Learn Swahili
Build confidence in Swahili with an app that helps you speak from day one. Start now. uTalk’s short and focused lessons teach you practical skills for real conversations when travelling and working, helping you connect with millions across East Africa.
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Learn to speak Swahili with confidence
So you want to learn Swahili to unlock opportunities across East Africa. But finding quality lessons that focus on speaking can feel impossible.
uTalk solves this problem. We help you avoid:
- Wasting time on apps that teach reading and writing before you can hold a basic conversation
- Relying on resources that skip essential pronunciation and real-world phrases
- Feeling stuck because lessons don’t match how native Swahili speakers actually talk
Start learning Swahili online today to connect with one of Africa’s most widely spoken languages.
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Three steps to learn Swahili online
No scheduling hassles. No textbook confusion. Just a simple path for speaking Swahili.
Start in minutes
Subscribe now, and download our app or use the web version. Choose Swahili, then select your first category to get learning.
Get StartedPractise real phrases
Learn through short lessons that use native speaker audio and memory-boosting games. Smart review sessions focus on words you get wrong so you learn faster.
Speak like a local
Try out your Swahili skills in real life with uTalk’s focus on basic and practical spoken language. Lessons are suitable for beginners and intermediate learners, so you can start enjoying meaningful experiences from the get-go.
Why uTalk is the best Swahili learning app
uTalk gets you speaking fast by focusing on essential Swahili vocabulary and phrases. It’s an interactive learning app designed to get you real results.
Speak first
Speak from the start. Lessons centre on everyday spoken Swahili, with common greetings and useful travel and family phrases.
Authentic native speakers
Authentic voices. Learn authentic pronunciation with native Swahili speakers from East Africa, not computer-generated audio.
Beginner friendly, fun and effective
uTalk’s game-like practice keeps you engaged. Each session is brief and focuses on practical language you’ll actually use.
Speak Swahili today – Common phrases and audio
uTalk helps you learn how to speak and recognise key words and phrases. It's app-based, online and ready when you are.
Ningependa kahawa, tafadhali.
I’d like a coffee, please.
Habari.
Hello.
Ndiyo.
Yes.
Ndiyo tafadhali.
Yes please.
Hapana.
No.
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Hapana asante.
No thanks.
Tafadhali.
Please.
Asante.
Thank you.
Asante sana.
Thank you very much.
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Unakaribishwa.
You’re welcome.
Bia mbili, tafadhali.
Two beers, please.
basi
bus
gari
car
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teksi
taxi
treni
train
stesheni ya reli
railway station
uwanja wa ndege
airport
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hoteli
hotel
pasipoti
passport
simu
telephone
Samahani.
Excuse me.
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Ni saa ngapi?
What time is it?
Unaweza kurudia hiyo tafadhali?
Can you repeat that please?
Tafadhali uonge polepole zaidi.
Please speak more slowly.
Sielewi.
I don’t understand.
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Samahani.
Sorry.
Vyoo viko wapi?
Where are the toilets?
Choo cha Wanawake
Ladies’ Toilet
Choo cha Wanaume
Gents’ Toilet
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Pwani iko wapi?
Where is the beach?
Benki iko wapi?
Where is the bank?
Inagharimu kiasi gani cha pesa?
How much does this cost?
kadi ya mkopo
credit card
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mashine ya kutoa pesa
cash machine
Kwaheri.
Goodbye.
parasetamoli
paracetamol
funguo
keys
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ramani
map
kushoto
left
kulia
right
moja
one
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mbili
two
tatu
three
Fun facts | Swahili
- The word Swahili originates from the Arabic word سَوَاحِلِىّ (sawāḥilī) meaning ‘of the coast’ because the language evolved from the contact of Arabian traders with the inhabitants of the east coast of Africa.
- Swahili borrows a lot of words from Arabic, such as 'dakika' for minute, 'saa' for hour and 'tafadhali' for please.
- Forming a question is easy: you can just add 'je' to the front of the sentence.
- The greeting 'habari' means 'news' - from 'what's your news?'
How our Swahili lessons work
Your language learning journey starts simply. You’ll begin with greetings and frequently used Swahili words, then move on to practical topics such as travel, numbers and essential phrases. Lessons are short, engaging and designed for beginners. uTalk lets you listen to native speakers, then record yourself and compare. Games test you on what you’ve learned, and adaptive review sessions focus on trickier vocabulary to help you build stronger memories.
Choose your starting category, and the app then suggests a smart learning order. Set your learning language to English or pick from more than 140 language options. Learn online or offline, use uTalk on mobile or desktop, and switch categories whenever you want to follow the path that suits your interests. And if you need help, check out the in-app support or contact our team. uTalk is a friendly, London-based company, and we’re here to help.
Swahili vs Kiswahili
Here’s an overview for understanding the names ‘Swahili’ and ‘Kishwali’.
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Key points
- The names Swahili and Kiswahili refer to the same language. Kiswahili is the native name for the language (in Bantu languages, Ki- is a prefix that marks a language), while Swahili is the English name.
- Both terms are widely understood, but in East Africa, most speakers will say Kiswahili. Outside the region, the name Swahili is more common. uTalk lists the language as Swahili, but during your learning, you’ll hear both names used interchangeably.
- Swahili and Kiswahili have no difference in meaning. Whichever name is used in the app, you’re learning the same language spoken by millions across Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and beyond.
Swahili across East Africa
- Swahili is spoken by over 100 million people across East Africa and the African Great Lakes region. It’s an official language in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, making it one of Africa’s most useful languages.
