I thought I'd teach you all a little lesson in Kiswahili this week! Here is a list of all of the phrases that have come in handy during my travels thus far. Feel free to use them if you ever grace the country of Kenya.
Tuende! Let's go! Useful when urging lagging classmates and host brothers along.
Bei ngapi? How much is the price? Helpful when shopping in the market- you can get lower prices if you bargain in Kiswahili!
Usiniguse! Don't touch me! This will come in handy when dealing with a certain host brother who habitually pets you like a dog.
Niache! Leave me! Gets those market "helpers" off your back. Don't believe anyone who offers to "help" you bargain- they're getting a cut of the sale.
Sawasawa? Alright/Ok? More fun to say in Kiswahili than in English.
Sina pesa. I don't have money. Useful in the market, on the street, and when answering your host brother's request for a new watch when you know very well he broke his last one a day after purchase by testing its water resistance.
Pole! Sorry! Useful when apologizing to a classmate for chickening out for the third time when trying to cross the street, and holding them back with you.
Nina mpenzi. I have a boyfriend. If this doesn't work, Nina mume may be more effective. (I have a husband.)
There you go- the survival sayings kwa Kiswahili. Enjoy!
1 comment:
Kelsey,
Good news alright. Please purchase three of the Wema Centre music CDs to bring home and I'll make sure you get the money. I can't imagine a better cause to be working for.
I am so proud that you are making a real difference in this world of ours.
All my love,
D
P.S. You were just using the 'I have a husband' phrase to tell guys to bug off, right? You haven't actually gotten a husband we don't know about do you?
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