
  Kiswahili: Shule iko wapi?
• Excuse me (Samahani):
  English: Excuse me, can I ask a question?
  Kiswahili: Samahani, naweza kuuliza swali?
• Help! (Msaada!):
  English: I need assistance!
  Kiswahili: Nahitaji msaada!

---

Time Vocabulary

English	Kiswahili	Pronunciation	Meaning/Example
Morning	Asubuhi	ah-soo-boo-hee	The early part of the day.
Afternoon	Mchana	m-cha-nah	The part of the day after morning.
Evening	Jioni	jee-oh-nee	The part of the day before night.
Night	Usiku	oo-see-koo	The period of darkness after evening.
Day	Siku	see-koo	A 24-hour period, from morning to night.
Today	Leo	leh-oh	The current day.
Tomorrow	Kesho	keh-shoh	The day after today.
Yesterday	Jana	jah-nah	The day before today.
Now	Sasa	sah-sah	Referring to the present time.
Later	Baadaye	bah-ah-dah-yeh	Referring to a time in the future.

Mifano ya sentensi (Examples of sentences)

• Morning (Asubuhi):
  English: I wake up early in the morning.
  Kiswahili: Ninamka mapema asubuhi.
• Afternoon (Mchana):
  English: We shall have lunch in the afternoon.
  Kiswahili: Tutakula chamcha muda wa mchana.
• Evening (Jioni):
  English: We walk in the evening.
  Kiswahili: Tunatembea jioni.
• Night (Usiku):
  English: I sleep at night.
  Kiswahili: Ninalala usiku.
• Today (Leo):
  English: Today is a beautiful day.
  Kiswahili: Leo ni siku nzuri.

Household Items Vocabulary

English	Kiswahili	Pronunciation	Meaning/Example
House	Nyumba	nyoo-m-bah	A building where people live.
Door	Mlango	m-lah-ngoh	An entryway to a room or building.
Window	Dirisha	dee-ree-shah	An opening in a wall for light and air.
Chair	Kiti	kee-tee	A piece of furniture for sitting.
Table	Meza	meh-zah	A flat surface used for eating, working, etc.
Bed	Kitanda	kee-tahn-dah	A piece of furniture for sleeping.
Cup	Kikombe	kee-kohm-beh	A small container for drinking.
Plate	Sahani	sah-hah-nee	A flat dish used for eating food.
Spoon	kijiko	kee-jee-koh	A utensil for eating or serving food.
Fork	Uma	oo-mah	A utensil with prongs used for eating.

Mifano ya sentensi (Examples of sentences)

• House (Nyumba):
  English: I live in a house.
  Kiswahili: Ninaishi katika nyumba.
• Door (Mlango):
  English: Close the door.
  Kiswahili: Funga mlango.
• Window (Dirisha):
  English: Open the window.
  Kiswahili: Fungua dirisha.
• Chair (Kiti):
  English: Please sit on the chair.
  Kiswahili: Tafadhali, kaa kwenye kiti.
• Table (Meza):
  English: The book is on the table.
  Kiswahili: Kitabu kipo juu ya meza.

Common Action Verbs (Actions and Activities)

English	Kiswahili	Pronunciation	Meaning/Example
Eat	Kula	koo-lah	To consume food.
Drink	Kunywa	koo-nywah	To consume liquids.
Go	Enda	en-dah	To move from one place to another.
Come	Njoo	N-joh	To move towards the speaker.
Speak	Sema	seh-mah	To talk or express words.
Sleep	Lala	lah-lah	To rest by closing the eyes and being unconscious.
Run	Kimbia	kee-mbee-ah	To move quickly on foot.
Read	Soma	soh-mah	To look at and understand written words.
Write	Andika	ahn-dee-kah	To form letters or words on a surface.
Help	Saidia	sah-ee-dee-ah	To give assistance to someone.

Mifano ya sentensi (Examples of sentences)

• Eat (Kula):
  English: I eat breakfast every morning.
  Kiswahili: Ninakula kifungua kinywa kila asubuhi.
• Drink (Kunywa):
  English: She drinks water.
  Kiswahili: Anakunywa maji.
• Go (Enda):
  English: We go to school by bus.
  Kiswahili: Tunenda shuleni kwa basi.
• Come (njoo):
  English: Come here.
  Kiswahili: Njoo hapa.
• Speak (Sema):
  English: He speaks Kiswahili.
  Kiswahili: Anasema Kiswahili.

