Karibu! Introduction to Swahili (Jambo, Habari)
Lesson 1 of 30 · 12 min · FREE lesson
Lesson notes
In this lesson, you will learn Swahili's background, and which language group Swahili belongs to among the many African languages. You will also see how Swahili is influenced by many languages, including English, Portuguese, Indian, German, Arabic, Persian etc. You will understand its speakers, the countries most speakers emerge from, and the Swahili alphabet and sounds. Sit back, relax and enjoy as your journey towards learning Swahili begins. I hope you enjoy it. Leave us a comment on your take regarding this lesson.
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Swahili Beginner30 lessons
1Karibu! Introduction to Swahili (Jambo, Habari)▶2Introducing yourself: Jina langu ni…▶3Polite essentials: please, thank you, sorry▶4Numbers 1–20 and counting things▶5Personal pronouns & the verb 'to be'▶6Family words: familia yangu▶7Days of the week & months▶8Asking simple questions (nani? nini? wapi?)▶9Everyday objects around the home▶10Mini conversation practice: meeting someone new▶
11The M-WA noun class (people)🔒
12Present tense verbs with -na-🔒
13Food & drink vocabulary🔒
14Ordering at a café or restaurant🔒
15Numbers 20–1,000 and money🔒
16Shopping & bargaining politely🔒
17The KI-VI noun class (things)🔒
18Telling the time: saa ngapi?🔒
19Describing people & things (adjectives)🔒
20Conversation practice: at the market🔒
21Places in town & getting around🔒
22Asking for and giving directions🔒
23The past tense -li-🔒
24Talking about your day🔒
25The future tense -ta-🔒
26Making plans with friends🔒
27Weather & seasons in East Africa🔒
28Negation: saying 'not'🔒
29Culture: greetings, respect & elders🔒
30Final conversation: your first 5-minute chat🔒