8 Ways of How to Say Thank You in Swahili (2024)

Asanteis one of the most common ways to say Thank you in Swahili. The language is one of the Bantu family of languages spoken widely in East Africa. Within that region, you will find over 150 million fluent speakers of the language. That said, learning Swahili will come in handy if you are planning to visit DR Congo, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, etc.. Swahili is also one of the easiest African languages to learn.

This article will teach you basic ways to say “Thank you” in Swahili and a few other useful words and phrases for everyday use. Also, you will learn the contextual use of the words and phrases and simple responses to them. Learning a new language is not as difficult as you think. Here are some of the best ways to learn a languagefast and at your own pace. Now let’s learn some Swahilii!

8 Ways to Say Thank You in Swahili

There are multiple ways to say Thank you; however, the context of the conversation will denote the expression of gratitude. Don’t fret. As we said earlier, Swahili is one of theeasiest languages to learn, and below are ten ways to show appreciation using the language.

1. Asante – Thank you

Asante, as in ah-san-tay, means Thank you in Swahili and is a universal way to show appreciation to someone for a kind gesture. This word tops this list because it would be helpful and best to be as polite as possible while speaking with natives. Peradventure, someone tells you “Asante,” you respond with “Karibu,”which means “welcome.”

Sentence Example: You are visiting a friend and he’s offering you some food.

• Friend: Ungependa kula? (Would you like to eat?)
• You: Ndiyo! Asante (Yes! Thank you!)

2. Asante sana – Thank you very much

Sana means “very” or “very much.” The word stresses and adds extra weight to Asante. In essence, “Thank you very much” or “thanks a lot” portrays a deeper sense of gratitude to someone or people. Asante sana works for both formal and informal settings alike.

Sentence Example: After spending time with your friend. Now, you are on your way out.

• Friend: Ilikuwa nzuri kukuona. (It was nice seeing you.)
• You: Asante sana kwa chakula. (Thank you very much for the food.)

3. Hivyo ni vizuri sana kwako – That’s very kind of you

This sentence is appropriate when someone does something thoughtful and unexpected, and you need to appreciate him/her. For example, you can use this sentence if a person offers you his seat, which is clearly not convenient. It only tells the person that you do not take the kind gesture for granted.

Sentence Example: You have been standing for long and a stranger offers you his seat.

• Stranger: Chukua kikao changu. (Take my seat.)
• You: Hviyo ni vizuri sana kwako. Asante sana! (Very kind of you, Thank you so much!)

4. Shukrani – Thank you

Shukrani is an alternative to Asante; you can use both interchangeably. Pronounced as shoo-ku-ran-ni, the word works in casual and semi-formal settings with friends and family. However, shukrani sana is best used in more formal situations or when addressing elders or superiors. Like Asante sana, shukrani sana means “Thank you very much.”

Sentence Example: You were invited to a company’s social function.

• Speaker: Tunafurahi kuwa nawe hapa. (We are glad to have you here.)
• You: Shukrani sana! (Thanks a lot!)

5. Asante kwa kunifikiria kwako – Thank you for your consideration

Use this sentence to appreciate someone for their patience or for giving you their time. As you would say to a recruiter, if your job application is considered, the phrase works when you need to thank a person for their interest in you. Alternatively, you can say “Asante kwa muda wako”, meaning Thank you for your time.

Sentence Example: You submitted a project proposal to a company and you receive a call from a manager or representative.

• Speaker: Tungependa kufanya kazi na wewe. (We would like to work with you.)
• You: Asante kwa kunifikiria kwako! (Thanks for your consideration.)

6. Nashukuru – Thank you

Correctly pronounced as na-shoo-koo-roo, the word is just another way to say “Thank you.” It can also mean “I appreciate it.” For example, if your friend comes to pick you up from the airport, you can say “Asante sana mwenzangu. Nashukuru!” The word “mwenzangu” means “my friend.”

Sentence Example: Your friend comes to pick you up from the airpor

• You: Nashukuru kwa ishara. (I appreciate the gesture.)

7. Asante kwa zawadi – Thank you for the gift

It’s only right that you show appreciation when you receive gifts because the gifter deems it fit to honor you. There are several ways to thank someone for gifting you an item; however, you say “Asante kwa zawadi” to keep it simple. It is pronounced as written.

Sentence Example: You are with a friend and you want to let him know you got him a gift

• You: Nimekupata kitu (I got you something.)
• Friend: Wow! Asante kwa zawadi. (Wow! Thanks for the gift.)

8. Asante kwa kutumia muda na sisi – Thank you for spending time with us

You will need this sentence, especially if you plan to host a hangout, party, meeting, what have you. If people have taken out time to honor your invitation, then you should appreciate them for it. Therefore, when you say, “Asante kwa kutumia muda na sisi,” you’re simply saying “I acknowledge your presence and do not take it for granted.”

Sentence Example: You went for a hangout with a friend and his family.