Vocabulary about Time

English	Kiswahili	Pronunciation	Meaning/Example
Hour	Saa	sah-ah	A unit of time, equal to 60 minutes.
Minute	Dakika	dah-kee-kah	A unit of time, equal to 60 seconds.
Second	Sekunde	seh-koon-deh	A unit of time, equal to one-sixtieth of a minute.
Morning	Asubuhi	ah-soo-boo-hee	The early part of the day.
Afternoon	Alasiri	ah-lah-see-ree	The part of the day after noon.
Evening	Jioni	jee-oh-nee	The later part of the day before night.
Night	Usiku	o-see-koh	The time of day when it is dark and people sleep.
Today	Leo	leh-oh	The current day.
Tomorrow	Kesho	keh-shoh	The day after today.
Yesterday	Jana	jah-nah	The day before today.

Mifano ya sentensi (Examples of sentences)

• Hour (Saa):
  English: It is one hour later.
  Kiswahili: Ni saa moja baadaye.
• Minute (Dakika):
  English: The meeting will start in five minutes.
  Kiswahili: Mkutano utaanza baada ya dakika tano.
• Second (Sekunde):
  English: Wait for a second.
  Kiswahili: Subiri sekunde moja.
• Morning (Asubuhi):
  English: I wake up early in the morning.
  Kiswahili: Ninamka mapema asubuhi.
• Afternoon (Alasiri):
  English: We rest in the afternoon.
  Kiswahili: Tunapumzika muda wa alasiri.

Siku za wiki (Days of the Week)

English	Kiswahili	Pronunciation	Meaning/Example
Monday	Jumatatu	joo-mah-tah-too	The first day of the week.
Tuesday	Jumanne	joo-mah-neh	The second day of the week.
Wednesday	Jumatano	joo-mah-tah-noh	The third day of the week.
Thursday	Alhamisi	al-hah-mee-see	The fourth day of the week.
Friday	Ijumaa	ee-joo-mah-ah	The fifth day of the week.
Saturday	Jumamosi	joo-mah-moh-see	The sixth day of the week.
Sunday	Jumapili	joo-mah-pee-lee	The seventh day of the week.

Mifano ya sentensi (Examples of sentences)

• Monday (Jumatatu):
  English: On Monday we shall go home.
  Kiswahili: Jumatatu tutaenda nyumbani.
• Tuesday (Jumanne):
  English: We have a meeting on Tuesday.
  Kiswahili: Tuna mkutano Jumanne.
• Wednesday (Jumatano):
  English: I will travel on Wednesday.
  Kiswahili: Nitasafiri Jumatano.
• Thursday (Alhamisi):
  English: My brother is coming on Thursday.
  Kiswahili: Kaka yangu anakuja Alhamisi.
• Friday (Ijumaa):
  English: Friday is my favorite day.
  Kiswahili: Ijumaa ni siku yangu pendwa.

Months of the Year (Miezi ya Mwaka)

English	Kiswahili	Pronunciation	Meaning/Example
January	Januari	jah-noo-ah-ree	The first month of the year.
February	Februari	feh-broo-ah-ree	The second month of the year.
March	Machi	mah-chee	The third month of the year.
April	Aprili	ah-pree-lee	The fourth month of the year.
May	Mei	meh-ee	The fifth month of the year.
June	Juni	joo-nee	The sixth month of the year.
July	Julai	joo-lah-ee	The seventh month of the year.
August	Agosti	ah-goh-stee	The eighth month of the year.
September	Septemba	seh-tehm-bah	The ninth month of the year.
October	Oktoba	ok-toh-bah	The tenth month of the year.
November	Novemba	noh-vehm-bah	The eleventh month of the year.
December	Desemba	deh-sehm-bah	The twelfth month of the year.

