“What’s That?” to “Where Are You Going?” — Swahili Questions You’ll Use Daily
By: Chimdindu Ken-Anaukwu
Let’s be honest: trying to navigate life in a new language without questions is like trying to play football without the ball. Impossible, and slightly embarrassing.
In Swahili, questions are the lifeblood of casual conversations. They're how you ask for directions, spark small talk, or find out what exactly you just ate. The good news? They're not hard to learn. Even better? Locals LOVE it when you try.
Here are the Swahili questions you’ll actually use every day—from polite curiosities to lifesaving inquiries.
1. Start With the Basics: Your Conversation Starters
These questions break the ice faster than a hot cup of chai:
Habari gani? — What’s the news? / How are you?
Unaendeleaje? — How are you doing?
Jina lako nani? — What’s your name?
Unatoka wapi? — Where are you from?
Unakaa wapi? — Where do you stay/live?
Use these at the start of any interaction. Bonus: They make you sound friendly and confident.
2. Everyday Life Questions: Curious but Casual
These will keep your conversations flowing, especially with friends or hosts:
Hii ni nini? — What is this?
Unafanya nini? — What are you doing?
Kwa nini? — Why?
Unapenda...? — Do you like...?
Ni saa ngapi? — What time is it?
Try asking: Unapenda chapati? Trust us, everyone has an opinion.
3. Travel & Direction Questions: Avoid Getting Lost
For when you're on the move (and don't want to end up in someone’s backyard):
Unaenda wapi? — Where are you going?
Hii ni wapi? — Where is this?
Ninawezaje kufika...? — How can I get to...?
Kuna choo hapa? — Is there a bathroom here?
Nauli ni kiasi gani? — How much is the fare?
Swahili pro tip: Always ask with a smile. People love to help.
4. Shopping Questions: Don’t Just Point and Hope
Questions make you look less like a lost tourist and more like a seasoned local:
Bei gani? — What’s the price?
Unaweza kupunguza bei? — Can you lower the price?
Una rangi tofauti? — Do you have a different color?
Hii inafanya kazi kweli? — Does this actually work? 😅
If you’re brave enough, follow up with a dramatic: Mbona bei iko juu hivi? (Why is the price so high?)
5. For the Bold and Flirty
Ready to mix a little Swahili charm into your day?
Una mpenzi? — Do you have a partner?
Nipe nambari yako ya simu? — Give me your phone number?
Tunaweza kukutana tena? — Can we meet again?
Use wisely. The streets of Dar es Salaam don’t play!
Final Thoughts
Questions are powerful. They open doors, start friendships, and keep you from boarding the wrong bus. Whether you're shopping, flirting, or just trying to order food without drama, these Swahili questions will make your daily interactions smoother (and way more fun).
So go ahead: ask away, stumble a little, and smile a lot. Swahili speakers will appreciate the effort.
Want to learn how to actually answer these questions too?
Download the NKENNE app and dive into real, fun Swahili conversations.
Uliza bila woga! (Ask without fear!)