• Speaker: Asante kwa kutumia muda na sisi (Thank you for spending time with us.)
• You: Raha ni yangu (The pleasure is mine.)

For more in-depth understanding, check out this video to learn six ways to say “Thank you” and “Welcome” in Swahili.

How to Reply Thank you in Swahili & Other Common Phrases

1. Jambo – Hello

Jambo, short for Hujambo, is the Swahili equivalent of the English “Hello.” The word is used majorly in three situations, firstly as a conversation starter, secondly as a greeting, and thirdly as a way to get the attention of who you want to talk with. The person, in turn, responds with the same word. Mind you, when addressing an elderly person or stranger, you should address them using “Jambo bwana” or “Jambo madam.” “Bwana” means “Sir.”

2. Habari gani – How are you?

When you want to know how someone is faring, simply ask, “Habari gani?” If you’re asked the question, you may respond, “Nzuri, asante. Na wewe?” which means “I’m fine, thanks. And you?” Both sentences are appropriate for formal and informal occasions alike. The word “Habari” equally means “Hello,” and therefore, can be used interchangeably with “Jambo.“

3. Nzuri – Fine

Nzuri is the correct verbal expression connoting positive feedback about something. For example, if you come across a beautiful garden, you may say “Bustani ni nzuri,” meaning “The garden is beautiful.” Bustani is the Swahili translation for “Garden.”

In the same vein, Nzuri is an appropriate response to “How are you?” It literally means “I am fine/good.” Alternatively, you can answer “Sijambo” and still convey the same message.

4. Naendelea vyema – I am doing well

If you are asked “Unaendeleaje” (how are you doing?), you may respond with “Naendelea vyema,” meaning “I am doing well.” Pronounce this as nah-in-de-le-ha vee-yeh-ma.

5. Karibu – Welcome (to one person)

This is probably one of the first greetings you hear when you arrive at a location in any Swahili-speaking country. It literally means “You are welcome” and is accompanied by a smile. If you need to respond, simply say “Asante.” Also, if someone tells you “Asante” for some good you have done, you can equally say “Karibu.” When addressing the elderly, “Karibu sana” is more appropriate.

6. Karibuni – Welcome (to more than one person)

In simple terms, Karibuni is the plural form for Karibu. Thus, you may use the word when welcoming more than one person.

7. Ndiyo/Hapana – Yes/No

Perhaps, these do not need too much explanation. Ndiyo, pronounced n-dii-yor, means “No,” while Hapana means “Yes.” For example, if you are offered water, you may respond with either to show your interest. However, depending on the setting, you may want to add Asante to your response to show politeness.

8. Tutaonana Baadye – Goodbye for now

This expression is suitable when you and the person you’re with at a time need to disperse but intend to meet later. Tutaonana Baadaye also means “See you later/soon.”

9. Kwa Heri – Goodbye (for a longer period of time)

When your vacation ends, and you have to travel back home, leaving your friends, this is the most suitable parsing expression. For example, bidding farewell to your friends at the airport, and saying “Kwa Heri” signifies “I won’t be seeing you in a long time.”

Some Tips When Greetings in Swahili

the Dos

Make certain that you always smile when greeting to show the genuineness of your intentions. Also, respect elders by bowing your head as you greet them. Finally, always say “Asante” as often as necessary.

the Don’ts

Though locals are largely accommodating and friendly to tourists, be mindful that you greet them properly. Firstly, do not extend your left hand to shake someone. Secondly, do not tap elders on the back while greeting, instead, give a slight bow. Also, do not refuse a handshake. Locals in Tanzania especially love long handshakes, as it signifies friendship and acceptance. Lastly, request permission before taking pictures as there are cultural underpinnings.

Thank you in African Languages

Knowing Thank you in Swahili is not enough when you’re exploring this magnificent continent of Africa. We have also included Thank you in some widely-spoken African languages. Try it out!

Yoruba – E se/ O se

The former is used when addressing to a person older than you, while o se can be used with people fro the same age or your close friends.

Igbo – Daalu or Imeela

Daalu is the most common one to refer to Thank you, while Imeela can mean “You have done well.” You might also hear “Inwaka” or “Idiike.”

Hausa – Na gode

Na gode is very common to hear. People may also use Allah ya ampana, which means May God make it useful.

Say Thank you in Swahili and Start Your Swahili Courses now!

You have just learned eight ways to say Thank you in Swahili alongside nine other everyday words and phrases. That was easy, right? Good thing the language is pretty easy to learn and understand. However, hiring Swahili tutors online is an excellent idea to broaden your speaking capacity. Also, you might want to learn how to say hello in different languages, including Bengali, Chinese, French, Russian, Turkish, etc. Or you want to say Thank you in more languages around the world, like Chinese, Turkish or Swedish! Finally, if you ever need expert language teachers, do not hesitate to navigate to AmazingTalker.