Mifano ya sentensi (Examples of sentences)

• January (Januari):
  English: My birthday is in January.
  Kiswahili: Siku yangu ya kuzaliwa iko Januari.
• February (Februari):
  English: We receive UNEB results in February.
  Kiswahili: Tunapata matokeo ya UNEB mwezi wa Februari.
• March (Machi):
  English: I will travel in March.
  Kiswahili: Nitasafiri mwezi wa Machi.
• July (Julai):
  English: We celebrate Kiswahili day in July.
  Kiswahili: Tunaadhimisha siku ya Kiswahili mwezi wa Julai.
• December (Desemba):
  English: We celebrate Christmas in December.
  Kiswahili: Tunaadhimisha Krismasi Desemba.

Colors and Descriptions (Basic Descriptive Words)

English	Kiswahili	Pronunciation	Meaning/Example
Red	Nyekundu	nyeh-koo-ndoo	A color associated with fire or blood.
Blue	Buluu	boo-loo	The color of the sky or ocean.
Green	Kijani	kee-jah-nee	The color of grass or trees.
Yellow	Njano	n-jah-noh	The color of the sun or ripe bananas.
Black	Nyeusi	nyeh-oo-see	The color of coal or night.
White	Nyeupe	n-yeh-u-pe	The color of snow or milk.
Orange	Rangi ya machungwa	rahn-gee yah mah-choon-gwah	A color between red and yellow.
Pink	rangi ya waridi	ra-ngee-ya wa-ree-dee	A light red color.
Purple	Zambarau	zahm-bah-rah-oo	A color between red and blue.
Brown	Kahawia	kah-hah-wee-ah	The color of wood or earth.

Mifano ya sentensi (Examples of sentences)

• Red (Nyekundu):
  English: The apple is red.
  Kiswahili: Tufaha ni nyekundu.
• Blue (Buluu):
  English: The sky is blue.
  Kiswahili: Anga ni buluu.
• Green (Kijani):
  English: The enviroment is green.
  Kiswahili: Mazingira ni kijani.
• Yellow (Njano):
  English: The shirt is yellow color.
  Kiswahili: shati ni ya rangi ya njano.
• Black (Nyeusi):
  English: The cat is black.
  Kiswahili: Paka ni mweusi.

Family and Relationships Vocabulary

English	Kiswahili	Pronunciation	Meaning/Example
Father	Baba	bah-bah	A male parent.
Mother	Mama	mah-mah	A female parent.
Brother	Kaka	kah-kah	A male sibling.
Sister	Dada	dah-dah	A female sibling.
Child	Mtoto	m-toh-toh	A young person, son or daughter.
Grandfather	Babu	bah-boo	The father of one’s parent.
Grandmother	Nyanya/Bibi	bee-bee	The mother of one’s parent.
Uncle	Mjomba	m-jom-bah	The brother of one’s parent.
Aunt	Shangazi	shah-ngah-zee	The sister of one’s parent.
Cousin	Binamu	bee-nah-moo	A child of one’s uncle or aunt.

Mifano ya sentensi (Examples of sentences)

• Father (Baba):
  English: My father is a teacher.
  Kiswahili: Baba yangu ni mwalimu.
• Mother (Mama):
  English: My mother is cooking.
  Kiswahili: Mama yangu anapika.
• Brother (kaka):
  English: I have one brother.
  Kiswahili: Nina kaka mmoja.
• Sister (Dada):
  English: She is my sister.
  Kiswahili: Yeye ni dada yangu.
• Grandmother (nyanya):
  English: My grandmother is very kind.
  Kiswahili: Nyanya yangu ni mkarimu sana.

Msamiati kuhusu Wanyama (Vocabulary about Animals)

English	Kiswahili	Pronunciation	Meaning/Example
Dog	Mbwa	m-bwah	A domesticated carnivorous mammal.
Cat	Paka	pah-kah	A small domesticated carnivorous mammal.
Cow	Ng’ombe	ng-ohm-beh	A large herbivorous mammal raised for milk or meat.
Chicken	Kuku	koo-koo	A domesticated bird raised for food or eggs.
Horse	Farasi	fah-rah-see	A large domesticated animal used for riding or carrying loads.
Sheep	Kondoo	kon-doh	A domesticated ruminant animal raised for wool or meat.
Goat	Mbuzi	m-boo-zee	A domesticated animal raised for milk or meat.
Pig	Nguruwe	ngoo-roo-weh	A domesticated omnivorous mammal raised for meat.
Lion	Simba	seem-bah	A large wild carnivorous mammal, often known as the “king of the jungle.”
Elephant	Tembo	tem-boh	A large herbivorous mammal with a trunk, native to Africa and Asia.

