How to Say “Do You Speak Swahili?” in Swahili

By •
Unazungumza Kiswahili?
The English phrase "do you speak swahili?" is translated into Swahili as Unazungumza Kiswahili?
This phrase is used to ask if someone is able to communicate in the Swahili language. You might use Unazungumza Kiswahili? to check a person's speaking ability, whereas Unajua Kiswahili? is used to ask if someone knows or understands the language. If you want to be polite while initiating the conversation, you can use Samahani (Excuse me). If you want to say thank you, use Asante.

What does it mean word for word?

The word Unazungumza is composed of the subject prefix u- (you), the tense marker -na- (present continuous) and the verb stem -zungumza (speak/talk). In the word Kiswahili, the prefix Ki- is added to the root to indicate the name of the language itself.

Which one should you use?

While Unazungumza Kiswahili? specifically asks if someone can speak the language, the alternative Unajua Kiswahili? asks if they know or understand it.

How does it change in a sentence?

When addressing a single person, the subject prefix is u- as seen in Unazungumza Kiswahili? To ask a group of people if they speak Swahili, change the subject prefix to m- to say Mnazungumza Kiswahili? or you can use the verb sema to say Mnasema Kiswahili?

When do people say it?

If someone asks you this question, a common response for a learner is Ndiyo, ninazungumza Kiswahili kidogo (Yes, I speak a little Swahili). If you do not know the language, you can say Hapana, sijui Kiswahili (No, I don't know Swahili).

Did you know?

  • The word Kiswahili is derived from the Arabic word for 'coastal dwellers'.
  • Changing the prefix of Kiswahili to U- creates the word Uswahili, which refers to the specific culture and behavior of the Swahili people.
  • Swahili acts as a 'lingua franca', meaning it is used as a bridge language between people whose native tongues are completely different tribal languages.

Examples in context

  • Samahani, unazungumza Kiswahili?
    Excuse me, do you speak Swahili?

Example conversation

Aisha meets Omari at a community center.

  1. Aisha

    Habari Omari, unazungumza Kiswahili?
    Hello Omari, do you speak Swahili?
  2. Omari

    Ndiyo, nazungumza Kiswahili kidogo.
    Yes, I speak a little Swahili.
  3. Aisha

    Hiyo ni nzuri sana!
    That is very good!
  4. Omari

    Asante, Aisha.
    Thank you, Aisha.

Sources

⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏
Diane Patricia
Diane PatriciaHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
guest
0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Scroll to Top