- Different regions have their own dialects. For example, Congolese, Tanzanian and Kenyan Swahili each have their distinct vocabulary and pronunciation. But speakers from different areas can still understand each other.
- East Africa is also home to many other languages. If you’re curious about the region’s other languages, uTalk also offers Kinyarwanda, Kirundi and Luganda. But learning Swahili opens doors to multiple countries and helps you connect with diverse communities.
"We make learning Swahili accessible"
"We understand how frustrating it is when language apps focus on reading and writing before you can say a single useful phrase. At uTalk, we recorded native Swahili speakers so you can hear and copy authentic pronunciation. You’ll learn the way Swahili is really spoken, with real voices and practical content."
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Richard Howeson
uTalk Founder
Why learners choose uTalk
uTalk teaches over 150 languages, including minority and regional languages other apps often ignore. The Swahili lessons are voiced by native speakers from East Africa, and users can choose their preferred learning language from over 140 options. Check out some reviews to see how learners stay motivated and make real progress.
Your Swahili language learning journey
Whether you want to connect with friends, prepare for a trip or engage with East African culture, Swahili opens doors to Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and beyond. Finding quality Swahili lessons that prioritise speaking can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be.
Get StarteduTalk helps you learn Swahili vocabulary useful for real-life situations. Pick a category you want to start with or focus on first words such as habari and asante, then listen to native speakers, record your own voice and compare the two. Games make learning fun while keeping the content practical. Learn online or offline depending on your preference, and follow a guided path or explore what interests you most.
The outcome is simple: You’ll speak Swahili with confidence and understand more of what’s being said. Use your skills with friends, colleagues and new connections across East Africa, all on a schedule that fits your life.
Learn real-life topics in Swahili
Explore the Bantu language family
Swahili belongs to the Bantu language family, a vast group of languages spoken across much of sub-Saharan Africa. If you’re interested in comparing words, sounds or everyday phrases across the family, check out Bemba, Chichewa, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Lingala, Luganda, Shona, Tswana, Tumbuka, Xhosa, and Zulu.
These languages share historical roots and often have similar grammar structures, so you’ll likely spot familiar patterns once you start learning.
Get StartedYour Swahili questions, answered
Do you offer live online classes or is it just an app?
uTalk is an app and online language learning software. Lessons are digital, short and practical. If you want a tutor, the app still helps you prepare for class and review between sessions.
Can I start as a beginner?
Yes. The course begins with basic greetings and everyday words and phrases and takes you to an A1-A2 level on the CEFR scale. Some of our topics even cover material you’d learn as you grow your skills to B1 or B2.
What application languages do you support? Can I learn without English?
Yes. uTalk works for speakers of more than 140 languages. Choose the one that suits you in Settings.
How is content selected and ordered?
Topics are based on real life situations. You can select any category and the app suggests a smart learning order for beginners. You can change it at any time.
How does uTalk compare with YouTube lessons?
YouTube can be useful, but it’s hard to check pronunciation or get structured reviews. uTalk gives you native speaker audio, games that test tricky words more often and a clear path from basic to practical use.
Where can I learn a language with uTalk?
We’re available on iOS, Android, web, Mac and PC. Get started now and you’ll be directed to download uTalk for your device.
Is Swahili the same as Kiswahili?
Yes. Swahili and Kiswahili are two names for the same language. Kiswahili is the name in the language itself (in Bantu languages, Ki- is a prefix for languages). Swahili is the English name. Both are correct and widely used.
What is Congolese Swahili?
Congolese Swahili is a dialect spoken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has some differences in vocabulary and pronunciation compared to Tanzanian or Kenyan Swahili, but speakers across these regions can still understand each other. uTalk’s Swahili course covers standard Swahili that’s useful across East Africa.
How long does it take to learn Swahili?
uTalk bases its lessons on short, regular practice. Many learners can handle basic conversations after a few weeks of consistently using the app. Your progress depends on how much time you spend learning and how often you review.
Is Swahili easy to learn?
Swahili is often considered one of the easier African languages for English speakers to learn. The pronunciation is fairly straightforward, and the grammar has consistent patterns. With regular practice using uTalk’s native speaker audio and games, you’ll build confidence in Swahili quickly.
Can I learn Swahili for free with uTalk?
Getting started with uTalk is easy, and you can cancel your subscription whenever you want. We want you to love uTalk, so we even offer a 28-Day Money Back Guarantee if you’re not satisfied with our app.
Topics
- First Words
- Transport
- Restaurant
- Food and Drink
- Cooking
- Places
- Directions
- Illness
- Doctor
- Body
- Emergencies
- Social Phrases
- Leisure
- Likes and Dislikes
- Football Match Abroad
- Football Commentary
- Sports
- Shopping Words
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Clothes
- Ingredients
- Home
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
- Tools
- Family
- Occupations
- Animals
- Animals' Bodies
- Farming
- Technology
- School
- Business
- Numbers up to Twenty
- Numbers up to Ten Million
- Essential Phrases
- Adjectives
- Prepositions
- Colours
- Countries
- Calendar
- Time
- Timetable
- Outdoors
- Holiday
- Skiing
- Camping
- Golf
- Sailing
- Driving
- Olympics
- Summer Olympics
- Winter Olympics
- Military Commands
- Military Peace Keeping
- Military Intelligence
- Accommodation
- Shopping Phrases
- Travelling
- Free Starter Words
- Disaster Relief - Volunteers
- Natural Disasters
Get by with basic greetings, words and phrases including 'hello', 'thank you' and 'I'd like a coffee please'.