Mifano ya sentensi (Examples of sentences)

• Dog (Mbwa):
  English: The dog is barking.
  Kiswahili: Mbwa anapiga kelele.
• Cat (Paka):
  English: The cat is sleeping.
  Kiswahili: Paka analala.
• Cow (Ng’ombe):
  English: The cow is eating grass.
  Kiswahili: Ng’ombe anakula nyasi.
• Chicken (Kuku):
  English: The chicken is laying eggs.
  Kiswahili: Kuku anataga mayai.
• Lion (Simba):
  English: The lion is hunting.
  Kiswahili: Simba anawinda.

Mahali muhimu katika jamii (Common Important Places in the community)

English	Kiswahili	Pronunciation	Meaning/Example
School	Shule	shoo-leh	A place where children go to learn.
Market	Soko	soh-koh	A place where people buy and sell goods.
Hospital	Hospitali	hos-pee-tah-lee	A place where people receive medical treatment.
Library	Maktaba	mahk-tah-bah	A place where books are kept for reading or borrowing.
Garden	Shamba	Sha-mbah	An open area with trees, grass, and sometimes animals, for relaxation.
Church	Kanisa	kah-nee-sah	A building where people gather to worship.
Mosque	Msikiti	m-see-kee-tee	A place where Muslims go to pray.
Restaurant	Mgahawa	m-gah-hwah-wah	A place where you can buy and eat food.
Hotel	Hoteli	hoh-teh-lee	A place where people stay when traveling.
Bank	Benki	behn-kee	A place where money is kept and managed.

Mifano ya sentensi (Examples of sentences)

• School (Shule):
  English: I go to school every day.
  Kiswahili: Ninaenda shuleni kila siku.
• Market (Soko):
  English: I buy vegetables at the market.
  Kiswahili: Ninanunua mboga sokoni.
• Hospital (Hospitali):
  English: Jane has gone to the hospital for treatment.
  Kiswahili: Jane ameenda hospitalini kwa matibabu.
• Library (Maktaba):
  English: I am reading a book in the library.
  Kiswahili: Ninasoma kitabu maktabani.
• Restaurant (Mgahawa):
  English: We are having lunch at the restaurant.
  Kiswahili: Tunakula chakula cha mchana mgahawani.

Msamiati kuhusu usafiri (Transportation and Travel Vocabulary)

English	Kiswahili	Pronunciation	Meaning/Example
Car	Gari	gah-ree	A motor vehicle used for transportation.
Bus	Basi	bah-see	A large vehicle that carries passengers.
Bicycle	Baiskeli	bai-ske-l	A two-wheeled vehicle powered by pedaling.
Motorcycle	Pikipiki	pee-kee-pee-kee	A two-wheeled vehicle powered by an engine.
Train	Treni	treh-nee	A railway vehicle used for transportation.
Plane	Ndege	ndeh-geh	An aircraft used for air travel.
Boat	Mashua	mah-shoo-ah	A small watercraft used for traveling on water.
Taxi	Teksi	teh-ksee	A car used for hired transport.
Truck	Lori	loh-ree	A large motor vehicle used for transporting goods.
Walking	Kutembea	koo-tehm-beh-ah	Moving on foot.

---

Mifano ya sentensi (Examples of sentences)

1. Car (Gari):
   • English: “I have a car.”
   • Kiswahili: “Nina gari.”
2. Bus (Basi):
   • English: “The bus is here.”
   • Kiswahili: “Basi lipo hapa.”
3. Bicycle (Baiskeli):
   • English: “She has a bicycle.”
   • Kiswahili: “Ana Baiskeli.”
4. Plane (Ndege):
   • English: “The plane is big.”
   • Kiswahili: “Ndege ni kubwa.”
5. Taxi (Teksi):
   • English: “I take a taxi.”
   • Kiswahili: “Ninachukua teksi.”

