Education is the foundation of progress. Whether you’re a student, teacher, parent, or lifelong learner, being able to talk about school, learning, and education in both English and Swahili (Kiswahili) is incredibly useful.
This guide contains common English english phrases translated into Swahili, with real examples and context to help learners at all levels. Karibu Sana!
1. Basic Education Vocabulary
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Education | Elimu |
| School | Shule |
| Teacher | Mwalimu |
| Student | Mwanafunzi |
| Classroom | Darasa |
| Subject | Somo |
| Exam | Mtihani |
| Homework | Kazi ya nyumbani |
| Lesson | Somo |
| Book | Kitabu |
Example Sentences:
- English: Education is important.
Swahili: Elimu ni muhimu. - English: The teacher is in the classroom.
Swahili: Mwalimu yuko darasani.
2. School Life and Learning
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| I go to school every day | Ninaenda shule kila siku |
| We study many subjects | Tunasoma masomo mengi |
| I love learning new things | Napenda kujifunza mambo mapya |
| The exam was difficult | Mtihani ulikuwa mgumu |
| I did my homework | Nilifanya kazi yangu ya nyumbani |
Example Sentences:
- English: Do you like going to school?
Swahili: Je, unapenda kwenda shule? - English: What is your favorite subject?
Swahili: Somo lako unalolipenda ni lipi?
3. Higher Education & University
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| University | Chuo kikuu |
| College | Chuo |
| Lecturer | Mhadhiri |
| Degree | Shahada |
| Graduation | Mahafali |
| Thesis | Tasnifu |
| Faculty | Kitivo |
| Campus | Kampasi |
Example Sentences:
- English: She graduated from university last year.
Swahili: Alihitimu kutoka chuo kikuu mwaka jana. - English: I am studying for a degree in education.
Swahili: Ninasomea shahada ya elimu.
4. Teacher and Student Communication
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Please open your books | Tafadhali fungua vitabu vyenu |
| Listen carefully | Sikiliza kwa makini |
| Do you have any questions? | Je, una maswali yoyote? |
| Raise your hand | Inua mkono wako |
| Work in groups | Fanyeni kazi kwa makundi |
| Pay attention | Sikiliza vizuri |
| Good job! | Kazi nzuri! |
Example Sentences:
- English: The teacher gave us homework.
Swahili: Mwalimu alitupa kazi ya nyumbani. - English: The students are doing a group discussion.
Swahili: Wanafunzi wanafanya majadiliano kwa makundi.
5. Talking About Subjects
| English Subject | Swahili Translation |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | Hisabati |
| Science | Sayansi |
| English | Kiingereza |
| Swahili | Kiswahili |
| Geography | Jiografia |
| History | Historia |
| Art | Sanaa |
| Music | Muziki |
| Physical Education (PE) | Michezo / Elimu ya Viungo |
| Computer Studies | Masomo ya Kompyuta |
Example Sentences:
- English: I enjoy studying science.
Swahili: Ninapenda kusoma sayansi. - English: My best subject is English.
Swahili: Somo langu bora ni Kiingereza.
6. Timetables and School Routine
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| What time does school start? | Shule huanza saa ngapi? |
| The bell rings at 8 o’clock | Kengele inagonga saa mbili |
| Break time | Wakati wa mapumziko |
| Lunch time | Wakati wa chakula cha mchana |
| End of the day | Mwisho wa siku |
| School timetable | Ratiba ya shule |
Example Sentences:
- English: School starts at 8 a.m.
Swahili: Shule huanza saa mbili asubuhi. - English: We have a break after the second lesson.
Swahili: Tunakuwa na mapumziko baada ya somo la pili.
7. Phrases for Motivation and Success
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Education is the key to success | Elimu ni ufunguo wa mafanikio |
| Never stop learning | Usikome kujifunza |
| Knowledge is power | Maarifa ni nguvu |
| Study hard and stay focused | Soma kwa bidii na uwe makini |
| Success begins in the classroom | Mafanikio huanza darasani |
Example Sentences:
- English: Keep working hard, your future is bright.
Swahili: Endelea kufanya kazi kwa bidii, maisha yako ya baadaye ni mazuri. - English: Every child has a right to education.
Swahili: Kila mtoto ana haki ya kupata elimu.
8. Classroom Tools and Items
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Pen | Kalamu |
| Pencil | Penseli |
| Notebook | Daftari |
| Blackboard | Ubao |
| Chalk | Chaki |
| Ruler | Rula |
| Eraser | Kipapasio |
| Desk | Dawati |
| Chair | Kiti |
Example Sentences:
- English: Please write in your notebooks.
Swahili: Tafadhali andika kwenye daftari lako. - English: The teacher wrote on the blackboard.
Swahili: Mwalimu aliandika kwenye ubao.
9. General Quotes About Education
| English | Swahili |
|---|---|
| Learning never ends | Kujifunza hakuwahi kuisha |
| A teacher affects eternity | Mwalimu huathiri milele |
| Teach one, reach many | Fundisha mmoja, ufikie wengi |
| Education changes lives | Elimu hubadili maisha |
| Books are windows to the world | Vitabu ni madirisha ya dunia |
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