Visiting Shanzu, Mombasa, is an exciting experience filled with beautiful beaches, vibrant markets, and rich Swahili culture. While many locals speak English, knowing a few basic Swahili phrases can enhance your travel experience, help you connect with locals, and even get you better deals when shopping.
This beginner-friendly Swahili guide will introduce you to essential phrases for greetings, shopping, dining, and getting around in Shanzu. Let’s get started!
1. Basic Swahili Greetings
Swahili is a friendly and polite language, and greetings are very important in everyday conversations. Always greet people before asking for something—it’s considered good manners in Kenya.
👋 Common Greetings:
- Jambo! – Hello! (Common for tourists, but not often used by locals)
- Habari? – How are you?
- Habari yako? – How are you? (Singular)
- Habari zenu? – How are you? (Plural – when speaking to a group)
- Mzuri sana! – Very good!
- Asante! – Thank you!
- Asante sana! – Thank you very much!
- Karibu! – Welcome!
- Pole! – Sorry! (Used for sympathy, like if someone is unwell)
- Samahani! – Excuse me / Pardon me!
💡 Tip: Kenyans often greet each other by shaking hands, especially in markets and social settings.
2. Swahili Phrases for Shopping & Bargaining
Bargaining is common in Shanzu’s local markets, and knowing a few Swahili words can help you get a better deal.
🛍️ Shopping Phrases:
- Hii ni bei gani? – How much is this?
- Punguza bei kidogo! – Reduce the price a little!
- Ni ghali sana! – That’s too expensive!
- Naweza lipa kwa M-Pesa? – Can I pay with M-Pesa?
- Nitachukua mbili. – I’ll take two.
- Naweza kuona nyingine? – Can I see another one?
- Sina pesa nyingi. – I don’t have a lot of money.
- Nipe bei ya mwisho. – Give me your final price.
💡 Tip: Vendors often raise prices for tourists, so don’t be afraid to bargain politely.
3. Swahili Phrases for Ordering Food & Drinks
Shanzu has amazing Swahili cuisine, and knowing how to order in Swahili will enhance your dining experience.
🍛 Dining Phrases:
- Ninaweza kupata menyu? – Can I get a menu?
- Unapendekeza nini? – What do you recommend?
- Tafadhali, nataka chakula cha kienyeji. – Please, I want local food.
- Nataka samaki na wali. – I want fish and rice.
- Chakula hiki ni kitamu sana! – This food is very delicious!
- Tafadhali, naomba maji ya kunywa. – Please, may I have drinking water?
- Tafadhali, lete bili. – Please, bring the bill.
💡 Common Swahili Dishes:
- Samaki wa kupaka – Coconut fish
- Nyama choma – Grilled meat
- Mishkaki – Meat skewers
- Pilau – Spiced rice with meat
- Mahamri – Fried dough (like mandazi)
- Uji wa wimbi – Porridge made from millet
4. Swahili Phrases for Getting Around
If you’re using taxis, tuk-tuks, or matatus in Shanzu, these phrases will help you navigate the area more easily.
🚖 Transportation Phrases:
- Nataka kwenda Shanzu Beach. – I want to go to Shanzu Beach.
- Hii ni gari ya kwenda Mtwapa? – Is this the vehicle to Mtwapa?
- Tafadhali, simamisha hapa. – Please stop here.
- Nauli ni ngapi? – How much is the fare?
- Gari linaondoka saa ngapi? – What time does the vehicle leave?
- Nina haraka! – I’m in a hurry!
💡 Tip: Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis (boda bodas) are a cheap and fun way to explore Shanzu. However, always agree on the price before the ride.
5. Swahili Phrases for Emergencies & Help
It’s always good to know some basic Swahili emergency phrases, just in case you need help or assistance.
🚨 Emergency Phrases:
- Nisaidie! – Help me!
- Nimepotea! – I am lost!
- Simu yangu imepotea. – My phone is lost.
- Wapi hospitali? – Where is the hospital?
- Naweza kupiga simu? – Can I make a call?
- Tafadhali, niite polisi. – Please call the police.
- Ninahitaji daktari. – I need a doctor.
💡 Important Contacts in Shanzu:
📞 Police: 999 / 112
📞 Ambulance: 0700395395 (Red Cross Mombasa)
📞 Jocham Hospital (Mombasa): +254 722 207 662
6. Swahili Phrases for Making Friends & Conversations
Kenyans are very friendly, and using Swahili in conversations can help you make new friends.
😊 Friendly Phrases:
- Jina lako ni nani? – What’s your name?
- Jina langu ni… – My name is…
- Unatoka wapi? – Where are you from?
- Ninatoka… – I am from…
- Wewe ni mzuri! – You are nice!
- Unapenda Kenya? – Do you like Kenya?
- Ninafurahia safari yangu! – I am enjoying my trip!
- Tutakutana tena! – We will meet again!
💡 Tip: Swahili speakers often repeat words for emphasis (e.g., “Karibu sana!” means “You are very welcome!”).
7. Final Thoughts: Enjoy Shanzu with Basic Swahili!
Speaking a few Swahili phrases in Shanzu will enhance your travel experience, help you connect with locals, and make everyday tasks like ordering food, shopping, and getting around much easier.
For an authentic Swahili experience, stay at Shanzu Beachfront Apartments Ltd, where you can learn more about the culture and enjoy the beauty of Shanzu with ease.
📞 Call: +254733993375 / +254735140150
📍 Location: Pangoni Road, Off Serena Road, Eden Beach, Shanzu, Mombasa
🔗 Visit: www.shanzubeachfront.com
🌴 Karibu Shanzu! Welcome to the paradise of Swahili culture!