Vyakula na vinywaji (Foods and Drinks)

English	Kiswahili	Pronunciation	Meaning/Example
Coffee	Kahawa	kah-hah-wah	A hot drink made from roasted beans.
Milk	Maziwa	mah-zee-wah	A white liquid from cows or goats.
Meat	Nyama	nyah-mah	Flesh of animals used for food.
Sugar	Sukari	soo-kah-ree	A sweet substance used in food.
Salt	Chumvi	choom-vee	A white mineral used to season food.
Juice	Juisi	joo-ees-ee	A drink made from fruits or vegetables.
Egg	Yai	yah-ee	A food item from birds, typically eaten for breakfast.
Soup	Supu	soo-poo	A liquid dish, typically served hot.
Vegetables	Mboga	m-boh-gah	Edible plants or parts of plants.
Fish	Samaki	sah-mah-kee	An aquatic animal used for food.
Chicken	Kuku	koo-koo	A domesticated bird raised for food.
Cake	Keki	keh-kee	A sweet baked dessert.
Ice Cream	Aiskrimu	eye-skreem	A frozen sweet dessert made from milk and sugar.
Butter	Siagi	see-ah-gee	A dairy product used in cooking and baking.
Cheese	Jibini	jee-bee-nee	A dairy product made from milk.

Mifano ya sentensi (Examples of sentences)

• Coffee (Kahawa):
  English: She drinks coffee.
  Kiswahili: Anakunywa kahawa.
• Milk (Maziwa):
  English: I drink milk.
  Kiswahili: Ninakunywa maziwa.
• Meat (Nyama):
  English: We eat meat.
  Kiswahili: Tunakula nyama.
• Sugar (Sukari):
  English: I add sugar to my tea.
  Kiswahili: Ninaongeza sukari katika chai yangu.
• Salt (Chumvi):
  English: The soup needs salt.
  Kiswahili: Supu inahitaji chumvi.

Vocabulary about Professions

English	Kiswahili	Pronunciation	Meaning/Example
Teacher	Mwalimu	mwah-lee-moo	A person who educates others.
Doctor	Daktari	dahk-tah-ree	A person who practices medicine.
Nurse	Nesi/Muuguzi	ne-see/moo-oo-goo-zee	A person who cares for the sick or injured.
Engineer	Mhandisi	m-han-dee-see	A person who designs or builds structures or machinery.
Farmer	Mkulima	m-koo-lee-mah	A person who grows crops or raises animals.
Driver	Dereva	deh-reh-vah	A person who drives a vehicle.
Cook	Mpishi	m-pee-shee	A person who prepares food.
Secretary	Katibu	kah-tee-boo	A person responsible for administrative tasks.
Builder	Mjenzi	m-jeh-nzee	A person who constructs buildings.
Artist	Msanii	m-sah-nee-ee	A person skilled in a creative art.
Lawyer	Wakili	wah-kee-lee	A person who practices law.
Scientist	Mwanasayansi	mwah-nah-sah-yahn-see	A person who conducts scientific research.
Singer	Mwimbaji	mweem-bah-jee	A person who sings professionally.
Photographer	Mpigapicha	m-pee-gah-pee-chah	A person who takes photographs.
Soldier	Mwanajeshi	mwah-nah-jeh-shee	A person in the army.
Plumber	Fundi wa bomba	foo-ndee wah boh-mbah	A person who installs and repairs pipes.
Mechanic	Fundi wa magari	foo-ndee wah mah-gah-ree	A person who repairs vehicles.
Electrician	Mhandisi wa umeme	m-han-dee-see wah oo-meh-meh	A person who works with electrical systems.

Mifano ya sentensi (Examples of Sentences)

• Teacher (Mwalimu):
  English: Teacher Johnpaul is teaching the Kiswahili.
  Kiswahili: Mwalimu Johnpaul anafundisha Kiswahili.
• Doctor (Daktari):
  English: The doctor is treating the patient.
  Kiswahili: Daktari anatibu mgonjwa.
• Engineer (Mhandisi):
  English: The engineer is building a bridge.
  Kiswahili: Mhandisi anajenga daraja.
• Farmer (Mkulima):
  English: The farmer is planting crops.
  Kiswahili: Mkulima anapanda mimea.
• Cook (Mpishi):
  English: The cook is preparing dinner.
  Kiswahili: Mpishi anapika chakula cha jioni.

