A0–A1 · Self-paced

Swahili Beginner · Msingi

From zero to your first real conversations.

About this course

Start from absolute zero and build the confidence to greet, introduce yourself, shop, order food and hold simple everyday conversations. Taught by native speakers with real East African audio throughout.

What you’ll learn

  • Greet people and introduce yourself naturally
  • Count, tell the time and talk about dates
  • Order food, shop and ask for directions
  • Build sentences with the core noun classes
  • Understand slow, clear spoken Swahili
  • Hold a 5-minute everyday conversation

Curriculum

30 video lessons · 7 hours · 10 free

1Karibu! Introduction to Swahili (Jambo, Habari)FREE12 min2Introducing yourself: Jina langu ni…FREE14 min3Polite essentials: please, thank you, sorryFREE10 min4Numbers 1–20 and counting thingsFREE13 min5Personal pronouns & the verb 'to be'FREE15 min6Family words: familia yanguFREE12 min7Days of the week & monthsFREE11 min8Asking simple questions (nani? nini? wapi?)FREE14 min9Everyday objects around the homeFREE12 min10Mini conversation practice: meeting someone newFREE16 min
11The M-WA noun class (people)15 min🔒
12Present tense verbs with -na-16 min🔒
13Food & drink vocabulary13 min🔒
14Ordering at a café or restaurant15 min🔒
15Numbers 20–1,000 and money13 min🔒
16Shopping & bargaining politely15 min🔒
17The KI-VI noun class (things)15 min🔒
18Telling the time: saa ngapi?14 min🔒
19Describing people & things (adjectives)15 min🔒
20Conversation practice: at the market16 min🔒
21Places in town & getting around13 min🔒
22Asking for and giving directions15 min🔒
23The past tense -li-16 min🔒
24Talking about your day14 min🔒
25The future tense -ta-15 min🔒
26Making plans with friends14 min🔒
27Weather & seasons in East Africa12 min🔒
28Negation: saying 'not'16 min🔒
29Culture: greetings, respect & elders13 min🔒
30Final conversation: your first 5-minute chat18 min🔒
£79

One-time payment · lifetime access · learn on any device

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  • Taught by native speakers
  • Downloadable notes with every lesson
  • Finish a level, unlock the next at 50% off