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Swahili Pronunciation

Lesson 2 of 34 · 12 min · FREE lesson

Lesson notes

With any new language comes the tedious task of imitating pronunciation to sound native. Swahili is no different, but the best part is Swahili words are pronounced the way they are written and vice versa. In this lesson, I will take you to step by step across all exisiting Swahili sounds and guide you on how to pronounce them like a native and with speed. We will explore how Swahili words are formed from syllables, phonetics and intonation, including emphasis to avoid sounding like a foreigner. 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.

Swahili Beginner34 lessons
1Karibu! Introduction to Swahili (Jambo, Habari)2Swahili Pronunciation3Unique Swahili Sounds4Swahili Greetings & Introductions5Polite essentials: please, thank you, sorry6Numbers 1–20 and counting things7Exchange of news: finding out how someone really is8Introduction to Swahili verbs9Practice 25 Common Swahili verbs10Introduction to Swahili sentences
11Asking simple questions (nani? nini? wapi?)🔒
12Everyday objects around the home🔒
13Mini conversation practice: meeting someone new🔒
14The M-WA noun class (people)🔒
15Present tense verbs with -na-🔒
16Food & drink vocabulary🔒
17Ordering at a café or restaurant🔒
18Numbers 20–1,000 and money🔒
19Shopping & bargaining politely🔒
20The KI-VI noun class (things)🔒
21Telling the time: saa ngapi?🔒
22Describing people & things (adjectives)🔒
23Conversation practice: at the market🔒
24Places in town & getting around🔒
25Asking for and giving directions🔒
26The past tense -li-🔒
27Talking about your day🔒
28The future tense -ta-🔒
29Making plans with friends🔒
30Weather & seasons in East Africa🔒
31Negation: saying 'not'🔒
32Culture: greetings, respect & elders🔒
33Final conversation: your first 5-minute chat🔒
34Exchanging Greetings and News in Swahili🔒