Start here: the Swahili basics you need
Swahili (Kiswahili) is a clear, phonetic language spoken across East Africa. For beginners, it’s friendly: words sound like they’re spelled, and polite phrases go a long way. With a small set of basics, you can learn greetings, numbers, and simple sentences in minutes.
The alphabet uses familiar Latin letters. There are no tones, vowels are steady, and most syllables end in a vowel. Your free pdf cheat sheet should include the vowels, common sounds, greetings, numbers 1–20, and a tiny grammar guide so you have all you need on one page.
- Focus on five vowels: a, e, i, o, u (each has one sound).
- Learn polite starters: Hujambo?, Habari?, Asante, Tafadhali.
- Numbers matter early: moja (1) to kumi (10), then teens.
- Keep a one-page pdf handy for quick review anywhere.
Pronunciation and spelling in minutes
Vowels are consistent: a as in father, e as in get, i as in machine, o as in more, u as in rule. Stress is usually on the second-to-last syllable, so sa-la-ma, si-ku, ha-ba-ri. A few minutes of daily repetition will lock this in.
Watch for sounds: ch (church), sh (shoe), j (jungle). Ng is like singer; ng’ (with a glottal) is like finger. R is a light tap, and no silent letters. Listen online to short clips and copy the rhythm—your ear will learn fast.
- Read aloud slowly, clapping syllables: Ki-swa-hi-li.
- Shadow 30–60 seconds of audio online each day.
- Underline the stressed syllable in new words.
- Record yourself and compare to a native clip.
Core phrases for everyday use
Phrases are the basics that build confidence. Start with greetings, names, and simple needs. Keep them short and friendly so you can learn and use them in real life within minutes.
Add polite words to sound natural, and practice call-and-response. If you don’t know a word, it’s okay to say you’re learning—people appreciate the effort.
- Hujambo? / Sijambo. (Hello / I’m fine.)
- Habari? / Nzuri. (How are things? / Good.)
- Jina langu ni… / Ninaitwa… (My name is… / I’m called…)
- Tafadhali, nataka kahawa. (Please, I want coffee.)
- Asante / Karibu. (Thank you / You’re welcome.)
Simple grammar: present tense and plurals
Build sentences with a friendly pattern: subject marker + na (present) + verb. Examples: Ninajifunza Kiswahili (I learn/Am learning Swahili). Unasema Kiingereza? (Do you speak English?). Anataka maji (He/She wants water). Plural we and you: Tunakula (we eat), Mnasoma (you all read).
Nouns often come in pairs. Common beginner patterns: m-/wa- for people (mtu/watu, person/people), ki-/vi- for objects (kitabu/vitabu, book/books), ji-/ma- for many items (jambo/mambo). Learn a few high-frequency pairs; you don’t need all classes on day one.
- Subject markers: ni (I), u (you), a (he/she), tu (we), m (you all), wa (they).
- Present tense: na + verb → Ninasoma, Unakunywa, Wanacheza.
- Negation: si + verb or ha-…-i → Sisomi (I’m not reading).
- Handy verbs: kuwa (to be), kwenda (to go), kupenda (to like), kujifunza (to learn).
Your free PDF and 14-day beginner plan
Download or build a free pdf kit: alphabet and sounds, 30 core phrases, numbers, days, a mini grammar box, and a verbs list. Add a QR or note with your favorite online audio playlist so your pdf and listening work together. Print it or keep it on your phone—everything you need in one place.
Follow a simple plan that fits real life. Small, daily wins beat long, rare sessions. Aim for 10–15 minutes a day, and repeat out loud. By day 14, you’ll cover all the basics and hold a short intro chat.
- Days 1–3: Vowels, stress, 10 greetings + polite words.
- Days 4–6: Numbers to 20, time phrases, 10 verbs.
- Days 7–9: Present tense (na-), I/you/he-she patterns.
- Days 10–12: Everyday requests: food, directions, prices.
- Days 13–14: Review all; record a 60-second self-intro.
FAQ
- Can I learn Swahili online with a free PDF?
- Yes. Pair a free beginners pdf with short online audio for pronunciation and rhythm. Keep the pdf for quick review and use audio or video for real, natural speech models.
- How many minutes a day should beginners study?
- Start with 10–15 minutes daily. That’s enough to learn a few phrases, repeat aloud, and review. Consistent short sessions beat occasional long ones.
- Is Swahili hard for English speakers?
- It’s very manageable. Swahili spelling is regular, verbs are patterned, and there are no tones. Focus on the basics first; you don’t need advanced noun classes to start speaking.
- What do I need in my starter PDF?
- Include vowels, stress tips, 30 key phrases, numbers, a mini tense guide, and 10–15 common verbs. Add a link or note to your favorite online audio source for listening practice.
- How do I say my name and where I’m from?
- Use Ninaitwa [name] (I’m called…) and Ninatoka [country/city] (I’m from…). Example: Ninaitwa Alex. Ninatoka Canada.