Imperative

Swahili Lesson 16 (Imperative and Places)

Duration: 30 mins

Lessons Swahili Lessons
Linguistic Swahili Vocabulary
Culture Swahili Phrases
Structure Swahili Grammar

This 16th lesson teaches the Swahili imperative form. In addition you will find a vocabulary list about places and household objects. I will try to give examples using both vocabulary and grammar. That way it will be easy for you to see the words when they are separate and when they are in a sentence. Going through the whole page should take about 30 min. Make sure to read the pronunciation and hear the audio as well. If you have any question about this course, please email me directly at Swahili Classes.

Imperative

Knowing the imperative form in Swahili is a powerful skill. It can make it easy to ask someone to do something, and clarify what you want done.

Below is a list of 20 imperative forms and expressions that you might come across or use very often. The table contains 3 columns (English, Swahili, and Audio). Make sure you repeat each word after hearing it by either clicking on the audio button or by reading the pronunciation. That should help with memorization as well as improving your pronunciation.

The Imperative in Swahili

Imperative Swahili Audio
Go!Enda!
Stop!Acha!
Don't Go!Usiende!
Stay!Kaa!
Leave!Toka!
Come here!Njoo hapa!
Go there!Enda pale!
Enter (the room)!Ingia!
Speak!Sema!
Be quiet!Nyamaza! (kimya!)
Turn rightEnda kulia
Turn leftEnda kushoto
Go straightEnda moja kwa moja
Wait!Ngoja!
Let's go!Twende!
Be careful!Tahadhari!
Sit down!Kaa chini!
Let me show you!Ngoja nikuonyeshe!
Listen!Sikiza!
Write it down!Iandike!

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact me using the Swahili contact form on the header above.

Vocabulary List about Places

Below is a list of 20 words about different places. Useful when talking about going somewhere.

Places in Swahili

Places Swahili Audio
Bankbenki
Beachpwani
DesertJangwa
Earthardhi
ForestMsitu
Gardenbustani
HospitalHospitali
Islandkisiwa
Lakeziwa
Moonmwezi
Mountainmlima
Rivermto
Seabahari
Skyanga
Starsnyota
Sunjua
I can see the starsNaweza kuona nyota
I want to go to the beachNataka kwenda pwani
The moon is full tonightMwezi ni mzima usiku wa leo
This is a beautiful gardenHili ni bustani zuri

Vocabulary List about Household Terms

Below is a list of 26 words about different household terms, including rooms, kitchen appliances ... etc.

Places in Swahili

Household Swahili Audio
BedKitanda
BedroomChumba
Carpetrug
Ceilingdari
Chairkiti
ComputerKompyuta
DeskDawati
DoorMlango
FurnitureSamani (pia fanicha)
HouseNyumba
KitchenJikoni
RefrigeratorFriji
Roofpaa
Roomchumba
StoveJiko
Tablemeza
TelevisionTelevisheni
ToiletChoo
Wallukuta
WindowDirisha

Daily Conversation in Swahili

Finally, here are some common expressions used to offer good wishes to someone. For a complete list of commonly used sentences, please visit our Swahili Phrases page. Enjoy!

Common Expressions in Swahili

English Swahili Audio
Can you close the door?Unaweza kufunga mlango?
Can you open the window?Unaweza kufungua dirisha?
I need to use the computerNahitaji kutumia kompyuta
I need to use the toiletNahitaji kutumia choo
I'm watching televisionNaangalia televisheni
This room is very bigHicho chumba ni kubwa sana
Holiday WishesMatakwa ya likizo
Good luck!Bahati njema!
Happy birthday!Furahia siku ya kuzaliwa!
Happy new year!Heri ya mwaka mpya!
Merry Christmas!Heri njema ya Krismasi
Congratulations!Hongera!
Enjoy! (before eating)Karibu!
Bless you (when sneezing)Afya!
Best wishes!Heri njema

Fun Facts

Language Quote: ❝Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.❞ ‒Rita Mae Brown

Congratulations! You finished your 16th lesson in Swahili about the imperative form, places and household items. Are you ready for the next lesson? We recommend Swahili Lesson 17. You can also simply click on one of the links below or go back to our Learn Swahili homepage.

Lessons Swahili Lessons
Linguistic Swahili Vocabulary
Culture Swahili Phrases
Structure Swahili Grammar