Tourist Vocabulary

English	Kiswahili	Pronunciation	Meaning/Example
Tourist	Mtalii	m-tah-lee	A person visiting a place for leisure or sightseeing.
Tourism	Utalii	oo-tah-lee	The industry or practice of traveling for pleasure.
Hotel	Hoteli	hoh-teh-lee	A place where travelers can stay overnight.
Guide	Kiongozi mwangalizi wa watalii		A person who leads tourists to places of interest.
Visa	Visa	vee-sah	Official permission to enter or leave a country.
Passport	Pasipoti	pah-see-poh-tee	An official document that allows travel across countries.
Mountains	Milima	mee-lee-mah	Large landforms that rise prominently above their surroundings.
Lake	Ziwa	zee-wah	A large body of water surrounded by land.
National Parks	Mbuga za kitaifa za wanyama		A protected area for wildlife and nature.
Safari	Matembezi		A journey to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
Beach	Ufukwe	oo-foo-kweh	Sandy areas along the shore of a body of water.
Culture	Utamaduni	oo-tah-mah-doo-nee	The traditions, customs, and way of life of a people.
Adventure	Tukio lisilo la kawaida		Exciting or unusual experiences for tourists.
Souvenir	Kumbukumbu/ukumbusho	koom-boo-koom-boo	A keepsake or memento from a trip.
Nature	Asili	ah-see-lee	The natural environment, including animals and plants.

Mifano ya sentensi (Examples of sentences)

• Tourist (Mtalii):
  English: The tourist visited Uganda for a wildlife safari.
  Kiswahili: Mtalii alitembelea Uganda kwa ajili ya safari ya wanyama.
• Hotel (Hoteli):
  English: I am staying in a hotel near Lake Victoria.
  Kiswahili: Ninaishi katika hoteli kando ya Ziwa Victoria.
• Visa (Visa):
  English: You need a visa to enter Uganda.
  Kiswahili: Unahitaji visa kuingia Uganda.
• Tour guide (Kiongozi mwangalizi wa watalii):
  English: The tour guide showed us the best spots for wildlife viewing.
  Kiswahili: Kiongozi mwangalizi alituonyesha maeneo bora ya kutazama wanyama.
• Safari (Safari):
  English: We went on a safari to see lions and elephants.
  Kiswahili: Tulifanya safari kuona simba na tembo.

Msamiati kuhusu Mahali patakatifu Namugongo (Catholic Shrines in Namugongo)

English	Kiswahili	Pronunciation	Meaning/Example
Shrine	Patakatifu	pah-tah-kah-tee-foo	A holy place of reverence, often related to religious figures.
Martyrs	Mashahidi	mah-shah-hee-dee	People who die for their faith, especially in religious contexts.
Pilgrimage	Hija	hee-jah	A journey to a holy place, often for religious purposes.
Church	Kanisa	kah-nee-sah	A building used for Christian worship.
Prayer	Sala	sah-lah	An act of communication with God, often in a religious setting.
Saint	Mtakatifu	m-tah-kah-tee-foo	A person who has been canonized by the church for their holiness.
Altar	Madhabahu	mah-dah-bah-hoo	A table in a church used for religious rituals, especially the Eucharist.
Basilica	Basilika	bah-see-lee-kah	A large, important church, often associated with special significance.
Holy Mass	Misa Takatifu	mee-sah tah-kah-tee-foo	A religious service in the Catholic Church.
Veneration	Kutukuza	Koo-too-koo-zah	Great respect or reverence, especially for religious figures.
Cross	Msalaba	m-sah-lah-bah	A symbol of Christianity representing Jesus’ crucifixion.
Sacrament	Sakramenti	sah-krah-men-tee	A religious ceremony or act regarded as an outward and visible sign of divine grace.
Holy Spirit	Roho Mtakatifu	roh-hoh m-tah-kah-tee-foo	The third person of the Holy Trinity, central to Christian belief.
Relics	Masalio ya miili ya watakatifu		A piece of the body or belongings of a saint, regarded with reverence.

