38- Learn Some Kiswahili
Whilst a lot of people speak English, knowing a little bit of the local language goes a LONG, LONG way in Zanzibar (or any part of Tanzania). Just speaking a few greetings will get you a huge grin, a lot of respect and the response ‘Ah, you speak Swahili?”
The words I tend to use most often:
- Mambo: How are things? (informal greeting)
- Poa: I’m cool!
- Habari or habari yako: How are you?
- Habari gani: What news/how are you? (common greeting)
- Nzuri sana: Very good!
- Asante or asante sana: Thank you or thank you very much!
- Karibu sana: You’re welcome.
- Shikamoo: Respectful greetings (you would use this to someone older than you – children may use this towards you)
- Marahaba: Thank you for your respectful greetings. (basically the reply to ‘shikamo’)
- Tafadhali: Please (although people don’t really use please as much).
- Hapana: No.
- Hapana asante: No thank you! (great for use in curio shops and markets)
- Ndiyo: Yes.
- Maisha marefu: Long life/cheers!
- Sawa: Ok.
- Sasa: Now.
- Pole pole: Slowly.
- Pole or pole sana: Sorry or very sorry. (like if someone says they are ill you would say ‘pole sana’ to sympathize)
- Samahani: Sorry. (to apologise – I am British remember, we apologise for everything)
- Kwaheri: Goodbye.
- Baadaye: See you later.
- Hakuna matata: No worries (for the rest of your days, it’s out problem free, philosophy…. hakuna matata)
- Kichizi kama nzizi: Crazy like a banana.
- Kesho: Tomorrow.
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