Mifano ya Sentensi (Examples of sentences)

• Shrine (Mahali patakatifu):
  English: The Namugongo Shrine is a place of pilgrimage for many Catholics.
  Kiswahili: Mahali patakatifu Namugongo ni mahali pa hija kwa Wakatoliki wengi.
• Martyrs (Mashahidi):
  English: The Uganda Martyrs are celebrated every year at Namugongo.
  Kiswahili: Mashahidi wa Uganda wanasherehekewa kila mwaka Namugongo.
• Pilgrimage (Hija):
  English: I plan to go on a pilgrimage to Namugongo next year.
  Kiswahili: Nipanga kwenda kwa hija Namugongo mwakani.
• Altar (Madhabahu):
  English: The altar at the Namugongo catholic church is beautifully decorated.
  Kiswahili: Madhabahu katika kanisa takatifu wa Wakatoriki Namugongo ina mapambo mazuri.
• Holy Mass (Misa Takatifu):
  English: I attended the Holy Mass at the shrine this morning.
  Kiswahili: Nilihudhuria Misa Takatifu katika kanisa takatifu asubuhi hii.

English	Kiswahili	Pronunciation	Meaning/Example
Martyrs’ Day	Siku ya Mashahidi	see-koo yah mah-shah-hee-dee	The day dedicated to honoring the Uganda Martyrs, celebrated on June 3rd.
Crucifix	Msalaba wa Yesu	m-sah-lah-bah wah yay-soo	A cross with a figure of Christ, symbolizing His crucifixion.
Procession	Msururu wa Hija		A religious march, often done in honor of saints or martyrs.
Confession	Kutubu	koo-too-boo	The act of confessing sins, typically in a Catholic context.
Eucharist	Ekaristi	eh-kah-ree-stee	The sacrament commemorating the Last Supper, involving the consumption of bread and wine.
Blessing	Baraka	bah-rah-kah	A prayer or act invoking divine favor.
Holy Water	Maji Takatifu	mah-jee tah-kah-tee-foo	Water that has been blessed by a priest, used in religious rituals.
Pilgrim	Hujaji	Hoo-ja-jee	A person who goes on a pilgrimage, especially to a sacred place like Namugongo.
Candle	Taa ya Kanisa	tah yah kah-nee-sah	A wax light, often lit during prayer or ceremonies.
Prayer Intention	Nia ya Maombi	nee-ah yah mah-ohm-bee	A specific purpose or request for prayer.

Mifano ya sentensi

• Martyrs’ Day (Siku ya Mashahidi):
  English: Martyrs’ Day is a significant day for Catholics in Uganda.
  Kiswahili: Siku ya Mashahidi ni siku muhimu kwa Wakatoliki nchini Uganda.
• Procession (Msururu wa Hija):
  English: A procession took place at the shrine to honor the martyrs.
  Kiswahili: Msururu wa Hija ulifanyika katika mahali patakatifu kwa heshima ya mashahidi.
• Confession (Kutubu):
  English: I went to confession before attending the mass at the shrine.
  Kiswahili: Nilikwenda kutubu kabla ya kuhudhuria misa katika kanisa takatifu.
• Eucharist (Ekaristi):
  English: The Eucharist is an important part of the Mass in catholics.
  Kiswahili: Ekaristi ni sehemu muhimu ya Misa katika Wakatoriki.
• Pilgrim (Hujaji):
  English: Thousands of pilgrims visit Namugongo Shrine each year.
  Kiswahili: Maelfu ya mahujaji hutembelea mahali patakatifu Namugongo kila mwaka.

In conclusion, mastering basic Kiswahili vocabulary is a crucial step toward effective communication in East Africa and beyond. This book provides essential words and phrases for everyday situations, from greetings to common places and professions. By practicing these basics, you’ll build a strong foundation to confidently interact with others. Keep learning and engaging with the language to enhance your skills and open doors to new experiences. Asanteni sana!